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Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine Review - (Lots of pictures)

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  • #31
    Re: Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine Review - (Lots of pictures)

    Originally posted by 654A405D240 link=1322406344/26#26 date=1322469745
    Instant coffee is better than what I got out of this machine.
    :-[
    Wot, Even International Roast?

    Ye gods, how can you make coffee thats worse then that stuff??

    Comment


    • #32
      Re: Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine Review - (Lots of pictures)

      Originally posted by 4C61756768696E67417446617465000 link=1322406344/30#30 date=1322480977
      Even International Roast?
      Maybe not International Dust... or Pablo before someone asks... but you get the idea. Customers today that tried it agreed that it was behind a well known instant 43 bean drink. :

      Comment


      • #33
        Re: Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine Review - (Lots of pictures)

        Today I pulled the covers off to see what the internals looked like and to see if I could adjust the pour rate or the temperature to improve the results in the cup.

        First impression is this is "Swiss neat". Cable is all silicone covered and it uses quality hose fitting and water lines.

        The left hand side has a nice little flow meter for the volumetric shots. It "watches" the water pass between the tank and the pump to determine when the shot is the correct volume.

        There is also a very well mounted vibe pump. The pump is rubber mounted and sits on top of a spring to try and minimise the vibration and noise.


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        • #34
          Re: Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine Review - (Lots of pictures)

          The water flows out of the bottom of the tank, through the volumetric meter, into the pump and then into the "snail shell boiler".

          In this picture the "water in" is cold water under pressure coming from the top of the pump in the previous picture.

          The water runs into the snail and the element heats it en transit. 

          The "water out" is hot water heading to the capsule.



          Comment


          • #35
            Re: Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine Review - (Lots of pictures)

            There are no simple user adjustments to this machine to control the speed of the pour or the temperature of the water.

            Insert warning here

            Dont do this at home, this was a lab experiment to prove that with just a little more engineering (Swiss or Aussie in this case!) the coffee quality could improve.

            You will void your warranty if you open the machine.
            You could die doing this
            You could burn your house down and then electrocute your family, friends and neighbours.

            JUST DONT DO IT.

            Using a CoffeeSnob bag-tie the silicone line leading out from the boiler was clamped.

            This causes the water to flow slower through the boiler and heat more, it also doubles the pour time of the shot.

            It took a couple of adjustments to get the amount of "squeeze" right but the result was a much improved expresso.

            Upside:

            * The Expressi machine is now producing shots will a little colour in the crema. With adjustment I gained more than 10 degrees at the spout (87.4C) Certainly not a great tasting coffee as the capsules are always going to be stale coffee but it was a vast improvement over the factory setting.

            Downside:

            * it could cause the hose to burst below the clamp which would spray water over the bare live wires on the boiler. This will result in fire, electrocution and most likely death.

            Please dont attempt this at home.
            Instead send an email to Expressi / K-Fee / Kruger / Aldi suggesting that they review the flow rate and temperature of the shots.

            Maybe they will put one on the bench and taste the coffee before pimping them on the streets?




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            • #36
              Re: Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine Review - (Lots of pictures)

              Youre living on the edge Freeman, Ive sent the fire brigade your way.......again ;D


              They didnt need the address, said they knew it from last time ;D

              Comment


              • #37
                Re: Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine Review - (Lots of pictures)

                Hmm, I wonder if its possible to install a small flow-restricter/tap inline between the boiler and cartridge...


                Eh, like you said, not like itd improve anything

                I wonder how many will return the units after theyve had it for a few days, Im pretty sure that if your unit is the same as all the other units with regards to the temperature and flow, people will be taking these back and asking for something with a bit more "cafe like coffee"

                Especially if its got no easy way of heating the coffee up hot enough (people will complain more about a cold coffee then they would about a hot coffee)

                Though, I wonder if the system is worth it for the chocolate pod that apparently is in the works...

                Comment


                • #38
                  Re: Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine Review - (Lots of pictures)

                  Originally posted by 2D2B3C372D2A3230590 link=1322406344/35#35 date=1322567627
                  Youre living on the edge Freeman
                  You mean after the amount of stale capsule coffee Ive drunk?
                  ;D

                  Originally posted by 2D2B3C372D2A3230590 link=1322406344/35#35 date=1322567627
                  They didnt need the address, said they knew it from last time
                  Cheap shot (true though).  I actually think its a case of "boy who cried wolf", the local fire brigade know the smell of coffee roasting and will surely wait until the flames are 50 feet high before jumping in the truck now.


