The machine is a very worthwhile option for the money. It’s worth it and produces quality espresso. I won’t say much; you can check out my videos on YouTube for more detailed reviews of this particular one.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeZxuQK3D9zw&si=Akup6iJaGl63PVf7

External overview:

As soon as you take the machine out of the packaging, you notice its sturdy construction of about 12 kilos. All external parts are made of metal.

Grouphead design:

In contrast to the machine’s minimalist main body, the cylindrical Grouphead stands out with its mechanical pressure buttons (not touch) and the display for indicators and settings. Around it, a futuristic LED light shines. The aesthetics here work wonderfully. However, the pressure needed to lock the portafilter unfortunately forces you to hold the machine steady with your other hand. I hope this will loosen up a bit over time. The other negative is that the group head is not heated. This is easily offset, though, when you do a short flush without coffee and it reaches thermal balance.

Drip tray:

It is quite spacious (600 ml). Without splashing, you can comfortably flush the Grouphead, the steam wand, and the hot water outlet. At the base it offers extra support for narrow kitchen counters, allowing it to protrude from the counter with support and safety.

Heated surface:

Although it is spacious and fits cups, puck screens, and even the portafilter, it still provides even better heating without the metal grate. I have placed an absorbent drainage mat on top. You just need to be a little careful not to place very wet objects on it, because there is a risk of water entering the interior through the side gaps.

Water intake - tank:

The tank is located at the back. It holds 1.5 liters of water and contains a special float with a sensor that sends a signal and the machine notifies you of the low water level! There is also a special rear port for connecting an external water tank with a special tube included in the package.

Portafilter:

It is a professional-grade 58 mm portafilter. It is heavy, sturdy, and made of stainless steel. It easily fits my IMS basket. Be careful, though, it is not E61. This makes it a bit difficult to find a bottomless one... However, I have the feeling it will be compatible with the corresponding Hibrew H21, since the two machines are identical.

Internal architecture:

Here the good stuff begins... When you open the ARIA, you do not see that complicated mess of tightly packed parts of a cheap standard machine. Here there are the standard principles of prosumer machines. In other words, everything is organized and clearly separated. There is room for servicing and everything is clear in terms of where it is and what it does. Internally, we can find the following:
3 thermoblocks (1 for extraction and hot water, 2 exclusively for steam)
2 independent pumps (Ulka)
2 OPVs (extraction and steam)
2 independent PID systems
2 sets of independent NTC sensors
2 3-way solenoid valves
Electronics and power supply board
OPV relief pipes to the drip tray

Functions and customization:

On the Group Head, as soon as you turn on the machine, the preheating indicator flashes. In 90 seconds it is ready for extraction and steam. If you want to make only espresso, with the press of a button you can deactivate the 2 steam thermoblocks and save time and money. Through the display, you can easily adjust:
Water temperature (extraction - outlet)
Pre-infusion
Automatic extraction time
Water volume (50-300 ml) from the outlet
It also displays extraction times and maintenance and low-water alerts.

Extraction in practice:

The factory OPV is set at 10-11 bar (about 9 inside the portafilter). This means stable extractions close to the standard 9-bar benchmark. In this way, high pressure that causes channeling with sour and bitter flavors is avoided. The 3-way valve always leaves my puck dry and compact. With one tap, all the coffee comes out easily. I find it wonderful and very easy to be able to make espresso and milk foam at the same time. Temperature control is truly stable between shots. From the very first cup I got a balanced flavor. Crema, acidity and sweetness (depending on the coffee) and a clean aftertaste.

Steam:

This is where the ARIA performs excellently! 2 thermoblocks for continuous, strong and dry steam. The steam wand comes with a single hole. This is very forgiving and gives you time to easily prepare a silky milky foam!

Hot water outlet:

It works volumetrically with very good response, both in quantity and in the desired temperature.

Conclusions:

Guys, this machine is not just an upgrade of the Suprema. It keeps all the positives of the Suprema and is enriched with customization and build quality. Its features place it in the prosumer category, e.g. Lelit and Gaggia. Does it beat them? In terms of functions, it reaches them equally! We still have to see in practice the build quality against giants and brands tested for decades. However, the fact that there is support and warranty from a Greek company means you don’t have to worry about what and when they will answer you from Chinese buying platforms and companies. There are people who cannot afford 2000 euros for a home setup. I am there too. What I want to conclude is that for this money we are talking about the ultimate VALUE FOR MONEY. You will really struggle to find a difference in taste between the ARIA and a machine twice the price. With proper maintenance, I believe it will pay for itself; it can make coffee that has nothing to envy from a specialty shop.

Negatives:
Very tight portafilter and not common
I would like a slightly longer pre-infusion

Really, despite this, the machine is EXCELLENT.
Coming from the Suprema, I tried but did not find any support and discussion group about these machines. So I created the following Group on Facebook.
It offers support for these models and not only. The priority is coffee itself. With respect, patience and help. If you want, you can join here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19ZRyQz1kj/