The Ascaso Baby T Plus is the top model in the Spanish company Ascaso 's espresso machine range. The thermoblock features an extra boiler for steam production and serves preheated water via a heat exchanger. With the Ascaso Baby T Plus, Ascaso aims to solve all the challenges of espresso preparation and position a modern, energy-efficient espresso machine right in the heart of the field of Italian premium chrome-steel machines. And what can we say? While the first version of the machine last year still had its fair share of teething issues, the latest machine is on a full-blown success track.
The Baby T costs around CHF 4,500 in Switzerland and around EUR 4,300 in the Eurozone. Please note: there are still many older models on the market that cost less and differ from the new model. This is evident, among other things, in the drip tray and water tank.
The 40 kg espresso machine with a rotary pump and the option of connecting to a mains water supply is 35 cm wide, 43 cm deep, and 45 cm high. It has a correspondingly large cup holder and is available in white, green, black, red, blue, yellow, or polished.
This article has been completely revised after we tested the new version of the Ascaso Baby T Plus in fall 2022. The original article was titled: Crash on the Innovation Trail.
Buy Ascaso Baby T Plus
The following specialist retailers sell the Ascaso Baby T Plus, and we recommend purchasing a machine from them. They all offer offset adjustment.
Germany: [Partner links] Stoll Espresso , Craft Coffee Gear , Bohnendealer , Lücke ,
Austria: [Partner link] Bohnendealer
We're looking for specialist partners for you who we know offer good work and excellent service. We maintain close contact with the dealers. These are commission links. If you order through these links, it won't cost you any extra, but we receive a small commission, which we invest in new test equipment. We're continuing to work on this and are looking for competent partners for you in the DACH region.
Two technology worlds in one espresso machine
With the Steel Duo PID, Ascaso has demonstrated the level of temperature consistency achievable with espresso machines with a thermoblock. Over time and from shot to shot, this espresso machine delivers outstanding precision. Added to this are the additional benefits of low power consumption, only a third of that of dual-boiler espresso machines . The heat-up time of less than five minutes is another plus point for thermoblock technology. However, the Ascaso Steel Duo PID has one weakness. The thermoblock, which produces the steam, doesn't deliver the same frothing power as boiler-based espresso machines in the same price range.
With the Baby T Plus, Ascaso aims to address precisely this improvement opportunity by equipping the Baby T Plus with a 2.5-liter stainless steel steam boiler . And this approach is paying off: In terms of foaming performance, the Ascaso Baby T Plus has reached the level of industry leaders like the GS3 or Victoria Arduino Prima.
It should be noted, however, that solutions have also been available in the thermoblock world, as demonstrated not only by a Decent espresso machine but also by the much more affordable models from Sage, such as the Bambino Plus with a Thermojet thick-film heater. And Ascaso itself certainly has an answer with the Duo PID. However, we agree: with the boiler, the machine is suitable for small-scale catering, which we tested at the Swiss Coffee Festival.
The operating principle of the boiler thermoblock
The brewing water flows from the tank through the heat exchanger in the steam boiler, from where it flows into the thermoblock to reach the set brewing temperature. While this seems sensible at first glance and is also successfully implemented in other espresso machines with boilers, it limited the performance of the first version of the machine. In fact, this was precisely the focus of our criticism at the time. With the new version and an adapted control system, the world looks different.
Our problem with the first models of the Baby T Plus summarized:
- On the one hand, it was communicated that the Ascaso Baby T Plus only works with Thermoblock, which we could not confirm.
- On the other hand, we missed the wonderfully fast heating performance of the thermoblock, which we know from other Ascaso models.
Both difficulties are closely related.
The main problem was that the thermoblock on its own, in combination with the speed of the rotary pump of the Baby T Plus, could not generate enough temperature to bring the brewing water to the target temperature.
This meant we had to wait for the boiler to heat up before the Baby T Plus was ready for use. And leaving the boiler off, for example, to reduce power consumption, was out of the question, as the desired brewing temperature wasn't even reached. The option to do exactly that when you don't want to froth milk was advertised as such at the time.
What does the update to the Ascaso Baby T Plus bring?
It makes everything better. The thermoblock is now almost at temperature after just five minutes, as we've come to expect from the best thermoblocks. Our measurement curves indicate that the desired temperature range is reached after the third extraction. If you prefer a faster brew, you can also run some water through the portafilter to heat it up. If you don't want to do that, wait 8-10 minutes, and the Ascaso Baby T Plus will perform within the ideal, preset temperature range.
In the reference itself, the machine tends to over-control slightly at the beginning, aiming for up to half a degree above the target temperature. This is something we'd like to see from Ascaso in the next control upgrade.
Ascaso has also adjusted its communication. Yes, the boiler can still be turned off, but this is not recommended. While the machine can now reach the desired temperature range with a little trick, using the thermoblock exclusively will result in a temperature loss of 3-4 degrees during brewing (see the "Without Boiler" graphic in light blue). This is fine for some beans and certainly a viable option if the boiler fails, for example. However, it is not an optimal use for an espresso machine, which actually relies on achieving a precise brewing temperature. We achieved the desired temperature by setting the brewing temperature from 93 to 96 degrees.
Good espresso with the Ascaso Baby T Plus
We've had many excellent espressos with the Ascaso Baby T Plus, reflecting its excellent brewing temperature and overall performance. We also enjoyed using the machine frequently at the Swiss Coffee Festival. However, Michel has also replaced the sieves on the new model with a 24.5 IMS sieve .
Processing of the Ascaso Baby T Plus
The Ascaso Baby T is a very attractive espresso machine. Not only does the wood decor on the portafilter handle and the milk foam lever look stylish, but the entire machine has a very high-quality feel, and the body is impeccably crafted.
The drip tray has also been improved in the new version. It can now be pushed far forward and then lifted straight up. With the old model, the drip tray had to be tilted inside the machine, which meant it could only be filled to a third. That was botched! Now it's neat, although drip trays on espresso machines of this size could be larger. However, the machine can be connected to both a drain and a mains water supply.
What is now included: a tamper that deserves its name and goes well with the beautiful wooden look of the Ascaso Baby T Plus.
A blind button next to the functional buttons is likely a cost compromise. This appears to have been taken from another machine with a heated portafilter mount. The diagram is available on the Ascaso Baby T Plus, but the button itself isn't. Sorry, but for a machine costing around €4,000, this seems inappropriate. However, the buttons for a barista light on the front and for activating the cup warmer are present.
Conclusion and potential
The new version of the Ascaso Baby T Plus delivers what we hoped for. It not only makes excellent espresso , but also takes full advantage of the strengths of its boiler and thermoblock.
The 2.5-liter boiler gives the machine excellent steam production , putting it on par with any other espresso machine. The pressure remains constant even during continuous frothing, making the machine an attractive choice for restaurants or espresso catering.
The thermoblock heats up quickly and receives enough energy to provide a significant advantage over boiler-type machines. The machine reaches brewing temperature in just five minutes after startup. The Ascaso Baby T Plus thus reaches brewing temperature significantly faster than all other high-priced espresso machines, such as the Linea Mini or GS3 from La Marzocco, the Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima, and all other dual-boiler espresso machines.
Overall: a fantastic espresso machine that we see particularly well suited for frequent use in small restaurants, as well as for the discerning home barista. The Ascaso Baby T Plus is truly a pleasure to use!
