Having extensive experience as a barista, I've had the privilege of exploring a wide range of espresso machines. Among them, there seems to be a forgotten option yet one that shines in performance - the Ascaso Baby T plus. Rivaling with machines like the La Marzocco Linea Mini, this machine packs the same powerful technology (T-Plus) and features as commercial Barista T. What's more, it comes in a compact size of 35 cm, making it a portable powerhouse. Join us as we eagerly test its capabilities!
Ascaso Baby T Overview
The Baby T is an espresso machine of compact design, yet it maintains an exceptional level of power. It is engineered to replicate the technology of the larger Barista T model, making it ideal for a multitude of environments including coffee shops, food trucks, offices, and residential homes. Key features include multi-group functionality, comprehensive Pid control for both coffee and steam, and remarkable thermal stability.
What is the T Technology?
The T Technology, employed in the Ascaso Baby T plus, is a multi-boiler system. This system consists of two boilers, each serving a specific purpose. The first is a large 2.5L steam boiler, ensuring ample steam production for all your milk frothing needs. It also doubles as a heat exchanger, efficiently preheating the brew water before it enters the thermoblock. Both boilers are controlled by PIDs, ensuring precise temperature regulation and optimal thermal stability, whether you're using the machine continuously or intermittently.
Design and Features of the Ascaso Baby T
Stainless Steel Construction
The Ascaso Baby T plus is engineered for durability. Its robust construction, crafted from high-quality stainless steel, ensures a long-lasting lifespan for the machine. The stainless steel material not only provides resilience but also simplifies cleaning and maintenance, making it an ideal choice for busy coffee shops and home kitchens where efficiency is key.
Programmable Brewing Options
The Ascaso Baby T Plus features 3 volumetric buttons that enable you to customize your espresso brewing time. Additionally, it offers a controllable preinfusion setting for up to 5 seconds, allowing you to enhance the extraction process and unlock rich, aromatic notes in your espresso.
App Connectivity
To control the machine, Ascaso made an app. It's might not be the prettiest but it's very functional. It gives you the option to control both PIDs of the coffee group and steam boiler by temperaturea of 0,1ºC and 1 ºC respectively.
One feature that is missing on modern espresso machine is an automatic startup time. With the Baby T, you can schedules shutdown/start times and turn on or off coffee group and steam boiler independently. This comes in handy in the morning as you don't have to wait for you machine to heat up.
In the app, you can also program pre-infusion times from 0 to 5 seconds. I wish there was slightly more room to experiment with pre-infusion settings but 5 seconds it sufficient most of the time.
Other things you can control are volumetric adjustment for each button, choice of ºC or ºF and see the coffee counter (number of coffees, total and partial).
Adjustable PID Temperature Control
As mentioned in the app section, you have the freedom to tailor your espresso shot to your preferred taste by setting the temperature precisely to your liking. This level of control is convenient when dialling in for different roasts and ensures that you can achieve a perfect extraction for the coffee you have in hand.
Rotary pump and OPV
A rotary pump allows for more control over the pressure in the system. You can set pump pressure independently for the OPV to improve temperature stability in the system. If you want to learn more about this, we wrote a blog on flow and pressure.
Brewing Performance
The brewing capability of the Ascaso Baby T Plus is truly impressive and on par with the commercial machines I have used. This machine delivers flavorful espresso shots every time, which makes it an excellent option for coffee enthusiasts who prioritize dependability and high-quality coffee. Furthermore, with the adjustable brew pressure feature and with the app, you can change all the brewing parameters to meet your preferences.
Steaming Capability
A coffee machine's excellence hinges on its milk-steaming capacity, a critical factor in espresso-based drinks. Generating high-quality microfoam quickly, it can heat milk in about 30 seconds, ensuring swift preparation of delightful cappuccinos or lattes. I found that this machine delivers consistent and professional steaming results, making it a great choice.
Ease of Use
The Ascaso Steel Baby T is a machine that has been specifically tailored to suit the needs of home baristas and low-volume coffee shops. Once set up, it's user-friendly which makes it an ideal choice for coffee enthusiasts who prefer a machine that is uncomplicated to operate. Coffee geeks also have their money's worth with the app. Thanks to its intuitive interface, users can commence preparing their preferred espresso shots quickly and easily.
Quick Heating Time
The Ascaso Baby T heats up quickly, so you can start making your favorite espresso shots in no time. Warming up the machine takes around 2 min before it's ready to pull espresso. Although completely heating the machine takes 10-15 min for steam. You can pull blank shots if you are in a hurry or put a start time in the app for the machine to start heating.
Side Water Reservoir
The Baby T comes equipped with a side water reservoir, which sets it apart from other espresso machines in the market. This feature is designed to provide easy access to the water reservoir, making it effortless to fill or refill the water. By situating the water reservoir on the side of the machine, it becomes convenient to monitor the water level and ensure there is enough water for brewing espresso shots. You can even plumb in the machine if you want constant water.
Comparaison with the La Marzocco Linea Mini
The La Marzocco Linea Mini and the Ascaso Baby T Plus are similar in price point but differ widely in features. The Baby T more closely resembles the GS3 AV. The La Marzocco Linea is a classic known for it's design andmany people steer towards it for that feature.
Like the Ascaso Baby T Plus, both the Linea Mini and GS3 AV have dual boiler systems. I had the chance to use the GS3 AV in my mobile coffee bar and I have to say that the performance is very similar if not indistinguishable. The dual boiler system ensures temperature stability and allows simultaneous extraction and milk frothing.
All three machines feature PID temperature control for precise brewing, but only the Ascaso Baby T Plus offers an app for controlling this feature. The app also adds additional functionality, such as programmable start times, and steam boiler control similar to the GS3 AV. The Linea Mini on the other hand uses a dial and is much less user friendly and lack other features like the volumetric controls.
All three machines have a rotary pump system. However, the Baby T also features a more accessible adjustable OPV. The Linea Mini and GS3 AV also have that feature but you have to take appart the machine.
Overall the Baby T takes a big win. It offers the same features as the GS3 AV in a more convenient package at a price lower than the Linea Mini. If you want to take the La Marzocco route, they are great machine but you have to know that you are paying for the name. Although, only time will tell if their reliability will stay the same after their acquisition by DeLonghi.
Things to Consider
20 Amp Circuit
To power the Ascaso Baby T, a 20 amp circuit is needed to provide the necessary electricity. This machine is designed to be powerful and efficient, and it requires a dedicated circuit to ensure that it is running safely and smoothly. Having a dedicated circuit also helps to prevent the machine from tripping circuit breakers or causing other electrical issues.
Conclusion
To summarize, the Ascaso Baby T Plus is an outstanding espresso machine that caters to the needs of home baristas and small coffee shops that prioritize performance, design, and usability. Its modern and appealing appearance, customizable brew pressure, dual boiler system, and intuitive interface make it an exceptional machine that goes beyond the current market offerings.
