Obligatory Aeropress thread

[PalmettoB]

Okay, I discovered this li'l beauty over at TOP. But I thought it was time to open up a discussion here about the neatest coffee invention since, well, coffee!

Now, sure, there are nicer, more expensive, and "sexier" coffee makers, presses, etc. But for the price, convenience and well, fun, of this thing, it just can't be beat.

If you don't have one of these, and you enjoy good coffee, you really need to get one!*

Anybody else wants to chime in here, feel free. Ideas about how you use yours (do you use a kettle? microwave your water?** have a slightly different approach to the balance of water and coffee than what the instructions call for?), post 'em here!


*Not a paid endorsement, nor do I personally know the inventor nor have any stake in the sales or promotion of this product!

**Yeah, I know...they "say" not to microwave liquids, but many of us do it anyway.

[qhsdoitall]

I have two of them. One at home and one at work. I have a french press collecting dust and a nice Cuisinart DCC-1200 12 cup for company.

2 AeroPress scoops of favorite coffee @ paper cone filter grind
Top of #2 on the Tube of just off boil filtered water
Drizzle a little water into grounds and quick mix 5 seconds
Pour rest of water and stir for 8-10 seconds
Press for 12-15 seconds

Add additional hot water to taste. Cream definitely optional because it's so smooth.

[rick]

I love me some Aeropress !
Best coffee I have ever made....I must say.
Couple that with the fact I am trying my hand at home roasting and
I am finding it is amazing how different coffees can taste.
====================================
MY technique:

usually nuke 10-12 oz water to boiling
espresso grind (or finer) 3 heaping Tsp coffee
Add coffee to Aeropress and slowly add H20 to "2" and stir until well mixed.
Add H20 up to "4" and stir for 10 sec or so.
When the level falls to "3"....start the press.
Press for 20-30 seconds.

[Tony Shlongini]

I've been using a French press for over twenty years and an Aeropress for the past two months. I can honestly say that I've had more good cups of coffee in the past weeks than in the preceding decade.

It's a simple, rugged, and functional device that's nothing short of magic.

[Smedley]

The local coffee place has them in stock, so I am picking one up on the weekend (after I phone in and tell them to hold one for me).

This is a single cup type device, correct?

[qhsdoitall]

Depends on how you define "single cup" and how strong you want it. You won't have espresso but you have one heck of strong cup of coffee if you don't dilute it.

[PalmettoB]

The local coffee place has them in stock, so I am picking one up on the weekend (after I phone in and tell them to hold one for me).

This is a single cup type device, correct?

It usually is single cup for me, but you can play with the levels some to make two, or you can always make some up and then put it in the fridge to reheat later. Normally reheated coffee is TERRIBLE, but since this thing makes such good coffee, you just make the undiluted stuff and then later "reanimate" with freshly boiled water!

[Mama Bear]

I have rarely been able to have just a single cup of coffee.. it's like once I get started (especially in cold weather) I don't want to stop.. I do have a french press tho and now I am getting curious about the aeropress....

[PalmettoB]

Get one...now...Amazon has 'em. Coffee places have 'em. Mmmmmm....coffee coffee coffee..

[qhsdoitall]

Get one Sue! Get yourself a Sunbeam hotshot for your coffee hot water. Can double for making shaving hot water. The hardest part about making the coffee is waiting for the water to boil in the microwave. Otherwise, I can make a great cup of coffee in under two minutes including cleanup. No 12 cup cooking on a burner, no getting cold marinating in a French press. While your at it pick up a mug warmer to keep your coffee and shaving mug warm. :) I love it. Coffee and shaving. Two of my ADs

[Smedley]

Got the Aeropress today. Maiden flight tomorrow. :eatdrink013

[berzerkeleyan]

You're gonna love it, David. I'm still in awe of the thing.
:whacky084 <-- King Aeropress

[PalmettoB]

Got the Aeropress today. Maiden flight tomorrow. :eatdrink013

And the coffee odyssey begins! Yer gonna love it. Just be prepared to suddenly go through lots of beans, and really not like any other coffee afterwards, since the Aeropressed stuff will be THAT good! ;)

[Smedley]

I got a really nice cup of joe, even if I didn't obsess over getting the temperature to between 165-175! Just boiled, let the kettle sit while I set up all the components, then poured water and pressed per instructions.

And this was with some crappy Starbucks blend which I bought because it was on sale. Usually I hate Starbucks because it's too darn bitter, but this cup was smooth.

The woman at the store gave me a sample run with their Aeropress and some fresh roasted, fresh ground Sumatran in an espresso cup, and it was really nice. I'm gonna have to roast me up some of my Mexican beans in the oven tonight, I'm thinking.

[Baron]

I keep mine at work so I don't have to have the crap work coffee they have.

