Coffee Maker Archives - Espresso Dojo

Hario V60 01 Vs 02 Vs 03

The Hario V60 is a popular pour-over coffeemaker. It allows almost anyone to brew smooth, delicious coffee.

The design is elegant, simple, and available in a variety of options. You can choose from five different materials and three sizes.

So, what’s the best size for the Hario V60 coffeemaker?

In this post, I’ll cover the differences in the Hario V60 size (capacity and dimensions).

By the end of the article, you should know which Hario V60 size is best for your needs.

You can use this guide to compare Hario V60 01 vs 02 vs 03.

But before I cover that, let’s take a quick look at the Hario V60. Let’s get brewing!

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

What Is the Hario V60?

The Hario V60 is a type of pour-over coffeemaker. This means that you manually pour hot water over the coffee grounds.

As mentioned earlier, it’s available in different materials and sizes. But all Hario V60 drippers include the same basic design.

The Hario V60 is cone-shaped and includes a base for resting it on a coffee cup or pouring vessel.

You insert a special paper filter into the bottom of the cone. Then pour the grounds inside the filter.

Hario V60 Coffee Pour Over Kit Bundle Set – Comes with Ceramic Dripper, Range Server Glass Pot, Measuring Spoon, and 100 Count Package of Hario 02W Coffee Filters

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Most pour-over coffeemakers have small holes in the bottom of the cone. This allows the coffee to drip into the cup below.

The Hario V60 has a single, larger hole in the bottom. You pour hot water to start the brewing process.

Hario recommend pouring the water lightly in circles, working from the center to the edge.

After waiting about 30 seconds, you continue pouring hot water until the coffee is brewed.

The process takes several minutes, depending on the size of the dripper and the amount of coffee you brew.

What Are the Hario v60 Sizes?

The Hario V60 comes in three sizes:

Size 01 – One- to two-cup capacity
Size 02 – One- to four-cup capacity
Size 03 – One- to six-cup capacity

Hario recommend using 10 to 12 grams of coffee per four ounces (1/2 a cup) of water.

The manufacturer’s recommendations are a little stronger compared to the typical recommendations.

The typical coffee-to-water ratio is 1:18 for regular coffee and 1:15 for strong coffee.

Based on the typical ratio, you should use about 13 grams of coffee grounds per cup of coffee.

Hario V60 01 vs 02 vs 03 - A red ceramic Hario V60 sitting on top of a coffee server.

The company also suggests using medium-fine coffee grounds.

Fine ground coffee may clog the filter. This slows the extraction process and produces bitter coffee.

Coarse coffee grounds result in less flavor, as the water passes too fast.

Why Should You Worry About the Size of the Hario V60?

The size of the dripper influences the flavor of the coffee.

Using a dripper that is too small or too large may keep you from brewing a perfect cup of coffee.

A large coffeemaker isn’t efficient when brewing one or two cups of coffee.

You can’t get as close to the coffee grounds with the spout of the kettle.

You need to pour from a higher distance, which could cause the water to splash and agitate the grounds.

Hario V60 01 vs 02 vs 03 - a ceramic v60 sitting on a keep cup with water slowly pouring from a gooseneck kettle.

The taller rim is less convenient and may result in less accurate pouring.

The larger sizes also have more outspread spirals. This may slow the extraction process when brewing one or two cups.

The larger Hario drippers also have a larger hole. The larger hole allows the water to drain faster, impacting your pouring speed.

Using a smaller dripper allows you to pour from less of a distance.

You can get closer to the grounds and carefully pour the water to suit your tastes.

Here’s a closer look at each of the Hario sizes to help you determine the best option.

Hario V60 01 Dimensions and Capacity

The Hario V60 01 dripper is compact and easy to store. It measures 4.33 x 3.86 x 4.21 inches and weighs about 0.66 pounds.

But, the size also varies slightly depending on the material.

The ceramic dripper may be a few fractions of an inch wider or taller compared to the plastic dripper.

The Hario V60 can brew up to two cups (16 ounces) of coffee.

Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper Pour Over Cone Coffee Maker Size 01, White

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For regular-strength coffee, you should use about 26 grams of medium-fine grounds.

You also need to measure and heat the water. Keep in mind that you lose some water during the brewing process.

The coffee grounds hold some of the water. You also lose some water due to steam. You lose about 0.5 ounces per cup.

So, if you want to brew 16 ounces of coffee, you should heat about 17 ounces of water (16 ounces + 0.5 ounces per cup).

Hario V60 02 Dimensions and Capacity

The Hario V60 02 dripper is slightly larger. It measures about 4.7 x 5.5 x 4 inches.

It also has a larger capacity of four cups (32 ounces) instead of two cups.

The size 02 dripper is best suited for brewing three to four cups of coffee. Yet it’s not as large as the size 03 dripper.

Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper Pour Over Cone Coffee Maker Size 02, White

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You can still brew one or two cups of coffee, but you should pour cautiously.

Remember that the larger size creates more mass and comes with wider spirals.

You may need to pour a little more slowly to avoid extracting coffee too fast.

The larger size may result in weaker coffee if you pour too quickly.

The coffee grounds don’t sit in water as long, which limits the extraction of caffeine and flavors.

Hario V60 03 Dimensions and Capacity

You can brew up to six cups (48 ounces) of coffee in the Hario V60 03.

For comparison, the typical drip coffeemaker has a 10-cup or 12-cup capacity.

The Hario V60 size 03 dripper measures 5.71 x 5.12 x 5.79 inches. It’s the largest of the three sizes.

Hario V60 Glass Coffee Dripper Pour Over Cone Coffee Maker Size 03, Black

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Due to the larger size, it has wider spirals and a taller rim.

The Hario V60 size 03 coffeemaker is perfect for brewing four to six cups of coffee.

Trying to pour hot water over the taller rim may decrease the accuracy of your pouring when brewing less.

Which Hario V60 Size Is Best?

When comparing the Hario V60 size 01 vs 02 vs 03, think about how much coffee you typically brew.

The best option is the one that matches your coffee routine.

Hario V60 03

If you typically brew a pot of coffee, you may prefer the Hario V60 03. It’s the largest, with a six-cup capacity.

Yet, the larger dripper isn’t ideal for brewing smaller servings.

If you only need a few cups of coffee in the morning, you can narrow your selection to the Hario V60 size 1 or 2.

Hario V60 01 vs 02 vs 03 - A plastic Hario V60 sitting on top of a Hario glass coffee server.

Hario V60 01

The Hario V60 01 has a capacity of two cups.

If you rarely drink more than a cup or two of coffee at a time, V60 01 is a convenient option.

The smaller pour-overs allow you to get closer to the coffee grounds with your kettle.

The size 01 dripper is also easier to clean and takes up less space in your kitchen.

Unfortunately, the size 01 dripper is the least versatile. If you want more than two cups, you need to repeat the brewing process.

Hario V60 02

The Hario V60 02 offers the best balance between the different sizes. You can brew up to 32 ounces of coffee at a time.

While the size 02 dripper is taller compared to the size 01 dripper, you can still brew a single cup of coffee.

It’s shorter compared to the size 03 dripper, which should help prevent splashing.

What Is the Best Hario V60 Material?

Along with comparing Hario sizes, you need to compare the materials.

The Hario V60 coffeemaker is available in five different materials:

Ceramic
Metal
Plastic
Glass
Wood

Most of the options are comparable in price. Yet the wood option tends to cost a little more.

The ceramic dripper is one of the most popular options.

Compared to the others, ceramic has higher heat retention and absorbs more heat. It’s easier to maintain a high temperature.

Hario V60 01 vs 02 vs 03 - a black ceramic Hario V60 with a gooseneck kettle pouring in water.

Metal is the most durable option. But it absorbs more heat compared to ceramic, which may need hotter water.

Plastic may save you a dollar or two. It also absorbs less heat, which keeps the brewing temperature higher.

Glass is comparable to ceramic when it comes to heat retention. But it’s also the most delicate option.

The wood version is technically a glass dripper with a wood base.

It’s an elegant coffee dripper for those who prefer stylish kitchen accessories.

Related article – Hario V60 Plastic Vs Ceramic

What Are the Best Hario V60 Coffee Filters?

Hario V60 coffee filters come in three different sizes. This is to suit the three different sizes of coffeemakers.

All Hario filters include the same V-shaped design to fit inside the cones.

The filters are interchangeable to a degree. For example, you can use a size 03 filter in any of the Hario coffeemakers.

The taller filter may keep you from splashing water as you pour.

Yet, if you use a size 01 filter in a size 03 dripper, you’re likely to get grounds in your coffee.

Hario V60 01 Vs 02 Vs 03 – Conclusion

The Hario V60 comes in three sizes. Remember to choose a size that matches your needs – the 01, 02, or 03.

A large dripper increases the risk of splashing hot water. Whereas a small dripper limits the amount of coffee you can brew.

If you can’t decide between the three sizes, consider going with the Hario V60 02.

The mid-sized option offers a good compromise.

You can brew up to four cups at a time or a single cup without too much difficulty.

Do you have a size preference for the Hario V60 that you’d like to share?

Do you agree/disagree with anything I’ve said in this article?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

Coffee Maker

Hario V60 Plastic Vs Ceramic

Whether you’re a barista or a coffee connoisseur, the Hario V60 may change the way you brew coffee.

This manual coffee brewer allows anyone to brew better-tasting coffee with no hassle.

You can use the Hario V60 with the pour-over or drip brewing method. It also fits over almost any carafe or mug.

The one issue is choosing the material. The Hario V60 comes in plastic, ceramic, and metal.

The metal Hario V60 dripper is made using stainless steel. It’s durable, but some people think it leaves a metallic taste in their coffee.

In this article, I’ll focus on the Hario V60 Plastic Vs Ceramic options.

I’ll compare the different models so you can choose your next manual coffee dripper.

But first, let’s take a quick look at what the Hario V60 is. It’s brew time!

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

What Is the Hario V60?

Japanese Origins

Hario V60 plastic Vs ceramic - a ceramic v60 sitting on a keep cup with water slowly pouring from a gooseneck kettle.

V60 is a coffee dripper from Japanese company Hario. The company is based in Japan and has made heatproof glass products for over 100 years.

Hario has experimented with coffee drippers in the past. But the current version of the V60 was released in 2004.

The name of the coffee dripper comes from the 60-degree angle of the conical shape.

V60 Shape

This conical shape allows you to add a deeper layer of coffee grounds.

Spiral ridges inside the V60 dripper help the flow of water. The water quickly saturates the grounds and starts extracting more flavor.

Improving the flow of water allows you to pour at a speed to suit your preferences. Pour slowly for a fuller flavor or pour quickly for a subtler taste.

Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper, Size 02, White

Durable, ceramic body retains heat to help ensure a constant temperature throughout the brewing cycle.
Cone shape helps to better accentuate coffees with floral or fruit flavor notes.
Spiral ribs allows for maximum coffee expansion.
Large single hole can change coffee taste according to the speed of water flow.
Designed and manufactured in Japan

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V60 Sizes

The plastic and ceramic brewers from Hario come in three sizes. You can brew up to two, four, or six cups.

The six-cup coffee dripper is great for those who drink lots of coffee or brew for many people.

If you only drink a cup or two each day, the smaller sizes are convenient and take up less space. They also cost a little less.

How Does the Hario V60 Work?

The brewing process is the same, no matter the size or material.

The V60 sits on top of a carafe, decanter, or large coffee mug. It has a wide base to fit almost any serving vessel.

You add a paper cone filter into the Hario V60. Then add coffee grounds to the filter while you heat water in a kettle.

After the water heats, start pouring it over the coffee grounds.

You can use the slow pour-over method for a heavy, robust cup of coffee.

You can also pour quickly and allow the coffee to drip for a lighter brew.

Hario V60 plastic Vs ceramic - a plastic v60 sitting on top of a Hario coffee server with coffee inside.

How to Compare the Hario V60 Ceramic vs Plastic Brewers

While the Hario V60 is easy to use, the quality of your coffee depends on a variety of other factors.

The total brew time, water temperature, and type of coffee all impact the final flavor.

The material is also important when choosing a new brewer.

Some materials are good at retaining heat, while others are more durable.

Here are the factors to consider when comparing a plastic to a ceramic pour-over coffee maker:

Durability
Heat retention
Appearance
Cost

Let’s take a look at each of these factors in detail.

Durability

Plastic

The plastic dripper is less prone to breakage but more prone to gradual wear and tear.

The Hario V60 plastic dripper is unlikely to break when dropped on the floor.

Plastic is a more resilient material. It can bend slightly without breaking.

If you have pets or children and worry about the dripper dropping, choose the plastic option.

It can bounce off the floor instead of shattering into hundreds of pieces.

With the plastic options, the acids from the coffee grounds may stain the plastic.

Along with stains, daily use can slowly wear the plastic. The plastic dripper may look less appealing after several months of frequent use.

The stains become harder to remove and scratches from daily cleaning may appear.

Ceramic

Hario V60 plastic vs ceramic - A red ceramic Hario V60 sitting on top of a coffee server.

Yet, a ceramic coffee brewer provides greater resistance to daily wear.

The Hario V60 ceramic coffee dripper has a nonporous surface.

It doesn’t stain easily and any stains that appear are often easy to remove.

With careful use, ceramic holds up better compared to plastic.

Over time, you may notice a ring of stains around the hole where the coffee drips.

Soaking or scrubbing with vinegar or baking soda and hot water should remove most of the stains.

Heat Retention

Ceramic

Heat retention and resistance are the main differences between plastic and ceramic materials.

These factors influence the results of your brewing method.

Ceramic has more thermal mass, which means that it takes longer to become hot.

