Aldi Espresso Coffee Machine (Thurs 22nd Oct) €79.99

JohnDaniels

Espresso Coffee Machine



To be honest I'm not that sure if it is a good machine. I was posting to draw attention to it and hoped to get a bit of discussion going to see if it was worth taking a punt on?

They are also selling separately a milk frother, Beans and an electric grinder.

Grinder.

Frother

Coffee beans here and here

utyh2ikcq9z76b

Seems to be this machine
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B009F5WRUC/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr2_2?qid=1445093688&sr=8-2-fkmr2&pi=AC_SX110_SY165&keywords=de+longhi+espresso+machine+retro

JohnDaniels

Marlowe Scruffy Ghost wrote: »

Seems to be this machine
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B009F5WRUC/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr2_2?qid=1445093688&sr=8-2-fkmr2&pi=AC_SX110_SY165&keywords=de+longhi+espresso+machine+retro

They are actually selling that one in Lidl next week. It has the exact same badge and everything. (Caffé Retro,)

http://www.lidl.ie/en/Offers.htm?id=626

The Aldi one looks different. It would be very rare for Aldi/Lidl to source a product like this from the same place so I presumed this wasn't the same one.

JohnDaniels

Having just watched the video that goes with it "Ambiano" is the badge name on the front of the machine.

murphyebass

This'll most likely go on deaf ears but seriously this machine will be awful like any other budget espresso maker.

It won't be able to produce the correct and consistent pressure and temperature to brew a shot of espresso.

Google Gaggia Classic. This is the entry level for proper espresso.

If you can't afford this but an aeropress. Not espresso but damn good coffee.

But a hand grinder to accompany it and a milk frothed if you fancy milky drinks.

JohnDaniels

murphyebass wrote: »

This'll most likely go on deaf ears but seriously this machine will be awful like any other budget espresso maker.

It won't be able to produce the correct and consistent pressure and temperature to brew a shot of espresso.

Google Gaggia Classic. This is the entry level for proper espresso.

If you can't afford this but an aeropress. Not espresso but damn good coffee.

But a hand grinder to accompany it and a milk frothed if you fancy milky drinks.

As someone who has owned the previous machine that was sold in Aldi last year and has owned an expensive Delonghi I couldn't really tell much difference in the finished product. I would be interested to why you think a cheaper machine can't provide a consistent temperature and pressure? As with all things technology moves on and things get cheaper. Your pocket computer (phone) is doing things your computer dreamed about doing five years ago. If you look at the thread here about last years offering from ALDI people were very surprised at the kind of quality the machine provided.

I have no idea about this particular machine but your generalisation I certainly don't agree with.

Edit Just to note the above is all made with in mind that the machine you suggest is nearly FIVE times the price of the Aldi one. It is like suggesting a Porche when someone is looking to buy a Mazda.

murphyebass

A Mazda may not go as fast as a Porsche but it'll get the job done a to b.

This machine won't get you a to b. It won't be capable of making a consistant shot of espresso as it will not have the parts necessary to achieve it.

I'm not going to argue. I'm saying this as someone who has down the years owned these kind of machines and now owns a Gaggia classic along with a Gaggia mdf grinder

... which btw is what you will need to grind beans fine enough to go into any espresso machine as the grinder that is listed here will not grind a bean fine enough to give you espresso.

Anyway that's the last I'll say on it. Just trying to give a bit of advice on a subject I know a bit about.

Again my advice is if you can't afford a proper espresso machine save up longer or buy an aeropress.

I have both an aeropress and a Gaggia classic.

I use the aeropress every single day for a morning coffee as I like a full mug of coffee in the morning.

Today when I had a bit more time I drank espresso.

Aeropress seriously though makes a save cup of coffee and it's only about €30 or so if you look on Amazon.

JohnDaniels

Pretty much everything posted on this forum someone could suggest something at five times the price that does a better job. All you are doing is thread spoiling so It would be nice if that was your last post.

murphyebass

JohnDaniels wrote: »

Pretty much everything posted on this forum someone could suggest something at five times the price that does a better job. All you are doing is thread spoiling so It would be nice if that was your last post.

Thread spoiling by telling someone the options they have?

