Aroma Plus+ ESE Coffee Pod Machine FAQs
Whether you're considering the Aroma Plus+ or you've recently purchased one, this guide answers the most common questions about compatible coffee pods, brewing, maintenance and getting the best performance from your machine.
What coffee pods does the Aroma Plus+ use?
The Aroma Plus+ is compatible with all standard 44mm ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) paper coffee pods. ESE is the international espresso pod standard, giving you access to a wide variety of premium coffee blends from Aroma and many other compatible coffee roasters.
Can I use any 44mm ESE coffee pod brand?
Yes. The Aroma Plus+ works with any standard 44mm ESE paper coffee pod, so you're free to choose the coffee blend and roast that suits your taste. You're not limited to a single brand or proprietary pod system.
Is the Aroma Plus+ made in Italy?
Yes. Every Aroma Plus+ is proudly designed and manufactured in Italy using premium materials and high-quality components. It combines authentic Italian craftsmanship with reliable everyday performance.
Does the Aroma Plus+ make café-quality espresso?
Yes. The Aroma Plus+ features Aroma's patented brass brewing group and a professional 15-bar pump, helping produce rich espresso with a thick, golden crema. Combined with quality ESE coffee pods, it delivers café-quality coffee at home without the need for grinding or tamping.
Why choose the Aroma Plus+ over a capsule machine?
The Aroma Plus+ offers the convenience of coffee pods while delivering a more authentic espresso experience. Unlike many capsule systems, it uses standard ESE paper pods, allowing you to choose from a wide range of coffee brands. ESE pods also create less waste and require no grinding, measuring or complicated cleaning.
What makes the Aroma Plus+ different from other Aroma coffee machines?
The Aroma Plus+ is one of Aroma's most versatile models, combining premium espresso performance with a compact footprint. It's ideal for everyday home use, offering Italian-made quality, a hygienic glass water tank, low power consumption and optional upgrades to suit your brewing preferences.
What is the patented brass brewing group?
The brewing group is the heart of the coffee machine. Aroma's patented brass brewing group provides excellent thermal stability, helping maintain a consistent brewing temperature throughout extraction. The result is richer flavour, excellent crema and reliable performance from the first coffee to the last.
What does the adjustable brass pod press do?
The adjustable brass pod press allows you to fine-tune the brewing pressure to suit different ESE coffee pods and compensate for natural wear over time. This helps maintain consistent espresso extraction and can be adjusted by hand without any tools.
Does the Aroma Plus+ require much maintenance?
No. The Aroma Plus+ is designed for simple everyday maintenance. The removable filter holder makes cleaning easy, while regular descaling helps maintain peak performance. With routine care, your machine will continue producing excellent espresso for years to come.
How often should I descale the machine?
This depends on your water quality and how often you use the machine. As a general guide, descaling every two to three months will help maintain optimal performance. If you live in a hard water area, more frequent descaling may be recommended.
Does the Aroma Plus+ have a glass water tank?
Yes. The Plus+ features a 700ml removable glass water tank. Glass is hygienic, easy to clean and doesn't retain odours or flavours over time. It also allows you to quickly check the water level before brewing.
Can I increase the water tank capacity?
Yes. The Aroma Plus+ is compatible with the optional IXELLE Glass Water Tank Upgrade, which increases the water capacity from 700ml to 1.7 litres. This is ideal for households or workplaces that prepare multiple coffees throughout the day.
Does the Aroma Plus+ make tea or herbal infusions?
Yes. In addition to espresso, the Aroma Plus+ can also be used with compatible ESE tea and herbal infusion pods, making it a versatile machine for a variety of hot beverages.
How much bench space does the Aroma Plus+ require?
The Aroma Plus+ has a compact footprint, measuring just 16 cm wide, 26 cm deep and 26 cm high. Its space-saving design makes it ideal for kitchens, apartments, offices and other areas where bench space is limited.
Is the Aroma Plus+ suitable for home and office use?
Absolutely. The Aroma Plus+ is designed for everyday use and is equally suited to homes, offices, studios and holiday accommodation. Its compact size and simple operation make it an excellent choice wherever quality espresso is appreciated.
Why does the Aroma Plus+ only use 380 watts?
The Aroma Plus+ has been engineered for energy efficiency without compromising coffee quality. Its advanced heating system delivers excellent espresso while using significantly less electricity than many traditional espresso machines.
Does the Aroma Plus+ have an automatic standby mode?
An optional Standby Kit is available, allowing the machine to automatically switch off after a period of inactivity. This helps reduce energy consumption and offers added convenience for everyday use.
Are ESE coffee pods compostable?
Most ESE paper coffee pods are made from biodegradable filter paper filled with ground coffee, making them a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic coffee capsules. Many can be composted, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations and your local council guidelines.
How long does the Aroma Plus+ take to heat up?
The Aroma Plus+ heats quickly and is typically ready to brew within just a few minutes, allowing you to enjoy authentic Italian espresso without a long wait.
Is the Aroma Plus+ a good first espresso machine?
Yes. The Aroma Plus+ is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy authentic espresso without the complexity of a traditional coffee machine. Simply insert a 44mm ESE coffee pod, lower the lever and brew. There's no grinding, tamping or messy cleanup, making it ideal for beginners and experienced coffee lovers alike.
Should I choose the Aroma Plus+ or the Aroma Iconica?
The Aroma Plus+ is ideal for most households, offering an excellent balance of performance, compact size and value. The Iconica is better suited to those looking for a premium machine with a larger 2-litre water tank, enhanced adjustability and a more luxurious design. If you're unsure which model is right for you, visit our Which Aroma Coffee Machine Is Right for Me? buying guide for a side-by-side comparison.