Ceramic heats slowly, which can also transfer more heat from the water to the dripper.

As ceramic holds more heat, it can also maintain a stable temperature longer.

You can preheat it to ensure that your brew reaches the optimal brewing temperature.

Ceramic is a more stable, reliable material when dealing with hot temperatures.

Plastic

Hario V60 plastic Vs ceramic - a plastic v60 sitting on top of a Kalita server with brewed coffee inside.

Plastic has less thermal mass compared to ceramic, which means it holds less heat. Plastic heats quickly and cools quickly.

If you’re serious about brew temperatures and perfecting your coffee, go for ceramic.

For those who want to enjoy a cup of coffee but aren’t worried about the small details, plastic is still a great choice.

Appearance

Ceramic

The Hario ceramic coffee drippers are more visually appealing. This is especially true after a few months of use.

The ceramic coffee dripper is unlikely to have any stains or signs of wear if you clean it often.

Most people would agree that ceramic is a more attractive material. This is thanks to its shiny, non-porous surface.

It should look right at home on your kitchen counter. It’s also available in white or red to suit your tastes.

Plastic

Hario V60 Plastic Coffee Dripper, Size 02, Clear

Cone shape helps to better accentuate coffees with floral or fruit flavor notes
Spiral ribs allows for maximum coffee expansion
Sturdy, lightweight pour-over coffeemaker, perfect for travel
Large single hole can change coffee taste according to the speed of water flow
Size 01: 1-2 cups, Size 02: 1-4 cups, Size 03: 1-6 cups

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The plastic dripper may appear a little worn out after three or four months of daily brewing.

The Hario V60 plastic coffee brewer comes in translucent plastic, red, or white.

All three options resemble an inexpensive plastic pitcher. But they can still brew a great cup of coffee.

Cost

The Hario plastic coffee dripper is the less expensive option. It costs a fraction of the price of the ceramic coffee brewer.

But keep in mind that the price depends on the size.

The largest ceramic coffee dripper is about twice the price of the largest plastic dripper. And three times the price of the smallest.

Yet, both options are still affordable.

You are likely to spend more on a package of quality coffee beans compared to either of these drippers.

Hario V60 Plastic Vs Ceramic Coffee Dripper – What Else Do You Need?

No matter which option you choose, you will need a few other items to brew coffee:

Filters
Kettle
Server (mug, carafe, or decanter)

Both options need paper coffee filters. Hario sells three sizes of cone-shaped coffee filters for each of the three sizes of drippers.

You also need a kettle to heat water and a serving vessel of some kind, such as a carafe or a large ceramic coffee mug.

Hario sells a glass range coffee server designed for use with the V60 coffee brewer.

The brewer fits on top of the server, which includes a handle for easy pouring.

If you use a mug or carafe, make sure that the interior measures between 2.5 and 4.25 inches.

The bottom of the dripper has a ring that fits in the mouth of the coffee cup or serving vessel that you choose.

A base plate extends to the sides and rests on top of the cup or serving vessel.

The bottom part that sits inside the cup measures 2.5 inches in diameter. The base plate has a diameter of about 4.25 inches.

If the interior of the mug is less than 2.5 inches, the dripper cannot fit over it.

If the interior is more than 4.25 inches, the dripper may fall inside.

Hario V60 Plastic Vs Ceramic – Conclusion

Hario V60 plastic Vs ceramic - a black ceramic Hario V60 with a gooseneck kettle pouring in water.

The Hario ceramic coffee dripper offers a few advantages over the plastic version.

It holds heat better, which allows you to preheat the dripper.

The increased heat resistance also keeps it from absorbing too much heat from the water.

It’s easier to maintain a stable temperature with ceramic.

Ceramic also has a higher melting point. This keeps the dripper from wearing out quickly due to frequent use.

Compared to plastic, ceramic is also less prone to staining. It holds up better when cleaned regularly.

Yet, plastic is less fragile. The Hario V60 ceramic dripper is likely to shatter if dropped on the floor.

Plastic also costs less. You can buy three Hario V60 plastic coffee drippers for the price of a ceramic one. Even if it wears quickly, plastic is affordable to replace.

So, which should you choose?

When it comes to the Hario V60 plastic versus ceramic debate, the answer depends on your preferences.

If you want more control over your brewing methods, go with the ceramic option. It holds temperatures better.

If you want the least expensive, most durable option, go with the Hario V60 plastic coffee dripper.

Have you tried either the Hario V60 plastic or ceramic models? Have another coffee dripper you want to recommend?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

Coffee Maker

AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper

AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper: which is the better manual coffeemaker? The answer depends on your preferences.

The AeroPress is one of the best-selling manual coffeemakers. It’s compact and durable but only brews about eight ounces at a time.

There’s also many different AeroPress accessories available that make it a worthy choice.

The Clever Dripper is also a great way to prepare coffee manually.

It’s a pour-over coffeemaker that can brew about three cups of coffee at a time.

In this article, I’ll cover the following:

Features of each coffee maker
Pros and cons of each coffee maker
What to consider when making a choice

So, which should you choose – AeroPress or Clever Dripper? By the end of this article, you’ll be able to make your decision.

Let’s take a closer look at both options. It’s go time!

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

What Is the AeroPress?

The AeroPress is a piston-style coffeemaker. It resembles a large syringe with a cylindrical chamber and a plunger.

It also comes with a pack of paper filters, a filter holder, a scoop, a funnel, and a stirrer.

As with other manual coffeemakers, you need to heat the water separately. The ideal temperature is about 175 degrees Fahrenheit.

You may need a kettle to use with your AeroPress.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with Tote Bag – Quickly Makes Delicious Coffee Without Bitterness – 1 to 3 Cups Per Press

Popular with coffee enthusiasts worldwide, the patented AeroPress is a new kind of coffee press that uses a rapid, total immersion brewing process to make smooth, delicious, full flavored coffee without bitterness and with low acidity.
Good-bye French Press! The rapid brewing AeroPress avoids the bitterness and high acidity created by the long steep time required by the French press. Plus, the AeroPress paper Microfilter eliminates grit and means clean up takes seconds.
Makes 1 to 3 cups of American style coffee per pressing in about a minute. Unlike a French press, it can also brew cold brew style coffee or espresso style coffee for use in lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso based drinks.
Perfect for home kitchen use, the AeroPress is lightweight, compact, portable and durable. The tote bag makes it easy to pack with some coffee and a cup for use while traveling, camping, backpacking, boating and more!
Includes the AeroPress press, funnel, scoop, stirrer, 350 microfilters, a filter holder, and a zippered nylon tote bag. Phthalate free and BPA free. Mug not included. Assembled measurements: 9 1/2 h X 4 w X 4 d

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There’s several kettles available that are suitable for use with the AeroPress. But read this post if you’re looking for the best kettle for AeroPress.

Add fine coffee grounds to the paper filter inside the chamber.

Then pour the water over the ground and stir or allow the mixture to bloom for about 10 seconds.

You use the plunger to create pressure and force the coffee through the filter and into a cup.

Here’s a simple video explaining how to brew with the AeroPress.

Main Features of the AeroPress

AeroPress Brew Size & Time

The AeroPress can brew about eight ounces of coffee at a time. It’s a single-serving device, which may not be suitable for everyone.

The average brew time is about 2.5 minutes. But the AeroPress makes great-tasting coffee.

AeroPress Filters

The paper filter helps remove oil and sediment. This eliminates the acidic taste you get from cheap drip coffeemakers.

If you prefer a bolder taste with more oils in your coffee, don’t worry. You can purchase a reusable metal filter for the AeroPress.

AeroPress Brewing

The AeroPress is made for immersion brewing. Yet you can also brew espresso-style coffee and cold brew coffee.

The AeroPress can generate about 0.35 to .75 bars of pressure. Espresso requires at least 9 bars of pressure.

Yet, you can use finely ground espresso roast to make espresso-style brews. You should also use a temperature of about 200 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit.

AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper - AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with Tote Bag - Quickly Makes Delicious Coffee Without Bitterness - 1 to 3 Cups Per Press

AeroPress Cold Brew

To make a cold brew, you add cold water to the chamber instead of hot water.

You also need to use fine drip grind coffee instead of medium or coarse.

There’s also a few methods to make an AeroPress overnight cold brew.

Pros

Durable components
Versatile brewing options
Portable design

Cons

Plunging can be difficult
It only brews up to eight ounces of coffee

What Is the Clever Dripper?

The Clever Dripper resembles a small plastic pitcher. It has a wide opening on top, a narrow base, and a large handle.

The base of the device includes a shut-off valve.

You set a paper filter in the bottom of the Clever Dripper, add grounds, and pour water.

For immersion brewing, place the Clever Dripper over a carafe or decanter. Then allow the water to sit for several minutes.

Clever Coffee Dripper and Filters, Large 18 oz (Black)| Barista’s Choice| Safe BPA Free Plastic|Includes 100 Filters

Combines the Best of Pour Over and French Press Coffee, Includes Dripper, 100 Clever Filters, a Coaster and Lid
No Mess, Easy to Use and Clean, Perfect cup every time!
100% BPA-free Plastic
Large holds 18 oz. Small holds 11 oz.
Fit on cups and thermoses with tops wider than 1.5 and less than 3.75 in diamet

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After immersing the grounds in water, you turn the shut-off valve to disperse fresh coffee.

You can also use the Clever Dripper as a pour-over brewer.

You leave the valve on the bottom in the open position and slowly pour hot water over the grounds.

Watch this useful tutorial to learn more about how the Clever Dripper works.

Main Features of the Clever Dripper

Clever Dripper Size

The Clever Dripper measures 6.75 inches in diameter at the widest point and stands 5.75 inches tall.

The handle adds a few more inches to the size.

Clever Dripper Capacity

One of the main advantages of the Clever Dripper is its capacity.

It can hold up to 18 ounces of liquid, which is twice the capacity of the AeroPress.

Clever Dripper Filters

The Clever Dripper comes with 100 paper filters and a lid.

You also get a coaster that you can set the coffeemaker on to avoid staining the counters.

AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper - NEW Clever Coffee Dripper Official, Glass Style Coffee Maker Hassle-Free Ways Make Manual Pour Over Coffee & Cold Brew, 18 Fl Oz.

Clever Dripper Durability

The Clever Dripper is relatively durable. It’s made from BPA-free plastic but may scratch when cleaned with scouring pads.

The plastic pitcher-shaped coffeemaker shouldn’t crack easily.

The handle is the part that you need to be careful with. The thin handle could crack if mishandled.

Pros

Easy to use
Brews up to 18 ounces of coffee
Fewer parts to clean

Cons

Not very portable
Awkward to store

AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper Comparison

You can easily brew coffee with the AeroPress or the Clever Dripper.

Both options are comparable in price and work great but include different features.

What should you consider when comparing the Clever Coffee Dripper Vs AeroPress?

Versatility
Ease of use
Durability
Portability

The AeroPress’ design requires you to press a plunger for immersion brewing.

The Clever Dripper works as an immersion brewer or a pour-over brewer.

The differences in the design lead to separate advantages. Here’s a closer look.

Versatility

The AeroPress and Clever Dripper provide more control compared to other drip brewers.

Both options offer more than one way to brew coffee.

Clever Dripper

You can use immersion-style or pour-over brewing with the Clever Dripper. With the pour-over method, you pour hot water over the grounds.

Instead of allowing the water to sit, it flows through the filter and into your cup or carafe.

Pour-over brewing tends to extract less of the flavor from the coffee grounds. You get less taste, but also less bitterness and acidity.

The pour-over method is more forgiving. If you’re new to manual coffee brewing, it’s an easier way to make great-tasting coffee.

Aeropress

The AeroPress may be a little more versatile.

Along with immersion brewing, you can use the AeroPress to make espresso-style drinks. And cold brews.

The simplicity of the AeroPress also allows for a variety of recipes.

There’s even an annual competition called the World AeroPress Championship. People compete at the WAC with their own AeroPress recipes.

Check out this post for the best World AeroPress Championship recipes.

Instead of pouring water into the chamber, you can add extra steps.

For example, some recipes ask you to add a part of the water to allow the grounds to bloom.

After adding a part of the water, stir or flip the AeroPress and add the remaining water.

Some recipes also ask you to extract a part of the coffee midway through the brewing process.

Ease of Use

Clever Dripper

Using either product involves only a few steps. Yet, the Clever Dripper is easier to use.

You can use the pour-over method, which doesn’t need timing.

Along with allowing you to use the pour-over method, you don’t have to plunge anything.

AeroPress

The AeroPress can sometimes be difficult to plunge.

This is mainly when using fine grind coffee or the espresso-style brewing method.

You can also pour hot water over the coffee grounds and allow the coffee to drip into your cup or carafe.

Durability

AeroPress

The AeroPress is more durable. The compact chamber and plunger are almost indestructible.

Both coffeemakers need cleaning after each use to prevent buildup.

The AeroPress is a little easier to clean. The components come apart, allowing you to reach every crevasse.

Clever Dripper

The Clever Dripper is durable but is more likely to crack when dropped or stored with heavy objects.

The Clever Dripper includes a narrow funnel at the bottom with a shut-off valve.

Cleaning in and around the valve isn’t very easy, especially if you allow sediment to form.

Portability

AeroPress

If you’re looking for a coffeemaker for travel or camping, the AeroPress is likely a better choice.

You can store the AeroPress chamber, plunger, filter holder, and scoop together.

You can also buy storage pouches designed specifically for the AeroPress.

If you want something even more portable, check out the AeroPress Go.

It’s a little more compact and comes with a travel bag.

The AeroPress also requires less storage space in your kitchen.

The compact design measures only 5.26 inches tall and 4.22 inches wide.

