Review: Ascaso Dream ZERO Espresso Machine
By Coffee Expert
willard turner
7 photos
The Curated Take
2.9/5
Combining retro design with functionality, the Ascaso Dream ZERO Espresso Machine is ideal for those valuing simplicity and style in a compact home espresso setup. Its thermoblock heating system offers rapid heat-up and energy efficiency, suitable for quick, everyday use. While it lacks advanced features like over-pressure and solenoid valves and has outdated temperature regulation, its ease of use compensates for these shortcomings. The machine's manual operation and basic functions appeal to hands-on espresso enthusiasts. Despite its limitations, the Dream ZERO is a visually appealing, user-friendly option for those who prioritize aesthetic appeal and straightforward functionality in their espresso-making process.
Ideal for
- Simple to operate
- Ease of use
Not ideal for
- No over-pressure valve
- Outdated temperature regulation
- No solenoid valve
Milk Frothing
The Dream ZERO is a small household machine, so it makes sense that it won't be able to steam large quantities of milk at once. It really is best for...Read more
Heat Time
I can power it on, make a drink, and power it off faster than some machines take just to warm up. That said, it isn't "instant" like the new thermojet-powered...Read more
Programmability
The lack of programmability is literally in its name, Dream ZERO, but it's not a bad thing. Lack of complexity helps ensure a long life in any machine. In fact,...Read more
Portafilter Size
The 57mm portafilter is not sufficiently different from the standard 58mm that the quality of espresso is degraded in any noticeable way. However, this does limit the variety of accessories...Read more
Steam Wand
Let's be real. A steam wand has one job: steaming milk. It does that with enough power to get a nice 8-10oz drink, no problem. I don't like that it...Read more
Versatility
This is not super-automatic. Pulling a good shot and steaming milk well takes effort and skill. However, the advantage is that someone can make virtually any drink on this machine—espresso,...Read more
Grind Size Control
One will need to buy a grinder to go with this machine, but that is exactly what to expect with most semi-automatic machines. The advantage here is that someone can...Read more
Tank Capacity
It holds enough water that I won't have to refill every day, but it seems smaller than average, which is fitting for a machine that is quite small. That said,...Read more
Espresso Extraction
Using a slightly smaller diameter portafilter makes the coffee puck a bit thicker, which helps it resist the pressure without channeling. This probably isn't enough of a difference to be...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
willard turner
About the espresso equipment
- Model: Ascaso Dream ZERO Espresso Machine
Test conditions
- When I bought this: I purchased this machine about five years ago and gave it to a friend when I upgraded to a dual-boiler.
- Where I’ve used it: Home
- How many times I've used it: 50
Expert Reviews of the Ascaso Dream ZERO Espresso Machine
willard turner I love the Ascaso Dream ZERO because it has the appearance of a 60s-era kitchen centerpiece and can reliably produce tasty shots with little fuss, even though it has a fairly dated internal design.
The thermoblock heating system is the most modern part of this machine. It is much faster to heat than a traditional boiler, so that's a big plus! It heats up in a matter of minutes to either steam or brew temperature. Since thermoblocks are typically much more energy efficient than traditional boilers, the Dream ZERO is perfect for quick and simple morning routines, smaller kitchen areas, and energy-conscious households.
One won't find the most up-to-date and technical espresso experience with the Dream ZERO. There is no pressure gauge or any way to limit the amount of pressure from the vibratory pump, so the maximum pump pressure is what it is; also, the temperature regulation is not digital and can vary by almost 10°F. I found that made it less suitable for pulling lighter roasted coffees, which typically require a more precise temperature range for a more consistent result.
The Dream ZERO's functions are all very simple to operate, and the steam wand is no exception. The Panarello covering means getting frothy milk is easy and requires no training. However, one can easily remove the sheath and produce finely textured milk with a little practice.