Like Sue, I usually drink more than one cup, but it's so fast to make a cup it's no big deal :)

Plus they have a hot water tap so I don't have to wait to boil water

[PalmettoB]

Today's coffee: Mexican Irlanda Organic from Whole Foods. Perfect in the Aeropress! Yum!

[Smedley]

The dang coffee grinder took my order for "Rainforest Espresso" beans and asked me what grind I wanted. "Drip," said I. "Espresso drip?" she asked. "No," I said. "Drip."

So now, naturally, I have a fine grind for an espresso drip. Which resists the pressure on the Aeropress push like no one's business. :angry021

I am going back tomorrow and reading them the riot act.

[Hawkeye5]

I've been looking for something different than the current drip coffee maker, and had almost decided upon a French Press. Then I remembered seeing this thread and thought it may be more information on the French Press. Well, I'm glad I took a look. My Aeropress and extra filters are on the way. $25 for the press and $2 for an additional supply of filters when purchased at the same time as the press. Thanks.

[qhsdoitall]

I've been looking for something different than the current drip coffee maker, and had almost decided upon a French Press. Then I remembered seeing this thread and thought it may be more information on the French Press. Well, I'm glad I took a look. My Aeropress and extra filters are on the way. $25 for the press and $2 for an additional supply of filters when purchased at the same time as the press. Thanks.

You won't regret it. (Drinking Organic Etheopian made from an Aeropress as I write)

[rick]

hadnt seen any activity here for awhile so......

Looking for yall's prep secrets.
Heres how Ive been doing it:

* Boil 8oz water
* 2 heaping tsps of espresso grind coffee
* Dump coffee into Aeropress and add water to the top ("4")
* Stir all together until water level reaches "3"
* Add plunger and press.
--- I realize this is difficult to do cause of the grind but Ive found that the pressure bubble created from the bottom of the plunger to the water level at "3" will keep the liquid flowing, altho at a slow speed.

[Padron]

So,

Do you guys still like your aero-presses? I am thinking about ordering one of these....Are they as good as I have read? How's the quality?

Does it come with alot of filters?


Thanks, sorry for all the questions.

Neale

[rick]

Neale:
You absolutely, positively have to get AT LEAST 1 Aeropress.
The coffee is fantastic and the machine allows you to really "customize" your cuppa joe.
Original packaging comes with "a years supply" of filters but they are so cheap you really should order extras.
I cant say enough about the Aeropress.
For $30 USD it cannot be beaten.

[PalmettoB]

Neale: get one. Now. You'll not regret it, my friend. The filters can even be rinsed out and used again, though they are like razor blades...so cheap you don't need to.

[Padron]

Thanks Guys!! :D ,

Where is the best place to get one?

Neale

[Padron]

Looks like Amazon is a good place to get one, cheap extra filters too :D

Thanks!!

[PalmettoB]

Believe it or not, I got mine at Amazon.com, but you can get them at Sweet Maria's or a lot of coffee places online, maybe even locally where you live.

[Padron]

Believe it or not, I got mine at Amazon.com, but you can get them at Sweet Maria's or a lot of coffee places online, maybe even locally where you live.

Thanks, I'm looking now, amazon charges $8+ shipping...seems a little high to me.

[madmedic]

Looks like I am stuck with my stove top for a while.......unfortunately these do not appear to be available in the UK:(

[qhsdoitall]

Looks like I am stuck with my stove top for a while.......unfortunately these do not appear to be available in the UK:(

We can probably work something out for you. :D

[qhsdoitall]

hadnt seen any activity here for awhile so......

Looking for yall's prep secrets.
Heres how Ive been doing it:

* Boil 8oz water
* 2 heaping tsps of espresso grind coffee
* Dump coffee into Aeropress and add water to the top ("4")
* Stir all together until water level reaches "3"
* Add plunger and press.
--- I realize this is difficult to do cause of the grind but Ive found that the pressure bubble created from the bottom of the plunger to the water level at "3" will keep the liquid flowing, altho at a slow speed.

You must be getting quite a workout. My grind is more cone drip. the other variables are close to yours.

[Smedley]

hadnt seen any activity here for awhile so......

Looking for yall's prep secrets.
Heres how Ive been doing it:

* Boil 8oz water
* 2 heaping tsps of espresso grind coffee
* Dump coffee into Aeropress and add water to the top ("4")
* Stir all together until water level reaches "3"
* Add plunger and press.
--- I realize this is difficult to do cause of the grind but Ive found that the pressure bubble created from the bottom of the plunger to the water level at "3" will keep the liquid flowing, altho at a slow speed.


