AeroPress Coffee Maker Review – Ultimate Guide [2023]

As a coffee enthusiast and home barista, I always look for new and innovative ways to brew the perfect cup of joe. That’s why I was excited to try out the AeroPress Coffee Maker – a compact and versatile tool that promises to brew a wide range of coffee styles, from espresso to Americano.

This little machine did not disappoint! It is straightforward to use and clean and produces a smooth and flavorful cup of coffee rivaled by a few other brewing methods.

But don’t just take my word for it – in this AeroPress Coffee Maker Review, I will be delving deep into the features and capabilities of the AeroPress and sharing my firsthand experience with it. If you’re a coffee lover like me or simply looking for a convenient and effective way to brew a great cup of coffee at home, you won’t miss this review.

Trust me, by the time you reach the end of this article, you’ll have a much better understanding of why the AeroPress is worth considering as your go-to coffee maker. So, let’s get brewing!

AeroPress Inventor Alan Adler

Alan Adler is an American inventor and the founder of AeroPress, Inc. of Palo Alto. He holds over 40 patents in electronics, optics, and aerodynamics and is a retired Stanford University engineering instructor.

Adler is best known for inventing the AeroPress manual coffee brewing device, which has gained a devoted following among coffee enthusiasts for its ability to brew a wide range of coffee styles, from espresso to Americano.

In addition to the AeroPress, Adler has also developed a range of aerodynamic toys under the Aerobie brand, including footballs with fins, flying rings, and discs.

Related Topic: AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Maker Review

In 2003, Erin Hemmings set the Guinness World Record for the “longest throw of an object without any velocity-aiding feature” using an Aerobie flying disc. The record-breaking throw reached an impressive 1,333 feet, a distance equivalent to more than a quarter mile. This record still stands today, making the Aerobie flying disc a truly remarkable and unique product.

Adler’s background in engineering and his passion for innovation has played a significant role in his success as an inventor. He has lectured at NASA and The Royal Aeronautical Society, sharing his expertise with others in the field.

Adler is also still actively involved in the business of AeroPress, taking the time to respond to questions and comments from AeroPress owners, fans, and people considering the brewing device.

Overall, Alan Adler’s contributions to the world of coffee brewing and engineering have had a significant impact. His innovative approach and dedication to producing high-quality products have earned him a place as a respected and influential figure in the industry.

What is the AeroPress Coffee Maker

The AeroPress is a manual coffee brewing device that has gained a devoted following among coffee enthusiasts for its ability to brew a wide range of coffee styles, from espresso to Americano. It consists of a cylindrical chamber and a plunger with an airtight silicone seal, similar to a syringe.

To use the AeroPress, ground coffee beans (medium to fine grind) and water are placed in the chamber, where they are steeped. The plunger is then pressed, using pressure to extract flavor from the beans and produce a coffee rich in flavor and free of bitterness and acidity.

One of the key features of the AeroPress is its versatility. It can be used to brew a variety of coffee styles, including espresso style, Americano, latte, and cold brew. It’s portable, convenient, and easy to use, making it a popular choice for coffee lovers on the go.

In addition, the AeroPress is incredibly easy to clean, with few parts and a simple design that makes it quick and straightforward to maintain.

The AeroPress is relatively inexpensive, with a price point of around $30. It is compact and durable, making it an excellent choice for travelers. AeroPress has a new version called the AeroPress Go that was designed for those that travel and want to brew their coffee themselves.

Related Topic: AeroPress vs Pour-Over

AeroPress: Pros & Cons

The AeroPress is a manual coffee brewer that can produce high-quality coffee rich in flavor and free of bitterness and acidity. It is portable and easy to use at home or traveling. It may not be suitable for those who want to brew larger quantities of coffee at a time, as it can only produce 1-3 cups, but best suited for a single serving.

Pros:

• Can brew a variety of coffee styles, including espresso, Americano, latte, and cold brew

• Produces coffee that is rich in flavor and free of bitterness and acidity

• Portable, convenient, and easy to use

• Compact and durable, making it a good choice for travelers

• Relatively inexpensive, with a price point of around $30

• Easy to clean, with few parts and a simple design

Cons:

• Some users may prefer the flavor of coffee brewed with other methods.

• May not produce coffee as strong as espresso from a traditional espresso machine.

• Take some practice to get the perfect brew using the AeroPress.

• Not be suitable for those who want to brew large quantities of coffee at once, as it can only produce 1-3 cups.

AeroPress Brewing Methods

The classic method is the traditional way to brew coffee using the AeroPress. To use the classic method, you must place a filter in the filter cap and attach it to the AeroPress. Next, add your ground coffee beans to the chamber, followed by hot water.

Once the coffee has steeped for a short time, you will use the plunger to press the coffee through the filter and into your cup. This method is straightforward, and it is the one recommended by the AeroPress manual.

The inverted method is an alternative brewing method that has gained popularity among AeroPress users. To use the inverted method, you will need to invert the AeroPress so that the filter cap is at the bottom. Next, add your ground coffee beans and hot water to the chamber as you usually would.