Product Specs
| Housing material | Aluminum |
| Features | Auto shut off, Cup warmer, Pod friendly, Solenoid valve |
| Volts | 120 |
| Watts | 1100 |
| Product width (in) | 10" |
| Product height (in) | 13.5" |
Review Ratings
Milk Frothing
3/5
willard turner gave 3 of 5 stars. The Dream ZERO is a small household machine, so it makes sense that it won't be able to steam large quantities of milk at once. It really is best for 4-6oz of milk, which is ideal for a 12oz latte since milk expands when steamed. The thermoblock steam power is lower than boiler steam power, but it gets the job done with a little practice. In fact, the lower steam power is actually quite forgiving and better suited for those learning. It won't blow milk all over one's kitchen right before work in the morning quite as easily as a commercial machine would. I found that holding the steam wand in the milk pitcher's spout and angling the wand's tip towards the upper right corner of the milk surface produced a silky milk texture perfect for latte art.
Heat Time
4/5
willard turner gave 4 of 5 stars. I can power it on, make a drink, and power it off faster than some machines take just to warm up. That said, it isn't "instant" like the new thermojet-powered Breville machines. Still, waiting just a few minutes for the Dream to be ready is not hard. It fits well into a quick morning breakfast routine.
Programmability
1/5
willard turner gave 1 of 5 stars. The lack of programmability is literally in its name, Dream ZERO, but it's not a bad thing. Lack of complexity helps ensure a long life in any machine. In fact, simplicity is key here. I can tell that Ascaso focused its efforts on design and quality instead.
Portafilter Size
3/5
willard turner gave 3 of 5 stars. The 57mm portafilter is not sufficiently different from the standard 58mm that the quality of espresso is degraded in any noticeable way. However, this does limit the variety of accessories that someone can obtain. Bottomless portafilters, precision baskets, dosing funnels, and tampers are all things that are dependent on the portafilter size.
Steam Wand
3/5
willard turner gave 3 of 5 stars. Let's be real. A steam wand has one job: steaming milk. It does that with enough power to get a nice 8-10oz drink, no problem. I don't like that it isn't fixed on a ball joint for easy access, and I'd like it to be a bit longer for using bigger milk pitchers. It's also not no-burn, so I must watch out when it's hot.
Versatility
3/5
willard turner gave 3 of 5 stars. This is not super-automatic. Pulling a good shot and steaming milk well takes effort and skill. However, the advantage is that someone can make virtually any drink on this machine—espresso, long black, Americano, cappuccino, latte, etc. It can't emulate cold-brew, pressure profile, or even preinfuse, like some other machines, so I consider it average.
Grind Size Control
3/5
willard turner gave 3 of 5 stars. One will need to buy a grinder to go with this machine, but that is exactly what to expect with most semi-automatic machines. The advantage here is that someone can pair this machine with any grinder they please, and the modularity allows them to fit their coffee corner any way they'd like.
Tank Capacity
3/5
willard turner gave 3 of 5 stars. It holds enough water that I won't have to refill every day, but it seems smaller than average, which is fitting for a machine that is quite small. That said, the way the tank slides out from the side makes it very easy to fill, so I don't mind filling it more often.
Espresso Extraction
3/5
willard turner gave 3 of 5 stars. Using a slightly smaller diameter portafilter makes the coffee puck a bit thicker, which helps it resist the pressure without channeling. This probably isn't enough of a difference to be noticeable to most people, but it certainly isn't worse than other single boiler or thermoblock machines. The espresso is surprisingly full-bodied compared to other machines I have owned.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
willard turner The thing I love most about the Ascaso Dream ZERO is that it's a beautiful machine that has big retro vibes, but it's also perfectly functional and simple to use.
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
willard turner My favorite moment with the Ascaso Dream ZERO was showing my friend how to make a shot of espresso. People seem to be intimidated by bigger, more industrial-looking machines, but the Dream catches their interest.
Why did you choose this product?
willard turner I chose the Ascaso Dream ZERO because it was something I felt I could keep displayed on my kitchen counter, and it was less expensive than the other Ascaso machines.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
willard turner In terms of value, the Ascaso Dream ZERO is highly subjective. It's more expensive than other thermoblock-powered machines but far less expensive than many other machines that I think look nice. The Dream ZERO is made of mostly metal instead of plastic. So, if someone wants their machine to look like high-quality art or a statement piece, then it's a good value for the money.