Boil water
Two scoops (Aeropress scoop) of coarse drip grind
Dump coffee into Aeropress, add water to "2" (top of mark, usually)
Stir together while counting "onethousandone, onethousandtwo..." up to "onethousandten"
Add plunger and press
Add hot water to coffee in mug to fill mug


I got some espresso grind when I didn't want it, and I could not get the plunger to work with it, so I actually went and bought paper filters to revive my Melitta one cup plastic drip thingie. Makes OK coffee, but not like the Aeropress. :D

[PalmettoB]

Thanks, I'm looking now, amazon charges $8+ shipping...seems a little high to me.

Liquid Planet...free shipping.
http://www.liquidplanet.com/estore/product.php?productid=692

[PalmettoB]

Looks like I am stuck with my stove top for a while.......unfortunately these do not appear to be available in the UK:(

Brian, try this...
http://www.hasbean.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=631

[madmedic]

Brian, try this...
http://www.hasbean.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=631


Thanks for that Blair. It's a lot more expensive than the prices found on eBay....but add on a minimum of $20 postage.....include VAT and Post office handling charge.....and I think I am just going to have to "bite the bullet"

[Padron]

Liquid Planet...free shipping.
http://www.liquidplanet.com/estore/product.php?productid=692

Thank you Sir :D

I think I'm going to order it here:
http://www.localsonlycoffee.com/Aerobie-AeroPress-TM-p/aer01.htm

It's a little cheaper and I can get an extra pack of filters for $2...shipping is cheaper than amazon too ;)

[madmedic]

I think I am just going to have to "bite the bullet"

Done and dusted:D

[Padron]

Thank you Sir :D

I think I'm going to order it here:
http://www.localsonlycoffee.com/Aerobie-AeroPress-TM-p/aer01.htm

It's a little cheaper and I can get an extra pack of filters for $2...shipping is cheaper than amazon too ;)


I actually just found it closer to home, I ordered it here:
http://www.thearomaticbean.com/

Hopefully, it will be here Saturday :D

Thanks for all the info,
Neale

[PalmettoB]

Hmmm...do you pay VAT on domestic purchases? Or did you mean eBay+postage+VAT=more than the UK sites?

£24.95 is about as low as I have seen. I did a Google search for UK sites, and that has been the standard price on most of them.

Edit: Hehehe....I'm an "enabler" with the "Google Fu," as my sister calls it. Y'all won't be sorry. You'll be glad you got one, no matter where you scored it from!

[madmedic]

Hmmm...do you pay VAT on domestic purchases? Or did you mean eBay+postage+VAT=more than the UK sites?

£24.95 is about as low as I have seen. I did a Google search for UK sites, and that has been the standard price on most of them.

Edit: Hehehe....I'm an "enabler" with the "Google Fu," as my sister calls it. Y'all won't be sorry. You'll be glad you got one, no matter where you scored it from!


Purchases from the US over approx $36 are taxed. so 17.5% o he cost (including postage) plus an admin charge are added on. Am looking forward to receiving it:D

[Padron]

Hi,

What coffee grinders are you using? I will be needing to get one I guess.

THanks,
Neale

[PalmettoB]

Brian, glad you found one!

Neale, I use just a cheap Black and Decker grinder I got at Wally World, but you can certainly get nicer ones.

[_JP_]

Looks like I am stuck with my stove top for a while.......unfortunately these do not appear to be available in the UK:(

Oh yes they are! linky (http://aerobie.com/WheretoBuyInternationalRetailers.php?chooseCountry R=United+Kingdom&SubmitR=Show+Retailers) linky (http://aerobie.com/WheretoBuyInternationalDistributors.php?chooseCoun tryD=United+Kingdom&SubmitD=Show+Distributors)

Aeropress online (http://aerobie.com/Products/aeropress_story.htm)

[Padron]

Brian, glad you found one!

Neale, I use just a cheap Black and Decker grinder I got at Wally World, but you can certainly get nicer ones.

Thanks Blair :D

[madmedic]

Well.....mine arrived today. You are correct.....incredibly smooth coffee:D I do however have to work out a correct strength for me! I have been practising with a strong one....Peruvian Machu Picchu....and am currently in orbit somewhere between Mother Earth and the Moon. Not much sleep for me tonight me thinks.

[Padron]

Sweet Brian,

Glad your arrived, I got mine on Saturday..so far I am loving it. My wife even noticed a big difference in flavor and lack of bitterness.

Thanks to all who recommended this to me :D

[qhsdoitall]

Sweet Brian,

Glad your arrived, I got mine on Saturday..so far I am loving it. My wife even noticed a big difference in flavor and lack of bitterness.

Thanks to all who recommended this to me :D


You're welcome. Anytime. :D

[PalmettoB]

Neale, Brian, I knew y'all would be impressed! (And Brian, I hope you have a soft landing! :rofl )

[madmedic]

Neale, Brian, I knew y'all would be impressed! (And Brian, I hope you have a soft landing! :rofl )


On my way down:D

[_JP_]

Well.....mine arrived today. You are correct.....incredibly smooth coffee:D I do however have to work out a correct strength for me!

