ALDI Ambiano Espresso Machine (Mar 2019)
Verified4 reviews
- Daily
- ·
- Several times a week
Very disappointed – Too bad I didn’t keep the receipt, although if I went through the bank statements I’d find it. I got it for my son. After using it no more than 20 times the novelty wore off and it was just sitting there for over a year. Few mths ago I thought I’d make myself one…..doesn’t work. The frothed works but the coffee part doesn’t. It’s like the tubes are blocked. I always used spring water. It’s brand new. Now what? Do I get a refund?
Purchased in at ALDI for $87.
- Product is used: Several times a week
Bought it cheap in the UK but worth the bucks! – Lovely item which I shipped back from the UK and still cheaper than in AUS by $20. Though grinding is very bad, the texture is acceptable for its price. Recommended.
Purchased in at ALDI for $100.
- Product is used: Several times a week
Direct comparison to older Aldi Lumina Espresso Machine – This is a direct comparison between this and Aldi's previous model owned for near 8 years: https://www.productreview.com.au/reviews/5dcf81b8-6cf9-4f9e-b9d9-8b2d79f72aad From the get go they are both of similar pricing: $70 in 2011, $85 in 2019 (marked down to $75). In a market where similar basic espresso machines from big name retailers kick off at near $200 its an astounding price.
Warranty is for 3 years whereas the previous one only offered a statutory 12 months. Bonus.
Current model looks funkier (almost "steam punk" styling) with added temperature dial and steam volume control knob. Its ultra shiny black plastic with chrome trims, whereas the older one was mainly satin stainless steel. Its a bit bigger as well with over 2" added to the height and nearly 4" depth. Main power switch on the front is an improvement.
Water tank is an appreciative upgrade from 1L to 1.2L. Cup clearance under the porta filter is identical meaning I continue to use my fave mug. Ok, so I have to angle it slightly to clear the delivery nozzles but that's no great deal breaker as it's the same procedure in both.
Wattage rating is down to 1100W from 1250W which seems not to adversely affect the output.
Despite the lower power rating it was still pleasing to note it was ready to start making fresh hot coffee in similar time after initial power up: about 50 seconds.
It seems to take slightly longer to fill the mug (my usual is a long black) but that difference is also insignificant. Bonus is coffee is slightly hotter.
Both machines produce a wonderfully rich crema.
Despite using the same coffee there is a slight difference in taste. I don't lose sight of the fact the old machine had nearly 8 years to develop its current flavour subtleties and it's therefore expected that time and use will eventually remove all manufacturing taint to produce the rich coffee flavours I enjoy.
If you succumb to absent mindedness and neglect to hit the switch to turn it off it'll do it for you after 29minutes.
Seriously, value for money is there if you're looking to get away from instant coffee and want to steer clear of those much costlier pods. I've used other espresso machines over the years and whilst one did impress me the thought of paying over $700 for a machine that I had to keep stabbing the delivery switch to fill the mug just to get an inbuilt grinder which generously also delivered fresh grinds on the tray under the porta-filter left me unimpressed.
Aldi, your shavers might be not up to scratch but your espresso machines are a winner here!
Purchased in at Aldi for $75.
- Product is used: Daily
Amazing value good coffee – My first espresso machine so didn’t want to pay a lot before knowing how to operate one. My first few cups were awful until I got the hang of it. You have to follow the instructions first then experiment with temperatures. I also find timing absolutely crucial so have everything ready beside the machine to avoid more waiting time or coffee/milk cooling down. The only variables you can control are temperature and steam amount, which is quite enough for entry level. I cheat and I use steam heater to increase the heat of making the espresso, and I experiment with different types of milk and that makes most the difference. I also have espresso glasses and bone chine milk jugs I use for heating milk. At $85 you can’t go wrong. I’m a light user (3 cups a week) but a coffee snob (I buy 2 a day from certain places) and I can say it’s ok for that. You can’t make more than 2 cups at a time. I’ve had it for 2 months and can’t complain.
Purchased in at ALDI for $85.
- Product is used: Several times a week
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