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

talking_walnut · 19-10-2015 04:43PM

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 · 19-10-2015 05:41PM

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 · 19-10-2015 09:20PM

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 · 19-10-2015 09:30PM

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 · 20-10-2015 09:53AM

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 · 20-10-2015 09:59AM

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 · 20-10-2015 10:04AM

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 · 20-10-2015 10:10AM

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 · 20-10-2015 10:14AM

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 · 20-10-2015 10:28AM

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 · 20-10-2015 10:36AM

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 · 20-10-2015 10:37AM

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 · 20-10-2015 10:51AM

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 · 20-10-2015 11:10AM

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 · 20-10-2015 11:33AM

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 · 20-10-2015 11:42AM

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 · 20-10-2015 11:54AM

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 · 20-10-2015 12:18PM

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 · 20-10-2015 08:41PM

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 · 20-10-2015 10:31PM

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.

tam8 · 26-10-2015 02:08PM

Go back to the original subject of the Aldi Espresso machine on sale 22nd October.

I bought one last Thursday and it is a really good machine - it makes great coffee, is very well made and it looks good.

gerryk · 26-10-2015 06:07PM

All sold out in the branches I went to, but I had built the momentum to get a decent expresso machine, so found a gaggia on adverts for a reasonable price.

tam8 wrote: »

Go back to the original subject of the Aldi Espresso machine on sale 22nd October.

I bought one last Thursday and it is a really good machine - it makes great coffee, is very well made and it looks good.

unkel · 26-10-2015 06:48PM

He might not be the friendliest poster ever on boards, but murphyebass does have valid points. I have owned several cheaper espresso machines myself and although they made reasonable espresso, it would be very far from a professionally made one you get out in a decent coffee place / restaurant

Until I bought my DeLonghi ESAM 4200 a few years ago for £199. This sounds like a lot of money, but it was a steal at that price, it retailed in Ireland for about €600 at the time. It's on sale in Amazon now at a reasonable enough £269. Just have a look at the reviews for yourself

Linky

I have 2 double espressos most days and even if my machine only lasted 4 years, it would make 3000 double espressos, so about €0.10 each for the machine and about the same again for beans / electricity

Having just one coffee a week out in a coffee chain would cost about the same as my 14 double espressos. Think about it!

podgeandrodge · 27-10-2015 09:07PM

I purchased the Aeropress. Love it. Purchased freshly roasted coffee beans which my local café sold and recommended and purchased the Delonghi burr grinder recommended on here.

Probably using too much coffee but it allows me not to have to wait too long.

Sometimes I wonder though, given the pressure you have to exert on it while on the cup, why it isn't in danger of breaking!

Great great cup of coffee though!!! Only one cup at a time though...

0lddog · 27-10-2015 10:21PM

podgeandrodge wrote: »

.........Sometimes I wonder though, given the pressure you have to exert on it while on the cup, why it isn't in danger of breaking!..........

Have you tried a slightly coarser grinder setting ?

crabbypaddy · 27-10-2015 11:56PM

The thermoblock in this years one is too low wattage to maintain temperature or make decent steam. Last years model had a decent ulka pump and high power thermoblock but was let down by poor o-rings, changeover valve and the baskets weren't great.

vienne86 · 28-10-2015 08:57AM

podgeandrodge wrote: »

I purchased the Aeropress. Love it. Purchased freshly roasted coffee beans which my local café sold and recommended and purchased the Delonghi burr grinder recommended on here.

Probably using too much coffee but it allows me not to have to wait too long.

Sometimes I wonder though, given the pressure you have to exert on it while on the cup, why it isn't in danger of breaking!

Great great cup of coffee though!!! Only one cup at a time though...

The aeropress is a great gadget - I bring it on holidays! I make two cups at a time by making it strong and adding water. Lovely coffee.

podgeandrodge · 29-10-2015 09:08PM

vienne86 wrote: »

The aeropress is a great gadget - I bring it on holidays! I make two cups at a time by making it strong and adding water. Lovely coffee.

good point! never thought of that!

Muahahaha · 30-10-2015 12:48AM

gerryk wrote: »

All sold out in the branches I went to, but I had built the momentum to get a decent expresso machine, so found a gaggia on adverts for a reasonable price.

fair play, I bought my Gaggia on Adverts about 18 months back and it has been a total workhorse since. I'll upgrade it eventually but I'm in no major rush as it produces great coffee.

Would advise you get some Puly Caff and backflush the machine once every 3 weeks or so- it makes a big difference to the coffee once you keep the internal parts clear of coffee oils that build up. Replacing the shower screen is also a good idea if it has had heavy use in the past, they only cost about a fiver on fleabay

cuculainn · 11-12-2015 12:16PM

gerryo wrote: »

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

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.

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

I would also say the grind is really important with the Moka pot brew IMO
I have a burr hand grinder and depending on how course or fine i grind will totally change the brew ( and i'm only talking a few clicks in the difference of grind)

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

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