Introduction
Welcome to the user manual for your Ascaso Dream PID Espresso Machine. This guide provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your machine to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The Ascaso Dream PID is a professional home-espresso machine designed for coffee enthusiasts, featuring volumetric controls, a professional 58mm portafilter, adjustable over-pressure valve, and advanced PID temperature control.
1. Setup
1.1 Unboxing and Initial Inspection
Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Inspect the machine and accessories for any signs of damage. Ensure all listed items are present.
Image: Front view of the Ascaso Dream PID Espresso Machine, showcasing its black finish, PID display, pressure gauge, and portafilter.
Image: Side view of the espresso machine, highlighting its compact design and the water reservoir on the right.
Image: Rear view of the espresso machine, showing the transparent water tank in place.
Image: Close-up of the machine's top panel, displaying the PID temperature readout, control buttons, and pressure gauge.
The machine comes with various accessories, including a 58mm professional portafilter with a walnut wood handle, 5 professional baskets (2 traditional, 2 pressurized, 1 monodose ESE), a stainless steel tamper, and a blank basket for backflushing.
1.2 Filling the Water Tank
Fill the removable water tank with fresh water. It is recommended to use water with low mineral content to prevent scale buildup and ensure the best coffee flavor. Avoid using distilled water as it lacks necessary minerals for proper machine function.
Video: Demonstrates filling the water tank with low mineral content water. (Relevant segment from "Ascaso Dream PID Quick Start Features" video, 0:30-0:34)
1.3 Turning On the Machine
Plug in the machine and press the power button. During initial heat-up, the pilot light will flash. None of the switches will function until the pilot light stops flashing and the group head reaches the optimal temperature.
Video: Shows the process of turning on the espresso machine and waiting for it to heat up. (Relevant segment from "Ascaso Dream PID Quick Start Features" video, 0:35-0:43)
1.4 Priming the Pump (Critical Step)
To prime the pump, simply press the coffee button down without a portafilter in place. Then, open the steam valve. Priming is complete when water flows freely from the group head. Approximately half of the water tank should be dispensed during this process. If you have any questions or issues with priming the pump, contact info@ascaso-usa.com.
Video: Demonstrates the critical step of priming the pump by dispensing water through the group head and steam wand. (Relevant segment from "Ascaso Dream PID Quick Start Features" video, 0:44-0:52)
2. Operating the Machine
2.1 Program Settings
To access programming functions, hold down the left and right buttons for 3 seconds. When programming, after selecting a value or setting option, wait three seconds for the setting to confirm. The display will switch to the main programming menu.
Video: Illustrates how to access the programming menu by holding down the left and right buttons. (Relevant segment from "Ascaso Dream PID Quick Start Features" video, 0:53-0:59)
2.1.1 Select Temperature Scale (Celsius/Fahrenheit)
Press the left button until you reach "Ud" to set the unit function. Press the right button to choose between Celsius or Fahrenheit. We suggest selecting the scale you're most familiar with.
Video: Demonstrates selecting the temperature scale (Celsius/Fahrenheit) in the programming menu. (Relevant segment from "Ascaso Dream PID Quick Start Features" video, 1:00-1:06)
2.1.2 Select Group Temperature
Press the left button once to access the group temperature function. Use the left or right button to adjust the temperature up/down. The machine is preset to 100 Celsius. The espresso temperature should be about 93 degrees Celsius (198 degrees Fahrenheit).
Video: Shows how to adjust the group temperature setting. (Relevant segment from "Ascaso Dream PID Quick Start Features" video, 1:07-1:12)
2.1.3 Select Pre-Infusion Time
Press the left button until you reach "Pr" to set the pre-infusion time. Press the right button to choose between 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 seconds. Recommendation: starting with 3 seconds. Experiment with 1-5 seconds to see what works best for you.
Video: Demonstrates setting the pre-infusion time. (Relevant segment from "Ascaso Dream PID Quick Start Features" video, 1:20-1:26)
2.1.4 Select Chronometer Display
Press the left button until you reach "Cr" to set the chronometer function. Press the right button to turn OFF/ON. This allows you to see your espresso shot time. We suggest having this on to help with dialing in your espresso.
