Overview
Ascaso Dream UP V3 Espresso Machine
Version 3 Changes:
As of April 2015 production for the Ascaso Dream V3 Espresso Machine, Ascaso is combining the ground/pod system into one. This means no more conversion kits. A new grouphead design, now made with 100% solid brass. The thermoblock group now consists of Aluminum and Stainless Steel as opposed to just aluminum. The steam nozzle has been improved again from 2013 which is now more durable.
Overview:
Are you ready to give your kitchen a modern upgrade? Look no further than the UP espresso machine, where UP stands for UPDATED! The Version 3 of this machine introduces an improved thermoblock design, ensuring fast warm-up times and excellent temperature stability. The thermoblock is constructed of aluminum for efficiency and features a stainless steel inside pipe, which minimizes limescale buildup caused by magnesium and calcium, common culprits for espresso machine issues. Additionally, the aluminum material prevents ‘pitting’ that may occur with purified water usage.
Version 3 machines also come equipped with a microprocessor that pulsates the pump, ensuring continuous steam by constantly refilling the thermoblock from the water reservoir until it nears empty.
Another enhancement lies in the steam valve design. Previous models had metal-to-metal closures, but the Version 3 models have upgraded compression steam valves with rubber gaskets, reducing the chances of limescale buildup.
In addition, the Dream UP espresso machine features a 3-way solenoid valve, adjustable overpressure valve, and an aluminum tamper. Its classic retro look combined with cutting-edge technology makes it the flagship of the Ascaso line. With the ability to use either ground coffee or single serving espresso pods, known as E.S.E., this machine offers versatility in brewing options. It not only adds elegance to any kitchen but also enables you to create café-quality espresso drinks, lattes, cappuccinos, and café mochas.
One remarkable aspect of the Dream UP is its aluminum body. Unlike steel machines with painted enamel that are prone to rust, the aluminum construction ensures durability and longevity. However, please note that distilled or purified water can potentially affect the polished finish of the aluminum base. Each base is hand buffed and polished, giving it a unique character that adds to its charm.
Upgrade your coffee experience with the Ascaso Dream UP espresso machine, where timeless design meets innovative technology, delivering exceptional brewing results and adding a touch of elegance to your kitchen.
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Features
Features:
- Simple to use controls: Flip on the center power switch to begin heating up the boiler. Two more professional grade toggle switches now let you control the steam function (far left) and the coffee brew control (far right). A series of indicator lights inform you when the machine is powered up, and when it is at the proper temperature for either brewing espresso or frothing milk.
- Temperature gauge: The front mounted temperature gauge monitors the temperature of the boiler in both coffee mode and steam mode. read in Celsius.
- Frothing tip for perfect foam: Like magic, the wand will make perfect foam. In an instant, the steam wand converts the milk in your 12 or 20 oz. frothing pitcher to lovely foam for lattes and cappuccinos. Mounted on a swivel joint, the stainless steel steam wand conveniently swings aside and clean up is a snap. When frothing milk with this machine, please make sure to have the little hole in the frothing adapter positioned at the top level of the milk. Doing it this way will help aerate the milk froth.
- Quality brewing group: The grouphead is made of chrome plated brass. Designed after Ascaso’s commercial espresso machines, the Dream UP group head evenly distributes heat and reduces hotspots for more temperature consistent espresso. It has also been designed to evenly distribute water across the coffee grounds for a better extraction.
- Three way solenoid valve: As soon as the coffee switch is turned off, the three way solenoid valve relieves the pressure built up in the grouphead. The pressurized water is reverted to the water reservoir, and this feature allows back-to-back espresso extractions without having to wait for the portafilter handle to lose pressure by itself.
- Heavy duty coffee holders and filter baskets: Keeping with the tradition of using only commercial grade components, the Dream UP V3 uses heavy-duty chrome plated brass coffee holders, which feature a rugged plastic handle. The same coffee holder is used for ground coffee and espresso pods. Single shot and double shot 57 mm diameter stainless steel filter baskets are included for ground coffee, and there is a pod basket for single dose ESE pods. The double shot size baskets allow you to use more ground coffee per serving for stronger espresso or cups of coffee.
- 48 oz. water tank: The removable water reservoir, equipped with a water level indicator, can be filled while operating or taken out and filled at the faucet. The water reservoir is located in the lower section of the machine right behind the grouphead, and the water reservoir can be removed from the right hand side – just behind the steam wand.
- 16 bar water pump: The secret to a great espresso is a water pump that has the power to force water through the coffee grounds to extract the full flavor from the coffee. No worries here, you have more than enough pressure to extract the best of what your coffee has to offer.