Clever Dripper

The Clever Dripper is about half an inch taller and over two inches wider.

It also has a handle that can make it awkward to store.

Clever Coffee Dripper Vs AeroPress: Which Brews the Best Coffee?

You can brew great-tasting coffee with the AeroPress or the Clever Dripper.

The taste of the coffee depends on the brewing method and the grounds that you choose.

Yet, AeroPress includes access to more recipes.

You can find YouTube videos and online tutorials for brewing coffee to your liking.

AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper – Conclusion

I recommend the AeroPress or Clever Dripper for those who want to try manual brewing.

You don’t need to be a barista to brew a flavorful cup of coffee.

Choosing the right coffeemaker depends on your preferences. Both options allow you to use immersion brewing.

If you want to use the pour-over brewing method, the Clever Dripper is the right choice.

If you want to make espresso-style coffee or overnight cold brew, go with the AeroPress.

For those who want the easiest brewing option, try the Clever Dripper.

You don’t have to use a plunger. You can pour water into the device and either immerse the grounds or allow the coffee to drip.

The Clever Dripper also has a much larger capacity. You can brew three cups of coffee at a time instead of a little over one cup.

The AeroPress is more durable and portable.

If you plan on taking a coffeemaker camping or on a trip, AeroPress is the recommended option.

It’s less likely to break when dropped and takes up less space. You can even find bags designed especially for the AeroPress.

In the end, you can’t go wrong with either option.

The Clever Dripper can brew more coffee. But the AeroPress is more versatile and easier to travel with.

Both make good coffee.

Have you tried either of these coffee makers?

Do you have a go-to recipe that you’d like to share?

Is there another coffee maker that you think wipes the floor with these?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

Coffee Maker

Which Coffee Maker Makes the Hottest Coffee?

Choosing the right coffee maker requires you to compare a variety of features. One feature that most shoppers tend to overlook is the brew temperature.

You need hot water to make coffee. Water extracts flavor from the coffee grounds. But it needs to reach a specific temperature for best results.

The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCCA) says water should reach a temperature of 195 to 205° Fahrenheit. This is for optimal coffee brewing.

If the water is too cool, you get weak, sour-tasting coffee. If the water is too hot, the coffee may taste bitter.

So, which coffee maker makes the hottest coffee? It turns out, quite a few. There’s several coffee makers that have brewing temperatures within the recommended range.

Title	Prime	Buy
Redline MK1 Coffee Brewer (195-205 Optimum Brew Temperature, Pre-Infusion Mode Included).	PrimeEligible	See on Amazon
OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker	PrimeEligible	See on Amazon
Ninja CP307 Hot and Cold Brewed System, Auto-iQ Tea and Coffee Maker with 6 Brew Sizes, 5 Brew Styles, Frother, Coffee & Tea Baskets with Thermal Carafe	PrimeEligible	See on Amazon
Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 Perfectemp Coffee Maker, 14 Cup Progammable with Glass Carafe, Stainless Steel	Prime	See on Amazon
Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Black	PrimeEligible	See on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Let’s take a closer look at these five hottest coffee makers for brewing the perfect cup of coffee. It’s brew time!

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

5 Coffee Makers That Make The Hottest Coffee

Redline MK1 Coffee Brewer

Redline MK1 Coffee Brewer (195-205 Optimum Brew Temperature, Pre-Infusion Mode Included).

TAKE YOUR COFFEE BREWING EXPERIENCE TO THE LIMIT: The Redline MK1 is a premium quality coffee brewer available at an accessible price.
OPTIMUM BREWING TEMPERATURES FOR OPTIMAL EXTRACTION: Create a pot of perfection every time. The MK1 reaches optimum brew temperatures of 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit.
BREWING MADE EASY: With a press of a switch, you are on your way to make consistently great coffee. The MK1 also includes a pre-infusion mode which your coffee to bloom.
ELEGANT DESIGN: All of the MK1’s features are simple, mechanical and thoughtfully considered. The wide-mouth water reservoir is designed for easy pouring. A simple drip lever we nicknamed “The Parking Brake” allows you to “pause” the drip during the middle of your brew.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: We want you to enjoy the coffee made by the MK1 down to the very last drop, every time. That is why every Redline Coffee brewer includes a Limited 2 Year Warranty and 60 day return policy.

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The Redline MK1 appears on almost every list of hottest coffee makers. The brew temperature range matches the SCAA recommendation (195 to 205° F). It’s also a versatile machine.

Features:

Drip Rate:

The MK1 includes a lever for adjusting the drip rate and soak times. You can adjust the drip rate to achieve the best results with different coffee grounds.

Slowing the drip rate helps with extraction for a fuller flavor. Increasing the drip rate helps prevent bitter coffee.

Pre-infusion:

The coffee maker is also equipped with a pre-infusion mode. The pre-infusion mode soaks the grounds, allowing them to expand.

As with slowing the drip rate, the pre-infusion mode brings out more flavor.

Design:

The MK1 also stands out for its unique design.

The water reservoir sits to the side of the carafe and uses a separate heating element from the hot plate. This allows the water to reach optimal temperatures quickly.

With the Redline MK1, you can brew a full pot of coffee in just six minutes.

The design is entirely mechanical. This eliminates the risk of electronic components shorting out. It’s also durable and should hold up to daily use.

Size:

The Redline MK1 is a little large. The base measures 13.7 x 7.8 inches, making it deeper compared to most coffee makers.

It takes up more counter space, but only includes an eight-cup carafe. If you drink a lot of coffee, you may prefer a larger coffee maker.

Pros

Brews a full pot in six minutes
Includes a mechanical lever for adjusting the drip rate
The mechanical design is built to last

Cons

Takes up more counter space compared to other choices
Includes an eight-cup carafe

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OXO Brew 8 Coffee Maker

OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker

Gold-standard coffee certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). Brew by the cup or the carafe.
Single-serve capability with optional brew basket accessory included optimizes flavor
Better Brew precision controls water temperature and brew cycles; meeting the Specialty Coffee Associations Golden Cup standard
Rainmaker shower head evenly distributes water over grounds
Double-wall, vacuum-insulated thermal carafe with brew-through, pour-through carafe lid
Removable well cover elevates short mugs or makes room for tall mugs
Features convenient cleaning mode
Sized to fit under cabinets
Includes 10 paper coffee filters and a coffee scoop

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The OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker has a brewing temperature of 198 to 205° Fahrenheit. This makes it the highest temperature coffee maker available.

Features:

BetterBrew Technology:

OXO uses original BetterBrew technology. This optimizes water temperature, water volume, and brew time.

The inside of the OXO coffee maker has a microprocessor. This controls the brew cycle to replicate the “pour over” brewing method.

The end result is even extraction and rich flavors when brewing.

Stainless Steel Carafe:

As with the Redline MK1, the OXO coffee maker includes an eight-cup carafe. Yet, instead of glass, the carafe is made from stainless steel.

A stainless-steel carafe is shatter-proof and helps keep the coffee hot.

The base and top of the coffee maker are also made from stainless steel. While the water reservoir is clear polypropylene.

Design:

An eight-cup carafe is small, as many coffee makers include 10-cup or 12-cup pots. But, the OXO coffee maker has a space-saving design.

It’s about 6.75 inches wide and 10.5 inches deep.

It’s a durable coffee maker with a simple design. The only settings include the brew size and a cleaning mode.

Brew Settings:

You can move a lever on the basket to switch between brewing a carafe and brewing a single cup.

When brewing a single cup, you can also remove the carafe and brew straight into your coffee mug.

The OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker is also one of the more expensive options. But, you get what you pay for.

With this model, that’s the advanced brewing technology and stainless-steel parts.

Pros

Brews coffee at a hotter temperature compared to most coffee makers
Includes a durable stainless-steel carafe
Allows you to brew a single serving or a full pot

Cons

One of the more expensive choices

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Ninja CP307 Hot and Cold Brewed System

Ninja CP307 Hot and Cold Brewed System, Auto-iQ Tea and Coffee Maker with 6 Brew Sizes, 5 Brew Styles, Frother, Coffee & Tea Baskets with Thermal Carafe

Coffee and tea brew settings: Brewing technology offers an array of coffee and tea options
Cold brew coffee and tea: Brew over ice at a lower temperature for smooth, naturally sweet flavor in 10 to 15 minutes
Smart basket recognition: System recognizes basket and displays coffee or tea drink options
Separate coffee and tea baskets: Brew coffee or loose or bagged tea to keep flavors separate
6 brew sizes: Brew anything from a single cup or travel size to a half carafe or full carafe in your coffee maker
5 brew styles: Choose your strength with classic, rich, over ice, cold brew, or specialty
Brew directly into a cup with the coffee brewer: Use any brand of coffee or tea, loose leaf or bagged
Tea type: Select your tea type and the system knows the temperature and number of steeps needed
50 Ounces (10 cup) thermal carafe: keeps your coffee and tea hot upto 2 hours

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The Ninja CP307 is packed with features for brewing coffee or tea in a variety of sizes and styles.

It has a brew temperature range of 195 to 205° Fahrenheit, with an average temperature of 200° Fahrenheit.

Features:

Brewing Styles:

The machine includes separate baskets for coffee and tea. It automatically recognizes which basket you insert to display the right brew options.

You can select from six brew sizes, ranging from a single cup serving to a full carafe.

Other options include brewing directly into a cup or into the coffee carafe. The available brew styles include classic, rich, over ice, cold brew, and a specialty brew mode.

Specialty Mode & Menu:

Use the specialty mode for everything from cappuccinos to macchiatos. The coffee maker will adjust the temperature and drip rate based on the setting selected.

The menu is on the right side of the machine and includes a digital clock. The coffee maker is programmable, allowing you to wake up to a fresh pot of coffee.

Carafe & Accessories:

As with the OXO coffee maker, the Ninja CP307 comes with a stainless-steel carafe. It has a 10-cup capacity and can keep your coffee hot for hours.

You also get a couple of accessories. This includes a fold-away frothing tool and a permanent coffee filter.

Instead of using paper filters, you can rinse out the coffee grounds and reuse the filter.

The frothing tool allows you to convert hot or cold milk into a rich foam.

Pros

Includes a variety of brew settings, including cold brewing
Comes with a stainless-steel carafe
Include six brew sizes, including single cup

Cons

Takes up more counter space
Not the least expensive coffee maker

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Cuisinart DCC 3200 PERFECTEMP Coffee Maker

Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 Perfectemp Coffee Maker, 14 Cup Progammable with Glass Carafe, Stainless Steel

State-of-the-art technology to ensure hotter coffee without sacrificing flavor or quality
Brew strength control allows you to select regular or bold coffee flavor
Fully automatic with 24-hour programmability, self-clean, 1-4 cup setting and auto shutoff (0-4 hours)
Adjustable keep warm temperature control
Gold tone, commercial style permanent filter.MC Cubic Feet: 2.32

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Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

The Cuisinart DCC 3200 is a 14-cup drip coffee maker. It has a brewing temperature between 198 and 202° Fahrenheit.

Features:

Temperature:

It doesn’t get quite as hot as the previous options. Yet, the temperature is still within the ideal range.

Cuisinart uses advanced tech so that the coffee is brewed at the right temperature.

The hot plate also has an adjustable temperature. You can control this using a button below the display.

Carafe & Size:

The Cuisinart DCC 3200 has a 14-cup glass carafe. This is quite a bit larger compared to the earlier recommendations.

Even with a larger carafe, the Cuisinart coffeemaker takes up minimal space. It measures just 7.755 x 9 x 14 inches.

Settings & LCD Display:

The sleek design includes a backlit LCD with a clock and programmable timer.

You can select from several operating modes. This includes self-cleaning and one to four cup brewing.

The coffee maker also has a button for controlling the brew strength. Select “bold” for stronger coffee and “regular” for a standard pot of coffee.

Reusable Coffee Filter:

The Cuisinart DCC 3200 also comes with a gold-tone permanent coffee filter. You don’t need to buy any paper filters.

The Cuisinart coffee maker is another durable choice. It includes a stainless-steel exterior. Yet, it’s also a little expensive when not on sale.

If cost is a factor, the same coffee maker is available with a plastic matte black exterior at a lower cost.

Pros

Comes with a large 14-cup carafe
Includes a programmable timer and self-cleaning mode
Allows you to brew smaller pots (one to four cups)
The sleek design takes up minimal space

Cons

Doesn’t get as hot as some of the other coffee makers

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Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker

Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Black

On/off indicator light lets you know when your coffee maker is on or off
Grab a cup auto pause stops cycle if you need a cup before brewing is finished
Dual water window allows visibility as you fill no more overflows
Lift and clean filter basket for fast and easy clean up
Easy cord storage eliminates counter clutter. Watts: 900
Cord length: 26 inches
Height: 12.56 inches x width: 11.76 inches x depth: 8.43 inches. Weight: 3.6 pounds

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If your budget is tight, the Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker is an affordable choice. It’s one of the least expensive coffee makers that meets SCAA’s recommendations.

The brewing temperature is between 196 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.

Features:

Settings:

The Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker is a basic coffee maker with no extra settings.

It features an on/off switch and a water level indicator on the side of the water reservoir. This is to prevent overfilling.

Size:

The coffee maker measures 11.76 x 8.43 inches and stands 12.56 inches tall. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe.

When you pull the carafe from the coffee maker, it automatically stops brewing. This means you can grab a cup before it’s done brewing.

(Unfortunately I couldn’t find a video with the exact Mr. Coffee Model here. The model in this video is not the same as the model I’m suggesting. You can still get an idea of how it works.)

Hot Plate:

The hot plate has an automatic shut-off feature. It turns off after two hours of use, so you don’t have to worry about turning off the coffee maker.

The Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker is easy to use and affordable. But it doesn’t include any special features or custom settings.

Pros

One of the most affordable coffee maker
Comes with a 12-cup carafe
Easy to use design

Cons

Doesn’t include any brew settings
It may not last long as some of the other options

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How to Choose the Best Coffee Maker with Hot Brew Temperatures

The brew temperature is just one of several details to consider when buying a coffee maker. You should also pay attention to:

Carafe size and material
Coffee maker dimensions
Brew settings
Durability
Cost

Carafe Size & Material

The carafe is the coffee pot that comes with the coffee maker. Most carafes have a capacity of 8 to 14 cups.

If you drink a lot of coffee, you may want at least a 12-cup coffee maker. A 12-cup coffee maker can brew about 96 ounces of coffee.

While most carafes are made from glass, some coffee makers have stainless-steel carafes.

Stainless steel carafes don’t shatter when dropped. But they need more frequent cleaning to prevent scale build-up.

Coffee Maker Dimensions

Before purchasing a coffee maker, you should be aware of how much space you’re working with.

It might sound like an obvious thing to do, but I’m sure we’re all guilty of getting excited about a new purchase!

Doing this now will save you lots of time and effort later. Especially if you realise you don’t have the space available that you need.

Who wants to go through the effort of returning goods? Not me!

Grab whatever measuring device you have – a tape measure or even ruler will do.

Measure the available space on your kitchen bench first. Then check on Amazon to see the dimensions of your preferred coffee maker.

Brew Settings

Coffee makers also come with various settings and features.

The most basic coffee makers, such as the Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker, include an on/off switch.

Coffee makers with fewer settings are easier to operate. You can pour water, add coffee grounds, and flip a switch.

If you prefer more control over the brewing process, get a coffee maker with more features.

You can find machines with programmable timers, clocks, temperature settings, and operating modes.

Durability & Cost

The durability and cost of the coffee maker are often connected.

Less expensive coffee makers are more likely to break down within two or three years of daily use.

More expensive coffee makers are typically less prone to wear and tear.

Why Do You Need a Hot Coffee Maker?

Most drip coffee makers include a metal tube below the hot plate.

When you turn on the coffee maker, water passes from the reservoir and through the heated metal tube.

The thin tube limits the flow of water, allowing it to heat quickly.

The hot water rises through a plastic tube and drips over the grounds.

As the basket fills, the hot water soaks the grounds and extracts the flavor to produce coffee.

The SCAA recommends a brewing temperature between 195 and 205° Fahrenheit.

The boiling point of water is 212° Fahrenheit. But, using boiling water ruins the flavor.

Too much heat makes the coffee stronger and more bitter.

Some of the cheaper coffee makers only reach temperatures of 175 to 185° Fahrenheit.

The lower temperatures help keep you from making bitter-tasting coffee. But you also end up with a weaker brew.

Which Coffee Maker Makes the Hottest Coffee? – Conclusion

Using the hottest coffee makers ensures proper extraction. This allows you to unlock the full flavor of the coffee grounds.

Each of the five coffee makers discussed brew within the SCAA recommendation of 195 to 205° Fahrenheit.

The Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker is a great choice for those that just want a simple drip coffee maker.

It’s an affordable machine but may not last more than a few years with regular use.

The remaining options are more durable.

The Redline MK1 offers the best value due to its simple design and reasonable price. But it lacks some of the features found on other options.

For those who want more control over the brewing process, get the Ninja CP307. It includes six brew sizes and five brew styles.

Yet it’s also an expensive coffee maker.

The Cuisinart DCC-3200 is bit cheaper and comes with a large 14-cup carafe.

It includes several settings, including an adjustable temperature for the hot plate.

The OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker stands out for its durability and ease of use.

You can also switch between brewing a full carafe and a single serve.

No matter which option you choose, you’re sure to get a hot pot of coffee!

Have you tried one of these coffee makers? How did you find it to use?

Have you got another suggestion for what coffee maker makes the hottest coffee?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay Caffeinated!

Coffee Maker

AeroPress Vs Nespresso – Ultimate Comparison

The AeroPress and Nespresso both provide alternatives to traditional espresso.

You can brew rich, creamy coffee with minimal effort using either device. Yet, you may only have room for one new coffeemaker in your kitchen.

So, is the AeroPress better than Nespresso? Or is Nespresso better than the AeroPress?

In this post, I’ll be comparing the AeroPress to Nespresso to help with your selection. I’ll cover:

What is a Nespresso?
What is an AeroPress?
Brewing
Taste differences
Advantages
Cleaning
Waste
Cost
Repairs
Control

This should be more than enough to help you decide which one is right for your needs.

It’s AeroPress Vs Nespresso time! Let’s get to it!

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

What is a Nespresso?

The Nespresso machines are single-serve coffee machines. As with the Keurig, the machine accepts individual coffee pods containing ground coffee.

The machine also contains a water reservoir and a heating element.

After inserting the pod into the machine, you press a button. The Nespresso pierces the coffee pod and starts brewing. It’s that simple.

A Nespresso machine making a cup of coffee.

The machine mirrors the function of the Keurig, but with more pressure. The high-pressure system produces coffee similar to a creamy espresso.

This is likely the main selling point of the Nespresso machines.

Each coffee pod (capsule) contains about five to seven grams of ground coffee.

The original Nespresso machines only produce two sizes of coffee. You can brew espresso (40 milliliters) and long pour (110 milliliters).

Nespresso Vertuo

In 2014, Nestle released a new line of Nespresso machines called the “Vertuo” line.

The newer machines include two new technologies for better coffee. And more brewing options.

The Nespresso Vertuo machines use “centrifusion” to spin the coffee pod at speeds up to 7,000 rpm. The machine also reads a barcode on the coffee pod.

Each blend of coffee has its own optimal settings for:

Temperature
Rotational speed
Infusion time
Water volume
Water flow

While the Nespresso is convenient, it is also costly and takes up counter space.

Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine Bundle with Aeroccino Milk Frother by De’Longhi Graphite Metal

Virtue Evoqua coffee makers use a patented extraction technology developed by Nespresso known as Centrifusion. Just insert a capsule and close the lever; designed for use with Nespresso capsules
Based on the barcode on the rim of the capsule, the brewing parameters are adjusted by the machine depending on the selected grand cru. No need to change settings.
One Convenient machine for two cup sizes, 7.7 Fl. Oz. Coffee and 1.35 Fl. Oz. Espresso, via two different capsule sizes: large capsule for coffee and a small one for Espresso.
Extra Large 54oz water tank and a very large 17 count used capsule container!
The Aeroccino 3 provides a smooth, finely textured hot or cold milk fresh milk froth for your coffee recipes

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What is the AeroPress?

If you are looking for something smaller and less wasteful, you may want to check out AeroPress.

The AeroPress was released in 2005 and invented by coffee enthusiast Alan Adler. He was in search of a coffee brewing method with less acidity and bitterness.

Espresso makers and French-presses did not meet his needs. Both options offered limited control over brew time, grind size, and water temperature.

AeroPress solves these issues thanks to its unique design. It features a cylindrical chamber and a plunger that creates an airtight seal.

It resembles a large syringe that sits on top of a container.

An AeroPress chamber with plunger placed on top, sitting on a mug on a kitchen bench.

The bottom of the chamber holds a plastic filter. You add coffee grounds and hot water before stirring and closing the system.

After letting the coffee beans and water steep for up to a minute, you press the plunger to create pressure. The pressure forces the coffee through the bottom and into the cup below.

The pressure creates a concentrated coffee. It can produce about 0.35 to 0.75 bars of pressure while an espresso machine uses at least 9 bars.

It’s not quite the consistency of a true espresso. Yet, it’s more concentrated compared to coffee made using drip brewing or a French press.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with Tote Bag and 350 Additional Filters – 1 to 3 Cups Per Press

Popular with coffee enthusiasts worldwide, the patented AeroPress is a new kind of coffee press that uses a rapid, total immersion brewing process to make smooth, delicious, full flavored coffee without bitterness and with low acidity.
Good-bye French Press! The rapid brewing AeroPress avoids the bitterness and high acidity created by the long steep time required by the French press. Plus, the AeroPress paper Microfilter eliminates grit and means clean up takes seconds.
Makes 1 to 3 cups of American coffee per pressing in about a minute, and unlike a French press, it can also brew espresso style coffee for use in lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso based drinks.
Perfect for home kitchen use, the AeroPress is lightweight, compact, portable and durable. The tote bag makes it easy to pack with some coffee and a cup for use while traveling, camping, backpacking, boating and more!
Includes the AeroPress press, funnel, scoop, stirrer, 700 microfilters, a filter holder, and a zippered nylon tote bag. Phthalate free and BPA free. Mug not included. Assembled measurements: 9 1/2 h X 4 w X

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AeroPress vs Nespresso – Brewing Process

The AeroPress and Nespresso machines use different brewing processes. The AeroPress is a manual device while the Nespresso is automated.

If you want a quick shot of espresso in the morning, the Nespresso has you covered. It takes seconds to insert a coffee pod and press the start button.

Depending on the size of the drink, the Nespresso can brew coffee in 30 to 60 seconds.

Here’s a video of one of the more recent Nespresso models, the Vertuo Next, in action.

The AeroPress takes longer to use. You first need to heat water to a temperature of about 200-degrees Fahrenheit.

You may also choose to grind whole coffee beans for fresh coffee, which adds more time.

For optimal results, let the water sit for at least 30 seconds before stirring and plunging.

The whole process can take several minutes to brew a cup of coffee with the AeroPress.

Both systems rely on high pressure to press the hot water through the coffee grounds. Yet, you have almost no input when using the Nespresso machines.

If you want to use a different water temperature, pressure, or brew time, you need a different machine. This is where the AeroPress shines.

AeroPress vs Nespresso – Which Tastes Better?

Both options can produce tasty coffee drinks. Yet, the AeroPress offers more control, which allows you to brew the coffee to your liking.

Fresh Ground Coffee

You may also enjoy fresher coffee with the AeroPress. The Nespresso uses pre-ground coffee contained in pods.

While the pods are sealed for freshness, the coffee grounds may not stay fresh.

AeroPress allows you to add fresh coffee grounds. You can use pre-ground coffee or buy whole coffee beans and grind them yourself.

This isn’t an option with the Nespresso.

Fresh ground coffee almost always produces a better cup of coffee.

Grinding starts the oxidation process. This unlocks the aromas and flavors of the coffee.

Yet, if the coffee grounds sit in a pod, they can start to go stale.

Grinding coffee beans also leads to the loss of oils that contribute to the sweetness of the coffee.

Allowing the coffee grounds to sit exposes the beans to moisture. This increases the loss of oils before you can brew coffee.

Contamination and CO2 depletion are also a concern when using pre-ground coffee beans.

Basically, fresh coffee tastes better and the AeroPress provides the fresher option.

AeroPress Vs Nespresso – Advantages

Nespresso

The Nespresso involves fewer steps and no manual effort.

You insert a coffee capsule, close the lid, and press a button. The machine is designed to brew a perfect espresso every time.

Nespresso machines are also affordable compared to other automated espresso machines. Traditional household espresso machines tend to cost well over $500.

A Nespresso stand with various Nespresso coffee makers and Nespresso pods on display at a department store.

The various Nespresso machines cost a fraction of the price of an espresso machine. But they still cost more compared to the AeroPress.

In a direct comparison, ease of use and speed are the only advantages of choosing the Nespresso.

AeroPress

Yes, the Nespresso Vertuo and Nespresso Original machines are quick and easy to use. But the AeroPress has many benefits:

Compact
Portable
More affordable
Produces less waste
Requires less maintenance
Less likely to break
Provides more control and brewing options
Works with almost any type of coffee
Has a range of 3rd party accessories available

Cost

The AeroPress is an affordable item. It retails for about 1/5 the price of the cheapest Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine.

Along with the lower upfront costs, the AeroPress may offer long-term savings.

Instead of buying costly coffee pods, you can buy your choice of coffee beans or ground coffee.

Coffee pods are sold in packages containing dozens of pods.

Depending on the size of the package, an individual Nespresso pod may cost you about $0.65 to $0.80.

Waste

The Nespresso also produces more waste. The one-time-use pods are made from aluminum, which is recyclable.

Unfortunately, the pod also contains parts that you cannot recycle.

You need to strip the pods down to recycle them, but they still produce waste.

Most people toss them in the trash (hey, prove me wrong people!), which is not environmentally friendly.

The AeroPress generates almost no waste. You can use metal reusable filters or paper filters. Paper filters are biodegradable and cheap.

Yet, if you use reusable filters, you have nothing to toss after brewing coffee with the AeroPress. Except of course the coffee itself, which you can even use in your compost.

Cleaning

The AeroPress is also easier to clean and requires less maintenance.

All you do is unscrew the components and wash them. The plunger even wipes the chamber clean to remove buildup.

A simple rinse cycle in the dishwasher on the top shelf can clean the AeroPress components, if needed.

Keeping the Nespresso clean requires more work.

You need to rinse the coffee capsule container after each use. You also need to rinse and clean the water tank before refilling.

Over time, the internal parts may accumulate calcium.

At least once per month, you may need to use a descaling liquid to clean the Nespresso machine.

Repairs

The Nespresso Vertuo is also a complex machine. It includes a variety of mechanical and electrical parts.

These parts may wear and break down, requiring you to replace the machine or have it serviced.

The AeroPress does not have any electronic components. It’s made from durable plastic materials.

You don’t have to worry about anything malfunctioning.

The parts of an AeroPress won’t last forever, though. And you could lose the filter cap or the rubber seal on the plunger, for example.

