From The Straits Times    |

It may take a little longer to get your java fix with this espresso machine, but the wait is well worth it. We try out the Ascaso Dream Versatile and share our verdict on this eye-catching machine.

The Ascaso Dream Versatile

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • The colour and design: It’s shiny, looks great and comes in 12 colours.
  • Coffee pods for the machine are easy to use: Other than fresh ground coffee, you can use coffee pods too. These pods are round teabags filled with coffee – they’re easier to place on the scoop-like holder called the portafilter, and to discard.
  • It makes a few cups at a time – good when you have guests.
  • Handy additions: The top of the machine is a cup warmer – a stainless steel railing holds in up to nine espresso cups.

BUT . . .

  • You can’t rush it. A cafe latte or cappuccino takes at least eight minutes from scratch to washing up – three to five minutes for the machine to warm up, one minute to prepare the coffee and brew it, and another three minutes to clean up parts like the portafilter and the drip tray. Add a minute if you’re frothing milk.
  • You need to discard the coffee residue after each brew.
  • It takes at least an hour to learn how to use the machine, so you can get wonderful brews out of it. Sessions are held at the Etre Bon Gallery and Academy.

VERDICT: Makes great, cafe-quality coffee. After a hands-on demo, it’s easy even for beginners to use.

The Ascaso Dream Versatile, from $1,284, is available at Tangs and Etre Bon Gallery and Academy.

All product and pricing information was correct at the time of the magazine’s publication. We advise readers to check with the store for the latest availability and pricing information.

This article was originally published in SimplyHer November 2010.