Once the coffee has brewed for a short time, you will need to carefully flip the AeroPress back over and press the plunger through the chamber as you would in the classic method. Some users find that the inverted method produces a smoother, more balanced coffee. However, getting the hang of can be a bit trickier and requires more precision to achieve the best results.

Classic Method: Step-by-Step Guide

Here are the 10 steps to brewing the perfect cup of coffee using the classic method.

1. Push the plunger out of the chamber

2. Put the filter in the filter cap

3. Twice filter cap onto chamber

4. Stand chamber on sturdy mug and put one rounded scoop (15-19 grams) of fine drip coffee into chamber

5. Shake to level coffee

6. Add hot water to Number 2 on the chamber. Use 175F (80C) for hot brewing.

7. Stir for 10 seconds and wait 1-2 minutes (steep time)

8. Insert the plunger pressing gently and pausing when you feel resistance and reach the grounds

9. Remove the filter cap, push the plunger to eject the used coffee, and rinse the seal

10. Enjoy your freshly brewed coffee

Inverted Method: Step-by-Step Guide

The inverted method is a favorite of mine because it allows you to steep the coffee for a longer time without any liquid leaking out. It produces a more intense, robust cup of coffee. Either way, brewing with the inverted method or standard, the end goal is a delicious cup of coffee.

1. Insert the plunger a short way into the brewing chamber.

2. Turn the device upside down.

3. Add the ground coffee.

4. Place a filter into the filter cap.

5. Wet the filter apparatus with hot water.

6. Fill the brewing chamber with hot water up to the uppermost mark (the upside-down 1).
   

7. Stir continuously for 10 seconds (using the enclosed stirrer accessory).

8. Leave to brew for 30 to 55 seconds.

9. Attach the filter cap with filter onto the AeroPress (from the top).
   

10. Place an inverted cup over the entire assembly.

11. Holding firmly, flip the whole thing over.

12. Press the plunger down slowly until the rubber seal has almost reached the coffee grounds.

Easy to Clean

As someone who values simplicity and ease of use, I appreciate the fact that the AeroPress is easy to clean and maintain. With just a few parts and a simple design, it is quick and straightforward to rinse the chamber and discard the used filter and grounds.

If I want to give the plunger or filter cap a more thorough cleaning, it is easy to disassemble the AeroPress and wash them with warm, soapy water.

In addition to being easy to clean, the AeroPress is also low-maintenance. There are few parts to keep track of, and the device is designed to be durable and long-lasting. All these factors make the AeroPress an attractive choice for busy coffee lovers who want a hassle-free coffee brewing experience.

Portable And Durable

As a coffee lover who is always on the go, I love that the AeroPress is both portable and durable. The device itself is small and lightweight, making it easy to pack in a suitcase or carry-on bag when I’m traveling. I can take it with me wherever I go, whether heading out for a weekend getaway or a longer trip.

But being portable isn’t the only thing that makes the AeroPress a great choice for travelers. The device is also incredibly durable, with a simple design built to last. I’ve had mine for years, and it is still going strong despite being used and transported frequently. I do not doubt that it will continue to serve me well for years.

Overall, the AeroPress is the perfect coffee brewing device for anyone who values portability and durability. Whether you’re a coffee lover always on the go or want a reliable and long-lasting device, the AeroPress is a great choice. So, if you are looking for a coffee brewing device that is both portable and durable, the AeroPress is worth considering.

What’s Included in the Box

• AeroPress chamber

• Plunger

• Filter cap

• Filters (paper or metal)

• Measuring scoop

• Stirring wand

• Funnel

Some AeroPress packages may also include a carrying case or bag to help you keep all of the components organized and protected when you are on the go. The exact contents of the box may vary depending on the specific model and package you purchase.

AeroPress: Made in America

The AeroPress is a “Made in America” product, meaning it is manufactured in the United States. This is significant for several reasons. First and foremost, buying products made in America helps support domestic industries and the American economy. It can also be a way to ensure that the products you are purchasing are held to high standards of quality and safety.

In addition to its “Made in America” status, the AeroPress also has a reputation for being a well-made and durable. Its simple design and few parts make it easy to use and maintain, and it is known for producing high-quality coffee rich in flavor and free of bitterness and acidity.

Overall, the AeroPress’s “Made in America” status is essential for many consumers, and it has gained a loyal following among coffee enthusiasts. So, the AeroPress is worth considering if you are looking for a high-quality, American-made coffee brewing device.

Comparison to Other Coffee Makers

The AeroPress is a manual coffee brewing device often compared to other popular coffee makers, such as the French press and drip coffee makers. Here is a brief comparison of the AeroPress to these other coffee makers:

French Press

The French press is a manual coffee maker that uses a cylindrical glass or stainless steel pot with a plunger and a metal or nylon mesh filter. It works by steeping ground coffee beans in hot water, then pressing the plunger to separate the beans from the brewed coffee. The AeroPress is similar to the

French press is a manual coffee maker that uses a cylindrical chamber and a plunger. However, it differs because it uses a paper or metal filter to separate the beans from the brewed coffee, and it relies on pressure to extract flavor from the beans rather than steeping.

