Friday, February 16, 2024

Ambiano Single Serve Coffee Maker Review

 

 So, every other trip I make it out to Aldi I feel compelled to take a stroll down the specialty or seasonal aisle which is coined by the Aldi frequent customers as the “Aisle of Shame”. This aisle has everything from exercise equipment, to gardening or garage tools, to knock off crocs or Tevas. Store it, wear it, or decorate with it and you will find it in this aisle. It is a trap as just about everyone can find something in that aisle that intrigues them and fall into a trance to make a purchase. I will consider myself much more disciplined in this temptation than my wife. I would consider her purchase rate in the aisle of shame to be about 30% of her visits. (I am more in the 10% range).

 

One interesting item I did manage to purchase awhile back was the Ambiano Single Service Coffee Maker. This machine is the Aldi answer to the Single Cup Keurig. Ambiano is one of many Keurig imitators out there. Other Keurig knock off brands include Black and Decker, Hamilton Beach, Bonsenkitchen, Royalcraft and several others. The old saying of “do not shop on an empty stomach” applied here as I happened to be shopping in Aldi on a cloudy and cold afternoon while craving a caffeine jolt. Seemed like this was a no brainer to put this tiny coffee maker in my cart and escape the aisle of shame before I spent more. It was a justified purchase as my old Keurig was defunct due to many years of use and abuse and it was finally put to rest; and I was left with several unused k cups left behind.

Characteristics of Ambiano Coffee Maker

The machine is all black like my previous Keurig maker. The water reservoir is in the back of machine with see through water level indicators to gauge how much water you want add. The front has a slotted drip tray at its base that is removable and allows for washing. The main k-cup assembly is in the front or top that has a flip top that opens to permit inserting a pod or “k-cup”. If you don’t want to use premade k-cups, there is a fine mesh basket to add your own ground coffee if so desired. At the bottom right of the machine are three small button displays in front that includes the power button at very bottom with buttons showing brew options at eight or fifteen ounces. The buttons light up when desired option is chosen.

 

How it Works

The manual is easy to follow and definitely take the time to review it instead of trying to wing it. There is a sequence of steps that must be followed to get that cup brewed. I will summarize the process. When brewing a pod or kcup, the first step is to remove the little basket (for grounds) and set aside. Next, the pod is inserted into the little pod holder until the little steel spike pokes a hole in bottom of kcup. The little kcup holder is then placed into the brew basket and you then close the machine. The water reservoir is then filled to desire amount. At this time, the power button is selected which will also show the two coffee size buttons also lighting up (or flashing). At this point, the brewing system is heating the water. When all three buttons stay lit continuously with power button being green, the water is heated. Place your cup on the base and pick the desired size (eight ounce or fifteen ounce) and brew.

 

Is the Ambiano Single Serve Coffee Maker Legit?

So now that I have my sample size (which was 8 ounces), I gave the coffee pod a taste test. The coffee came out just fine. That cup did not have any grinds in it, but on occasion some cups did have a few; though that also happened with the predecessor Keurig maker I owned. After repeated use, the machine may have a tendency to brew a complete cup which may require a little cleaning by running (brewing) a small amount vinegar through the system a few times. Overall, I am pleased with this little Aldi knock off. It is much cheaper than the Keurig model and has lasted quite a long time. I do not use it every day but find it very practical when I want that afternoon cup of Joe and do not want to commit to brewing a whole pot. This is a recommended purchase.





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