AeroPress Review

Priced around $25.00 - $30.00

The AeroPress is a very unique machine for brewing coffee. It was engineered and produced by Aland Alder and made its market debut in 2005.

The unique design of the AeroPress is due to several years of research by Alan Adler. He conducted numerous scientific experiments with different brewing methods and measured results with laboratory instruments. The experiments demonstrated that correct temperature, total immersion and rapid filtering were key to producing quality flavor. He then designed and tested dozens of brewers before commercially producing the AeroPress. The AeroPress is entirely manufactured in the USA.

The Aeropress itself consists basically of two polycarbonate tubes; one with a rubber plunger. It works similar to a syringe forcing the coffee through a filter and into your cup. An important thing to mention is that none of these materials contain bisphenol-A (BPA) or any phthalates; which are chemicals that have been in the news lately because of possible health effects.

How to Use an AeroPress

The Aeropress works in a simple yet effective manner. Water is heated in a separate device of your choosing; maybe a teapot. It is recommended to heat it to 175 degrees F or 80 degrees C. Then a filter is placed on the bottom cylinder of the Aeropress. The cylinder is placed over your mug. Coffee is then measured and placed into the cylinder. Water is added on top of the coffee grounds to the specific level marked on the clear plastic cylinder.

The mixture is then stirred for about 10 seconds. After, the rubber seal is moistened and then inserted it into the bottom chamber. Pressing down gently, the plunger descends the cylinder and the coffee is forced through the paper filter. Now you have a perfect cup of coffee. If you want a larger quantity, you can repeat the process and fill up a carafe. This will take less time than to brew a pot of coffee!

The machine is capable of making a regular cup of coffee, an Espresso, Americano, Latte and Cappuccino; although the Cappuccino requires you to buy a separate device to foam the milk.

AeroPress Pros

Less bitter flavor and no "burnt taste".
Inexpensive and compact; saves space over traditional coffee makers.
Micro filtered for grit free coffee – unlike other press-type coffee makers.
Takes one minute after you heat up your water to start to enjoy. The actual press time takes only 20 seconds.
Fast and easy clean up.
Lower acidity level than regular brewed coffee. Laboratory pH testing measured AeroPress brew's acid as less than one fifth that of regular drip brew.

AeroPress Cons

The AeroPress can only make 1-2 cups at a time which is not enough for hardcore coffee drinkers.
You need to purchase special filters for the AeroPress.

AeroPress Consumer Reviews

"Thus, the result with hardly any tinkering: Two very, very good mugs of coffee. I was able to taste qualities that I had mainly read about before, particularly on the floral, fruity, and sweet end of the spectrum. You've obviously made a fine discovery."
Jeffrey Steingarten - Vogue Food Editor

"When used properly, AeroPress produces a remarkably good straight espresso and an excellent Americano-style taller cup. In fact, it produces a better espresso shot than many home machines that cost twenty or thirty times as much."

Kenneth Davids – Author of: Coffee: A Guide to Buying Brewing and Enjoying; Espresso: Ultimate Coffee; Coffee Roasting: Romance and Revival; editor of coffeereview.com

"The AeroPress is excellent for people that suffer from acid reflux. I gave one to a friend that was having issues if she drank regular coffee. She started using the AeroPress with great results. She called and thanked me profusely because now, she can still enjoy her coffee without suffering from the acid reflux! Her husband also gave it rave reviews and says that it makes a great cup of coffee...and quick! They no longer use their other coffee maker."

Robin Allen - Dietfitness.com Editor

Recommendations

Know Your Beans recommends the AeroPress. It is an inexpensive coffee maker that makes an excellent cup of coffee or espresso. It is also beneficial to those with high cholesterol as it has a paper filter which traditional "french press" machines do not.

It does not require electricity so you can still enjoy your coffee if the power goes out (provided you have a wood stove or gas stove to heat the water). It is small and portable enough to take on business trips or camping so you'll never have to be without it.

The only drawback is that it only makes 1-2 cups at a time, so if you need more than a cup or two, just repeat the process until you have filled a thermos carafe. This process actually takes less time than if you were to brew a pot of coffee. I owned one, have given many as gifts and never want to be without.

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