                  Originally posted by 64495D4F4041464F695C6E495C4D280 link=1322406344/36#36 date=1322573502
                  I wonder if its possible to install a small flow-restricter/tap inline between the boiler and cartridge
                  You could do that easily but it would have the same risk of fire, elecrocution and death.  It would still result in more pressure on the hose fittings than the engineers allowed for and more heat in the boiler then maybe it was designed to have.  These modifications need to be done by the factory really.

                  Originally posted by 64495D4F4041464F695C6E495C4D280 link=1322406344/36#36 date=1322573502
                  if your unit is the same as all the other units with regards to the temperature and flow
                  I also wondered if my unit was a dud but after seeing what others are producing I think it really is a basic design problem.

                  Originally posted by 64495D4F4041464F695C6E495C4D280 link=1322406344/36#36 date=1322573502
                  people will complain more about a cold coffee
                  The Aldi FAQ on the machine covers that with a statement about pre-heating your cups.  I suspect they noticed that already considering the FAQ was published before the machine went on sale!

                  Originally posted by 64495D4F4041464F695C6E495C4D280 link=1322406344/36#36 date=1322573502
                  the chocolate pod that apparently is in the works...
                  The hot chocolate capsule has been available in Europe for a long time.  Maybe Aldi are stringing the releases of the capsules to keep people keen?

                  I would expect their $20 milk frother could be the right device for hot chocolates.  You can then determine the strength, sweetness and temperature instead of being restricted to their teaspoon of choc and brew temperature.  If I can get hold of a frother Ill let you know how it goes.

                  I just got the below via email and moved it here to save replying to similar queries one at a time.

                  Hi,
                  Im not a member of the Coffeesnobs site but I read your review with a great deal of surprise. My situation is that my taste is beyond drinking instant coffee (cant stomach Nescafé Blend 43, let alone International Roast) and have for some time been having Illy from a plunger, except when away from home or work of course. I bought one of the Aldi Expressi machines, the milk frother and a few varieties of the capsules on the day Aldi launched the products. I tried a sample instore and was quite happy with the taste. Today I bought a second machine to have at work. Im not overly impressed with the temperature achieved by either the coffee machine or the frother but apart from that I think they are very good for the price, and that is kind of the point of my e-mail.

                  Obviously you are a very discerning coffee drinker (and I dont have a problem with that) but I wonder why you thought youd get exceptional performance and taste from such underpriced products. Im under no illusion that price point always dictates quality and performance. A $2000 coffee maker combined with premium coffee beans is always going to outperform a $79 machine, a $20 frother and capsules worth $5.99 for 16.

                  Interestingly Ive noticed a spike in advertising for other makes of coffee machines in the last couple of days (since Aldi have been advertising their Expressi range).

                  Anyway I guess its a case of each to their own. Im sure many people will be delighted with the results theyre getting from their easily affordable machines and coffee refills.

                  Best wishes

                  Luke
                  Thanks for the feedback Luke, Ill address your points in-line best I can.

                  Im not a member of the Coffeesnobs site but I read your review with a great deal of surprise.
                  Im sort of surprised that you would want to read review of a product you already own but Im happy you found us.

                  and have for some time been having Illy from a plunger
                  Which might help you like the coffee from the Expressi.  Illy espresso is quite dark, pre-ground and I think similar to the style of the Expressi Milano capsule.

                  Im not overly impressed with the temperature achieved by either the coffee machine or the frother but
                  I guess you are talking about the drinking temperature?  My interest was more in the temperature coming from the machine as the "brew temperature" is a very important part of espresso coffee.

                  For way too long domestic customers have been told that 9 bar is what you need, now this machine is promoting 19 bar (more is always better in the marketing department).  The temperature of the shot is rarely mentioned but as you found it is easy to "feel" a few degrees and the results of temperature changes can be drastic on coffee flavours.