Believe it or not some folk will see €70 or whatever it is and espresso machine and think great!

Then they get it home and realise it ain't what's it's cracked up to be.

Personally if there was an item on bargain alerts that I knew very little about I'd hope that someone who does would give me other options available and the differences so I could make an informed decision.

I hope your last comment was the last one you make.

JohnDaniels

You haven't told anyone anything they didn't know. This is a budget machine that I would like to know do people know more about? Telling me I can buy a machine at five times the price that will do a better job isn't news to me or anyone reading the thread. Are you saying all the experiences and user reviews on last years thread are made up? ffs, all you have done is suggest people buy a machine at five times the ****ing price. Bloody annoying when you go to the trouble to create these threads in BA..

cianohm

murphyebass wrote: »

Thread spoiling by telling someone the options they have?

Believe it or not some folk will see €70 or whatever it is and espresso machine and think great!

Then they get it home and realise it ain't what's it's cracked up to be.

Personally if there was an item on bargain alerts that I knew very little about I'd hope that someone who does would give me other options available and the differences so I could make an informed decision.

I hope your last comment was the last one you make.

Thanks for the tip..
I also have an aeropress and I love it I am interested in getting an espresso machine but would rather get a decent one. I'll pass on this aldi one and wait till I can afford a better one or until the technology of the cheap machines improves

murphyebass

JohnDaniels wrote: »

You haven't told anyone anything they didn't know. This is a budget machine that I would like to know do people know more about? Telling me I can buy a machine at five times the price that will do a better job isn't news to me or anyone reading the thread. Are you saying all the experiences and user reviews on last years thread are made up? ffs, all you have done is suggest people buy a machine at five times the ****ing price. Bloody annoying when you go to the trouble to create these threads in BA..

You're a very angry individual aren't you.

Anyway the Gaggia classic can often be got for sub €250. Yes its more expensive but it is worth the price.

If you don't want to save to that price my advice is go with the aeropress which is LESS expensive and will give a far superior coffee.

I'd hazard a guess that most will either milk up the espresso or make it a Americano by adding water.

Aeropress does not make espresso but will make a fab clean long coffee which would beat the pants off an Americo made with his machine.

Creating a thread is all well and good but if someone knows something about the subject and can add value like I have done I think it's an important part of boards. Opinion from experience to help others.

Greentree_uk

I bought one last year. It was awful. machine was so light that the whole unit moved when removing the coffee holder. it was super light, I was replacing a francis francis machine. I tried a couple coffees through it and they were so bad I returned it the same day.

JohnDaniels

murphyebass wrote: »

You're a very angry individual aren't you.

Anyway the Gaggia classic can often be got for sub €250. Yes its more expensive but it is worth the price.

If you don't want to save to that price my advice is go with the aeropress which is LESS expensive and will give a far superior coffee.

I'd hazard a guess that most will either milk up the espresso or make it a Americano by adding water.

Aeropress does not make espresso but will make a fab clean long coffee which would beat the pants off an Americo made with his machine.

Creating a thread is all well and good but if someone knows something about the subject and can add value like I have done I think it's an important part of boards. Opinion from experience to help others.

Once again you completely ignore my questions

Were the people on last years thread lying? Do they just not have your refined palate?

Your solution is buying a machine at five times the price. Aeropress is not an Espresso maker!

Do you have any actual knowledge of the product in this thread? Have you used this machine? Do you know someone who has? Have you seen online review for it? This could be the best Espresso machine ever built for all you know about it.

I am angry because I put this thread up because I am thinking of buying THIS machine. I don't want one at five times the price. I want one at this price and want to know if this one is any good. Thanks a million though for nothing.

murphyebass

JohnDaniels wrote: »

Once again you completely ignore my questions

Were the people on last years thread lying? Do they just not have your refined palate?

Your solution is buying a machine at five times the price. Aeropress is not an Espresso maker!

Do you have any actual knowledge of the product in this thread? Have you used this machine? Do you know someone who has? Have you seen online review for it? This could be the best Espresso machine ever built for all you know about it.

I am angry because I put this thread up because I am thinking of buying THIS machine. I don't want one at five times the price. I want one at this price and want to know if this one is any good. Thanks a million though for nothing.

You buy it so. Enjoy.