Some users prefer the flavor of coffee brewed with a French press, while others prefer the smoother, more balanced flavor of coffee brewed with the AeroPress.

Drip Coffee Makers

Drip coffee makers are electric appliances that use a filter and a drip system to brew coffee. They work by heating water and then dripping it over ground coffee beans contained in a filter. The brewed coffee then collects in a carafe or pot. The AeroPress is very different from a drip coffee maker in terms of its design and brewing process.

While drip coffee makers are electric and use a filter and drip system, the AeroPress is manual and uses pressure to extract flavor from the beans. Some users prefer the convenience and simplicity of a drip coffee maker, while others prefer the hands-on experience and customization options offered by the AeroPress.

Pour-Over Coffee Makers

Pour-over coffee makers are manual coffee brewing devices using a cone-shaped filter and a drip system. They heat water and then pour it over ground coffee beans contained in a filter. The brewed coffee then collects in a carafe or pot. Pour-over coffee makers are known for producing a clean, bright flavor profile, as the water can saturate the beans and extract their flavors fully.

Can You Make True Espresso With Aeropress?

There is some debate among coffee enthusiasts as to whether the AeroPress can produce true espresso. It is essential to understand that it is not a traditional espresso machine and cannot produce an authentic espresso in the same way a traditional espresso machine can.

True espresso is a specific type of coffee made using an espresso machine. It is characterized by its strong flavor, thick body, and rich, creamy crema. To make true espresso, an espresso machine uses high pressure (up to 9 bars) to extract flavor from finely ground coffee beans and produce a small amount of highly concentrated coffee.

On the other hand, the AeroPress uses a manual process and relies on pressure (up to 1.5 bar) to extract flavor from coffee beans. While it can produce a coffee similar in flavor and strength to espresso, it is not technically true. Instead, it is more accurately described as an “espresso-style” coffee.

So, while the AeroPress is a versatile and innovative coffee brewing device, it cannot produce true espresso. However, it can still produce a delicious and satisfying coffee similar in flavor and strength to espresso, making it an excellent choice for coffee lovers who want a more convenient and portable alternative to traditional espresso machines at a much lower price.

The World AeroPress Championship

The World AeroPress Championship was first held in 2008 in Oslo, Norway, with just a handful of participants. It has since grown in popularity and scope, with competitions now held in over 60 countries worldwide. The championship has also gained recognition and credibility within the coffee industry, with many top coffee professionals and roasters participating in the competition.

In addition to the main competition, the World AeroPress Championship also includes various educational and social events, such as coffee cuppings, lectures, and workshops. These events allow attendees to learn about the latest trends and techniques in the coffee industry and network with other professionals and enthusiasts.

The World AeroPress Championship is organized by the World Coffee Events (WCE) and sponsored by AeroPress, Inc. The WCE is a non-profit organization promoting and advancing the coffee industry. It is responsible for organizing and overseeing a range of international coffee competitions, including the World Barista Championship, the World Cup Tasters Championship, and the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship.

Overall, the World AeroPress Championship has become a major event in the coffee world, helping to promote the AeroPress and highlight the creativity and expertise of coffee professionals. It is an exciting and highly anticipated event that coffee lovers worldwide enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AeroPress?

The AeroPress is an immersion-style coffee maker, meaning that finely ground coffee is immersed in the AeroPress chamber with a short brew time. The pressure produced when pressing the plunger through the chamber further extracts flavor and produces an espresso-like coffee that is less acidic than other brewing methods.

What type of coffee works best in AeroPress?

Use a medium-fine grind setting to get the best results. If it’s too hard to press, use a coarser grind. Also, if the coffee is weak in the body, you can use a finer grind. This is the beauty of AeroPress. You can tailor it to your taste. It’s essential to have a quality burr grinder for consistent grounds.

What is the World AeroPress Championship?

The World AeroPress Championship is an annual coffee brewing competition organized by World Coffee Events (WCE) and sponsored by AeroPress, Inc. The competition is held in various locations worldwide and attracts a wide range of coffee professionals, enthusiasts, and roasters who compete to brew the best coffee using an AeroPress.

Final Thoughts: AeroPress Coffee Maker Review

In conclusion, the AeroPress is a versatile and innovative manual coffee maker that offers a unique and convenient way to brew coffee. Whether you prefer the classic or inverted method, the AeroPress allows you to experiment with different coffee grounds and brewing techniques to find the perfect cup of coffee. The AeroPress espresso style coffee is a great base for lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos.

Compared to other manual coffee makers like the French press, the AeroPress produces a more concentrated and flavorful coffee free of bitterness and acidity. It is also much easier to clean and maintain than electric single serve coffee makers, making it an excellent choice for coffee connoisseurs who want to enjoy fresh, homemade coffee every morning.

Thanks for taking the time to read about the AeroPress coffee maker. This review has given you a better understanding of this fantastic device and how it can help you brew the perfect cup of coffee.

Whether you’re a seasoned coffee lover or just starting to explore the world of manual coffee makers, the AeroPress is a fantastic tool that can help elevate your coffee game. So why not try it and see just how great it is? I’m confident you’ll be just as impressed with the AeroPress as I am.