But don’t stress. You can buy individual replacement parts, without having to buy a whole new AeroPress.

Control

As the AeroPress is a manual device, you also have more control over how you want to brew your coffee. You can adjust any of the following:

Water temperature
Amount of coffee grounds
Amount of liquid
Steep time
Pressure
Brew time

You also have the freedom to use almost any type of coffee.

The AeroPress works best with fine drip grounds but can also support the espresso grind size.

Conclusion – Is AeroPress Better Than Nespresso?

The AeroPress and the Nespresso are both quality products. But they come with different features.

The Nespresso is an automated system with a one-touch operation. The AeroPress uses a plunger to manually press fresh coffee.

If you want a quick cup of coffee, the Nespresso is a convenient option.

Brewing a cup of coffee involves almost no effort. All you need to do is insert a coffee pod and press a button.

Unfortunately, keeping it clean requires more effort.

The AeroPress is more durable and easier to clean. It’s also much cheaper, produces less waste, and takes up much less space.

Everyone has different preferences. But the AeroPress stands out as a reliable choice for brewing coffee exactly how you want.

Have you tried the AeroPress and Nespresso machines and prefer one over the other?

Is there something that I missed in my comparison that you think I should add?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

Coffee Maker

AeroPress Vs AeroPress Go – Which is Best?

After taking the coffee-making world by storm, AeroPress Inc. released the AeroPress Go.

The AeroPress is a popular manual coffee brewer used to brew a single serving of coffee at a time.

If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve almost certainly heard of the AeroPress coffee maker. It’s very well known for making great coffee, similar to espresso.

It’s easier to use compared to other press coffee makers. It also produces less bitterness compared to a drip coffee maker.

It’s quite portable. But AeroPress Inc. believed it could be even more portable.

The AeroPress Go is a travel version of the AeroPress. It’s smaller and lighter compared to the original version, but is it worth it?

In this post, I’ll be comparing the AeroPress to the AeroPress Go. I’ll take a look at things such as:

what you get with each model,
their difference in size,
the accessories available,
which model is better suited for travel,
if the AeroPress Go needs filters.

But before I get into the AeroPress vs AeroPress Go comparison, let’s do a super-quick overview. Let’s go!

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

What Are the AeroPress and the AeroPress Go?

AeroPress

The AeroPress is a piston-style coffee brewer that makes an espresso style coffee.

Although it’s not an espresso machine, don’t be fooled! It’s definitely capable of making a good coffee.

Unlike an espresso maker, it forces hot coffee through a paper filter using air pressure generated by a plunger.

The device consists of a plunger that fits into a brewing chamber. The brewing chamber sits on top of a filter, filter cap, and coffee mug.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with Tote Bag and 350 Additional Filters – Quickly Makes Delicious Coffee without Bitterness – 1 to 3 Cups Per Press

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You add coffee grounds and hot water to the cylinder and stir. You then connect the plunger and allow the coffee to brew for a few seconds before plunging the device.

The pressure from the plunger forces water through the ground coffee beans.

Compared to a standard drip or pour over coffeemaker, the AeroPress brews coffee faster. Brewing at a faster speed helps limit the bitterness associated with coffee.

You get a smooth, great-tasting cup of coffee with minimal effort and no need for electricity. You just need hot water and ground coffee.

It was invented by Alan Adler and released by Aerobie in 2005. It became a hit for those who wanted a travel coffee press that could brew delicious coffee.

It’s become so popular, there’s even an annual World AeroPress Championship.

During this competition, baristas compete to make superb coffee using the AeroPress. The winner is crowned world AeroPress champion.

AeroPress Go

In 2019, the company released the AeroPress Go coffee maker. The AP Go is a travel-sized version that comes with a few different accessories.

AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press, 1-3 Cups – Makes Delicious Coffee, Espresso and Cold Brew in 1 Minute

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The AeroPress Go includes the same design as the original device, but in a smaller package.

The company used lighter plastic to create a slimmer chamber. This allowed the interior diameter to stay the same.

AeroPress vs AeroPress Go – What Do You Get?

Both products come with a plunger, chamber, filter cap, and 350 filters. Yet, they come with a different stirrer, filter holder, and scoop.

The AeroPress Go stirrer folds in half, while the filter holder only holds 20 filters.

The scoop has a different shape but includes the same 14-gram capacity.

The AeroPress original includes a funnel. The funnel makes it easier to pour coffee grounds and hot water without spilling. It’s a convenient accessory, but not necessary.

aeropress and all accessories laid out on bench

You can also buy a version of the AeroPress that comes with a travel tote bag. The tote bag fits the entire package, including the AeroPress and filter holder.

The AeroPress Go has more useful accessories, as it comes with a travel mug with a lid. The mug has a 15-ounce capacity, which is almost double the capacity of the chamber.

With the AeroPress Go, you don’t need to worry about finding a compatible mug. It’s made to fit the AeroPress Go with a tight seal.

AeroPress vs AeroPress Go – Size Comparison

Capacity

The AeroPress Go has a smaller design to make it more suited for travel.

The AeroPress has a 10-ounce (296 milliliters) brewing capacity. The AeroPress Go has a brewing capacity of 8 ounces (237 milliliters).

You can make one cup of espresso-style brew with the AeroPress Go, while the AeroPress can brew just over one cup.

Chamber and Plunger

For both versions, the largest parts are the chamber and the plunger. These parts are used for the dimensions of the AeroPress.

The chamber and the plunger for the AeroPress measure 5.4 x 4.2 x 3.8 inches. It’s already a compact device, but the makers decided it could be even smaller.

A birdseye view of inside an AeroPress chamber with coffee grounds inside.

The chamber and plunger together measure 4.6 x 3.6 x 3.6 inches on the AeroPress Go. It’s almost an inch shorter and about half an inch narrower.

While the AeroPress Go is more compact, the inner diameter of the chamber is the same.

Coffee Mugs

At the bottom of the chamber is a flange that provides a secure fit with your coffee mug. The flange is slightly smaller on the AeroPress Go.

The flange on the AeroPress supports larger mugs. 3.75 inches is the largest inside diameter for a mug on the original AeroPress.

A birdseye view of inside an AeroPress with coffee grounds inside.

The flange on the AeroPress Go supports cups with a maximum inside diameter of 3.25 inches.

Both versions support cups with a minimum inner diameter of 2.75 inches.

You can use small cups with either model. Yet, the AeroPress works with larger mugs.

Do AeroPress Accessories Work with AeroPress Go?

Most of the AeroPress and AeroPress Go related products are compatible with each other.

The plunger and chamber are slightly different sizes, but both models use the same filter cap. They also use the same filters.

The travel mug that comes with the AeroPress Go does not fit inside the AeroPress.

Third-party manufacturers sell AeroPress accessories that may only work with one version. So it’s best to double check before buying.

The Fellow Prismo Pressure-Actuated Attachment includes a gasket that fits the original AeroPress. It does not fit and is not compatible with the AeroPress Go.

fellow prismo unwrapped from plastic laid out on paper with filter next to it

The JavaJug2 is another product that only works on the AeroPress. The diameter of the JavaJug2 is too wide for the AeroPress Go.

Luckily, some third-party products work with either model. You can use most third-party filters in the AeroPress or the AeroPress Go.

The Able DISK Reusable Stainless-Steel Coffee filters fit both products. You only need to rinse the filters after each use.

The 2POUR dual-press accessory also works on both products. This dual-press accessory allows you to brew up to eight more ounces of coffee at one time.

Yet, some users have mentioned that it may slip a little when using the AeroPress Go.

The AeroPress and AeroPress Go also come with different stirrers and scoops.

The AeroPress Go stirrer folds in half to take up less space. Both the stirrer and scoop work with either version.

Is AeroPress Go Better for Travel?

Due to the smaller size and travel mug, the AeroPress Go is a more convenient option for travel. The provided travel mug should fit in most standard cupholders.

It also comes with a compact filter holder. The filter holder only holds up to 20 filters. But, 20 filters should be more than enough for your vacation.

The AeroPress Go is better suited for travel but the original AeroPress is still easy to take on a trip. AeroPress offers a version of the coffeemaker that comes with a travel tote bag.

The bag stores the plunger, chamber, filters, funnel, and other components. You’ll need to pack a mug separately.

Does AeroPress Go Need Filters?

Yes, the AeroPress Go needs filters. It uses the same micro-filters used in the original AeroPress.

a close up of an AeroPress paper filter.

Both versions come with 350 disposable micro-filters. The original AeroPress filter holder holds all 350 filters. The AeroPress Go filter holder holds 20 filters.

There’s also AeroPress metal filters available that are reusable.

Is AeroPress Go Too Small?

For a single serve coffee maker, the AeroPress Go is not too small. Like the AeroPress, the AeroPress Go brews a single cup of coffee at a time.

The maximum capacity is two ounces lower compared to the original AeroPress. The original AeroPress may only brew a few more sips of coffee with each serving.

Most people use 8-ounce to 10-ounce coffee mugs at home. Depending on the size of your mug, you may only typically pour about six ounces at a time.

Unless you need a larger cup of coffee, the AeroPress Go should not be too small.

Keep in mind that neither option is convenient when brewing coffee for more than one person. You’ll need to repeat the process to brew a second cup unless you buy an accessory.

Watch this video for a really quick comparison of the AeroPress Vs AeroPress Go:

Is AeroPress Go Worth it?

Yes, the AeroPress Go is a worthwhile product.

The AeroPress coffee is less bitter compared to coffee from a drip coffeemaker. It also involves less work compared to using a French press.

The design relies on manual force from a plunger to press coffee through a filter.

You have more control over the brewing process. You can make almost any type of coffee, including cold brew coffee.

An AeroPress Go sitting on a railing with a house in the background.

The size is the main difference with AeroPress Vs AeroPress Go. But even that is minimal.

The AeroPress Go version produces eight ounces of AeroPress coffee. The original AeroPress model can brew up to 10 ounces of coffee.

Keep in mind that the AeroPress Go also comes with a nifty little travel mug with a lid.

No matter which version you choose, you’re likely to enjoy the quality of the coffee it produces.

AeroPress Vs AeroPress Go – Conclusion

Should I Get an AeroPress or AeroPress Go?

The AeroPress and the AeroPress Go are comparable products. They include the same features and design elements.

Both options produce smoother coffee. Yet, the AeroPress Go is a little smaller compared to the original AeroPress.

If you want a single-serving coffee maker that you can take on trips, you may prefer the AeroPress Go.

It comes with a compatible travel mug and a smaller filter holder. You can easily store everything in a small bag.

If you plan on using the device at home, the original AeroPress may make more sense.

You can brew slightly more AeroPress coffee at one time compared to the AeroPress Go.

You may find that the 10-ounce capacity is the right amount for your favorite mug.

Have you tried both models of these coffee makers and prefer one over the other?

Are you an AeroPress fan and bought both models?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

Coffee Maker

AeroPress Vs Keurig – Which Single Serve is Best?

Keurig launched its first single-cup coffee maker for consumers in 2004. The original AeroPress was released a year later in 2005.

Keurig may be more well known. But AeroPress offers several benefits over the competition, such as the many AeroPress accessories available.

It’s also less expensive and likely to last longer. Before buying a single-cup brewing system, you should compare options.

In this article, I’ll compare the AeroPress and Keurig coffee makers. I’ll compare differences such as:

Size & Portability
Efficiency
Versatility
Ease of Use
Maintenance & Durability
Price & Value, and of course
Taste

By the end, you should be able to decide which is right for you.

But before the AeroPress Vs Keurig thing, I’ll do a quick overview of both coffee makers. Let’s get on with it!

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

What Is a Keurig?

A “Keurig” is an automatic coffee maker. It was invented in the 1990s by a Massachusetts entrepreneur.

Keurig sold its coffee makers to offices before releasing products for household use.

A Keurig uses small coffee pods called K-Cups that you insert into the machine. Each pod produces one cup of coffee.

It’s for this reason that they’re know as “single serve” coffee machines.

A commercial Keurig coffee maker - K3000

After inserting the K-Cup and starting the machine, it punctures the pod with a needle. Then it heats some water and pumps it through the pod to brew the coffee.

These machines became popular because they are easy to use. It’s a one-touch system.

You insert the K-Cup into the machine and press a button. Your coffee is ready within about 45 to 90 seconds.

One of the most popular models for home use is the Keurig K-Mini.

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, 6 to 12 Oz. Brew Sizes, Black

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If you haven’t seen how a Keurig works, what rock have you been hiding under?! Watch this quick promo video from the people themselves:

Bear in mind, this is just one of many different models available. But I’m sure you get the idea now.

Now on to the AeroPress!

What Is an AeroPress?

An AeroPress is a simple device used to make great-tasting coffee. It’s comparable to a French press but easier to use.

The AeroPress is a manual press that includes a cylinder-shaped chamber and a plunger.

You place coffee grounds in the bottom of the cylinder on top of a paper filter. Then you pour hot water over the coffee grounds and mixed for several seconds.

The plunger is then inserted into the top of the cylinder. As you plunge, the device presses the hot coffee through the paper filter and into your cup.

An AeroPress that has been pressed sitting on a mug on a kitchen bench.

As with the Keurig, you use the AeroPress to brew a single cup of coffee.

The standard AeroPress can hold 10 ounces of liquid. It has a slightly larger capacity compared to the Keurig.

The AeroPress can brew a cup of coffee in about 30 seconds, which is quicker compared to the Keurig.

It’s quicker, but you still need to heat the water before preparing your coffee.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with Tote Bag and 350 Additional Filters

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The water needs to reach a temperature of 175 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Heating the water adds a few minutes to the brewing process.

Watch this 20 second video for a quick tutorial. And there’s nothing wrong with your speakers, there’s no sound on this one.