And nope I haven't tried it and really don't want to.

I know, yes know, it's crap because unlike you I have a pretty good knowledge of coffee, coffee machines, etc.. which is why I've given people info and options around this matter.

Now that is the last thing I will say so you can have the final say as I know you won't quit.

If anyone has a question I recommend the very helpful and incredibly knowledgable lads over on the coffee forum section of boards.

And remember life's too short for terrible coffee. :-)

JohnDaniels

I have no interest in having the last word as this is a back and forth about nothing. I don't want a machine at five times the price that you keep telling me to buy.

Yes I fully agree that if people want to debate the merits of a cheap Espresso machine versus an expensive ones then the coffee forum is a much better place to have that discussion. This thread was meant to be one about an Aldi Espresso machine until you turned it into a train wreck.

quarryman

murphyebass wrote: »

I haven't tried it

Why are you posting here so?

micks

murphyebass wrote: »

This machine won't get you a to b. It will won't be capable of making a consistant shot of espresso as it will not have the parts necessary to achieve it.

I am still trying to understand this part? were you supposed to delete will or wont depending on your choice of argument?

murphyebass

micks wrote: »

I am still trying to understand this part? were you supposed to delete will or wont depending on your choice of argument?

This coming from someone who has managed to make three grammatical errors in just two sentences.

That really is quite the achievment.

micks

murphyebass wrote: »

This coming from someone who has managed to make three grammatical errors in just two sentences.

That really is quite the achievment.

did didnt I?

which of my errors is the opposite of the other?

ShoulderChip

murphyebass wrote: »

And remember life's too short for terrible coffee. :-)

I think you may have just convinced me to buy a fancy espresso maker, #I just need to figure out where I can put it in my apartment eek!
cheers for your advice and I am sorry you got the reaction you did here.

dudara

@murphyebass - pointing out other posters' mistakes is not cool. Please don't do so again.

@micks - don't feel the fire by responding. Use the Report Post function instead.

dudara

L1011

murphyebass wrote: »

This machine won't get you a to b. It won't be capable of making a consistant shot of espresso as it will not have the parts necessary to achieve it.

What parts, precisely, are required for the pressure and temperature requirements that are unavailable in a cheaper machine?

Vague answers from marketing material won't be sufficient.

I've no particular interest in buying this, or a €250 machine, but I see absolutely no engineering reason that could possibly back up your statements.

deandean

I am not keen on that style of espresso maker because I can't fit a mug in under the dispenser, it is not high enough. I like my muggacino.
Same problem with the Gaggia Classic.

jakdublin

If you aren't a coffee connoisseur but like a couple of decent brews during the day this'll do the job for a reasonable price. A wine buff wouldn't send you to Tesco for a Pinot Noir but you can get a nice bottle for around a tenner when they're doing specials. I have friends who love coffee and are prepared to spend a lot for the perfect cuppa, and in fairness if you invest and put the time and effort in you'll end up with great tasting coffee. However, it'll cost you and I reckon life's too short for coffee obsession. I'd recommend this machine.

vandriver

I have the (identical) one from Lidl .If you choose coffee specifically ground for an espresso machine,it makes lovely coffee.
I'm not sure what a quintuple of this machine would be like,cos I don't have that kind of spare cash.
(Probably why I'm subscribed to bargain alerts!)

dudara

@quarryman - I've deleted your post. No need for that style of posting.

dudara

Seapoint

My first espresso machine was an Aldi one. Got me hooked and it stayed behind in a split up - I replaced it with a Gaggia Cubika . The Aldi one had the same rating pump and thermostat as the Gaggia. Fact!

On another note, here's a top quality very fine grind which has a very robust body with a great crema. http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/products/food-beverages/beverages/espressokaffe-espresso-utz-certified-art-90144886/


Espresso coffee with an intense and full-flavoured aroma (85% Arabica, 15% Robusta).

Espresso
ESPRESSOKAFFE
Utz certified
€ 2.15/0.25kg
€ 8.60/kg
Article no: 901.448.86

gerryk

murphyebass wrote: »

if someone knows something about the subject and can add value like I have done I think it's an important part of boards. Opinion from experience to help others.

