- Coffee prep
Why you might actually need an Aeropress.
Last weekend I finally did the annual spring cleaning. I did everything, including wiping inside the kitchen cabinets. And while doing that I found the Aeropress hidden all the way in the back. One of these things that is a must have for coffee fans – which I am – but you barely use it. But why? In fact, the coffee from this little complicated “thing that is a mixture between French press and drip coffee” has a very interesting taste.
Kristin Oldenburg
But first things first.
The Aeropress was invented by Alan Adler in 2006 – by the way, he holds more than 40 patents on all kinds of aerodynamic and electronical innovations. Like the French press, the Aeropress has a pressure piston, but also a filter, so that the sediments do not get into the cup (a barista once called it a coffee press with air pump optics – that sounds about right).
By the way: Because of the filter oils and bitter compounds are held back, which reminds us of the drip coffee mechanism. Yet, the result tastes much fuller than pour over coffee and at the same time finer than French press coffee. It is crucial though, to be precise when pressing the plunger and with the amount of coffee used. If you are not careful, you might get more bitter compounds than you like. One thing is certain, and that is that taste wise there is a good reason for the existence of Aeropress coffee. But why am I not using it then? I tell you why.
I am lazy.
Yes, I really am. I need lots of coffee in the mornings. Lots and lots of coffee. But with the Aeropress you can only brew a single cup of coffee. If you stretch it a little, you might get an extra-large cup out of it. For me, that is not enough – especially considering all the effort. But of course, everyone can decide that for themselves.
For everyone who has never made an Aeropress coffee, we have the instructions here (If I use the Aeropress I am only using this method):
- Place the plunger in the brewing chamber, just a little bit.
- Turn the Aeropress upside down on top of the plunger.
- Add ground coffee: 0.5-0.8 oz finely ground.
- Place the filter in the filter holder and moist it with hot water.
- Fill water into the plunger: All the way to the top marker (the upside down 1)
- Stir well (10 seconds), the Aeropress should come with a spatula, but you can also use spoon.
- Let it sit: 30-60 seconds (depends on the coffee and the grinding level, just try what you like best)
- Put the lit with the filter on top.
- Flip the cup and place it on top, hold the whole thing tight and turn it around (quickly!).
- Press down the plunger until the rubber lip almost (!) touches the ground coffee.
Done.
It sounds complicated because it is – but only a little. The taste is worth the effort, but for lazy people like me it is nothing for daily use. Except for when I am travelling with my backpack. If you are a backpacker, hiker, or outdoor freak and do not want to forgo really good coffee, then you are well equipped with the Aeropress. It is lightweight, does not produce more coffee than needed – and most importantly: The coffee tastes really good. So, should you not be traveling with a house on 4 wheels (aka camper van) and are not as lazy as I am by carrying your favorite coffee in form of instant sticks with you, then you will enjoy the Aeropress. Especially when you are also keeping a permanent filter in your bag.
So, what do you think? Is the Aeropress a must-have for all coffee fans or not? Let us know in the comments.
