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.