That would be fine if you did actually add value, however all you have done is make statements, and provide no substantive evidence for your claims.
I am all for spending money on quality kit, but you have given me no reason to believe what you are saying, apart from that you 'know something ahout the subject'.

From my POV, I have bought a number of kitchen applicances and power tools from Aldi and Lidl, and have found that in many cases they are at least as good as their 'branded' counterparts. I know each situation has to be treated independently, but based on track-record, I would expect this unit to be good-to-excellent in performance.

There is not a lot of complexity in these devices... they have a heating chamber and a pump... usually a little ceramic piston/OHV unit which can generate fairly high pressure.

The spec on the Aldi unit state 15bar, and the Gaggia classic also states 15bar. Water can only be heated to 100C (and in fact a little less is better for coffee), so the deficiency can't be there.

Look, if I spend over €250 on an a coffee machine, I would so a lot to justify my outlay in the face of cheaper competition. That's what it sounds like you are doing at any rate... if you can give me some other justification, and I hope you do, because it will save me spending €80.

Sappy404

Here's a by-budget breakdown of the best value machines. The Gaggia Classic is discussed, as are several more expensive models.

http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/feb/10/coffe-machines-price

Personally I think discussing the merits of more expensive machines vs the budget ones is fine in a thread. You'll get it in most threads on BA, and murphyebass is speaking from experience, even if he's not able to tell you exactly why the Gaggia makes better coffee.

I also second any shout about the Aeropress. Makes excellent coffee, and the best thing about it is you can use it in work and bring it when travelling

Muahahaha

I bought the Aldi version of this about 15 months ago iirc. I wanted it for all coffees, espresso, americano, lattes, cappuccinos. It made very decent espresso but in the end I returned it because it just didn't have the ability to steam/froth the milk into the microfoam that is essential for making a proper latte. I then bought a 2nd hand Gaggia Classic for €120 and have been delighted with it ever since.

For some these budget machines might be all you ever need. For others they just wont do everything you want and you'll end up replacing them like I did. Its horses for courses really.

talking_walnut

Sappy404 wrote: »

I also second any shout about the Aeropress.

Can someone tell me how the Aeropress compares with one of the Stovetop Espresso Makers? I only ever see the Aeropress recommended in these threads. You can get the stovetop ones for about €20 in local shops. Love the coffee out of mine.

JohnDaniels

talking_walnut wrote: »

Can someone tell me how the Aeropress compares with one of the Stovetop Espresso Makers? I only ever see the Aeropress recommended in these threads. You can get the stovetop ones for about €20 in local shops. Love the coffee out of mine.

FYI they also have them in Lidl this week for a tenner. I'm not sure now how they compare with the more expensive version you linked too :P

http://www.lidl.ie/en/Offers.htm?action=showDetail&id=31427

crabbypaddy

talking_walnut wrote: »

Can someone tell me how the Aeropress compares with one of the Stovetop Espresso Makers? I only ever see the Aeropress recommended in these threads. You can get the stovetop ones for about €20 in local shops. Love the coffee out of mine.

Its down to taste. The aeropress with the standard filters gives practically zero fines and extracts less than a moka pot you can however control the temperature better and compensate for the lower extraction by adding more grounds.

The moka pot give loads of fines you're pretty much stuck with the temperature but it extracts more and you get more fatty acids.

Its a bit like smithwicks versus dublin porter.

Muahahaha

talking_walnut wrote: »

Can someone tell me how the Aeropress compares with one of the Stovetop Espresso Makers? I only ever see the Aeropress recommended in these threads. You can get the stovetop ones for about €20 in local shops. Love the coffee out of mine.

I've used both and prefer the Aeropress as it makes a much cleaner cup of coffee and as has been said you have more control over temperature. This is important I think as coffee is best brewed at around 95C which is achievable with the Aeropress as you just let your boiled water cool down a bit before brewing. Stovetop coffee makers boil the water to brew the coffee which for me means the coffee is a lot more acidic and also has some 'burnt' flavours in it. Also Aeropress is much easier and quicker to clean.

If you're on a budget but want to drink good coffee Aeropress is the best option IMO.

gerryo

Muahahaha wrote: »

I've used both and prefer the Aeropress as it makes a much cleaner cup of coffee.....