Great! We’ve got the overviews out of the way.

Now, here’s a closer look at AeroPress vs Keurig to help you find the right coffee maker. Let’s get to it!

AeroPress vs Keurig – The Comparison

The AeroPress and Keurig devices brew single cups of coffee. But they’re vastly different products.

Here’s a comparison of how the main features stack up.

Size and Portability

Keurig coffee makers are not portable or designed for travel. The company released the Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker, which is the smallest Keurig yet.

It measures five inches wide and weighs less than six pounds.

Yet, it still requires AC power. You need to plug it into an electrical outlet to brew a cup of coffee.

The original AeroPress has a diameter of 4.22 inches and measures 5.26 inches tall. It is a compact device that you can pack up and take with you.

If you’re looking for a travel coffee maker, check out the AeroPress Go. It has a diameter of 3.6 inches and measures just 4.6 inches tall.

It’s small enough to fit in a standard cup holder, but only holds 8 ounces instead of 10 ounces.

Efficiency

The Keurig is designed to use K-Cup pods. Each pod contains a single serving of coffee.

You can find tricks and hacks for reusing K-Cup pods. Unfortunately, most people toss the pods after each use.

Eight Keurig K-Cups scattered on a flat surface.

K-cups are made with plastic, paper, and organic materials. They’re recyclable, but you need to take the pods apart before throwing them into the recycling bin.

There’s some change in more recent years though, with Keurig releasing their own reusable k-cup. This is a good start to dealing with the waste issue!

Keurig My K-Cup Universal Reusable Ground Coffee Filter, Pack of 2, Compatible with All Keurig K-Cup Pod Coffee Makers (2.0 and 1.0)

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Make sure you check before you purchase any Keurig reusable coffee filters that they’re compatible with your Keurig Coffee Maker.

To see how to use the My K-Cup Universal Reusable Ground Coffee Filter, watch this short video.

The AeroPress produces less waste. It works with disposable coffee filters designed specifically for the device.

The filters are more environmentally friendly compared to the K-Cup pods. This is because they contain only paper and no throw-away plastic.

AeroPress paper filters are also reusable and biodegradable.

The Keurig is also less energy efficient due to its need for electricity.

The AeroPress is a manual device. You don’t need to plug it in and it won’t increase your electricity bill.

Versatility

The AeroPress stands out as the more versatile option. It’s a manual press, which gives you more control over the brewing process.

You can press the plunger for more than 30 seconds or add more coffee grounds to make the coffee a little stronger.

Using the AeroPress provides greater temperature control as well. You can heat water on the stovetop or in an electric kettle to the temperature that you prefer.

Only a select few Keurig devices include a temperature control option.

The AeroPress also provides more variety when shopping for coffee. You don’t need to buy K-Cups.

You can buy packages of pre-ground coffee or whole coffee beans. You can also likely continue using your favorite coffee brands.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is the one area where Keurig has the AeroPress beat.

You just need to ensure that the water reservoir has enough water, add the K-Cup, and press the start button. Within 90 seconds, you’ll have a fresh, hot cup of coffee.

A Keurig Coffee Maker brewing a cup of coffee from a K-Cup.

The AeroPress involves a little more work.

You first need to heat the water. If you use a stovetop, heating water can take five to ten minutes.

After adding the coffee grounds and water to the AeroPress, you need to press for about 30 seconds.

Pressing a button involves less effort compared to heating water and using a plunger.

If you don’t want to deal with heating water in the morning, the Keurig is the simplest solution.

Maintenance and Durability

If you plan on using your new coffee maker daily, the AeroPress is likely to hold up longer. You don’t need to worry about electrical or mechanical parts failing.

It consists of a plunger and a chamber made from durable BPA-free plastic.

Cleaning the AeroPress is as simple as rinsing the plunger and chamber under the faucet.

You should also occasionally remove the rubber seal from the plunger and wash the parts with warm water and dish soap.

Taking care of a Keurig requires more work.

You need to clean the tray, water basin, lid, and K-Cup holder often.

You also need to dust the surface and soak the water reservoir with a solution of water and baking soda.

Keurig also recommends that you brew a solution of water and vinegar. Do this at least once every few months to cleanse the interior of the system.

While you can operate the Keurig with a single touch of a button, keeping it clean takes more time.

Watch this video for one example of cleaning that is required. Cleaning the needles.

While not difficult, it’s definitely an extra step.

Price and Value

Keurig coffee makers retail for about $80 to $250, as they also have commercial models. Here’s the Keurig K115 Office Pro:

Keurig K155 Office Pro Commercial Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, Silver, Extra Large 90 Oz. Water Reservoir

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An AeroPress costs between $30 and $40.

Along with the price of the product, you should consider the cost of using it.

AeroPress works with almost any coffee grounds and requires some type of filter. You can use disposable paper or re-usable metal filters.

Keurig coffee makers need K-Cup pods. Each pod is a single serving. If you drink one cup per day, you need 30 pods to cover one month.

(But you could always do as suggested about and purchase a reusable coffee filter. I highly recommend doing it this way.)

Depending on the quality of coffee that you buy, AeroPress is likely to be the more affordable choice.

A 32-pack of K-Cup pods retails for between $15 and $20.

A decent 12-ounce bag of ground coffee costs a little under $15 and can make about 62 cups of coffee.

The paper filters for the AeroPress are also inexpensive and come in packs of 350. You may only need to buy filters once or twice per year.

Which One Tastes Better?

You can buy K-Cups filled with premium coffee or use high-end coffee with your AeroPress. You can also buy inexpensive coffee for either product.

If you use paper filters, I think the AeroPress produces better-tasting coffee. The paper filters help remove oils and sediment that add to the bitterness of the coffee.

You get a smoother cup of coffee.

A cup of coffee that has just been brewed with an AeroPress.

AeroPress also has the advantage of letting you brew the coffee stronger or lighter.

The Keurig K-Cups are prefilled, keeping you from adjusting the strength of the coffee. Although, some more recent Keurig models apparently let you adjust the strength of your brew.

So which tastes better?

Personally, I prefer a brew with the AeroPress. You might prefer a brew with the Keurig. Neither is right nor wrong.

They each produce a different brew. Experiment until you find what it is that you prefer.

AeroPress vs Keurig – Which Is the Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker?

Keurig

Keurig coffee makers are reliable devices and easy to use, but they’re not for everyone.

Keurig machines don’t offer flexibility or portability. You put a K-Cup in the Keurig and let it handle the rest.

The K-Cups are also expensive, especially if you’re a heavy coffee drinker. Drinking two cups per day could cost you over $30 per month.

Using single-serving K-Cups produces more waste. While you can recycle the cups, you need to separate the pod components.

Unfortunately, most people are more likely to toss the cups in the trash. Please prove me wrong!

AeroPress

The AeroPress works best with disposable paper filters. The filters are typically biodegradable, which makes them a greener solution.

You can brew your coffee, yet you choose and use almost any coffee grounds.

As it’s a manual press, you can take your AeroPress anywhere. It’s the perfect size to take camping or on a business trip.

In fact, I’ve done this myself several times.

AeroPress Vs Keurig – Conclusion

In the end, the Keurig is easier to operate. Yet the AeroPress provides greater versatility and (in my opinion) a better cup of coffee.

Have you used both coffee makers and prefer one over the other?

Have you found a Keurig coffee maker that you think is better than your AeroPress?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

Coffee Maker

AeroPress Inverted Vs Normal – Genuine Results

So you’ve gotten used to your AeroPress. You would’ve noticed that there’s many unique methods for using it. One of those methods is the inverted method.

In this article, I’ll discuss the ins and outs of the AeroPress inverted vs normal method.

I’ll give a brief overview of what the differences between the two methods are and cover the pros (and cons) of each.

Finally, I’ll look at what AeroPress themselves say about the two methods. That way, you can decide for yourself whether AeroPress inverted or normal is right for you.

Please note that the inverted method comes with increased risks. If not done correctly, it can spill and you can burn yourself or others with hot coffee. Please take extra care when using this method.

It’s time for AeroPress Inverted Vs Normal Method! Let’s do this!

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

AeroPress Inverted Vs Normal: What’s the Difference?

Normal Method

Chances are, you know the steps to normal AeroPress brewing.

Put the filter in the cap and attach the cap to the chamber,
stand the chamber on your mug,
add the grounds evenly,
add hot water and stir,
let it sit,
and then finally press the plunger down.

An AeroPress chamber, plunger and cap with paper filter inside sitting on a kitchen bench.

A birdseye view of inside an AeroPress chamber with coffee grounds inside.

Inside an AeroPress chamber with coffee brewing inside.

An AeroPress chamber with plunger placed on top, sitting on a mug on a kitchen bench.

An AeroPress that has been pressed sitting on a mug on a kitchen bench.

A cup of coffee that has just been brewed with an AeroPress.

Inverted Method

The inverted method is only a bit different. True to its name, you make the coffee upside-down, so when you begin, the plunger is on the bottom.

Insert the filter, but don’t attach the cap yet,
insert the plunger into the chamber,
stand the whole thing up with the plunger on the bottom and the chamber balancing on top of it,
add grounds and then add a little bit of water and stir,
wait 30 seconds,
add the rest of the water and then let sit for a couple minutes,
slightly wet the paper filter inside the cap (so that it sticks) and attach the cap,
flip the whole thing over onto your mug so that the cap and chamber are sitting on the mug and the plunger is on top,
press the coffee like normal.

An AeroPress chamber and plunger sitting on a kitchen bench.

An AeroPress sitting in the inverted position, with the plunger on the bottom, inserted into the chamber sitting on top.

A birdseye view of inside an AeroPress with coffee grounds inside.

An AeroPress in the inverted position with coffee brewing inside and being stirred with a spoon.

An inverted AeroPress with coffee brewing inside filled all the way to the top.

An AeroPress cap with a filter inside that has been wet.

An inverted AeroPress with the filter cap attached.

An inverted AeroPress with a coffe mug sitting upside down on top.

An AeroPress sitting on top of a coffee mug the right side up that hasn't been pressed yet.

An AeroPress sitting on top of a coffee mug that has just been pressed.

A coffee mug with coffee inside that has just been freshly pressed by an AeroPress.

The inverted method typically requires longer brew times. It gives coffee drinkers greater control by extending the brew time.

There are several video and illustrated tutorials for both methods of AeroPress brewing. Check these out to make sure you’re doing everything right!

AeroPress Inverted or Normal: The Difference in Taste

I still haven’t gotten to the issue of taste. Why use the inverted method in the first place, if the coffee doesn’t taste different?

The inverted method does yield a slightly different tasting cup of coffee. Most users report that their coffee has a denser and more full-bodied flavor.

This is mainly due to the fact that the grounds have a longer extraction time with the inverted method. They also achieve full immersion, further enhancing the flavor.

So, if you’re a hardcore coffee drinker who likes that thick, almost bitter taste, inverted might be the way to go.

AeroPress Inverted Vs Normal: Pros & Cons

Now we’re getting into the fun stuff! Here’s the good and the bad. The strengths and weaknesses. The plusses and minuses. Let’s go!

Pros of the AeroPress Inverted Method

The standard method can leak or brew too fast. If you want to slow down your brew time to maximize taste extraction, use the inverted method. It will also prevent under-brewed coffee from leaking through the filter.
Full immersion. This is one of the reasons why your inverted coffee tastes different. Full immersion means all the grounds touch the water throughout the brewing process.
More advanced. It’s more advanced and so harnesses the power of science for a thicker, more bitter, dense cup of coffee.
Something different. If you’ve been brewing with AeroPress for a while now, the novelty may have worn off. It doesn’t have to. The inverted method can give you an opportunity to experiment and try something new.
Feel like a rebel. If not a rebel, then at least feel like an expert! The AeroPress comes with instructions for the normal method. But the inverted method is something of an insider’s secret. While even the normal method is impressive to behold, the inverted is even more so.

An inverted AeroPress with coffee brewing inside filled all the way to the top.

Pros of the AeroPress Normal Method

It’s easier. Even though you likely won’t spill any coffee with the inverted method, the normal method is easier. This is especially important if you’re new to using an AeroPress. When you’re still getting used to it, we recognize it can be a little intimidating.
Easier to use with a reusable filter. Not all filters are going to work as well for the inverted method. Especially some reusable filters. Reusable filters are more environmentally friendly than the paper versions. And if you’ve already made this switch, you might not want to go back.
You can use the plunger to slow brew time and prevent leakage instead. Insert the plunger a half inch into the chamber while brewing. This allow the grounds to sit in the water for a longer amount of time. You get most of the benefits with less of the fuss.
Less risk. There’s more of a risk of burns with the inverted method, so normal is safer.

Inside an AeroPress chamber with coffee brewing inside.

What Does AeroPress Say?

The AeroPress comes with instructions for brewing coffee using the normal method only. But this doesn’t mean that AeroPress hates inversion.

As we discussed above, though, they recommend using the normal method instead.

AeroPress says on their website (in the FAQ section) that a lot of people prefer the inverted method. Yet they only endorse the normal method.

This is because the inverted method makes their product a bit trickier to use. And it increases the risk of spillage or burns.

That said, many brew-masters have won or placed in coffee competitions using the inverted method. So they prefer it, too.

The AeroPress Fellow Prismo attachment lets you brew full immersion coffee without inverting. It was designed to use the AeroPress to brew espresso.

If you like the taste of inverted but not the added hassle, this is a great accessory. Even if you’re not an espresso drinker.

You can read more about it in my review here, or check out some other AeroPress accessories.

