For coffee lovers, there’s nothing quite like a freshly brewed cup to enliven the senses, and a coffee machine for the kitchen counter is a must. But if you live alone, are the only coffee lover in your household, or you’re not overburdened with countertop space, it can be difficult to justify a big, all-singing, all-dancing machine. That’s where the Aromaboy filter coffee machine from Melitta hits the spot.
What’s Hot
+ It’s compact, measuring just 198mm x 168mm x 128mm
+ It’s super simple to set up and easy to use
+ Great retro styling, if you like that kind of thing
What’s Not
– It only makes two very small or one decent-sized cup at a time
– The plastic feels a little cheap
– No replacement glass jug available if you break it
Setup and ease of use
Melitta has been making this drip coffee machine since 1979, and it has all the retro charm you’d expect. It is available in black, or for a truly retro feel, the beige and brown configuration looks straight out of the ’80s.
The Aromaboy filter coffee machine has two great strengths: its tiny proportions and ease of use. This compact machine is the perfect partner for a small space, but only if you want, realistically, one cup at a time.
Setting up Aromaboy couldn’t be easier. Once it’s unboxed, simply fill the water reservoir to the desired level using the tank’s water level indicator, put the right-sized filter (size 100) into the cone, and add your favourite ground coffee. Then, flick the switch.
Brewing and customisation
After a minute or so, the warmed water flows into the filter, and the coffee drips through and collects in the small glass jug. Because the quantity is small, the whole process takes just a few minutes, and you have a steaming brew to enjoy.
Once brewed, the warming plate will keep any coffee in the pot warm for 40 minutes.
As Aromaboy is a filter coffee machine, there is no customisation — that’s up to you and your choice of coffee.
Cleaning and maintenance
With no moving parts or fancy attachments, Aromaboy requires little maintenance. However, you’ll need to clean it with a descaler to ensure that it continues to perform effectively. Melitta recommends cleaning it every 40 uses, but that may vary depending on the hardness of your water.
The glass jug and swivel filter holder can be easily rinsed or placed in the dishwasher, so keeping the machine in good order is easy. The plastic casing just needs a wipe-over with a damp cloth, and that’s the task complete.
Aromaboy filter coffee machine: The Verdict
In a world of coffee that can seem highly complex, the simplicity of this little retro revelation is refreshing. You pick your ground blend, add as little or as much as you want to achieve the desired flavour profile, and hit the switch. Without needing to adjust anything or fiddle with anything, you can leave Aromaboy to do its thing and just enjoy the results.
Of course, there are only a set number of cases where this would be the right coffee machine choice. If you drink several large cups of coffee at a time or need to make more than two small cups, it becomes less efficient as you’d need to brew several pots, at which point something larger, like the Melitta Aromasignature
filter coffee machine, would be a better bet.
If you are that person who just enjoys the occasional cup of freshly brewed coffee, then, despite its flaws, the Aromaboy filter coffee machine is a miniature marvel.
Reviewed: Melitta Aromaboy Filter Coffee Machine
Price: £45 (Currently £29 at Amazon)
Average Joes Rating: ★★★☆☆