                  In a multi thousand dollar machine the first shot of the day while it warms-up is typically undrinkable.  Pale, colourless crema which tastes like chewing a panadol sits on top of the coffee.  A coffee that would have good body under normal situations will be thin with a lot of negative flavours when made at too low a temperature.

                  A well poured espresso will (by world competition standards) have a layer of hazelnut coloured crema on top, should display good body and a balance of bitterness/sweetness. 

                  There are also a couple of rules of thumb to good espresso (agreed, researched and written about by Dr Illy too)

                  90C-95C brewing temperature
                  25ml-30ml in 25-30 seconds

                  The Expressi does not come close to any of those, it could if they wanted but it doesnt.

                  I wonder why you thought youd get exceptional performance and taste from such underpriced products
                  Expressi coffee capsules are $48-$52/kg, that is far more than nearly every coffee roaster in Australia charges for fresh roasted coffee.  I think the coffee is very over priced.

                  The actual coffee machine is very well priced but it should also produce a good coffee... else whats the point!

                  I think with a little more care and research they could have produced much better coffee from the same machine. (see the test modification above)

                  A $2000 coffee maker combined with premium coffee beans is always going to outperform a $79 machine
                  A $2000 coffee machine should out perform a $79 machine but the quality gap doesnt need to be as big as the price suggests.

                  A hotter brew temperature, a slower flow and fresher coffee would close the gap a lot.

                  My motivation for doing the review was curiosity.  I was curious what sort of coffee you could get from such a low priced machine.

                  I was honestly shocked how bad it was.

                  Aldi printed tonnes of glossy junk mail and it was hand delivered it into every letterbox in this area.  People that have come into my work the last couple of days tell me that they are advertising heavily on TV too.  They are spending gazillions (rough estimate) in telling people they should have this machine when for very little outlay and testing they could have had built a much better machine.

                  Oh, Im not an Aldi hater either (as another person suggested) .  I did a similar curiosity study on an Aldi super auto machine last year and rated it very good bang for buck.  After the review I gave it to a friend who is still using it to this day and is very happy with it. 
                  http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1283270347

                  I understand you wanting to defend a purchase you just made, thats human nature and Im happy that you are enjoying the coffee from it but I still stand by my closing quote as it will produce a better coffee and you will save money...

                  Originally posted by 18373D20590 link=1322406344/17#17 date=1322416004
                  If you are on a really tight budget and want better coffee than I could get from this machine then buy yourself a $10 plunger, a $30 grinder and some fresh coffee.  You can always upgrade later if you feel the need and have the dollars spare.
                  Great coffee can be an amazing journey of discovery and learning and I hope that your Expressi machine will be a stepping stone on your way to coffee nirvana.

                  8-)

                  Comment


                  • #39
                    Re: Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine Review - (Lots of pictures)

                    Comprehensive and interesting review.  Im still assessing it - hence reading your review (which probably answers your query/comment about why some other poster would bother to read a review after already having bought the machine - remember it can be returned within 60 days for a full refund).

                    I just poured a shot of Reggio and it was very nice.  The crema was mostly hazlenut in colour.  I also like some of the other types.  With a little sugar it was very good, and as a short machiatto even better.  I also have a Sunbeam Crema machine and burr grinder, a plunger and get coffee from Quists or Queen Vic Market coffee shop.   On taste alone it is quite qood value. After reading your review I can only think that there must be some variation between machines.

                    Comment


                    • #40
                      Re: Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine Review - (Lots of pictures)

                      Originally posted by 45494040434351434755434A260 link=1322406344/38#38 date=1322685748
                      After reading your review I can only think that there must be some variation between machines.
                      Hi coffeeweasel,

                      Does your crema look anything like Andys photos?  The picture alone makes me shudder on the pale coloured crema (if you can call that crema! more like sudds).  It would be good if you could take a photo of your crema in comparison.  I have seen a nespresso pull a shot with dark hazelnut crema and taste 60 to 70% to what my Giotto can pull.  I was very impressed.  It did not look anything like the Expressi crema that Andys getting.  Unfortunately if you tell me your crema looks like the ones above, Id be inclined to agree with Andys review 100%.  I couldnt bring myself to drink whats in the photos. 

