Caffitaly - where do you go to for a decent deal?

Lboonce on 11/09/2016 - 22:32

Hey bargain hunters

Started in a new office that uses a Caffitaly machine and looking for a place to get a decent price on pods. Bonus if it comes with a machine like the Caffitaly S22 (currently $170 at Woolies). Short term I've just been buying MAP $6 for 10 pods from Coles while I mull over my options (60c/pod) and at home drink plunger black.

I like a strong coffee and usually just add cold 2% milk and microwave for 60s to make a flat white. Keen for any tips on how you make your coffee using a pod machine.

Where do you buy regularly for Caffitaly pods (if not waiting for a bargain)?

Any decent deals going on at the moment?

Find Me A Bargain Caffitaly System

Comments

  • StewBalls on 11/09/2016 - 23:33

    Every Woolies store in the district seems to have Caffitaly pods in the markdown section regularly at half price or under, we usually stock up then.

    The fancy Grinders variety in the plastic box was the best score @ $4 from Charlestown one day. But I always see them intermittently at Charly, Glendale, Cardiff, Kotara, Raymond Tce x2, & Mt Mutton…funny I never see any decent markdowns in Jesmond, must be those bloody miserly uni students mopping up the dregs! ;)

    • boonce on 12/09/2016 - 00:39

      Great advice I'll try dropping in to Woolies just to check out the discount sections more often - when I get a chance.

      • amkssg on 12/09/2016 - 01:46
        +2

        The pods frequently go on sale. I would discourage you from buying when it is not on sale.
        Woolies' Normal & Sale prices are as follows:
        1) MAP (10 pack): Normal $5, Sale $3 to $4 (usually $4)
        2) Gloria Jeans (16 pack): Normal $7.60, Sale $5 to $6
        3) Woolies Select (16 pack): Normal $6.50, Sale $5
        4) Moccona (16 pack): Normal $9, Sale $4.75 to $7
        5) Grinders (10 pack): Normal $6.50, Sale $5

        • [Deactivated] on 12/09/2016 - 06:20

          We also have a Cafitaly machine in our office and have used all these when on special

          I can only add:

          Mr Barista (available in a Strong 16 - Map Red is 13)
          16 pack - full price around $9 On Special usually $5

        • amkssg on 12/09/2016 - 12:31

          @eglathangion: I think you meant $6, not $9. Mr Barista is always $6 at Coles. Never goes on sale.

          Also,
          Gloria Jeans (10 pack) Nicaraguan, Brazillian, Cuban: Usually $6, was $2.99 last week. (wait for next sale).

          Alternatively, there are many foreign brands you can purchase online.

  • sneezy on 11/09/2016 - 23:46

    If you like a strong coffee in the Caffitaly pods then try the red MAP Strong Roast (which I get at Costco in a bulk carton). It's the heaviest kick I've found so far. Yes I go a long black with a dash of milk style too. I go 1/4 water via the pod, a dash of milk, the rest with just boiled water from a kettle.

    • boonce on 12/09/2016 - 00:40

      I've tried the black MAP "Extra Strong Roast" but will give the Red "Strong Roast" a try. If (the extra strong) has a harsh flavour it is masked well by the milk.

  • Toon on 12/09/2016 - 08:54

    The Gloria Jeans Special Intense Roast is strong, but their Rich Dark Roast as well as Woolworth's Select Colombian Espresso are both strong with good flavour too.

  • supnigs super skids on 12/09/2016 - 09:36

    Buy reusable pods. Fill with ground coffee of your choice. Currently I'm enjoying Vietnamese coffee @home which noone makes in pods

  • tunzafun001 on 12/09/2016 - 09:40
    +2

    I have the older/ original Caffitaly machine that came with a milk frother wand on the side, pods sit upright.
    I find it best to do a half extraction, pull out the pod give it a quick 'massage' and then place it back in 180 degrees (My machine only puts 1 hole in the middle top and bottom, but the water enters from the back). So a spin gives you a full strength mug….but only if:

    You put the right coffee in. These are so easy to refill. I use Vittoria Oro. Grab an old pod, peel/cut the top off. Take off top filter and rinse. Tap out remaining pod (in my case throw em on the back lawn) grab bottom filter and empty pod and rinse. Place filter in bottom, scoop up favourite coffee, tamp down with an upside down Nespresso pod (perfect size). It's CRUCIAL that you tamp the coffee down to get a decent mug. Piece of alfoil on top (about 5cm square is fine). I accidentally forgot to put the top filter on the other day, found it to be even better without (but I have upright pods, might not work so well on sideways machines), so still experimenting with this, give it a quick flush cycle at the end.

    I have only tried the Electrolux, Dolce Gusto and Nespresso as comparisons but still find the Map machine the only machine that gets close to a proper cafe mug of coffee with the right coffee in the pods. The generic 'extra strong' black pod is ok, but you know its pod coffee. Stick with the Vittoria / Piazza D'Oro etc.

    Refill a set of pods at the end of the week, place in container. It might take 2 mins, but so does a trip to the shops. Environment will appreciate it, your wallet will appreciate it and most importantly your mouth will appreciate it!

    *EDIT - Also, if you have the milk wand version. Press the steam button and wait about 7 seconds, then turn machine off and back on. Then do your extraction. I find it produces more pressure. Any longer than around 7 seconds and the machine will go into a flashing cool down mode.

    • boonce on 17/09/2016 - 20:10

      Thanks for the advice, we currently drink Vittoria made in a plunger so using your method will likely produce a much nicer coffee. I'll start saving up my pods until I eventually buy a machine at home.

  • tagniteroi on 12/09/2016 - 09:51

    thanks tunzafun, was following this post because i have a caffitally s22 machine, just right now i tried to recycle an old used one and worked just fine! used an used map capsule, refilled and covered with foil… thanks for the tip! will save some dollars now! the boxes for this machine are not cheap

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