If you're on a budget but want to drink good coffee Aeropress is the best option IMO.

I use both daily & agree with Muahahaha's comments.
Aerpopress is faster, easier to clean & gives consistent results.

Alanstrainor

Where's the cheapest place to get an Aerpopress? 3fe have them for 35 I think, but wondering if there's cheaper... I think I'll get the coffee grinder for 15...can't go too far wrong I guess.

muggles

Any views or opinions on the milk frother (Crofton)?
Far from any coffee connoisseur, I only want it for the odd latte, Baileys coffee etc.
Bought one of the Aldi coffee machines last year but pressure pump has stopped working and I can no longer locate receipt for return. Unless of course anyone has any ideas on how to fix the pressure pump? It's like the steam is being created inside the machine but not coming through the pump.:o

crabbypaddy

muggles wrote: »

Any views or opinions on the milk frother (Crofton)?
Far from any coffee connoisseur, I only want it for the odd latte, Baileys coffee etc.
Bought one of the Aldi coffee machines last year but pressure pump has stopped working and I can no longer locate receipt for return. Unless of course anyone has any ideas on how to fix the pressure pump? It's like the steam is being created inside the machine but not coming through the pump.:o

The steam isn't pumped it comes out under its own pressure the nozzle is probably blocked with dried milk protein and or limescale or boiler blocked with limescale. First thing is clear the nozzle with the a long pin or needle. If its still blocked for milk protein soaking nozzle in hot water for a few hours might be enough to soften it to allow the steam to blow it out. If you're in a hard water area you may need to soak the nozzle assembly in hot descaler and descale the boiler.

muggles

crabbypaddy wrote: »

The steam isn't pumped it comes out under its own pressure the nozzle is probably blocked with dried milk protein and or limescale or boiler blocked with limescale. First thing is clear the nozzle with the a long pin or needle. If its still blocked for milk protein soaking nozzle in hot water for a few hours might be enough to soften it to allow the steam to blow it out. If you're in a hard water area you may need to soak the nozzle assembly in hot descaler and descale the boiler.

Thank you crabbypaddy. I made a half hearted attempt at poking it with pin but I'll go back and soak the nozzle and descale and see if I can get it working again this evening.

crabbypaddy

muggles wrote: »

Thank you crabbypaddy. I made a half hearted attempt at poking it with pin but I'll go back and soak the nozzle and descale and see if I can get it working again this evening.

In clare you'd probably need to descale the boiler every 3 months at least if you drink a lot of coffee more than that even.

If the boiler is very blocked and the flow is very slow then don't leave the pump running during descaling as it can overheat. Turn it on for a few seconds then let the descaler work for 20 seconds then turn on a for a few seconds again when it start to flow properly you can let it run.

In steaming mode the pump pulses a tiny amount of water into a preheated boiler to make the steam, if the boiler is very hot then you wont get any descaler flowing through the steam wand.

You can turn off the machine and let the boiler cool, then turn on the machine for a few seconds so that it pumps the descaler though the steam wand without turning it to steam, then turn off and let it work for a while then on again for a few seconds to pump some fresh descaler through.

The end of a steel guitar string is great for clearing the nozzle.

the corpo

There are a few tips you can use with a moka pot that bring it on par with an aeropress, in fact I think I prefer it.

1. Always boil the water in the kettle first, then add it the pot. Radically changes the taste.
2. Don't put it on the highest heat. If you have an extra minute to let it heat at gas mark 4 rather than 5, go for it. Makes it a lot smoother.
3. Don't ever wash the fecker! Not with detergent anyway, just rinse it with warm water, you need to let the residual oil of the coffee build up on the walls of the pot.

This guide explains it better
http://www.cultofmac.com/284868/moka-coffee-pot-review/

cython

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Where's the cheapest place to get an Aerpopress? 3fe have them for 35 I think, but wondering if there's cheaper... I think I'll get the coffee grinder for 15...can't go too far wrong I guess.

Coffee Angel might be slightly cheaper, judging by their site being around €32: https://coffeeangel.com/product/aeropress-coffee-maker/

crabbypaddy

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Where's the cheapest place to get an Aerpopress? 3fe have them for 35 I think, but wondering if there's cheaper... I think I'll get the coffee grinder for 15...can't go too far wrong I guess.