                      Comment


                      • #41
                        Re: Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine Review - (Lots of pictures)

                        Originally posted by 59555C5C5F5F4D5F5B495F563A0 link=1322406344/38#38 date=1322685748
                        I can only think that there must be some variation between machines.
                        I can only think there must be some (read huge) variation between peoples tastes.

                        Originally posted by 59555C5C5F5F4D5F5B495F563A0 link=1322406344/38#38 date=1322685748
                        On taste alone it is quite qood value.
                        It is the coffee that you are really paying for - and paying $50ish a kilo which as mentioned is more than the best fresh roasted beans around.
                        I could accept on convenience alone it is quite good value for some people, but on taste... :

                        Comment


                        • #42
                          Re: Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine Review - (Lots of pictures)

                          Originally posted by 2B3937213D580 link=1322406344/39#39 date=1322693959
                          Originally posted by 45494040434351434755434A260 link=1322406344/38#38 date=1322685748
                          After reading your review I can only think that there must be some variation between machines.
                          Hi coffeeweasel,

                          Does your crema look anything like Andys photos?  The picture alone makes me shudder on the pale coloured crema (if you can call that crema! more like sudds).  It would be good if you could take a photo of your crema in comparison.  I have seen a nespresso pull a shot with dark hazelnut crema and taste 60 to 70% to what my Giotto can pull.  I was very impressed.  It did not look anything like the Expressi crema that Andys getting.  Unfortunately if you tell me your crema looks like the ones above, Id be inclined to agree with Andys review 100%.  I couldnt bring myself to drink whats in the photos. 
                          Hi.  My crema was definitely darker and more hazlenut colour than the one in the photos.  His looks quite white and I imagine it would be quite bitter based on my experience, where cafes have over extracted coffee and the shot turns white/blonde, thereby drawing out the bitter part.  Will try and get a snap.

                          Reggio tasted pretty good to me and I believe I know what good coffee tastes like, having been to the Maling Room, St Ali, Brother Baba Budan in Melbourne, and Villino Espresso in Hobart, and used fresh beans in a burr and my proper espresso machine.  Also dont mind the Nespresso Ristretto pod coffee.  Im not saying it is as good, but in my opinion, and in the opinion of several people I watched taste it, it is good. I agree its more expensive.

                          Comment


                          • #43
                            Re: Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine Review - (Lots of pictures)


                            So after washing out my mouth with a shot from the Giotto I thought I would try packing my own capsule.

                            I cut the top off a capsule, tipped-out the contents and refilled it with fresh coffee from the grinder.  It failed as the Expressi machine groaned trying to push the water through.

                            Second attempt was after an adjustment to the grinder and this time it worked... well... coffee came out.

                            Hi Andy, thanks for the review!

                            How do you keep the fresh ground coffee from coming out of the pod after you insert back into the machine?

                            Did you used few layers of glad wrap to seal it?

                            Very curious!  ;D


                            Cheers,
                            OzPete

                            Comment


                            • #44
                              Re: Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine Review - (Lots of pictures)

                              Great review Andy.

                              Some points that jumped out to me:

                              1) The cost per KG of beans is exorbitant!
                              2) The amount of waste with the coffee pods. Are they recyclable? If so, the landfill problem isnt quite so bad.

                              Ultimately, this machine is marketed for convenience and cost per cup.

                              1) I know someone who owns cafes and have spent big $$$ on machines in the stores, and works with good local roasters. But she uses a Nespresso at home for sheer convenience. Modern busy life = no time to clean espresso machine or stovepot.

                              2) Even though youre paying $50+ per KG of beans, each cup of coffee works out to $0.38. Thats still a heck alot cheaper than $3 at the local cafe.

                              Comment


                              • #45
                                Re: Aldi Expressi Coffee Machine Review - (Lots of pictures)

                                It is the coffee that you are really paying for - and paying $50ish a kilo which as mentioned is more than the best fresh roasted beans around.
                                I could accept on convenience alone it is quite good value for some people, but on taste... :
                                Its a value added product, its not the coffee youre paying for. Its faster to make than instant coffee, but has the ability to be off the quality of the best freshly opened vacuum sealed ground coffee.

                                You open a sealed ground coffee package and its only fresh for maybe amount of coffees consumed for that day, then its going stale. Pods will keep your coffee freshly vacuum sealed until seconds before you drink it.

                                People pay for that.

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