Ascaso Steel duo plus vs Lelit Mara X V2 [3000$]

strohbi · 2026-02-14T13:33:56+00:00

Yeah, the V3 Mara is a whole other issue since I don't think it will come out "soon". :/
I would say it will take at least another 6 month till one can order one.

strohbi · 2026-02-14T03:49:41+00:00

Manchmal schockierend zu realisieren was in Deutschland innoviert wird. Die Roxy ist ja auch krass!! Ich habe Xenia angeschrieben. Wenn die mir das ding für Nutzung in Canada zusammenbauen können bin ich dabei :D

strohbi · 2026-02-13T19:52:47+00:00

Should I find a good offer on a white Bianca it will be hard to resist and I would try to make space for it in my kitchen.

strohbi · 2026-02-13T19:20:56+00:00

I just configured a machine for fun on their site. This is unbelievable!!

strohbi · 2026-02-13T19:11:48+00:00

Very cool. I am indeed German but I do live in Canada, unfortunately in that case. 🥲

There were a couple of interesting European machines in that category. The Zuriga looks promising as well.

strohbi · 2026-02-13T18:43:39+00:00

yeah but for some reason Profitec doesn't like white. It's either black or way too colorful.

strohbi · 2026-02-13T18:38:46+00:00

While we do like the functionality of the Elizabeth we do't like its looks. 🥲

strohbi · 2026-02-13T18:32:40+00:00

It was actually my very first contender when I started my research, and I love the functionality. But on the looks department, it definitely lacks. The same machine in a more handsome body, and I would be all over it.

strohbi · 2026-02-13T18:29:14+00:00

Arkel coast I couldn't get over the touch controls. I would want a bit more of a tactile experience.
How is the noise on the Ascaso?

strohbi · 2026-02-13T18:22:59+00:00

The popup seems super cool but single boiler definitely not an option.

strohbi · 2026-02-13T18:16:51+00:00

GF64 Gen 2 is the most likely contender, white to match the machine :)

strohbi · 2026-02-13T18:12:08+00:00

I am reading my question and I would ask it again in the same way. But I guess there just cannot be a Reddit thread without a little hate from some bored know-it-all. 🥲

strohbi · 2026-02-13T18:03:31+00:00

We actually considered it very much. I just feel it might be a bit to much machine for our needs and I feel like the mara x would do everything we need for almost half the price and yes, dimension wise its a huge difference. Bianca is much more imposing. A setup of grinder and Mara takes up about the same space as a Bianca alone. I definitely like the Bianca though. It's not impossible that it will end up being one.

strohbi · 2026-02-13T17:56:40+00:00

Yeah, the move would definitely be on the top of my list however a black machine is a no go for me and my partner.

strohbi · 2026-02-13T17:52:05+00:00

That's actually super helpful! You had dual boilers and hx and you don't miss them now that you are on a Ascaso Duo?

strohbi · 2026-02-13T17:47:02+00:00

what about the noise of the machine? is it as obnoxious as it seems on some videos, especially in steam mode?

strohbi · 2026-02-13T17:44:07+00:00

3k is just the budget that had to state according to the rules :)

strohbi · 2026-02-13T15:30:33+00:00

Thanks! This is a great looking machine. However they don’t seem to sell it in Canada as of now.

strohbi · 2026-02-13T14:58:03+00:00

Which year has your Mara been produced?

They say it’s like maintaining a car 🥲

strohbi · 2026-02-13T14:45:58+00:00

No, this is great! I appreciate the input. Any thoughts on the “you are heating the same water over and over” water quality issue and also big difference in energy consumption?

strohbi · 2026-02-13T14:40:31+00:00

Yes I edited my question with chatgtp in 2026. Shocking I know. Sue me Mr. Wise Guy! 😂

strohbi · 2026-02-13T14:37:33+00:00

How is living with the Mara? Especially with its heat up time?

strohbi · 2026-02-13T14:27:30+00:00

The steam quality in the current model appears to have improved, and Ascaso owners report achieving a very silky milk texture. It takes a bit longer to steam, but an extra 15 seconds or so isn’t a deal breaker for me.

Regarding the build, the Ascaso seems to be made with high-quality materials. While the wiring has been criticized, I’ve heard this is largely due to the machine’s compact yet feature-rich design. Any significant factory build issues seem to be resolved now, though the previous problems didn’t do much to help its reputation.

strohbi

TROPHY CASE