AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker Review

Are you thinking about buying the AeroPress Coffee and Espresso maker? Then read the review below.

Two years ago, I bought the AeroPress coffee maker and I haven't looked back since. Backpedaling for a moment: I've been a daily coffee drinker since before I started college and I realized pretty quickly that grabbing a double-shot dirty chai at Starbucks every morning just wasn't going to cut it (for my wallet or my waistline). Since then, I've been on the lookout for anything that could even slightly improve both the taste and the time-waste of brewing coffee. 

Yes, before you ask, I've tried everything: Keurig cups, Mr. Coffee, French presses, cold brew every night in a mason jar -- even the dreaded Chemex. Those experiences left me no stranger to burnt aftertaste, gritty coffee ground seepage, daily dish washing, and caffeine headaches when I'd ultimately (almost always) make it too strong. I knew I needed a magic bullet that made the process of making and drinking my daily brew as painless and quick as possible. 

If you're anything like me, you must be familiar with these problems. When a coworker recommended the AeroPress, I was skeptical at first - how would it work any better than the any of the other countless methods I'd tried? Was a full-bodied, pleasant brew I could make in less than five minutes just too much to ask for from this world? 

Turns out, I was wrong and, not only that, I was ecstatic that I was wrong. When I borrowed that same coworker's AeroPress I immediately decided I had to have one. I bought one online and paid for the expedited shipping so that I could receive it the very next day. 

The AeroPress can be described by one word: fantastic. Most importantly, it's makes great coffee. In terms of taste, it consistently outperforms the French presses I've shelved away in my cupboard - I can make the strongest possible brew without a hint of bitterness or astringency. After some initial trial and error, I found the best method was to add two full tablespoons of ground dark roast coffee and top it off with boiling water. Thirty seconds later (give or take), screw the cap on and press the plunger: it's ready to drink and is on par with the Americano you can get at that local specialty cafe on the corner. 

Not only that, the AeroPress is durable too. Made with BPA-free plastic, it's incredibly resistant to normal wear and tear - I can't count the number of times I've dropped it, and yet I've only ever had to buy new ones as gifts for fellow coffee-loving friends. I've never had any issues with the microfilter tearing or the pieces corroding due to extended contact with more acidic blends. Before you ask - yes, it's safe to go in the dishwasher on high-heat.

If I had to think of one drawback, it's the size. Be warned, the AeroPress is on the small side and serves at most three cups per press. For me, this hasn't proved to be an issue since I drink coffee mostly individually. Plus, it's the perfect size to stow away in carry-on luggage, take on backpacking trips, or just for keep on the corner of my counter.

Another small issue I've had with my AeroPress is that, after more than a thousand uses, the plastic hull has started to stain a darker, patchy brown shade that even several washes can't fix. Though, the newer models have changed to a gray, semi-opaque shade just for this very purpose. I've never been too concerned with appearances: what's more important to me is the consistent quality and painless process of brewing coffee which the little device fulfills every time without fail.