How Good is the Programming Feature on the Ascaso Steel DUO?

I tested the programming feature so that you don't have to 😅 Let me know in the comments whether you program your shot(s) or not!
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[@GraysonCarr]

It’s because the flow meter that measures volume is before the OPV (over pressure valve). The job of the OPV is to limit pressure. It does that by discarding some water whenever pressure goes above a set threshold (usually 9-11 bar). That’s why the volume is consistent when you run it without the portafilter and puck… with no puck to provide resistance, the pressure stays low, so no water is discarded. But when actually brewing, some random amount of water will be discarded depending on puck resistance and a bunch of other factors, which makes it impossible for this machine to output a consistent volume. It’s really a design flaw. The flow meter should have been placed after the OPV so it could measure the actual amount of water pushed through the puck.

[@RajNotTelling]

Hey Leena, I'm loving the new fancy graphics.🤣 They're very helpfu.l👍Anyways, I've always used manual shots regardless.... Just habit and muscle memory now.

[@HijabsandAprons]

hahaha thank you! 🙏🏼 the drawing took me a while, so i really appreciate it!

[@oliviertherrien9876]

Hi Leena, thank you for the great videos (I watched your review as well)! I enjoy this one because it specifically answered one question I had about the consistency. From my understanding, you pulled all those shots back to back, right? Do you think that results would change if you had pulled those with many hours in-between, i.e. one in the morning, then afternoon, then the day after, etc. ? Thanks again!

[@figandlight]

My experience as a barista now means nothing because I had no idea espresso machines had software engineers living inside of them!

[@HijabsandAprons]

LOL idk if the software engineer in my machine got its degree, but it's helpful 😅

[@RajNotTelling]

@@HijabsandAprons That'll be a Trump University Graduate....🤣😂🤣

[@greysuit17]

Manual everytime!

[@steven650613]

Thank you for the nice video sharing your experience. I just returned my one week use of Breville express impress because of the inconsistency every time I’ve dialed-in the next day will be completely off. That’s why I’m looking for a machine/grinder can produce consistent coffee results everyday if without changing any beans/settings. Form your video, the programming function seems still not very ideal compared to the manual mode. Btw, your grinder looks very nice. What brand of the grinder you have and do you like it? Thanks.

[@HijabsandAprons]

The grinder quality will make a big difference! But you might soon realize that we can't be too selective in an espresso machine's programming feature because very few (I think none that are "affordable"?) do so well. I know La Marzocco recently came out with a brew-by-weight scale, but I'm beginning to think we'll always have to start/stop manually. Even the LM machines are manual start/stop without that extra, expensive scale. My grinder is the Fiorenzato AllGround! It's ideal if you store beans in the hopper but I single dose 🙈 I love how fluffy the grounds are! I often grind into the portafilter, give it a shake with a funnel on, and tamp. No wdt If you want to store beans in the hopper but grind by weight, I would go with the AllGround Sense! My discount code at Espresso Parts ("LEENA") gets you 10% off 😊

[@steven650613]

@@HijabsandAprons thanks for the valuable information. I did check the stock for the grinder and my favorite color (as you have) is sold out. I’m looking for the ‘auto weighted’ version. I’ll definitely use your code for sure if the grinder is available. I was naive about buying entry level coffee machines could have satisfied my expectations and you might right that manual mode probably is the correct choice. I’m searching for Lelia Bianca/white (out of stock too). As for LM perhaps I’ll need to think more about it. I like your Ascaso steel duo style and it really catches my eye.

[@HijabsandAprons]

@@steven650613 Ohhh if I'm honest, I actually prefer the all white version of my grinder because I think the wood accent looks unrealistic. Oh the Lelit Bianca looks and sounds like an awesome machine! I wasn't ready for the E61 look back then but now I actually really like them! I hope you find all the info you need before investing in your next machine 😊 I have a review on the Ascaso DUO too, but let me know if you have any other questions! I'll try to help

[@steven650613]

@@HijabsandApronsthank you for the discount code. I’ve used it to place the All Ground Sense grinder. 😊

[@HijabsandAprons]

@@steven650613 veryyy nice! thank you for the support! i hope you'll love it 😍 grinding by weight is so cool and convenient