Back on the Innovation Track Through Improvements
Reading time: 4 minutes. This article is a short blog. You can find the detailed blog post here.
Spanish manufacturer Ascaso is attempting to present a top-of-the-line model with its Baby T Plus that can compete with the usual Italian chrome steel stainless steel market leaders. The focus was on designing a contemporary and energy-efficient machine that meets all the requirements for perfect espresso preparation.
The manufacturer is willing to invest in this. A barista needs to invest 4,500 francs or around 4,300 euros to acquire this successful machine. When purchasing, make sure you get the latest version, as it no longer has many teething problems of the previous models. You can easily recognize it by the drip tray and water tank. You can find the details in our test video.
The machine weighs a hefty 40 kilos and measures 35 cm in width, 43 cm in depth, and 45 cm in height. It has a rotary pump and can be connected to mains water. It can be ordered in white, green, black, red, blue, yellow, or polished.
Two Technology Worlds in One Espresso Machine
Ascaso already demonstrated with the Steel Duo PID how temperature-stable a thermoblock machine can be. No matter how many shots are pulled, the temperature remains stable and this is reflected in the quality of the shots. At the same time, a thermoblock consumes far less energy and is ready to use in no time. Unfortunately, the Steel Duo PID, in its first version, had little steam power and was therefore not ideal for milk drink enthusiasts.
With the Baby T Plus, Ascaso relies on a 2.5-liter stainless steel steam boiler. With success! The steam power of this machine is fantastic. While there are similar solutions in cheaper machines, such as the Decent espresso machine or the Bambino Plus by Sage, the solid boiler technology of the Baby T Plus also makes it interesting for small gastronomy businesses. We were able to test this successfully ourselves at the Swiss Coffee Festival.
The Boiler-Thermoblock Operating Principle
The brew water passes from the tank by the steam boiler and is heated in a heat exchanger principle. So far so good. Unfortunately, with the previous version this meant that the heating time took a very long time. We had to wait a long time for the boiler to reach the right temperature to make a shot. There was nothing about the "super quick heating time of a thermoblock." Another criticism was that with the boiler switched off, the target temperature for a shot could not be reached at all. Ascaso, however, presented this as a special feature of the machine in their marketing.
However, the new update of the machine does many things much better. The thermoblock is hot after just 5 minutes and after three blank shots to warm the portafilter, the machine is ready for the first real shot. If you don't want to flush, you can simply wait 8-10 minutes and start.
In our measurements, the machine shows a slight overshoot at the beginning, but only half a degree above the target temperature.
You can still turn off the boiler, but Ascaso no longer recommends this function. Rightly so, because during brewing without the boiler, the machine loses 3-4 degrees in temperature. Depending on which beans you choose, this can have a very negative effect on the taste in the cup.
Good Espresso with the Ascaso Baby T Plus
We've enjoyed many delicious espressos with the Baby T Plus. Due to the temperature consistency described above, espresso preparation works brilliantly. At the Swiss Coffee Festival too, we were able to use the machine successfully and test it in a gastronomy setting. For this, Michel equipped the Baby T Plus with the 24.5mm double basket from IMS.
Workmanship of the Ascaso Baby T Plus
The machine is simply beautiful. Whether it's the high-quality finish or the thoughtful wood accents. All in all, the machine feels premium and well-crafted. It's a pleasure to use and certainly will be for years to come. The new version also improved the drip tray. When it is removed, it can be lifted straight up. So nothing spills like it did with the previous model. Even more practical, of course, is the connection to mains water and mains drainage.
The package includes a solid tamper also decorated with wood.
However, the blank button for the heated portafilter holder seems a bit odd. The Baby T Plus doesn't have this function, yet there is a drawing and a blank button on the machine. The manufacturer's idea of saving costs here is understandable, but it seems out of place on such an expensive 4,000 euro machine.
Conclusion and Potential
With the Baby T Plus, Ascaso succeeds in bringing together much that is good from two worlds. The strengths of both the boiler world and that of a thermoblock are combined in this machine.
In addition to the fast heating time and good temperature consistency, the Baby T Plus has wonderful steam power, so the machine really has nothing to hide. Even with continuous use, the machine doesn't lose pressure and can therefore also be used in gastronomy or for espresso catering.
Especially if you prepare espressos or cappuccinos at a high frequency, you'll be happy with this machine.
