Ascaso Dream ZERO Review

Ascaso Dream ZERO
Overall Rating
88
Coffee Quality (40%)
90
Design & Features (20%)
80
Durability (20%)
92
Ease of Use (10%)
83
Brand Reputation (10%)
93
The Bottom Line
If you want fancy features, look somewhere else. If you want durable construction from high-end components and reliable performance from a proven brand, the Ascaso Dream ZERO belongs on your shortlist.
The Coffee Maven's editors select and review products independently. We may receive a commission if you purchase through one of our links at no additional cost to you.

Key Features of the Ascaso Dream ZERO

Key Features of Ascaso Dream ZERO

FeatureSpecification
Machine typeSemi-automatic
Integrated grinderNone
Bean hopperNone
Bypass doserNone
Water Reservoir48 oz
Portafilter size57mm
Portafilters includedPressurized, non-pressurized,E.S.E. soft pods
Boiler typeThermoblock
FrotherSteam wand
Brew sizesYour choice
Pre-infusionNo
Specialty beverage buttonsNone
Adjustable exit valvesNo
Dose size selectorNo
Temperature controlManually via temp dial
Strength controlVia dose size
Auto-offNo
Spent puck drawerNone
Drip trayYes
Warranty5 years on Thermoblock and brew group, 1 year on everything else
Case materialAluminum
Dimensions10.0"W x 13.5"D x 13.5"H
Weight16.9 lbs
Power1050W

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Ascaso Dream ZERO Overview

Retro design. Commercial-grade construction. Only the features you truly need for a quality shot. A more palatable price tag.

If you're shopping for a new semi-automatic espresso machine but don't want to break the bank (or rob one to afford it), then the Ascaso Dream ZERO is a strong contender. Made in Spain and backed by Ascaso's 1-year general warranty (plus a 5-year warranty on Thermoblock boiler components), you'll get what you pay for with the Dream ZERO and you're very unlikely to be disappointed...as long as you realize there isn't much to this compact powerhouse.

What's missing from the Dream ZERO that many other home espresso machines have?

  • Precision temperature control
  • Digital controls or displays
  • Programmability, including volumetric preinfusion and auto-on/off functionality

What do you get with the Dream ZERO?

  • Three-way solenoid valve, which relieves grouphead pressure by directing it back to the water tank
  • Fool-proof frothing wand for silky, burn-free milk foam
  • Limescale-resistant stainless steel coated Thermoblock boiler and circuits

Plus, each Ascaso Dream ZERO comes with a 57mm portafilter with 5 baskets, including 2 non-pressurized baskets, 2 pressurized baskets, and 1 E.S.E. basket that's compatible with these types of single-serve espresso pods. You'll also get a blank portafilter basket to backflush the system and a stainless steel tamper.

Pros
  • Steam wand is almost fool-proof and swings out of the way for easy clean-up
  • Three-way solenoid valve relieves grouphead pressure by directing it back to the water tank
  • Thermoblock group comes with a 5-year warranty and is made from aluminum with stainless steel circuits that resist limescale build-up
  • Beautiful retro design
  • Manufactured in Spain
Cons
  • Machine offers little assistance and requires an experienced (or patient) barista
  • Boiler insulation is so effective that it can take a while to purge the machine from steam temp to brew temp
  • Drip tray can be tricky (and messy) to remove if not emptied regularly.
  • Slow 3-minute warmup time if not kept on 24/7

Is the Ascaso Dream ZERO for you?

Are Ascaso Dream ZERO for you?

If the dearth of features on the Dream ZERO is disappointing, take a look at the Ascaso Dream PID. It's a much more advanced model than the Dream ZERO, boasting the following awesome features in the same aesthetically-please, retro design:

  • Electronic brew group temperature control system with PID and digital display, which allows you to control brew temps in 1F increments.
  • Adjustable OPV (over-pressure valve) that allows for the release of excess pressure during the brew process, which prevents over-extraction.

If those extra features don't sound like they're worth the large jump in price, you won't be disappointed by the Ascaso Dream ZERO.

Ascaso Dream ZERO Review: An In-Depth Look

Check out the Ascaso Dream ZERO!

Check out Ascaso Dream ZERO!

Ascaso Dream ZERO
If you want fancy features, look somewhere else. If you want durable construction from high-end components and reliable performance from a proven brand, the Ascaso Dream ZERO belongs on your shortlist.

More Ascaso Reviews From The Coffee Maven

Ascaso Dream PID

Ascaso Dream PID
Overall Rating: 92
The Ascaso Dream PID's calling card is its extreme precision: adjust brew temps in 1°F increments, program volumes for preinfusion, single, and double shots, and enjoy silky foam with the Dream PID's electronic steam wand.

Ascaso Dream Up V3

Ascaso Dream Up V3
Overall Rating: 87
There's nothing fancy about the Ascaso Dream Up v3.0 (except its sleek, retro design). Instead, its calling card is its high-end components and durable build quality. Now discontinued, check out the Ascaso Dream ZERO instead.
About The Coffee Maven
bryan de luca
Bryan De Luca

I'm Bryan but most people know me as The Coffee Maven. I grew up outside Boston, Massachusetts and received my Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Providence College. My first introduction to coffee was during my college days, when I used it as a source of caffeine to fuel late-night study sessions, but soon I became obsessed with the chemistry of coffee. How did changes to water temperature or contact time affect its taste? Why do beans from Africa taste fruity while beans from Indonesia taste spicy? I launched The Coffee Maven in February 2017 to explore these questions and help others brew their perfect cup. Welcome to my site, and thanks for reading!

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