- Drip and cup tray, plus cup warmer: The Dream UP V3 has a polished stainless steel drip pan and chrome plated steel cup try, both easy to remove and clean. A unique scratch resistant cup-warming surface on the top of the machine lets you keep your espresso cups warm so your freshly brewed espresso does not cool too quickly once it hits the cup.
- Stainless-lined aluminum thermoblock: After years of testing, the aluminum thermoblock with internal stainless steel lining of the water passage ways work remarkably well.
- Construction with longevity in mind: The Dream UP V3 body is constructed of corrosion resistant aluminum for extra long life. The aluminum is then finished in a chip resistant enamel paint. Unlike most espresso machines in this class that are made of steel, the Dream UP will not rust thanks to the aluminum body. All of components that make up the construction are designed for long life and low maintenance.
- Instructional manual included: The manual will state that some accessories (i.e. pod handle) are included with the machine. This is a universal worldwide manual that encompasses all different configurations of this machine. Please note that the only accessories included are the ones listed on this web page.
- Accessories: Portafilter with dual spout, pressurized single and double cup filter baskets, single ESE pod basket, double sided metal tamper, scoop, instructional manual, cappuccino frothing attachment on machine, single hole steam tip, Ascaso coffee wash cleaner.
- Warranty: 2 year parts & labor limited to manufacturer’s defect. 3 year warranty on grouphead part only limited to manufacturer’s defect. Wear and tear items not included.
Specifications
| Brand | Ascaso |
|---|---|
| Height (inches) | 14, approximate |
| Width (inches) | 10, approximate |
| Depth (inches) | 11, approximate |
| Weight (pounds) | 22 |
| Wattage (watts) | 900 |
| Voltage (volts) | 120 |
| Portafilter size (mm) | 57 |
| Tank capacity (liters) | 1.3 |
| Approvals | CE, ETL |
| Country of manufacture | Barcelona, Spain |
Notes
General Espresso Machine Notes/Warnings:
- Upon first use (tank/reservoir models): On the initial start-up (or after a long period of non-use), it is important to make sure the pump is removing water from the tank. When the machine is powered on, you will hear the pump running. After 5 seconds, squeeze the in-line hose in the tank (usually the longest hose, has a particle filter attached). if you hear a different sound, this means the pump is working correctly. If not, immediately power down the machine and contact us. For more information, visit this page General Manual Pump Priming.
- Electrical: To avoid electrical damage to this espresso machine which is not considered a manufacturer's defect, please acquire and install a single-outlet surge suppressor rated at 1080 joules or higher. Without the recommended surge suppressor, the espresso machine can be damaged at the power switch, the electronics, the heating element, the pressurstat, or the wiring inside. For more information, visit this page Power Protection.
- Water: To increase the useful life and not damage your espresso machine, please use softened water. Softened water is water without calcium and magnesium, but still has other minerals for espresso extraction. Do not use distilled, purified, or reverse osmosis water as these types of water create oxidation with the metals and cause the same damaging effects as limescale. For more information, visit this page Water Choice.
- Descaling: We do not recommend descaling unless there is an issue with the espresso machine. Too much descaling can eat away at the metals and gaskets inside an espresso machine. As a preventative measure, we recommend using softened water as explained in the bullet point above.
- Backflushing: This procedure of cleaning the grouphead will need to be performed from time to time. For more information, visit this page Espresso Machine Backflush – Why 50?
Support
Parts Diagram
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Reviews
Q & A
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Please ask follow up questions as a new question. Submitted questions will be first reviewed, answered, and lastly publicized.
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I purchased a Ascaso Dream Up v3 in December of 2019 and wanted to ask some maintenance question.
My question is quite simple. In light of the email you guys sent on Basic Backflushing Guide and the YouTube video, the regular maintenance of backflushing can only be done with those machine that has 3-way solenoid valve. I don't think Dream Up v3 has 3-way solenoid valve and therefore backflushing is not the method of regular maintenance. I am wondering what is the best way to clean for this particular machine. Should I just unscrew the shower screen and take the group head apart and soak them in a jug of water with the chemical?
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Q I purchased a Ascaso Dream Up v3 in December of 2019 and wanted to ask some maintenance question....... Read more answer nowAsked by on March 30, 2021 2:00 pmAnswered by the admin
The V3 had a solenoid valve upstream. The machine can be checked by unplugging it from the electrical outlet, colling down, and then removing the top cover. We have a video on our YouTube channel how to remove the top cover.
We bough an Ascaso Dream in April 2020. The temperature gauge isn't moving at all when we first turn it on. The two lights on either side go off and the temperature gauge lifts only a little above the Celsius sign and doesn't move. When we turn on the steam switch the temperature rises to under 75 degrees Celsius then the pump kicks in. Usually it comes on at a much higher temperature. Do you think this is an issue with the temperature gauge? Is there some way to troubleshoot this?
