Ascaso Bar 1 Group Commercial Espresso Machine
We consider the Ascaso Bar 1 group as the perfect espresso machine for espresso catering! Why? Its nice and big for great presentation, has a large reservoir for less refilling, and a huge steam boiler, separate from the coffee thermoblocks, for maximum steam power!
With this design, the thermoblock right over the coffee group helps with temperature stability. Warm up time with 110 volts is about 30 minutes. Not needing 220 volt outlets which are hard to find when doing espresso catering, it works nicely under 110-120 volts with 20 amps circuitry (2300 watts).
This is why we love the Ascaso Bar 1 group for espresso catering.
Features:
Thermoblock / Boiler system
The grouphead on the Ascaso Bar 1 Group has it’s own thermoblock for making espresso. With a thermoblock, fresh water is used every time in contrast to boilers that have water sitting. Thermal stability isn’t an issue since the internal pipes are over 30 inches long. The thermoblock consists of aluminum and stainless steel. The stainless steel is the internal pipe that the water passes through. So no water actually touches aluminum. This reduces any chance of limescale buildup.
The boiler in the back of the machine is used for hot water and steaming. It’s 4 liter size helps ensure lots of steaming capacity and water dispensing. The steam boiler is also made of stainless steel to help reduce limescale buildup.
Lighted work area
There is a switch in the front upper right panel. This turns on a row of lights on both sides of the grouphead. These lights will illuminate the drip tray area. It also helps give the Ascaso Bar 1 Group extra flare in a low lit cafe / restaurant.
Electronic controls
The controls are very simple.
The power controls are on the front lower left panel. The large black knob activates the heating elements. Switching to position 1 only activates the thermoblocks. Switching to position 2 activates the thermoblocks and the boiler.
Underneath the black knob is a push button power switch. This switch turns on the grouphead.
In the front upper right is a rocker switch. This activates the lighting of the work area.
On the upper front panel is your controls for coffee and steam. The row of S, L, XL buttons control the espresso for each grouphead. The S and L buttons are for electronic dosing. The XL button is for semi-automatic dosing.
The knobs on the left and right control the steam wand and hot water wand respectively. Turn counterclockwise to activate and clockwise to deactivate.
Water tank
Conveniently slides out from the right side of the machine. At 4 liters, it cuts down on refill time. Also refilling from the side reduces chances from water spilling inside the machine.
Vibration pump
Using vibration pumps help bring the cost down on future replacements.
Adjustable legs
The legs measure approximately 60 mm in diameter and are stainless steel. This helps ensure a very stable unit. The feet raise the unit about 2.5 inches off your counter. The feet are adjustable to increase the height of the unit approximately 1 more inch. Each foot is independent of each other so it can easily adjust to an uneven surface.
Steam / water wand
The steam wand is on the left of the machine. It’s multi-directional which allows you to steam to the side of the machine. There is a rubber grip on the wand to help prevent burning your fingers. The steam wand tip has 4 holes which helps froth milk faster.
The hot water is on the right side of the machine. It’s also multi-directional although most people leave it in place. The short stem allows for large containers to fit underneath up to 5.5 inches.
Drip tray
The tray is made of a high quality stainless steel. It has a drain hole so your espresso machine must have a drain line connected. The distance from the tray to the portafilter spout is 5 inches.
Cup warmer
The top surface of the machine is a passive cup warming tray. The 20″ x 18″ surface allows to fit alot of cups, plates, pitchers, or anything you will utilize.
Steam pressure gauge
The gauge is on the front right panel. Optimal steam pressure is anywhere between 1 and 1.5 bar.
Easy access
Getting access to the inside of the machine is very easy. The are 4 Philips head screws on the top you need to remove. This will allow you to remove the top panel.
Accessories included
- Dual spout (PM.126) portafilter. Measure 58 mm in diameter. This is the same portafilter used with the Ascaso Steel Professional models.
- 1-cup (I..534) & 2-cup (I..535) filter basket.
- Double sided aluminum tamper (V.1916). One side measures 53 mm and other side measures 57 mm. For a complete tamp, we recommend upgrading to a 58 mm tamper.
- Plastic scoop (V..520) if you plan to use ground coffee.
- Instruction manual available in 5 languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Korean.
- This machine is NOT NSF nor ETL approved. Please check with your local health department before purchasing.
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