The AeroPress is one of the most approachable methods when it comes to choosing a manual way to brew coffee. However with the advent of technology, there are various fully and semi automatic espresso machines available in the market as well. Mastrena coffee machines are one of the most renowned coffee machines when it comes to high-performing coffee machines. They are usually used by coffee houses.
What Is The AeroPress?
An AeroPress is a type of coffee brewer that is ideal for people who prefer a traditional and simple style of brewing coffee. Invented by Alan Adler, this manual coffee brewing machine is prefered by a lot of people all over the world. Made with three parts: a cylindrical brewing chamber, a plunger which has a rubber seal that fits into the brewing chamber and a filter cap that gets fixed to the brewing chamber on the opposite side of the plunger. Excluding the rubber seal, the whole AeroPress is made with polypropylene. It is extremely safe for the process of brewing coffee and is also a durable machine.
One of the features which separate the AeroPress from the rest of the coffee makers is its reliance on pressure as a modifier of extraction. When water comes in contact with ground coffee, it extracts the required elements. If you add pressure to the mix, you can easily change the rate of the extraction process. Due to the pressure, the AeroPress conveniently brews a cup of coffee in less than 2 minutes which is faster than almost any other coffee brewing method.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the AeroPress
An AeroPress can be used on multiple occasions; however, there are some situations where it is not an ideal option.
Travel Sized
The AeroPress is perfect for travelling and this is one of its strengths. The plunger slides into the brewing cylinder and makes the device a portable coffee brewer. To make it more convenient, the manual burr grinder also slides into the plunger which makes it an ideal grinder-brew travel combo.
Power
Another strength of the product is that it operates without power. This feature, along with its portability, makes it perfect for outdoor adventures and travelling.
Durability
It is a durable machine which can easily survive a tough fall as well.
Process
The process of brewing coffee using an AeroPress is quick. You are required to add water and coffee into the chamber and allow it to steep. You then have to use the plunger to push the water through the coffee grounds and into the cup. The process may look like a daunting task; however, it is quite simple and can be completed within two minutes.
The Brew
The results of the coffee that is brewed by an AeroPress could be diverse and a factor that makes a huge difference is the filter material. AeroPress gets shipped with filter paper that, for many, is too clean. These filter papers absorb most of the coffee oils that give life to the coffee in the form of robust flavors. A lot of people do not enjoy using these filter papers because of the absorption of coffee oils.
On the other hand, stainless steel mesh filters let the oils slip through which leads to a flavorful cup of coffee. Metal filters also allow a few microscopic particles of coffee to pass through. The micro-grounds that pass through the filter enhance the flavor of the coffee and allow your taste buds to interpret the flavours from the oils with more balance. These filters are also easy to clean and unlike paper filters, they are environmentally friendly.
One of the strengths of an AeroPress is that it produces a fruitier and creamier cup of coffee due to the use of pressure.
Step By Step Guide To Using An AeroPress Coffee Maker
Following is a step by step guide that will help you in using an AeroPress coffee maker:
Step 1: You are required to boil 7 oz of water and add 15 to 18 grams of coffee in it, depending on the strength that you require. Grind it and bring it to a texture which is slightly finer than sea salt.
Step 2: Put a paper filter into the detachable cap of the AeroPress.
Step 3: Pour water over the filter and the cap as it heats the brewing vessel and helps the filter to stick to the cap. This step can be a bit challenging as the cap is small and the water is hot. Hold the cap carefully and gradually pour water so that the filter gets wet and your hand does not get burnt.
Step 4: Assemble your AeroPress. When you are assembling it, make sure that all the components are dry because even a little bit of moisture can compromise the AeroPress’s seal.
Step 5: With the flared end up, place the AeroPress on a scale and then weigh it. The numbers should be upside down. It is also possible to place the AeroPress right side-up but it may make accurate brewing difficult and may also cause leakage.
Step 6: Carefully add your coffee. Make sure that you do not spill any grounds into the circular gutter present on top.
Step 7: Start a timer. Keeping in view the amount of coffee, double the amount of water. For example, if you add 15 grams of coffee, then add 30 grams of water. The water should be around 200 degrees F.
Step 8: Ensure that your coffee is saturated evenly. You can tamp it slightly with a butter knife or a paddle, if required. Let it rest for 30 seconds.
Step 9: Pour the rest of the water and fill the chamber.
Step 10: After a minute has passed, stir the grounds 10 times to agitate.
Step 11: Fasten the cap and make sure that the AeroPress is locked tightly. Flip the AeroPress quickly with control. Put it on top of the brew vessel and start applying downward pressure. If the pushing feels convenient then the grind is likely to be coarse. However, if it is hard to push then the grind is likely to be too fine. You will know your coffee is fully brewed once you start hearing a hissing sound. This also indicates that there is no water left behind to push through the device.
Step 12: Unscrew the cap, pop out the puck of condensed grounds and the filter by pushing the interior of the AeroPress.