The instructions that come with the thing are confusing on the amount of coffee to use. The rule of thumb is when you are using ground coffee, measure out the amount of grind that you usually use. If you are using whole beans, then use the included scoop as a measure with one scoop of whole beans for each cup of coffee. Then grind.

BTW, the included scoop is the same size as a standard coffee measure.

[madmedic]

That is probably where I went wrong......the standard measure over here is a dessert spoon per cup. I managed to use a half bag (100g) of coffee in a VERY short space of time when I used the supplied scoop. ......a really serious caffine kick!

[Tony Shlongini]

I've been going through an awful lot of beans since I bought my two Aeros. I like a good 10-12 ounce cup, so I use two heaping scoops of beans, add water to the top of the number 2, press, and dilute with hot water.

No turning back for me.

[jfl]

I was also going thru a lot of beans, but reduced it 25% by going to a finer grind (two clicks finer on a burr grinder). Same smooth coffee with less beans.

Jim

[qhsdoitall]

Pre-warm mug with hot water
2 Aeroscoops pre-grind.
Grind to Cone Drip
Water temp @190 filled to 4 mark
Wet grinds
Stir
Add rest of water, stir and count to 15
Plunge to count of 18-20
Dilute to taste

Note: If I need to mellow out rough beans a little, I fill to 2 mark, stir and plunge a little quicker.

[madmedic]

Well......I have been using the Aeropress for a little while now......loads of different coffees.....and all excellent. I am afraid I have to buy another one for work;)

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

[qhsdoitall]

Well......I have been using the Aeropress for a little while now......loads of different coffees.....and all excellent. I am afraid I have to buy another one for work;)

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

Aren't we nice? Already bit that bullet. :D

[Mottern Man]

You guys just don't let up do you.

I was OK just using Col Conk soap BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Just had to try Mama Bear, Tabac, Saint Charles Shave.......

Then I was OK with just drinking cheep Whiskey BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Then I was OK with some cigars and not smoking a pipe BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOO.

I am OK with my Mr. Coffee maker BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

NOW YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE ME BUY AN AEROPRESS AREN'T YOU!

I love you guys. :D

[PalmettoB]

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

Brian, glad you are enjoying this modern marvel.

You guys just don't let up do you.

I was OK just using Col Conk soap BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Just had to try Mama Bear, Tabac, Saint Charles Shave.......

Then I was OK with just drinking cheep Whiskey BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Then I was OK with some cigars and not smoking a pipe BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOO.

I am OK with my Mr. Coffee maker BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

NOW YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE ME BUY AN AEROPRESS AREN'T YOU!

I love you guys. :D
Gee, I know how that works all too well. Just get one, Doc. You won't regret it!

[Padron]

I've had mine about 2 weeks now, the wife and I are both loving the Aeropress, makes a fine brew :D

No regrets here :D

[_JP_]

..sigh..

Now that I've read through this again, I absolutely must set up a mug of Hazelnut coffee while I finish this tea.

[madmedic]

Well folks



Thanks to you all........I can't go out for a meal....and finish with a GOOD cup of coffee. Since I have bought the Aeropress.....everything else tastes bitter!

[johnniegold]

Just ordered my Aeropress. What are you guys doing to me? :rolleyes: Before you know it, I'll be pressing some Aqua Velva over some Valobra s/s. Hey, wait a minute... Honey!.... get my lab coat!

[madmedic]

Think that was a mistake........when you have perfection.....the only way you can go is down:(

[rick]

Aeropress technique update:

...........this is how I've been doon it lately


1. Fine (almost espresso) grind
2. 10 - 12 oz Boiling water outta microwave.....cooled for about 30 seconds.
3. 3 heaping tsp coffee
4. HOT water on top of coffee to "2" on the Aeropress
5. Muddle grounds and water together for about 15 sec.
6. Fill with more HOT water to "3"
7. Stir grounds and water together for about another 15 sec.
8. Press for about 15 sec.
9. Pour rest of water into cup

[qhsdoitall]

Aeropress technique update:

...........this is how I've been doon it lately


1. Fine (almost espresso) grind
2. 10 - 12 oz Boiling water outta microwave.....cooled for about 30 seconds.
3. 3 heaping tsp coffee
4. HOT water on top of coffee to "2" on the Aeropress
5. Muddle grounds and water together for about 15 sec.
6. Fill with more HOT water to "3"
7. Stir grounds and water together for about another 15 sec.
8. Press for about 15 sec.

That will get you a strong cup of coffee. :D

[Tony Shlongini]

Rick- don't you add the rest of the boiled water to your cup? :confused:

[rick]

Rick- don't you add the rest of the boiled water to your cup? :confused:

Were you an editor in a previous life ??
.....post updated for correctness. :D