Fellow Prismo, Pressure-Actuated Attachment for AeroPress Coffee Maker with Reusable Filter, Espresso-Style, No-Drip Immersion, and Cold Brew at Home

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Other Ways to Revolutionize Your Brew

There are other ways to brew an amazing cup of coffee with AeroPress besides choosing between AeroPress inverted or normal. Here are a few bonus tips:

The daily grind. Your grind size matters. Read up on what grind size means for flavor and brew times.
Slow and easy. The amount of time you take to plunge your coffee with AeroPress can also impact the flavor. Slower is better, but not too slow. Whatever your current plunge time, try slowing it down and see what kind of a difference that makes.
Dilute your coffee (without diluting flavor). Another change to try is making a small amount of coffee (espresso style) and then adding hot water for a full cup.
Try some AeroPress accessories. There’s various AeroPress accessories available that can improve your life with your AeroPress. Check some of them out here.
Have fun and make it your own. You have so many options and opportunities to customize with an AeroPress coffeemaker. So, make it a hobby (what an amazing way to start your day!). Experiment with small tweaks as well as big changes, such as inverted versus normal. You might even become a master yourself.

Conclusion – AeroPress Inverted Vs Normal

At the end of the day, the perfect cup of coffee is the one that you enjoy the most. No matter the type, source, coffee beans, grind size, or brew method.

That said, the only way to know for sure what you like best, is to try everything.

So experiment with the AeroPress inverted or normal method. Make an informed decision, and then go with it every day.

Which method do you prefer? Why? Have you created your own unique brewing method with the AeroPress?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

Coffee Maker, Reviews

AeroPress Vs Chemex – Which Is Best For You?

Coffee has evolved. Gone are the days when the countertop coffee machine drips average coffee into the large pot.

Even single-cup machines, the most popular being Keurig, are going out of style.

Now, there are so many options for the expert brewer, and coffee lovers are demanding a better brew.

Two of the most popular machines on the market right now are the AeroPress and the Chemex. But which one is right for you?

In this article, I’ll give you an in-depth comparison and highlight the features of each one.

By the end, I guarantee you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

It’s AeroPress Vs Chemex time. Let’s get to it!

What Is The AeroPress?

Before we can compare and contrast the features of each, let’s look at how each of these coffeemakers work.

The AeroPress is quite an ingenious little invention. It’s the brainchild of Alan Adler, a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University.

The AeroPress works by simplifying the science of espresso.

You make espresso by exerting lots of pressure on water as it passes through grounds.

Of course, this is an oversimplification. But who wants an advanced physics lesson right now?

In contrast, a variety of electric coffee makers use gravity to pass hot water through grounds.

The AeroPress uses hand pressure by using a plunger to force the hot water through the grounds.

The process couldn’t be simpler:

you put the filter in the cap,
twist the cap onto the chamber (a cylindrical tube),
put the chamber over your mug or cup,
add your ground coffee,
add your water,
stir,
put the plunger on top through the chamber and press gently.

It only requires the pressure of one hand, and voila! Your perfect cup of coffee is ready in about a minute.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker – Quickly Makes 1 to 3 Cups Per Pressing

Popular with coffee enthusiasts worldwide.
The AeroPress paper Microfilter eliminates grit and means clean up takes seconds.
Makes 1 to 3 cups of American coffee per pressing in about a minute.
Lightweight, compact, portable and durable, making it also ideal for traveling, camping, backpacking, boating and more!
Includes the AeroPress press, funnel, scoop, stirrer, 350 microfilters and a filter holder.

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What’s So Special About Chemex? Is it Hard to Use?

The Chemex has been around a lot longer than the AeroPress, since 1941. This advanced coffee maker is made out of glass.

It has a sleek hourglass shape with a wood collar that you can leave out on the countertop.

It’s so beautiful, in fact, that it has a home in the Corning Museum of Glass in New York.

The hourglass design isn’t about looks, though. It’s part of the science behind the amazing coffee it produces.

It’s also why some other modern coffee makers have copied the Chemex design.

To make coffee with the Chemex:

insert a filter (according to instructions) into the Chemex,
add grounds to the filter,
pour the appropriate amount of water over the grounds,
toss out the filter, and
enjoy your perfect cup of coffee.

To get a more in-depth look at how to use a Chemex, watch this video:

It takes a bit longer than the AeroPress because of the slow pour. But we’re talking a difference of seconds, not minutes.

The main thing that makes Chemex unique, besides its method (which is essentially drip coffee with more control and care), is its filter.

It’s 30% thicker than normal coffee filters. That means that it filters out even more of the “stuff” that adversely impacts the taste of coffee.

That said, buying the right filters is going to be very important to getting the most out of your Chemex.

CHEMEX Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker – Classic Series – 6-Cup

CHEMEX - simple, easy to use with timeless, elegant design
All CHEMEX Coffeemakers are made of the highest quality, non-porous Borosilicate glass which will not absorb odors or chemical residues
The patented CHEMEX pour-over design allows coffee to be covered and refrigerated for reheating without losing flavor
All CHEMEX Coffeemakers are measured using 5 oz. as 1 cup
Use CHEMEX Bonded Filters FP-1, FC-100, FS-100, FSU-

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AeroPress Vs Chemex – What Kind of Coffee Can They Make?

AeroPress

The AeroPress is very versatile. It can make regular hot coffee (drip), cold brew, and espresso-style.

Chemex

The Chemex can also make iced coffee. Although you’ll still need hot water for the brewing and actual ice in the body of the Chemex.

You can also make espresso-style. You use an espresso grind and less water.

What Do You Need to Work Them?

This is an important question if you plan to take your beloved coffee maker on the go.

Particularly if you plan to take it camping. Lots of outdoors-men and women like their coffee models to come with them on the trail.

AeroPress

The AeroPress doesn’t need electricity.

If you want to make hot coffee or espresso-style, you’ll need a way to heat your water.

But if cold brew is fine with you, you don’t need anything but a mug or cup.

A close-up of making coffee in a Chemex coffee maker.

Chemex

The Chemex is like the AeroPress in that you don’t need anything but hot water and a filter to work it.

But, given that it’s made of glass, it doesn’t travel well (even though it is thick, durable glass).

That said, the Chemex is much more visually appealing, so storing it in plain sight is more palatable.

Its glass might also be more durable in the long-term than the plastic AeroPress.

AeroPress Vs Chemex – Environmental Concerns

What kind of impact do these coffee makers have on the environment?

Great question! A lot of us are trying to reduce the footprint we make on the earth.

AeroPress

The AeroPress requires disposable, one-time-use filters.

That said, you can buy a metal filter that you can use over and over instead. Though good ones cost almost as much as the AeroPress itself.

Which Chemex filter is best?

The Chemex uses paper filters, but you can also buy a reusable Chemex filter.

Although you want to make sure it has the same filtering degree as the disposable ones. That’s part of what makes Chemex unique.

In the end, it’s best to buy your filters from Chemex because the filters are such an important part of the process.

Another added environmental bonus of the Chemex is that it’s plastic-free.

Many people work hard to reduce plastic in their lives, even reusable plastic. If that’s your thing, Chemex fits the bill.

Some of the things you need to complete one fo the Fellow Prismo recipes - an AeroPress with Fellow Prismo, coffee cup and coffee scoop sitting on a kitchen bench.

Maintenance

No matter where or when you’ll use your new coffeemaker, I doubt you’re looking to do a lot of clean-up.

AeroPress

The AeroPress is very easy to clean.

You only need to rinse each of the parts. No soap required.

Sometimes, you may want to take the end of the plunger off and clean it.

And the chamber may need a deeper clean every once in a while. But other than that, it needs minimal maintenance.

Chemex

In some ways, the Chemex is easier to clean, since it’s only one piece after you discard the filter.

Remove the wooden collar and wash with soap and water, or you can put it in the dishwasher.

A Chemex coffee maker with coffee dripping through the paper filter.

How Much Will They Set Me Back?

AeroPress

The AeroPress retails for about $30. But they can run a bit more depending on if you buy a model that comes with accessories or a carry case.

Also, you’ll need to keep buying disposable filters, which aren’t that expensive. When bought from AeroPress, they cost about $5 for 250 filters.

Chemex

The Chemex isn’t much more expensive. The standard three-cup model retails for just under $40.

The filters are pricier, though. Most retail for just under $10 for 100 filters.

Neither AeroPress or Chemex sell reusable filters on their websites. But they are available from other retailers, including Amazon.

For the AeroPress, they start at around $10. But given that this isn’t an item you want to skimp on, the better models run around $20 to $25.

A good reusable filter for Chemex is more expensive, around $30.

AeroPress and all accessories laid out on bench

AeroPress Vs Chemex – Which One Makes the Better Cup of Coffee?

This is what you came here for in the first place, isn’t it?

With the AeroPress, you get a delicious, smooth cup of coffee. It boasts low acidity and guarantees no grit (a common complaint among French press users).

The Chemex isn’t much different in those regards, actually.

Chemex coffee is also free from grit and has low acidity, due to its extra-thick filter.

The filter also removes other properties such as oils, giving the coffee a pure taste.

A view of the top a Chemex coffee maker with wet coffee grounds sitting in filter.

That said, some people like the depth those oils provide, in which case, the Chemex may not be their best choice.

As an added flavor bonus, you can refrigerate leftover coffee and drink it later. Either cold or reheated, it will keep its flavor.

Some people might notice a flavor difference because of the materials used.

Plastic does have the chance to impart added flavors to the coffee, making it less pure.

The AeroPress is made from plastic that’s completely BPA- and phthalate-free.

But some will still insist that nothing but glass can impart a clean, pure taste.

AeroPress Vs Chemex – Which One Should You Buy?

So which will it be? As you may have anticipated, the right coffee maker comes down to your needs.

Do you have an active lifestyle and want to take your coffee maker on the go with you?

Then AeroPress is the obvious choice.

It might also be better for coffee addicts in more chaotic settings, such as a house with kids or a college dorm.

Since it’s made of plastic, it won’t break as easily.

Homeowners who prefer elegance and a simple-looking design may favor the Chemex.

It makes a beautiful addition to any kitchen and is sure to impress guests.

If lifestyle isn’t enough to help you make up your mind, consider personality!

Are you an innovative, cutting edge individual who always knows about new technologies?

Do you impress your friends with the latest gadget?

If so, AeroPress may fit the bill better.

Or, do you prefer classic design and tried and true methods?

Would some call you a purist?

Is your home inviting yet elegant?

If so, then the Chemex would make a perfect addition to your sleek kitchen, not to mention lifestyle.

Have you tried both of these coffee makers? Did you have a different opinion about either of them?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

Camping, Coffee Maker, Reviews, Uncategorized

Best Coffee Makers For Camping – My Memorable Top 5

There’s no reason to skip your morning cup of coffee when camping. In fact, the smell of coffee brewing out in the wild is one of the best parts of a morning in nature.

But what’s the best way to make coffee at your campsite? There are so many options for making coffee when camping.

Let’s look at some of the best coffee makers for camping available right now.

I’ll break down some of the pros and cons of five of the top options and finish off with my recommendation.

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

What Are The Best Coffee Makers For Camping?

Image	Title	Prime	Buy
Top Top Top	AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with Tote Bag - 1 to 3 Cups Per Press	PrimeEligible	See on Amazon
Top Top	Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker, Perfect for Camping	PrimeEligible	See on Amazon
Top Top	Hario V60 Pour Over Set with Ceramic Dripper, Glass Server, Scoop and Filters, Size 02, White	PrimeEligible	See on Amazon
Top Top	GSI Outdoors 12 Cup Enamelware Percolator Coffee Pot for Campsite	PrimeEligible	See on Amazon
Top Top	Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Coffee Maker, 6-Cup, silver	PrimeEligible	See on Amazon

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AeroPress

The AeroPress is a favorite among campers for many reasons. It’s very small, compact, and lightweight, weighing less than a pound.

This makes it a perfect option for backpacking, as well. It’s easy to use and makes delicious coffee.

So you don’t have to be an expert on how to make coffee when camping to get your morning (or afternoon or evening!) caffeine fix.

The grounds don’t sit in the water for long (as they do with a French press), so the coffee generally tastes less bitter.

Users also rave about the flavor of AeroPress coffee.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with Tote Bag

Popular with coffee enthusiasts worldwide.
The rapid brewing AeroPress avoids bitterness and high acidity
Makes 1 to 3 cups of American style coffee per pressing in about a minute.
The AeroPress is lightweight, compact, portable and durable.
Easy to pack for use while traveling, camping, backpacking, boating and more!
Includes the AeroPress press, funnel, scoop, stirrer, 350 microfilters, a filter holder, and a zippered nylon tote bag.

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The AeroPress makes coffee by the cup, so you don’t have to worry about making too much.

And everyone can make their own custom brew to their taste and strength preferences.

It’s versatile, too, since you can also use it to make espresso-style coffee besides regular coffee.

While made out of plastic, it’s BPA free, and very durable. It stands up to dents and does not break easily, perfect for a long hike or a lot of use.

It’s easy to clean: the used grounds are compacted into a disk that you can usually discard at your site. And just need to rinse the AeroPress.

The AeroPress comes with paper filters. But there are also reusable metal filters available that are better for camping. This is because you don’t have to worry about producing waste.

You’ll need something to boil water in to use the AeroPress. But in some ways this makes it even more versatile.

This is because you can use any cooking vessel that you’re already bringing with you. And don’t have to worry about carrying heavy or bulky equipment.

Pros:

Lightweight, durable and compact
Easy to clean
Can use a reusable metal filter

Cons:

Not most suitable for large groups
Need to boil water separately

Hario V60

The Hario V60 is a consistent favorite camping coffee maker for many reasons.

First is the taste of the coffee it makes—many campers love the smooth flavor.

