FS: Ascaso Dream Espresso Machine

Hello all,

OK, I decided to step up to a high-end pro-sumer espresso machine and am posting my current one for sale. It's an Ascaso Dream, which I've owned, completely problem-free, for about three years. I use this machine several times every day and it consistently makes great coffee. Skip Starbucks and get a proper espresso at home.

Here are some of my impressions:
Pros:
- nice looking and not too large (nice if you don't have a lot of counter space)
- very reliable and simple to use
- makes consistently good shots

Cons:
- steam wand size, shape, position: the wand is a little short and thus a little awkward to use. It steams well enough, though.

I'm including the original accessories kit that came with the machine and the tamper you see next to it in the pictures.

Tech specs:
- Power: 900 Watts @120 Volts
- Size: 13.25in. H x 11.25in. W x 9.5in. D
- Weight: 16 lbs.
- Body Material: Aluminum
- Origin: Spain

Asking price: $375 + $25 shipping within the continental USA.

Thanks.

Some recent pics. See below for video.

Let's see if the video works:

Edited to relist & dropped asking price.

Price drop to $355.

The machine is back up for sale. I want to get something bigger.

$325 + shipping.

Let me know.

If you know what you're doing, yes, definitely I suppose it also comes down to what you consider "better" but for me it's hands down better than the shots. Besides, coffee pods are supposed to be bad for you (last I heard).

Here is my quick guide to making a good cup of coffee with this machine: Note: If you don't have a decent burr grinder, I would recommend buying the ground Illy medium roast espresso coffee (red one). I've found that the grind isn't 100% consistent but it works very well with this machine (far better than anything else I've tried... and I've tried a lot). Step 1. Once you've made sure there is water in the tank, turn the machine on and let it warm up. This takes a couple of minutes. Step 2. Put the portafilter on the machine, set up your cups, and flush the machine (i.e. run it to let the hot water go through it to clean the machine and warm up the portafilter and cups). Step 3. Clean the machine and basket, put the appropriate amount of coffee into the basket/portafilter and tamp it with the appropriate pressure. Clean off any extra grains off the sides of the portafilter and put it on the group head (the machine). Step 4. Clean your cups, put them beneath the portafilter, let the water run through the machine and voila! Depending on the grind, amount of coffee, the filter basket you're using, and amount of tamping pressure, etc. you'll need to make a judgement as to how long to let it run but that's basically it. Depending on the taste/consistency, you can then tune the above for better results. Step 5. Remove the portafilter and flush the machine again quickly. All of this may seem somewhat complicated, but it really isn't. Once you've tried it a few times it becomes quick and easy and the whole process might take about five minutes. Here is also a new video (this morning's run):

Thanks.

I'm looking to get the Rocket Cellini Evoluzione and the Mazzer mini Electronic.

Here are some fresh, nicer pics (sorry, but I can't edit the first post in the thread):