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5 Things AeroPress Users Should Know
The AeroPress is a type of coffee brewer that every coffee lover should consider owning.
Published November 30, 2021
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Daniel Hedlund
Expert@The Coffee Lab
The AeroPress is a type of coffee brewer that every coffee lover should consider owning. It is highly versatile and can be used to make a wide range of different coffee styles with ease. It’s possibly one of, if not the most durable coffee maker that you can get today, and the final brew that you can get when using this coffee maker is the proof.
But none of this is anything that you probably don’t already know if you have an AeroPress. All you need to do is look at the box that it came in or do a quick search for it on Google to find out more about the versatility of this machine and the durability of its construction and parts.
But there is more to it than that. There are some things that every AeroPress user should be aware of when they get this machine, but many don’t actually know. Whether you are considering investing in an AeroPress soon or have just treated yourself to one, we’ve put together some handy tips to help you get the most out of this incredible coffee maker and boost your appreciation for it even more. And, when you know these five things that every AeroPress user should know, it might even change the way that you brew coffee regularly.
Listen for the Hissing Sound
It’s been well agreed upon by AeroPress users around the world that when using the machine, you should listen out for the hissing sound that it makes at the end of the plunge, which indicates when you should immediately stop plunging. This hissing sound happens when the plunger presses directly onto the coffee grounds, and when this happens, all the ‘extra’ stuff is getting squeezed out of the grounds if you continue pressing down with the plunger which could ultimately result in your cup of coffee being bitter and less flavorful than it would have been otherwise.
You Can Take it Anywhere
While some people specifically decide on getting the AeroPress due to its portability, if you were mainly looking to buy a coffee maker to use in the home, you might not have realized that the AeroPress will work just about anywhere. This coffee maker is made from a food-grade polyurethane rubber, which is very difficult, if not completely impossible to crack or otherwise damage. Because of this, the AeroPress makes the best brewer option for traveling. You can use it on an airplane, on your next backpacking trip, while camping, or even in space! That’s because while other brewers rely on gravity for the brewing process, the AeroPress uses pressure to force your brew into your AeroPress cup. You can also get a travel cup for AeroPress and an AeroPress travel bag for even easier portability.
Use the Hexagonal Funnel
Many people get an AeroPress for the first time, take one look at the AeroPress coffee funnel, and then set it aside where it is forgotten about. While at first glance, it appears to only be useful for helping you pour grounds into the AeroPress, it does actually have some other handy uses including allowing you to easily brew into a mug that is sitting onto a pour-over stand or brew into a mug that the AeroPress won’t safely fit on. You can also use the funnel for easier Aeropress filter storage. Do this by stacking the AeroPress with the filter holder first, then the funnel, and then the Aeropress with the filter cap down. Put the paddle and scoop in the plunger opening.
It Doesn’t Brew True Espresso
With how it is marketed, you would be forgiven for thinking that the AeroPress is a true espresso maker. However, this is not the case, as even though it does generate pressure while brewing coffee, the pressure is much lower compared to that generated by a bigger espresso machine. In comparison, modern espresso machines generate between eight and ten bars of pressure to brew espresso, while the AeroPress generates up to 0.75 bars – it’s quite a big difference. It’s not possible to create the pressure needed by hand to pull the same shots as an espresso machine, but the good news is that you can get close using an AeroPress.
‘Espresso’ made in an AeroPress is a very concentrated form of black coffee that is balanced, intense, and rich just like espresso. You can also drink it as a shot from an espresso mug if you’d like. However, unlike espresso made with an espresso machine you won’t see the fine crema on the top and the body of the coffee won’t be quite as heavy. However, if you are willing to sacrifice these and deal with the slight differences, coffee made in an AeroPress is about as close you are going to get to espresso at home without paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars for an espresso machine. You can easily use the AeroPress to make its own version of espresso-based drinks including Americanos, cappuccinos, and lattes.
Get a Reusable Metal Filter
While the default paper filters that you use with the AeroPress are great, it’s well worth investing in a reusable metal filter if you really want to start getting the most from your AeroPress coffee maker. A stainless steel filter will take your coffee’s body and flavor to a whole new dimension by adding a tiny amount of microscopic coffee grounds to pass through and into your mug. These attach to the acid particles in your coffee to tone the acidity down a little and create a more rounded, fuller, and deeper flavor in your mug. Along with this, a metal filter allows the natural oils from the coffee grounds to pass through into your mug. The oils are very aromatic and behind many of the vibrant, exotic flavors in coffee. When they pass through the metal filter, they will also add more smoothness and creaminess to your beverage.
Along with boosting the flavor of your mug of coffee, a metal filter will also make traveling with your AeroPress even easier. There is no waste and no need to worry about running out of filters as all you need to do is carefully rinse them and they are ready to use again.
Top Reasons to Consider Getting an AeroPress
If you are still considering getting an AeroPress over a different type of coffee maker, keep reading to learn more about the various reasons why people decide that this type of coffee brewer is right for them.
1. It’s Compact:
If you are a van lifer or an RVer, you know how important it is to get items that don’t take up a lot of physical space in your life. The best accessories are those that will serve a practical purpose that makes the space that they take up worth it. And a coffee maker is definitely a practical thing to own, but the space that a traditional coffee maker will take up might make you think twice. On the other hand, the AeroPress is compact, lightweight, and portable, making it really easy to travel with.
2. No Power is Needed
While you will need a way of heating the water that you pour into your AeroPress, the actual brewer itself does not need to be directly plugged into a power outlet. This makes it an especially good choice for people who spend a lot of time on the road or avid campers who might not always have the electrical power available to heat up their machine. And when it comes to heating water, you can use alternative options like a traditional stovetop kettle or even a camping stove.
3. Durability
If the longevity and durability are some of the most important factors when it comes to choosing your perfect coffee maker, the AeroPress is a great choice. It is almost impossible to break no matter what you do to it, so while you probably won’t be throwing your AeroPress at the walls, you don’t need to panic if it accidentally falls off the counter or gets bounced around in your bag while you are traveling – it can hold up to it.
4. Quick Brewing
If you are only making one cup of coffee at a time, the AeroPress offers one of the quickest options. All you need to do is put your coffee grounds and hot water into the AeroPress and leave it to work its magic; you will have a fresh, hot cup of coffee ready to drink in around two to three minutes. Even if you do need to make a couple of cups of coffee, the process shouldn’t take more than around five minutes for both, making it a really easy, simple way of making coffee with no complicated, ongoing maintenance required either – simply rinse it out when you are done!
Whether you own an AeroPress or are considering getting one, the more you know about this awesome little brewer, the more you can get from it!
About the author
Daniel Hedlund
Working with the Era of We initiative and loves knowledge sharing and a really good cup of coffee.
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