Video: Shows how to enable or disable the chronometer display. (Relevant segment from "Ascaso Dream PID Quick Start Features" video, 1:28-1:33)
2.1.5 Select Standby Mode
Press the left button until you reach "OFF" to set the machine to stand-by. Press the right button to choose between 0, 5 hours, 2 hours, 1 hour or OFF. This will allow the machine to go into a low power mode after a set time. Your machine will stay warm, but not hot.
Video: Demonstrates how to set the standby mode duration. (Relevant segment from "Ascaso Dream PID Quick Start Features" video, 1:34-1:38)
2.2 Dialing In Your Espresso
If using ground coffee, dose 7 grams for a single shot, or 14 grams for a double shot. Level the coffee and firmly tamp. If using pods, place the pod in the pod basket with the smooth side facing up.
Video: Shows the process of tamping ground coffee into the portafilter. (Relevant segment from "Ascaso Dream PID Quick Start Features" video, 1:39-1:44)
2.3 Selecting Your Extraction Dose
Set your preferred dosing by holding the toggle upward for the desired length to set 1 cup, or downward for 2 cups. We recommend starting with 25-30 seconds. Experiment with your grind and coffee dose to find what works best for you.
Video: Demonstrates how to set the extraction dose for single or double shots. (Relevant segment from "Ascaso Dream PID Quick Start Features" video, 1:45-1:52)
Video: Shows espresso being extracted into a cup. (Relevant segment from "Ascaso Dream PID Quick Start Features" video, 1:53-1:56)
2.4 Steaming Your Milk
To steam milk, press the toggle down to activate the steam pump. The pump will make a surging or knocking sound once the machine has reached steaming temperature. Open the valve for 2-3 seconds to purge water from the wand, then close it. Reopen the valve to start steaming. Submerge the wand approximately 1/2 inch until the desired foam is reached.
Video: Demonstrates the steps for steaming milk, including purging the wand and submerging it for foaming. (Relevant segment from "Ascaso Dream PID Quick Start Features" video, 1:57-2:17)
3. Maintenance
3.1 Cleaning the System
Cycle the machine utilizing an empty portafilter. We recommend purging the machine for five seconds after each use. Please follow the user guide for the recommended full maintenance schedule.
Video: Shows how to clean the system by cycling water through an empty portafilter. (Relevant segment from "Ascaso Dream PID Quick Start Features" video, 2:18-2:28)
Regularly wipe down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth. Empty and clean the drip tray daily. For descaling and more in-depth cleaning procedures, refer to the comprehensive user guide provided with your machine.
3.2 Standby Mode
You can power down or simply leave your machine running, and it will follow your selected standby setting. To turn the machine on again, just press any of the buttons for the machine to go back to its initial status.
Video: Illustrates the machine entering and exiting standby mode. (Relevant segment from "Ascaso Dream PID Quick Start Features" video, 2:29-2:39)
4. Troubleshooting
For common issues, please refer to the following table. For more complex problems or issues not listed, consult the full user guide or contact Ascaso customer support.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No water dispensing from group head. | Water tank empty or pump not primed. | Refill water tank. Prime the pump as described in Section 1.4. |
| Machine not heating up. | Power issue or machine in standby. | Ensure machine is plugged in. Press any button to exit standby mode. |
| Weak espresso extraction. | Coffee grind too coarse or insufficient tamping. | Adjust grind finer. Ensure firm and even tamping. |
| No steam from wand. | Steam function not activated or wand clogged. | Activate steam pump (Section 2.4). Purge wand. Clean wand if clogged. |
5. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Brand | Ascaso |
| Style | Retro |
| Recommended Uses | Home Espresso Preparation, Home Barista Experience |
| Specific Uses | Espresso |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Manufacturer | Ascaso |
| Product Dimensions | 13.5 x 10 x 13.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 18 pounds |
| Model Number | Ascaso Dream PID (Black) |
6. Warranty & Support
The Ascaso Dream PID comes with a 12-Month Warranty covering defects caused by faulty workmanship and materials from the date of purchase for domestic use. Additionally, there is a 5-Year Warranty on all thermoblock boilers and groups.
For any questions, issues, or support needs, please contact Ascaso customer service at info@ascaso-usa.com. You can also visit the official Ascaso store on Amazon for more information: Ascaso USA Store.