5 Best AeroPress Coffee Makers
Following are 5 best AeroPress Coffee Makers:
1. AeroPress Coffee And Espresso Maker
The AeroPress Coffee And Espresso Maker is an amazing immersion coffee maker for people who like to get their coffee brewed within a few minutes. With this AeroPress, you will only need 30 seconds to brew a delicious cup of coffee. Made with lightweight plastic, this coffee maker comes with an AeroPress funnel, filter holder, stirrer, scoop, etc. It is an ideal machine for people who have small kitchens or for those who like to carry their coffee machine while travelling. As compared to other coffee makers, the AeroPress Coffee And Espresso Maker brews less bitter coffee with low acid levels. Low acid levels are the result of the less steep time needed by the machine to make a perfect cup of coffee. The AeroPress Coffee And Espresso Maker also comes with a paper filter which removes grit.
Pros
- It is easy to set up and use.
- It has 350 bonus filters.
- It is easy to clean
- Its plastic is phthalate and BPA free.
- It has a fast brewing time.
Cons
- Some people may find it too small and difficult to use.
- The brew may be too light for people who like very strong coffee.
2. Aerobie Aeropress Coffee Maker
The Aerobie Aeropress Coffee Maker comes with a Brilliante Burr Coffee Grinder which makes this model the best of what the company has to offer in the immersion style coffee brewing method. The Aerobie Aeropress Coffee Maker comes with 350 microfilters, a funnel, one scoop, a filter holder, and a stirrer. This plastic AeroPress coffee maker is super convenient to use and it brews flavourful, less acidic coffee. People who face stomach acid challenges would love to drink the coffee brewed by this machine. The manual burr grinder has multiple grind brewing methods which allow you to choose a grind setting. This lets you enjoy your favorite coffee with a consistent grind size every time.
The Aerobie Aeropress Coffee Maker and the Brilliante Burr Coffee Grinder is the best combo as it provides value for money.
Pros
- The grinder is portable and compact.
- The grinder is convenient to use.
- It brews smooth coffee which is less acidic and less bitter.
- It is great as a gift item.
Cons
- The coffee maker may get loose and start to leak.
- It is difficult to put back the cap on once you have removed it.
3. Aerobie Aeropress with Replacement Filters
The Aerobie Aeropress is a stylish machine which is easy to use. This press-style espresso and coffee maker allows you to easily brew coffee in less than a minute. One of the features which set it apart from the rest is its fast brewing time. Along with this, the Aerobie Aeropress comes with a complete brewing kit which includes the brewing chamber, a scoop for measuring the coffee grinds, one plunger, one stirrer, a spoon, funnel and a filter holder. The package also includes two extra packs of special microfilters which prevent the grit from entering your coffee. The Aerobie Aeropress comes at a decent price and it can easily brew American-style coffee or espresso. It can also make latte and other espresso-based beverages.
Pros
- It brews coffee without bitterness.
- It is easy to clean and only requires a few seconds.
- The parts of the AeroPress are machine-washable.
- The plastic is phthalate and BPA free.
Cons
- Some people may find the coffee too light.
- The plunger does not move smoothly all the time.
4. AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with Tote Bag and Additional filters
The AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker lets you brew different types of coffee drinks and espresso such as cappuccinos and lattes.This coffee maker brews rich-flavoured coffee which is less acidic and not bitter at all. By utilizing the air pressure, the AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker carefully squeezes every ounce of flavour from the coffee into your cup. It consists of micro-filters which make sure that the brew easily passes through the coffee-water mixture in 20 seconds without any small particles or grit. Along with this, the AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker comes with a plastic coffee making kit which includes a scoop, a plunger, a funnel, a stirrer and the brewing chamber. The AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker also comes with 350 filters and a tote bag. The tote bag allows you to pack the AeroPress and easily carry it with you whenever you are travelling. It is a budget-friendly machine which performs brilliantly.
Pros
- It comes with 350 filters.
- It includes a tote bag which makes storage and portability easy.
- The plastic material used is not toxic.
- It is long lasting.
Cons
- As compared to other machines, the AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker uses more coffee beans.
- It needs a lot of force to push the plunger down.
5. AeroPress 80R11
Using the immersion and pressure brewing method, the AeroPress 80R11 is the classic coffee and espresso maker. It is a dark colored coffee maker which comes with a funnel for your coffee grounds, a scoop, stirrer and filters that should easily last a year. The Aeropress combines gentle air pressure and ideal water temperature to make a brew which is rich in flavor and is neither acidic nor bitter. The AeroPress 80R11 is designed for 4 cups; however, users can conveniently brew a carafe of coffee. It has unique filters which make sure that the coffee you brew is free of any particles or grit. You can also store the brew for a few days without worrying about its flavour getting lost. Like most other AeroPress coffee makers, the AeroPress 80R11 is also budget-friendly.
Pros
- It is reliable and efficient.
- It is easy to clean.
- It is cost friendly.
- It is durable.
Cons
It uses too much coffee to produce a decent brew.- Some models had seal cap failure issues.