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Q We bough an Ascaso Dream in April 2020. The temperature gauge isn't moving at all when we first t...... Read more answer nowAsked by on January 11, 2021 8:21 pmAnswered by the admin
It depends. Check the water with a thermometer inserted into a foam cup with the foam cup placed into the grouphead. If ok, then there may be an issue with the gauge.
My partner here in Olympia Washington (Brooke ---: [email protected]) just bought two Ascaso DreamUp machimes from you. We are going to put one of them into storage for an extended period of time, so I would like to know what I may need to do to achieve this as far as draining the water from the machine, etc..
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Q My partner here in Olympia Washington (Brooke ---: [email protected]) just bought two Ascaso DreamUp ma...... Read more answer nowAsked by on December 1, 2020 5:26 pmAnswered by the admin Just empty the reservoir and put into steam mode. Then allow to run for 3 minutes to get the water out of the thermoblock.
Where do I go to order the item I need? I've ordered recently but can't figure it out this time. Its part #I.18.
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Q Where do I go to order the item I need? I've ordered recently but can't figure it out this time. ...... Read more answer nowAsked by on November 17, 2020 9:48 pmAnswered by the admin
Please check with www.ascaso.com as they have changed distribution channels.
When we were making coffee this morning, the steam knob locked up several times and wouldn't turn the steam off. We had to turn it off at the switch to get the steam to stop
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Q When we were making coffee this morning, the steam knob locked up several times and wouldn't turn...... Read more answer nowAsked by on May 12, 2020 5:23 pmAnswered by the admin
Sorry, an internal part will need to be changed. The steam valve on these machines are a little on the delicate side. We suggest not turning so hard. Also, check the knob to make sure it is not cracked or warped on the inside. The knob pulls straight out.
Lastly, an internal part in the steam valve may need to be changed if the problem persists.
I have an Ascaso Dream UP. One of the switches is loose almost rotating and another is getting loose and I am of the impression that there is a nut on the interior that holds it firmly in place. Before I opened it up I wanted to check. Also the thermostat gauge does not appear to work. Curious if you sell a replacement and cost.
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Q I have an Ascaso Dream UP. One of the switches is loose almost rotating and another is getting lo...... Read more answer nowAsked by on April 19, 2020 5:37 pmAnswered by the admin
Yes, there is a holding nut inside behind each switch. Yes, we do have replacement gauges. However, you need to use the parts diagrams as there could be different versions.
Can you please help me determine which part(s) is needed for my Ascaso Dream UP V3 Espresso Machine - Polished Aluminum. When brewing coffee, water shoots out of the steam valve, even though the knob/wheel is turned fully to the off position. All the water shoots out the steam valve and none through the coffee
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Q Can you please help me determine which part(s) is needed for my Ascaso Dream UP V3 Espresso Machi...... Read more answer nowAsked by on February 11, 2020 5:05 pmAnswered by the admin
Sorry, we are unable to determine this as there are too many variations of the boiler and steam valves on Ascaso Dream espresso machines over the years. This is due to design improvements, and unfortunately, the machine needs to be evaluated in our facilities to determine which parts are needed.
AI had the same problem with mine when it was just a few months old. They sent me a replacement part. It worked for a short time and started doing the same thing again. I did not use the machine that often to have that type of problem. I would not recommend these machines to anyone.
Editor's Note (only add, not modified): Problems can occur when the knob is turned TOO tight. The inner portion of the steam and valve can be damaged, or the newer design can be locked tight into the threading of the steam.
For a while the thermostat has not been working, then, this morning, about a minute after I plugged my ascasso in, there was a sudden sound of steam releasing, the lights shut off, and the casing felt hot. I unplugged it and later plugged it in again, but it is unresponsive.
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Q For a while the thermostat has not been working, then, this morning, about a minute after I plugg...... Read more answer nowAsked by on October 16, 2019 4:08 pmAnswered by the admin
Sorry, it sounds like the machine has multiple issues and will need to be evaluated for repair.
I have the Ascaso dream at least 3 years old. The portafilter screen and head screw is not stripped but I am concerned that the inside threads are as the screw will not "bite" now. Is this a common problem? Is it fixable or does the entire grouphead need to be replaced?
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Q I have the Ascaso dream at least 3 years old. The portafilter screen and head screw is not stripp...... Read more answer nowAsked by on September 29, 2019 1:14 pmAnswered by the admin
This is not a common problem. Check to see if the screw broke inside. In most cases, it can be removed. It is rare for a grouphead that needs replacement.
A I remove the filter screen every couple months and the screw seems to be the same length. If the screw broke I would imagine that one end of it would be a little jagged and it is notAnswered by the adminYes, it would be jagged.
