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ST. ALi Capsules Tips and FAQ

Having trouble with your ST. ALi Capsules? Here are some helpful tips and FAQ's

 

1. Which coffee machines can I use your capsules with?

Our capsules are compatible with all the current Nespresso® Classic machines on the market, Fyllo and Opal One. This includes but is not limited to: 

  • Lattissima
  • Innissia
  • Pixie 
  • Citiz
  • Creatista
  • Essensa
  • Essensa- Mini

    Nespresso®* latest machines the Pixie, U & Inissia have redesigned their blades. We can also confirm our capsules are compatible with all these machines


    2. Are the capsules also compatible with other systems and machines?

    No sorry! Our capsules are only compatible with the Nespresso®* system.

    3. Is the warranty on my machine still valid if I use your capsules?

    Absolutely. The warranty on your machine is not dependent on the capsules used in the machine. This must be honoured by the manufacturer.

    4. Can your capsules damage my Nespresso®* machine?

    No. Our capsules have been specially developed for use with the Nespresso®* system and are made of a flexible, yielding material. All tests show our capsules do not damage your machine in any way. However be sure to regularly maintain your coffee machine, as this is essential to ensure the quality of the coffee extracted.

    Please note that ST. ALi will not be held responsible for any damage sustained to your capsule machine while using our capsules.

    5. How long can I store my capsules?

    We recommend you use the capsule within 12 months of its manufacture date to ensure you experience the full flavour and aroma of our specialty grade coffee.

    6. How do you ensure freshness?

    Our coffee is roasted, ground, and packed right here in Australia. It is packed within days of roasting and seconds of grinding. It is the freshest capsule you can get in Australia. Our manufacturing and packing process extracts over 99% of the oxygen from the capsule then wraps it in an airtight aluminium foil, retaining flavours and aromas in an optimally modified, shelf-stable atmosphere.

    7. Where are your capsules made?

    The freshly roasted coffee is ground and packed at a state of the art factory in Alexandria, NSW. Our capsules are produced from fresh, high-grade specialty coffee.

    8. What water should I use?

    Good water quality is essential for a good coffee. We recommend you use filtered water—and remember to refill the water tank regularly!

    9. How should I prepare my coffee?

    To get the best possible extraction, we recommend you purge your machine and heat your cup before making a coffee. This can be done in one easy step by running hot water from your machine into your cup two or three times (without inserting a capsule). Pour out the hot water and proceed to make your espresso. This does a few things that will enhance the taste of your coffee:

    • Heats the cup.
    • Warms the coffee machine to an optimum temperature for brewing.
    • Clears the machine of any buildup of old water in the system.

    10. What coffee should I choose?

    Different coffee varieties vary dramatically in taste, flavour, aroma, and intensity, so each capsule in our range has its own unique characteristics. They are all profiled to Australian tastes offering a variety of flavours and intensities. Check the descriptors on the box for more details.

    11. How do I make an authentic espresso?

    Our capsules and coffee have been developed to deliver a true, classic espresso. To enjoy a real espresso, it is advisable to extract a 25ml shot of coffee. The extraction time for this is usually between 12-18 seconds of coffee flow depending on the coffee. You can extend this to a 40ml shot, but the balance of flavour and intensity will be different. Extraction time on a 40ml shot will be between 18-30 seconds.

    12. How do I make a long coffee?

    For best results, you should fill a cup with as much hot water as you desire and then extract a capsule into the hot water as normal. You may wish to extract two capsules for more flavour and intensity.

    13. How do I make a double espresso?

    Use two capsules one after the other to ensure the balance of flavour. You really shouldn't use the same capsule twice—this will adversely affect flavour and intensity.

    14. My machine seems difficult to close, is this normal?

    Check that the capsule is seated in the holder correctly if it seems a bit stiffer than normal. Our capsules are made of a thin food grade aluminium and it will buckle and cause resistance if they are sitting wrong and pressure is applied incorrectly.

    Place the capsule in the machine, don't just drop it in. Make sure it is placed in the machine so the chamber fits neatly over the capsule. Close the lid carefully ensuring it stays in the correct position throughout.

    15. My machine is still dripping at the end of the extraction, is this normal?

    Yes, this is normal and is not a sign of any damage to the machine. We aim to get a longer extraction time in order to release all the flavours and aromas of the coffee. A good extraction time for a traditional espresso style coffee is up to 20 seconds. The coffee may drip through or extract slower than a Nespresso®* capsule. This is quite normal. Remember, coffee is a natural product and preparation time can vary accordingly.

    16. My coffee takes a long time to pour. Is that normal?

    Yes, that is completely normal. Our capsules can extract slower than Nespresso®* capsules. Extraction time can be up to 20 seconds depending on variant, your machine type & the extraction volume. 

    17. My coffee takes a short time to pour. Is that normal?

    This is also completely normal. Extraction time can be as low as 8 seconds depending on the variant, your machine type  & the extraction volume. 

    18. Capsules do not eject automatically?

    In general, we recommend each capsule be ejected after coffee preparation. If this is not done, the capsule may contract and expand with cooling and heating of the machine, lodging in the barrel. If this happens, the capsule should be carefully pried out of the barrel using either a spoon, blunt knife, or tweezer.

    Occasionally, because of the material they are made from, our capsules may deform slightly under high pressure and not eject automatically. In this case, raise the lever on your machine and manually press the capsule down lightly or move the lever back and forth slightly. This will free the capsule, with your machine ready for the next capsule.

    19. The lever on my machine wont open 
    If your machine lever wont open turn the power off, remove the power plug and wait for the pressure to release and the machine to cool down (this could take up to an hour) before attempting to open the machine. Damage to a machine from use of excessive force or while the machine is still pressurised will be the owner's liability

     20. My machine is blinking and won’t make coffee?

    • Check to see if the used capsule collection bin is full. If so, empty it.

    • Check water level. If necessary, refill.

    • Occasionally, after preparing several coffees in a short space of time, your machine may go into calibration mode. This is necessary for the machine to cool down so the next coffee will be extracted at the optimum temperature. This is not a defect in the machine. After a few minutes, the blinking will stop and the machine will be ready for the next coffee.

    21. The capsule ruptured. Why is this?

    The capsules expand when they are introduced to hot water under high pressure. In rare cases, this can lead to separation of the aluminium foil lid. Please check for visible residue on the filter plate and remove it. We recommend you purge the coffee machine before making the next cup of coffee. This can prevent coffee grains from flowing into the next cup of coffee.

     22. When the capsule is inserted it falls directly into the capsule holder. What should I do?

    Simply use the same capsule again. For best results, place the capsule in the capsule holder slowly and at a slight angle, then close the lever. 

    23. I have coffee grinds in the cup. Why is this?

    Our coffee is very finely ground. Occasionally a few of the finest particles of coffee may get past the filter plate and extract along with the coffee into the cup. Coffee is a natural product and this will not affect your health. By purging the machine, the remaining coffee grains may be flushed out of the machine.

     

    24. How do I maintain my machine?

    • Follow the manufacturer’s guide.

    • Service the machine as recommended.

    • Descale your coffee machine on a regular basis.

    • Check the filter plate for residue and remove, if necessary.

     

    25. How do I dispose of my capsules?

    Our capsules can be recycled via the TerraCycle programme.

    Collect your used compostable coffee capsules at home using any available bag placed inside a box. When you are ready to send in a shipment, download a shipping label from your TerraCycle account by clicking “Ship us your waste” and follow the prompts. Print out your label and tape it securely onto your box. Ship the box to TerraCycle by dropping it off at your nearby post office.

    You can find more information on this via this link 

    *Nespresso® is the registered trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé SA