Its about €29-30 on amazon, have to select amazon seller on the right add your grinder e.g. hario skerton for free delivery.

talking_walnut

Muahahaha wrote: »

coffee is a lot more acidic and also has some 'burnt' flavours in it. Also Aeropress is much easier and quicker to clean.

If you're on a budget but want to drink good coffee Aeropress is the best option IMO.

I like my coffee bitter so good to know. Looks like I have the thing that suits me best. I also only use it at weekends so don't need to worry about cleaning, watching the stove, etc.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

the corpo wrote: »

There are a few tips you can use with a moka pot that bring it on par with an aeropress, in fact I think I prefer it.

1. Always boil the water in the kettle first, then add it the pot. Radically changes the taste.
2. Don't put it on the highest heat. If you have an extra minute to let it heat at gas mark 4 rather than 5, go for it. Makes it a lot smoother.
3. Don't ever wash the fecker! Not with detergent anyway, just rinse it with warm water, you need to let the residual oil of the coffee build up on the walls of the pot.

This guide explains it better
http://www.cultofmac.com/284868/moka-coffee-pot-review/

Nice one corpo! Better taste and less work. What more could you want!

gerryo

the corpo wrote: »

There are a few tips you can use with a moka pot that bring it on par with an aeropress, in fact I think I prefer it.

1. Always boil the water in the kettle first, then add it the pot. Radically changes the taste.

I do that sometimes, it does taste better, it's an extra step. Great if you got the time.

the corpo wrote: »

2. Don't put it on the highest heat. If you have an extra minute to let it heat at gas mark 4 rather than 5, go for it. Makes it a lot smoother.

This is important allright. I have an induction hob (= SS Moka*) & I tried different settings, higher = burnt, but fast; lower =less coffee, but tastier.
Middle ground is best & varies slightly, depends on the grounds.

the corpo wrote: »

3. Don't ever wash the fecker! Not with detergent anyway, just rinse it with warm water, you need to let the residual oil of the coffee build up on the walls of the pot.

True, I only rinse it in hot water.

A small hack, I have an extra filter in the mix, a finer filter after the main one, allows me to use a finer ground (LavAzza) without getting too many fines.

* IMO, the coffee from the original (aluminium) Moka is better than the SS ones, but I can't use that on an induction hob

Alanstrainor

the corpo wrote: »

3. Don't ever wash the fecker! Not with detergent anyway, just rinse it with warm water, you need to let the residual oil of the coffee build up on the walls of the pot.

I disagree with this. If you don't use your moka pot that often, lets say once a week or so like I do, they begin to stink. The fatty oil from the beans can go rancid in the pot. And it is not easy to wash with only hot water, which is how I started but then had to move to using a small amount of soap too. I believe that people who use them more often don't seem to have this problem, but I thought i'd chime in.

0lddog

JohnDaniels wrote: »

FYI they also have them in Lidl this week for a tenner. I'm not sure now how they compare with the more expensive version you linked too :P

http://www.lidl.ie/en/Offers.htm?action=showDetail&id=31427

Amazed to see Moka Pots in Woodies a couple of weeks ago

( They also had cookery stuff like measuring cups )

Inevitably, Ikea sell them too ( named "RÅDIG" )

the corpo

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I disagree with this. If you don't use your moka pot that often, lets say once a week or so like I do, they begin to stink.

Fair enough, I use mine at *least* once a day, so can't argue with that!


And above post, about pre-boiling the water. Your kettle will boil the water faster than the pot on the hob, so I find it actually speeds up the whole process.

gerryk

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Where's the cheapest place to get an Aerpopress? 3fe have them for 35 I think, but wondering if there's cheaper... I think I'll get the coffee grinder for 15...can't go too far wrong I guess.

I got mine from Amazon UK for about £20

Satriale

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Where's the cheapest place to get an Aerpopress? 3fe have them for 35 I think, but wondering if there's cheaper... I think I'll get the coffee grinder for 15...can't go too far wrong I guess.

If you are getting an Aeropress (you wont regret it!), try and get a burr grinder. It'll do the job but a blade grinder wont wont get a fine enough grind to get the most out of it.