A It appears then that the threads are stripped internally. How hard is it to replace that section of the machine? It looks like 3 screws attached to the outside of the group head are tightly torqued and if they are removed can that section be replaced?Answered by the adminNot easy. The entire grouphead and boiler need replacement.
A Thanks for working with me on this. In the parts diagram for the Dream there is part number I.2246 which is the holdershower and is part of the group head. I suspect that this part is threaded and could be replaced to then hold the screw of the shower head. Is that possible and is the part available to purchase outside of the ESC 10 Dream boiler whole kit?Answered by the adminI2246 has three screw holes to be attached to the grouphead. The center hole for the dispersion screen is not threaded.
The water comes out of the end of the steam wand. The knob does not seem to turn it off. It is very hard to turn the knob. I have checked the knob and it is not broken. I was told in a previous question to be more specific. This is the machine I bought before Christmas. Ascaso Dream.
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Q The water comes out of the end of the steam wand. The knob does not seem to turn it off. It is ve...... Read more answer nowAsked by on February 4, 2019 8:16 pmAnswered by the admin
We are sorry to hear about this. The valve will need to be repaired internally. The machine can be shipped in or we can assist with a repair.
I am replying to your answer to my question about the steam valve that is leaking. What is happening is it will not cut off when the steam knob is turned off. The water just keeps coming out when it is brewing the espresso. The knob does not turn smoothly. I have used the softer and cleaner that came with the machine which has not helped.
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Q I am replying to your answer to my question about the steam valve that is leaking. What is happen...... Read more answer nowAsked by on January 29, 2019 7:47 pmAnswered by the admin
The machine may need a new gasket and steam inside. If purchased from us and under warranty, please email us directly.
I purchased an ascaso dream before Christmas, less than a month ago. The steam wand will not cut off when brewing, it will leak water. The knob does not seem to turn easily.
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Q I purchased an ascaso dream before Christmas, less than a month ago. The steam wand will not cut ...... Read more answer nowAsked by on January 19, 2019 10:13 pmAnswered by the admin
We are sorry to hear about this. In a separate question, please be more specific where the leak is. Thee steam wand can leak at the steam tip hole, it can leak on the stem by the knob, and it can leak where the stem wand inserts inside into the steam valve.
Thank you for the reply. I watched the video already and know what type of valve I have. I have removed the valve and flipped the tiny end gasket as recommended. The valve "stop" that contains a set screw that prevents the knob from backing out seems to no longer prevent the valve from backing out when it is loosened ( when opening to let steam out).
From your parts diagrams it looks like the aluminum and stainless steel thermoblock +9/2012 shows the correct valve pm.212. My question again is whether the valve stem scores down over time from the set screw so that it does not stop when opened and whether the end gasket is replaceable.
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Q Thank you for the reply. I watched the video already and know what type of valve I have. I have r...... Read more answer nowAsked by on July 31, 2018 11:07 amAnswered by the admin
We have not seen the valve stem score down from the set screw. Sometimes, it is probably best a professional evaluate the machine.
As for the end gasket, we are sorry that Ascaso has flipped flopped on sometimes only supplying the entire valve, the stem with gasket, and just the gasket. It is hard to keep track of them making changes.
A If I decide to order the valve with the gasket are you able to send me the correct one by my identification for you of the item number? I do not wish to send the machine back. I have pictures of the valve. ThanksAnswered by the adminThe valve stem can get deformed or score down. It depends upon Ascaso, as sometimes they sell the end gasket by itself and other times its only included with the purchase of the stem.
I have an ascaso dream I ordered in 2014 and the steam knob is wonky. I have the knob (there are 4 varieties) with the small gasket at the end of the knob rather than a pointy end and the 2 rubber gaskets mid shaft like the steam wand has (I17). The knob was starting to loosen when it was opened up to the point that it would keep unscrewing. The set screw was tightened all the way. It looks like the shaft is wearing away. I have probably made 1500 lattes since I bought the machine so I wonder if I just need to replace the knob or the set screw. I have pix of it but can't attach them here but can send.
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Q I have an ascaso dream I ordered in 2014 and the steam knob is wonky. I have the knob (there are ...... Read more answer nowAsked by on July 30, 2018 10:00 pmAnswered by the admin
Thank you for the inquiry. We are glad to hear you made 1,500 lattes.
Unfortunately, there are multiple versions of the steam valve assembly on the Ascaso Dreams, and it is difficult to advise the proper parts - even with pictures. It is best to watch our video that shows an explanation of the different valves and the parts that may be needed. In most cases, it is usually not the knob alone that needs replacement.
Considering the the machine's use, there is a possibility that a new valve is needed. However, we are sorry that the machine needs to be seen to make a determination.
