Scored using Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 901 independent expert reviews and 1,046 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0

Ascaso Steel DUO PID Review | 73 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,580Type:Semi-automatic Espresso MachineWater Container Capacity:2.000 LPump Pressure:?Built-in Coffee Grinder:noAutomatic Milk Frother:no

Ascaso Steel DUO PID Review: Compare 73 technical specifications and 12 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

6.7

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the coffee machine's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best coffee machines on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

95%

6.7

Technical score

5%

8.4

Review score ( 7 · 5)

Review score 5% · 8.4 · based on 12 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
▲Better than 60% of coffee-machines
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

7.6

Performance

25%

5.3

Coffee Preparation

25%

6.9

Features

15%

6.4

Design

▲Better than 59% of coffee-machines
8.4

Review score

Review score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (12)
7 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 2
≈ estimated
2
Video reviews 5
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▲Better than 75% of coffee-machines
  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £1,580

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of coffee machine Ascaso Steel DUO PID

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

35%

7.6

Performance

25%

5.3

Coffee Preparation

25%

6.9

Features

15%

6.4

Design

6.7
Review score
Review score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (12)
7 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 2
≈ estimated
2
Video reviews 5
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.4
Popularity
Popularity
4.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the coffee machine.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Ascaso Steel DUO PID has a popularity of 4.3 points, which is lower than 86.2% of coffee machines.
4.3
Value for money
Value for money
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the coffee machine's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a coffee machine with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

6.7

Overall score

40%

2.1

Price

5.4
Power
2068 W
Power
2068 W
This coffee machine provides 2068 W of heating power, which is higher than the power of 99.5% of coffee machines.
Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
Water Container Capacity
2 L
Water Container Capacity
2 L
This coffee machine holds up to 2 L in its water tank, which is larger than 85.4% of coffee machines and equal to that of 4.9% of coffee machines.
A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
Pump Pressure
?
Heating Time
30 s
Heating Time
30 s
This coffee machine is ready to brew in 30 s, which is faster than 55.5% of coffee machines and equal to that of 19.9% of coffee machines.
A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
Heating System
Dual Thermoblock
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What reviewers say
Type
Semi-automatic Espresso Machine
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
This coffee machine accepts ground coffee. 40.3% of coffee machines accept ground coffee.
Compatibility with powdered coffee allows use of pre-ground coffee.
Works with Beans
no
Works with Beans
no
This coffee machine does not accept whole coffee beans. 38.1% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
Works with ESE Pods
yes
Works with ESE Pods
yes
This coffee machine accepts ESE pods. 76% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
Works with Capsules
no
Works with Capsules
no
This coffee machine does not accept coffee capsules. 28.6% of coffee machines accept coffee capsules.
Capsule compatibility indicates whether the machine accepts coffee capsules.
Show more
What reviewers say
Water Level Indicator
yes
Water Level Indicator
yes
This coffee machine has a water level indicator. 39.8% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
Water Filter
no
Water Filter
no
This coffee machine does not have a water filter. 35.9% of coffee machines have a water filter.
A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
Descaling Program
yes
Descaling Program
yes
This coffee machine has a descaling programme. 33.5% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
Cleaning Alert
no
Cleaning Alert
no
This coffee machine does not alert you when cleaning is needed. 60% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
This coffee machine does not clean its milk circuit automatically. 21.7% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
Show more
Built-in Installation
no
Color
black
Vintage Look
no
Vintage Look
no
This coffee machine does not have vintage styling. 12.6% of coffee machines have this look.
A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
Housing Material
Stainless Steel
Drip Tray Material
Plastic
Show more
What reviewers say

