Though I have a new grinder, and the espresso machine likes it's output, despite it not being a burr type, I bought some already ground Coles Free Trade medium roast just to compare. Coles is one of the two major supermarket/petrol station/women's clothes/electronic shops - owners.
I am surprised at how much Crema the machine could produce from this Coles labelled product. And I like the taste, it is mellow, mild, and nicely rounded. So for your $5 you will get a few cups of really nice cappuccino, whatever. The bag contains a device to take up moisture, but it does not seem to be vacuum packed, in that it isn't like a brick.
However, what I want to comment on, is that the sprinkle of Nestle's mint flavored drinking chocolate, is divine. I will make it my choice over caramel and plain. Though, caramel isn't bad!
I have only had my Sunbeam Piccolo machine a week, and the large mug of cappuccino was the first using filtered water. I went to KMart (another Coles department store) just to get a new Brita filter cartridge for my filter jug I hadn't used for a couple of years.
And yes, I think the water minus the minerals does make the water softer & makes the coffee taste better. No doubt better for the machine too.
I wish you all a happy New Year - and hope you discover your most satisfying coffee beans, ever, in 2012