The Ascaso company, started in Barcelona in 1962, was originally the manufacturer of replacement components for espresso makers. Today, Ascaso has its own line of espresso machines. While sometimes these machines focus a little too heavily on aesthetics and not enough on features, an Ascaso espresso machine can be a great piece of equipment for an espresso-making beginner.
The showiest Ascaso espresso machine is the Ascaso Dream, which is offered in a wide variety of colors; nearly all the colors of the rainbow are represented, and there are even a view polka dotted patterns to choose from. The retro design of the Dream also makes it an eclectic machine. Despite the Dream's unique design, its price (generally found between $750 and $800) may not be justified by some consumers, due to its lack of high-tech features. The Dream features a cup warmer and removable water tank, but in terms of unique or special features and functions, it is lacking. This is good for beginners, but for espresso-making experts looking for more than just a pretty appliance for their countertop may want to search elsewhere. The Ascaso Dream, like other Ascaso espresso machines, comes in three different varieties: one machine that uses solely coffee grounds, another that accepts exclusively espresso pods, and another that can use both grounds and pods.
The Ascaso Elipse has the same basic features as the Dream, including being offered in three varieties and including a removable water chamber, but it is much less focused on aesthetics. The Elipse can be purchased in either black or gray and its lack of style keeps its price lower than that of the Dream to about $400.
Two other Ascaso espresso makers have very utilitarian designs and are great beginning espresso machines. The Ascaso Basic and the Ascaso Arc look and operate similarly; both require only three buttons to operate: a power button, a steam button, and a button to control the flow of espresso. Both machines have a cup warmer, but the Arc's cup warmer has a small rail that goes around it. Also, the Arc is also produced in an Arc Fun model, whose product line boasts bright colors similar to the Dream's. The Arc or the Basic are probably going to be the best Ascaso espresso machines to consider if you are looking for a simple espresso maker and do not need a kitchen appliance that will jazz up your countertop.