Back on the innovation track through improvements
Reading time: 4 minutes. This article is a short blog. You can find the detailed blog article here on our Swiss site.
With its Baby T Plus, the Spanish manufacturer Ascaso is trying to present a top model that can assert itself against the usual Italian chrome steel and stainless steel top dogs. The focus was on designing a contemporary and energy-saving version of a machine that meets all the requirements of making perfect espresso.
The manufacturer also costs a bit for this. A barista has to invest 4,500 francs or around 4,300 euros to purchase this successful machine. When buying, you should make sure you buy the latest version, as it no longer has many of the teething problems of the previous models. You can easily recognize them by the pot bowl and the water tank. You can find the details in our test video.
The machine weighs a whopping 40 kilos and measures 35 cm wide, 43 cm deep and 45 cm high. 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 worlds of technology in one espresso machine
With the Steel Duo PID, Ascaso has already demonstrated how constant the temperature a thermoblock machine can be. No matter how many covers are made, the temperature remains stable and this is also reflected in the quality of the covers. At the same time, a thermoblock consumes much less energy and is ready for operation in no time. Unfortunately, the first version of the Steel Duo PID had little steam power and was therefore not ideal for lovers of milk drinks.
For the Baby T Plus, Ascaso uses a 2.5 liter stainless steel steam boiler. With success! The steam output of the machine is awesome. There are also similar solutions for cheaper machines, such as the Decent espresso machine or the Bambino Plus from Sage. But the solid boiler technology of the Baby T Plus also makes it interesting for small catering businesses. We were able to successfully test this ourselves at the Swiss Coffee Festival.
The principle of operation of the boiler thermoblock
The brewing water goes from the tank past the steam boiler and is heated using a heat exchanger principle. So far so good. Unfortunately, with the previous version this meant that the warm-up time took a very long time. We had to wait a long time until the boiler was at the right temperature to be able to make a move. There was nothing about “super fast heat-up time of a thermoblock”. Another point of criticism was that the target temperature for use could not be reached with the boiler switched off. However, Ascaso highlighted this as a special feature of the machine in her application.
However, the new update to the machine makes many things much better. The thermoblock is hot after just 5 minutes and after three empty draws to warm up the portafilter, the machine is ready for the first real draw. If you don't want to rinse, you can simply wait 8-10 minutes and get started.
Our measurements show that the machine initially overdrives slightly, 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 the machine loses 3-4 degrees of temperature during brewing without a boiler. 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 drank many delicious espressos with the Baby T Plus. Thanks to the temperature consistency described above, espresso preparation works simply brilliantly. We were also able to use the machine successfully at the Swiss Coffee Festival and try it out in a catering setting. For this purpose, Michel has equipped the Baby T Plus with the 24.5 double sieve from IMS .
Processing of the Ascaso Baby T Plus
The machine is simply beautiful. Be it the high-quality finish or the loving wood applications. All in all, the machine appears to be of high quality and well made. It's fun to use them and will certainly last for years. The pot bowl has also been improved in the new version. When removed, it lifts straight up. This means nothing is spilled, like with the previous model. Of course, the connection to mains water and wastewater is even more practical.
The scope of delivery includes a solid tamper that is also decorated with wood.
However, the blind button for the heated portafilter suspension seems a bit strange. The Baby T Plus does not have this function, but there is a drawing and a blind button on the machine. The manufacturer's idea of saving costs here is understandable, but seems out of place with such a high-priced 4000 euro machine.
Conclusion and potential
With the Baby T Plus, Ascaso manages to combine a lot of good things from two worlds. Both the strengths of the boiler world and those of a thermoblock are combined in this machine.
In addition to the quick heat-up time and the good temperature stability, the Baby T Plus has wonderful steam power with which the machine really doesn't need to hide. Even when used continuously, the machine does not lose pressure and can therefore also be used in the catering industry or for espresso catering.
You will be happy with this machine, especially if you prepare espressos or cappuccini at high frequency.