Ascaso Steel DUO PID vs the average coffee machine

246810TotalPerformanceCoffee PreparationFeaturesDesign
  • 668 W higher power
    Power
    2068 W
    This coffee machine offers higher heating power than the average coffee machine (2068 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    2,068 W vs 1,400 W
  • 0.6 L larger water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    2.000 L
    This coffee machine has a larger water reservoir than the average coffee machine (2 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    2.000 L vs 1.400 L
  • Has a display
    Display
    yes
    This coffee machine has a display, while the average coffee machine does not. 32.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A display provides visual machine status or settings information.
  • Adjustable coffee temperature
    Adjustable Coffee Temperature
    yes
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the coffee temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 42.9% of coffee machines offer coffee temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable coffee temperature lets you tailor the heat of the brewed coffee.
  • Has PID temperature control
    PID Controller
    yes
    This coffee machine has PID temperature control, while the average coffee machine does not. 6.8% of coffee machines have this feature.
    PID control can improve temperature stability during brewing.
  • 7 mm wider portafilter
    Portafilter Size
    58.00 mm
    This coffee machine features a wider, commercial-standard portafilter than the average coffee machine (58 mm vs 51 mm).
    A larger portafilter diameter is associated with a wider filter basket, but compatibility depends on the machine group head.
    58.00 mm vs 51 mm
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 48.4% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
    A steam wand allows manual milk steaming and foam-texture control.
  • 668 W higher power
    Power
    2068 W
    This coffee machine offers higher heating power than the average coffee machine (2068 W vs 1400 W).
    Higher wattage generally supports faster heating but may increase energy use.
    2,068 W vs 1,400 W
  • 0.6 L larger water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    2.000 L
    This coffee machine has a larger water reservoir than the average coffee machine (2 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    2.000 L vs 1.400 L
  • Has PID temperature control
    PID Controller
    yes
    This coffee machine has PID temperature control, while the average coffee machine does not. 6.8% of coffee machines have this feature.
    PID control can improve temperature stability during brewing.
  • Listed as quiet
    Silent
    yes
    This coffee machine is listed as having quiet operation, while the average coffee machine is not. 15.5% of coffee machines are listed as having quiet operation.
    A silent feature can reduce noise during grinding or brewing.
  • 10 s sec faster heat-up
    Heating Time
    30 s
    This coffee machine reaches brewing temperature faster than the average coffee machine (30 s vs 40 s).
    A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
    30 s vs 40 s
  • Adjustable coffee temperature
    Adjustable Coffee Temperature
    yes
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the coffee temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 42.9% of coffee machines offer coffee temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable coffee temperature lets you tailor the heat of the brewed coffee.
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 48.4% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
    A steam wand allows manual milk steaming and foam-texture control.
  • Accepts ESE pods
    Works with ESE Pods
    yes
    This coffee machine accepts ESE pods, while the average coffee machine does not. 24.2% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
    ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
  • Has a pressure gauge
    Pressure Gauge
    yes
    This coffee machine has a pressure gauge, while the average coffee machine does not. 8.7% of coffee machines have a pressure gauge.
    A pressure gauge displays brewing pressure for more direct control.
  • Has a cup warmer
    Cup Warmer
    yes
    This coffee machine has a cup warmer, while the average coffee machine does not. 41.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A cup warmer helps preheat cups before brewing.
  • Has a display
    Display
    yes
    This coffee machine has a display, while the average coffee machine does not. 32.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A display provides visual machine status or settings information.
  • 7 mm wider portafilter
    Portafilter Size
    58.00 mm
    This coffee machine features a wider, commercial-standard portafilter than the average coffee machine (58 mm vs 51 mm).
    A larger portafilter diameter is associated with a wider filter basket, but compatibility depends on the machine group head.
    58.00 mm vs 51 mm
  • 15 mm shallower depth
    Depth
    315.00 mm
    This coffee machine requires less counter depth than the average coffee machine (315 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    315.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 1 fewer boilers
    Number of Boilers
    0
    This coffee machine has fewer independent heating circuits than the average coffee machine (0 vs 1).
    Multiple boilers can support brewing and steaming with less interruption.
    0 vs 1
  • No cleaning alerts
    Cleaning Alert
    no
    This coffee machine does not alert you when cleaning is needed, while the average coffee machine does. 59.8% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
    A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • 43 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    89.00 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (89 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    89.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 105 min longer before shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    120 min
    This coffee machine stays powered on longer before turning off than the average coffee machine (120 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    120 min vs 15 min
  • 3.33x heavier body
    Weight
    15.000 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (15 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    15.000 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 1 fewer drink recipes
    Number of Specialty Drinks
    2
    This coffee machine offers fewer preset drink options than the average coffee machine (2 vs 3).
    More specialty-drink options provide a wider choice of preset beverages.
    2 vs 3
  • 9.88x more expensive
    Ascaso Steel DUO PID is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£1,580 vs £160).
    £1,580 vs £160
  • 9.88x more expensive
    Ascaso Steel DUO PID is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£1,580 vs £160).
    £1,580 vs £160
  • 34.9% worse value for money
    Ascaso Steel DUO PID has worse value for money than the average coffee machine (5.35 vs 7.2).
    5.35 vs 7.22
  • 75.7% less popular
    Ascaso Steel DUO PID is less popular than the average coffee machine (4.33 vs 7.6).
    4.33 vs 7.62
  • 1 fewer boilers
    Number of Boilers
    0
    This coffee machine has fewer independent heating circuits than the average coffee machine (0 vs 1).
    Multiple boilers can support brewing and steaming with less interruption.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer drink recipes
    Number of Specialty Drinks
    2
    This coffee machine offers fewer preset drink options than the average coffee machine (2 vs 3).
    More specialty-drink options provide a wider choice of preset beverages.
    2 vs 3
  • No cleaning alerts
    Cleaning Alert
    no
    This coffee machine does not alert you when cleaning is needed, while the average coffee machine does. 59.8% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
    A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
  • 105 min longer before shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    120 min
    This coffee machine stays powered on longer before turning off than the average coffee machine (120 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    120 min vs 15 min
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • 43 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    89.00 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (89 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    89.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 3.33x heavier body
    Weight
    15.000 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (15 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    15.000 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 46 mm wider body
    Width
    270.00 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (270 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    270.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 35 mm taller body
    Height
    360.00 mm
    This coffee machine stands taller and requires more overhead clearance than the average coffee machine (360 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    360.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 38.3% bulkier volume
    Volume
    30,618 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up more overall space than the average coffee machine (30618 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    30,618 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
The Sunny Square
≈ estimated
04/01/2025
Long-term review · 1.5 years of use with comparisons
Verdict
Ascaso Steel DUO PID is a great machine that its owner loves, as fast heat-up outweighs its minor flaws in everyday use.
9.0
Lance Hedrick
≈ estimated
20/06/2024
Long-term owner review · build, temperature and steam tests
Verdict
Ascaso Steel DUO PID is one of the top contenders in its price range and worth considering for home espresso.
9.0
Daddy Got Coffee
≈ estimated
29/07/2023
Hands-on review · thermocoil design and steaming
Verdict
Ascaso Steel DUO PID is an attractive home machine with plenty of features at a reasonable price, though its steaming is slower than boilers.
8.0
Tom's Coffee Corner
≈ estimated
01/11/2022
Hands-on review · shot, milk and temperature tests
Verdict
Ascaso Steel DUO PID has great build quality and looks, with good espresso, but it is expensive; a single-boiler machine plus a grinder may be better value.
9.0
Daddy Got Coffee
≈ estimated
10/09/2022
Long-term review · over a year of home use
Verdict
Ascaso Steel DUO PID warms up fast, uses little energy and makes even, good-tasting shots at a fair price, with minor quirks in controls and steam.
Not graded yet
Brand video
Shop video
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What reviewers agree on

