The AeroPress Coffee maker really is a unique design... the system is probably the simplest method of extracting a concentrated liquid coffee solution from coffee grounds that we have seen.
Although we dont really advertise this unit as an espresso extraction system, as the unit doesnt really produce the body and the amount of crema found in a good espresso, it still makes a fine cup of joe, and is also great for producing a highly concentrated brew without over-extracting or over heating the coffee. If you prefer an espresso like experience or a nice cappuccino, use the extracted concentrate full strength, or if you prefer a nice cup of coffee, just dilute the concentrate with ~180° water to your taste. The unit is lightweight and portable, making it a perfect addition for your camping supply box!
The Aeropress manufacturer recommends using 175° water, we recommend a little of the hotter side to compensate for the pre-heat of the unit, somewhere around ~180°-185°. Simply heat your water, insert a filter into the unit, place the unit atop your favorite coffee mug, add the amount of coffee you wish to brew, pour in the proper amount of water accordingly, insert the plunger and plunge! its that simple. Your results will vary greatly depending on the fineness of grind, and the amount of water you use, etc... but once you nail down your variables to your taste, you will be able to produce consistent results everytime.
AeroPress coffee unit comes complete with 350 replaceable filters, for 350 cycles!
Additional AeroPress replacement filters also sold seperately.
The Pour over method of coffee brewing remains the most widely used method, and provides a simple and efficient way to brew a great cup, without the hassles associated with some other methods of coffee brewing.
Although the most primitive way of pour over brewing is the manual method, it can often be used with the right parameters to produce an outstanding cup!
The pourover coffee brewing method is simple, where the ground coffee is dosed into a permanent or paper filter, then water at an optimal temperature - heated to ~201 degress Fahrenheit - is poured over the grounds, and through the filter, and into your coffee vessel. The temperature of the water during a brew is critical, to ensure the coffee aromas and oils are properly extracted, without over extracting the bitter proteins and solids that are contained within the bean. Another critical factor in a good cup is to ensure the proper amount of time water is in contact with your coffee grounds, also to make sure the bitter proteins dont get extracted.
An optimally designed electric brewer should have all of these factors narrowed down into an automatic cycle that always ensures the proper temperature, and flow rates to achieve the optimal extraction. Manual pour over brewers are more a bit of an art, that with a little practice can produce great results, at usually much less cost, although less convenient than electric brewers.