Basic V2 Espresso Machine The Ascaso BASIC Version 2 espresso and cappuccino machine fits in any dcor and is the perfect size for the space challenged kitchen. It is compact, yet it performs like larger professional machines as demonstrated through excellent steaming ability and brewing results. Beyond its performance, the BASIC just looks cool. The BASIC was designed as a lower-priced espresso machine that excels at making espresso drinks including lattes, mochas, cappuccino and all of your favorite coffee house drinks. The BASIC features simple to use controls (power on/off, coffee, and steam), a powerful vibration pump and a brass filter holder with matching plastic handle, an efficient heating element for steaming milk and making hot water, special milk frothing aid on the steam wand, a removable water tank, a cup warming surface and a removable drip tray. All this in a beautiful, compact, ABS plastic housing. The Version 2 has two improvements over its predecessor! First, the aluminum thermoblock, which has an internal stainless steel lining where the water comes in contact with. The benefits are no leaching of metals into the water, improved temperature stability over the previous design, significantly less limescale build up, and the ability for continuous steam. This continuous steam is made capable by a microprocessor that continuously draws water from the reservoir. Hence, you have a lot of steam capacity until the reservoir is runs low. This Ascaso BASIC espresso machine does fit the bill. Simple Brewing Features - The BASIC begins great coffee with the simple push of a button that starts the flow of espresso and continues until you have the desired amount of coffee. Durable buttons comprise the control panel and all the controls are logically arranged and simple to use. Two lights tell you when the machine is powered up (left blue light on) and when it is at the proper temperature for either brewing espresso or steaming milk (right blue light on). Quality Brewing Group - The grouphead (the component that accepts the coffee holder) is made of heavy brass covered with a high quality chrome finish. Designed after Ascaso's home espresso machines, the BASIC group head evenly distributes heat and reduces hotspots for more temperature consistent espresso. It has also been designed to evenly distribute water across the coffee grounds for a better extraction. Heavy Duty Coffee Holders and Filter Baskets - Keeping with the tradition of using only commercial grade components, the BASIC uses a heavy-duty chrome plated brass coffee holder, which features a rugged plastic handle. The same filter coffee holder is used for ground coffee or for espresso pods. Pressurized single shot and double shot 57 mm diameter stainless steel filter baskets are inserted into the coffee filter holder when using ground coffee. The larger size baskets allow you to use more ground coffee per serving for stronger espresso or cups of coffee. The included pod filter basket is strictly for E.S.E. compatible espresso pods. 2 Liter Water Tank - The water reservoir is removable from the right side and can be filled while operating the machine or taken out and filled at the faucet. 16 BAR Water Pump - The secret to a great espresso is a water pump that has the power to force water through the coffee grounds to extract the full flavor from the coffee. No worries here, you have more than enough pressure to extract the best of what your coffee has to offer. Please note that only 9 bar pressure is needed! Drip and Cup Tray, Plus Cup Heater - The BASIC has a polished stainless steel drip tray cover and a plastic removable drip pan just underneath, both easy to remove and clean. The plastic cup-warming surface on the top of the machine lets you keep your espresso cups warm so your freshly brewed espresso does not cool too quickly once it hits the cup. Stainless-Lined Aluminum Thermoblock - After years of study, Ascaso designed a heavy aluminum thermoblock internally lined with stainless steel where the water comes in contact with. The aluminum thermoblock can get up to temperature quickly and stay there, with a fast recycling time to make back to back espresso. Steam Microprocessor - The BASIC has a microprocessor that pulsates the pump when the machine is in steam mode. This feature autofills the thermoblock while steam is being produced continuously until the water reservoir gets close to running out of water. Instructional manual included: The manual will state that some accessories (i.e. pod handle) are included with the machine. This is a universaL worldwide manual that encompasses all different configurations of this machine. Please note that the only accessories included are the ones listed on this web page. Accessories: Portafilter with dual spout, pressurized single and double cup filter baskets, single ESE pod basket, plastic tamper, scoop, instructional manual, cappuccino frothing attachment on machine, single hole steam tip, Ascaso coffee wash cleaner, and ground coffee kit (which includes non-pressurized double cup filter basket, adapter, screw and dispersion screen).