Based on 9 · 6

Reviewers like the temperature control and solid build, but milk steaming disappoints and opinions on shot control are split.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
coffeeness.de
≈ estimated
03/07/2026
Feature review · Two-heater machine
Verdict
The Ascaso Steel Duo PID is a stylish machine with two small heaters, so you can pull a shot and steam milk at once, though steam builds slowly.
7.0
cremagazin.de
≈ estimated
Unknown Date
Hands-on test · Two-heater machine
Verdict
The Ascaso Steel Duo PID is a stylish machine that makes milk foam easily, but espresso shots vary from one pull to the next.
9.0
tomscoffeecorner.com
≈ estimated
15/06/2026
Hands-on test · Espresso and steam
Verdict
The Ascaso Steel Duo PID brews excellent espresso and steams at the same time, but at 15 kg it is heavy and slow to steam milk.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Ascaso Steel DUO PID

  • Extremely fast heat-up time (ready in 2–5 minutes) due to dual thermoblock system
  • Simultaneous brewing and milk steaming capabilities
  • Excellent PID temperature stability and precise control
  • Modern, high-quality stainless steel construction with a compact footprint
  • Volumetric shot programming and adjustable over-pressure valve (OPV)
  • Large, side-accessible water reservoir and strong, user-friendly toggle switches
  • Barista lights and active cup warmer

What we don't like about Ascaso Steel DUO PID

  • Steam power is weaker and slower compared to traditional dual-boiler machines
  • Potential for long-term reliability issues with proprietary electronic parts
  • Vibrating pump noise can be loud under load
  • Some users report difficulty in dialing in and inconsistent steaming technique
  • Requires a 20A circuit for maximum performance, which may not be available in all homes
  • Cup warmer is slow to heat up

Verdict

The Ascaso Steel DUO PID is a compact home prosumer espresso machine featuring dual high-performance thermoblocks, electronic PID temperature control adjustable in one-degree increments, an externally adjustable overpressure valve (OPV), a commercial-grade 58mm portafilter, and a 2-litre laterally removable water tank. Its main pros include an exceptionally fast 3-minute warm-up time, simultaneous espresso brewing and milk steaming, programmable volumetric dosing, and automatic pre-infusion. However, its notable cons include a slightly weaker, slower steam output compared to traditional dual-boiler systems, a louder vibratory pump that causes cup vibrations on the active cup warmer, and volumetric shot accuracy that can drift if the coffee grind size is changed quickly.

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