And the manufacturer describes it as “umami,”. This is that elusive element of flavor best described in English as savory.

It’s also easy to customize your cup of coffee. You can pour the water over the grounds quickly for a lighter taste, or more slowly for a deeper, stronger brew.

That way, everyone in your party can have a customized cup of coffee.

Hario V60 Pour Over Set with Ceramic Dripper, Glass Server, Scoop and Filters

Everything you need for a professional, pour-over cup of Coffee at home, work or even camping; just add Coffee and water!
Kit includes: Hario V60 Coffee dripper, Hario V60 Coffee server, Hario Coffee scoop and Hario V60 Disposable paper filters (100-Pack)
Heatproof borosilicate glass server with BPA-free handle, lid and measuring spoon
V60 Size 02 makes 1-4 cups
Made in Ja

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It’s also one of the most inexpensive options on this list. And it’s very lightweight, weighing less than a pound.

It’s small, although its shape is a bit awkward for carrying. Like the AeroPress, the Hario V60 requires a filter. And some users note that they have to be specially ordered.

That said, you can buy a reusable cloth filter, though that won’t be the easiest item to clean while camping.

Like the AeroPress, you need a separate contraption in which to heat the water. It’ll also need to be something that is easy to pour from.

This is because the rate at which you add water to the Hario V60 has a great deal to do with the flavor of the coffee. This makes it a bit less easy to use compared to the AeroPress.

Pros:

More control over the brewing process
One of the cheapest options
Small and lightweight

Cons:

Need to carry filters
Need to boil water separately
Need some knowledge of correct technique

Bialetti Moka Pot

Newer isn’t always better, and the Bialetti Moka Pot is testament to that fact, on and off the trail.

The Bialetti Moka Pot is a great option for campers. And it’s an especially versatile item, since you can use it every day, at home and at the campsite.

It’s available in a variety of sizes, from one cup all the way up to 12 cups, perfect if you have to supply a crowd. But the smaller model is usually better for camping since it’s easy to carry.

This is especially important if you’re camping somewhere that isn’t accessible by vehicle.

As a camping coffee maker, the ease of use is especially important. It doesn’t need any measuring, and it’s fast.

If taste is important to you, the Bialetti might be your best option. It’s great for preserving the flavor notes of the coffee beans you use.

Its simple cleaning process also makes it good for camping.

Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Coffee Maker, 6-Cup, silver

Invented by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933, symbol of made in Italy all over the world
Product with 8 faces, with the unmistakable little man with a mustache
High quality: made of aluminum, with ergonomic handle
Maximum safety: patented safety valve, inspectable and easy to clean
Suitable for all hobs except induction o

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All byproducts are completely biodegradable and earth-friendly. This is something the Bialetti company prides itself on.

What’s more, it only requires water to clean. In fact, you’re not supposed to clean your Bialetti with soap.

The more you use it, the better it tastes, and that makes it a simple camp coffee maker.

You’ll need some kind of heat source for the Bialetti. But it’ll work on whatever stove or cooktop you use for anything else while camping.

While it makes espresso, you can use fewer grounds for regular coffee.

Pros:

Good option for small or large groups
Lightweight and durable
Easy to clean

Cons:

Larger models aren’t compact
Takes longer compared to other options

GSI Percolator

Want a classic camping coffee percolator? The GSI is a great option.

One of the best things about this product is actually the way it looks.

It’s blue with white speckles. And you might recognize it from countless movies and classic shots of campers.

It isn’t only the look that makes this a great option for campers. The GSI is hardy.

It’s made of steel and the enamel finish is kiln-fired, making it resistant to chips and scratches.

GSI Outdoors 12 Cup Enamelware Percolator Coffee Pot for Campsite, Cabin, RV, Kitchen, Groups, Backpacking

The Enamelware Percolator makes your caffeine needs attainable for any campsite.
Every piece has been kiln-hardened twice at 1000 degrees F to stand up to scratches and chipping.
The Percolator’s three-ply construction maximizes heat distribution for even cooking.
Watch your coffee brew through the unbreakable resin cap.
GSI Outdoors warranties all products for the original owner against manufacturing defects for the lifetime of the produ

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At the same time, it’s lightweight, weighing only about a pound. Although it’s much less compact than other models on this list.

How’s the coffee? Pretty darn good, actually. One of the best things about the GSI is the even heating, for a consistent, delicious cup of coffee.

Because of the even heating, you can use the GSI on many heating sources, from camp stoves to a grate on an open flame.

It’s also fast, so you can get your day started quickly.

Pros:

Iconic style and appearance
Chip and scratch resistant
Lightweight

Cons:

Bulky and not very compact
Takes longer compared to other options

Wacaco Nanopresso

The Wacaco Nanopresso is a unique little gadget used to make espresso on the go.

Don’t let its size deceive you. This camp coffee maker produces divine espresso, complete with perfect crema. Every single time.

If taste matters more to you than anything else, the Wacaco Nanopresso might be your best bet.

It’s so delicious that you may even replace your home espresso maker.

One of the best features of this product is its size and shape. It’s tiny, only about six inches long; it fits into the palm of your hand.

Unlike some of the other options on this list, its compact shape makes it easy to stick in your backpack. It weighs less than a pound, too.

Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker, Perfect for Camping

No battery/electricity need/Manual operation only!
Nanopresso will help you brew perfect cups with a nice and dense crema layer every time.
The Nanopresso requires 15% less force to pump compared to previous models (1st generation Minipresso).
Note: Accessories are sold separately! Nanopresso Protective Case also can be purchased from Wacaco.

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One of the neat things about this model is that it’s hand-operated, so you don’t need batteries or a power source.

It does need a little muscle, although newer models are easier to use than in the past.

One of the downsides of the Wacaco Nanopresso, though, is that it has a lot of little parts that you have to clean.

Needless to say, this is less than ideal at camping grounds, and they can be easily lost.

It’s also one of the most expensive options on this list. So you’ll want to do your research and make sure it meets your needs before purchasing.

Pros:

Claims to create enough pressure to make genuine espresso
Very compact and lightweight
No electricity needed

Cons:

Need to clean many little parts
Expensive compared to other options
Needs strength for creating pressure

What About A Coffee Grinder For Camping?

The easiest solution here is to travel with coffee that’s already ground, either in the store or at home.

But for those of us that need fresh-ground coffee, there are portable options.

There’s several on the market. But for the best hand coffee grinder for camping, look for something lightweight and durable.

You don’t want anything with a lot of little parts or that’s too bulky or large. You also may want to consider whether you have control over the grind itself.

Take a look at my post on the best hand coffee grinder for camping here.

Conclusion

So, which is the best coffee maker for camping?

In large part, that depends on your needs. Consider how often you camp, how many people you’re brewing for, and other personal factors.

All in all, though, the AeroPress is one of the most popular and is the favorite on this list.

A man in the wilderness pressing an AeroPress, one of the best coffee makers for camping.
It checks so many boxes, since it’s lightweight, compact, durable, and travels well.

You can use it to make coffee for a crowd or only for one. Most importantly, it makes a mean cup of coffee.

Whichever camp coffee maker or camping coffee percolator you choose, don’t forget the most important thing.

Enjoy your time in the great outdoors!

As always, use extreme care and caution whenever you use fire or a heat source.

Have you tried any of these camp coffee makers when you’ve gone camping? Do you have a different suggestion for the best coffee maker for camping?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

Coffee Maker, Reviews

AeroPress Vs Espresso – An Intriguing Comparison

There are so many ways to make amazing coffee. For example, you can use a traditional drip pot, a single-cup brewer, a Moka Pot, or an AeroPress.

But there’s only one true way to get authentic espresso, and that’s with an espresso machine. Or is there?

In this post, I’m going to cover how AeroPress coffee stacks up against espresso coffee.

That’s right. It’s time for another almighty battle royale: AeroPress Vs Espresso. Keep reading to see how they compare!

How Does an Espresso Machine Work?

If you’ve ever been to a coffee shop, you know what an espresso machine looks like. The espresso machine was built around 1884.

Since it was dreamt of and brought to life in Italy, espresso is a very common drink in many Italian cities.

A commercial espresso machine inside a coffee shop.

Thankfully, Italy didn’t keep this beautiful creation all to themselves.

In an espresso machine, hot water’s forced through the portafilter containing the espresso puck. The water’s pushed through the coffee grounds by a mechanical lever.

The person making the coffee presses this down. It can also be done through steam, pistons, pumps, or air.

Espresso machines also heat the water for your beverage for you. They can have a tank where cool water is stored or they can connect to a cold water line.

The cold water line connection is the most common in commercial operations.

Could you imagine if the barista had to get a pitcher of water to refill the machine after every few shots? People would be rioting, and I’d be one of them!

To see a short but in-depth video of how an espresso machine works, watch this video:

What Are The Differences Between AeroPress And Espresso?

The main difference between the AeroPress and the espresso machine is how the coffee’s prepared.

Espresso

Firstly, the coffee beans have to be ground shortly before they’re used. Using pre-ground beans often results in a milder, or even bitter, flavor.

The ground coffee is inserted into the portafilter. Then you have to take a tamp to compress the grounds.

I’m not talking about a few taps to make sure that it’s even. You’ve got to put some elbow grease into tamping down the grounds.

Close up of a man using a coffee tamper to tamp espresso grounds in an espresso machine portafilter.

Why Do You Need To Tamp Coffee?

Tamping is important in the production of espresso.

When grounds are well compressed, it slows down the rate that the water flows through the grounds.

A slower flow will result in more oils and flavor being pulled from the grounds and landing in your glass.

If you don’t tamp down the coffee grounds, the water could flow through the grounds too fast. This doesn’t extract as much flavor and caffeine from the grounds.

This would result in a “dead shot,” which is an amusing way to say subpar espresso.

Espresso machines also tend to come with a steaming wand.

A steaming wand is essential for steaming milk for drinks such as lattes and flat whites.

AeroPress

Now that I’ve mentioned how an espresso machine works, I’m realizing that the two machines work in a similar manner.

An AeroPress is a handy coffee maker that utilizes your brute strength to produce a hot cup of coffee.

With an AeroPress, there’s one chamber. This chamber contains a filter, usually made of paper, and a plunger.

To use it, it’s very simple:

put your coffee grounds in the AeroPress after inserting the filter.
fill the chamber up with hot water and give it a stir.
once the hot water is in there, insert the plunger into the chamber.
with the plunger inserted, press down on the plunger.

This forces the hot water to pass through the coffee grounds. After a short push on the plunger, you’ve got a nice, hot cup of coffee.

Close up of a latte glass with some coffee with a bit of crema inside.

Lovers of the AeroPress enjoy that the coffee has a smoother taste than if they used a drip or single-cup brewer.

I agree, but I also love that I can have a cup of coffee in no time.

A lot of the “fancier” pour-over coffee methods take so much time to set up and get right. I can’t deal with that.

When I wake up in the morning, I need my caffeine coursing through my veins as soon as possible.

Does AeroPress Taste Like Espresso?

No, but that’s because of a couple of different reasons.

The recommended coffee beans used in each method are different.

Coffee beans meant for espresso are roasted longer. This gives the brewed coffee a strong flavor.

Traditional coffee beans aren’t roasted as long. This results in a smoother and milder flavor compared to espresso.

But what if we brewed with each method using the same beans?

They’re also very different brewing methods. So their methods of coffee extraction are quite different.

Espresso uses far more pressure than you can typically get with an AeroPress.

While there’s likely more than these, these differences alone are enough to produce a variance in taste.

Can I Use One In Place Of The Other?

So the AeroPress and espresso machine have similar methods to create hot coffee.

But can you use an AeroPress to make espresso? Or use an espresso machine to make traditional coffee?

To make the battle of AeroPress Vs Espresso complete, I’ll need to investigate this further.

If you’ve already got an espresso machine, you might be wondering if you can make traditional coffee with it.

A standard espresso machine makes two one-ounce espresso glasses worth of espresso.

If you were trying to make regular coffee with an espresso machine, you’d have to run the machine about four times. This would fill an eight-ounce mug.

On the flip side, you could use your AeroPress to make espresso if you did it right.

Using Your AeroPress For Espresso

Is AeroPress good for espresso? While that’s not its intended use, a lot of AeroPress users say that their coffee tastes like a cross between brewed coffee and espresso.

Espresso Beans

One of the most important parts of making espresso is to get the beans right.

Some people say: “If you use standard coffee beans, you’re making coffee. If you use espresso beans, you’re making espresso.”

But it’s not actually that simple. Espresso is a brewing method, so you can’t just buy “espresso beans” to brew espresso coffee.

We want to make espresso-style in our AeroPress. So let’s use an espresso grind. This will make it taste as close as possible to espresso.

The grind size is very fine for espresso. If you don’t own your own grinder, you can try buying pre-ground at the local grocery store.

If you can’t find any at the grocery store, stop by a local coffee shop. They often have bags of espresso-grind coffee beans for sale.

Grinding Your Beans

As mentioned earlier, you shouldn’t grind coffee beans until they’re ready for use.

This keeps all the beautiful flavor and aroma inside of the bean and streamlines it into your cup.

Ideally, you will grind the beans at home right before you use them.

If your coffee grinder is adjustable, use the finest setting possible. You want to turn your beans into dust.

If you don’t have your own coffee grinder yet, I highly recommend investing in one.

I reviewed several hand coffee grinders that work best with the AeroPress recently. You can read my post about it here.

If you don’t have a grinder available and it isn’t in your budget to buy one, you can buy pre-ground beans.

Don’t worry; the coffee gods won’t strike you down if you use pre-ground coffee! But you won’t have as rich of a flavor to your espresso.

Brewing With Your AeroPress

Now, take your espresso grind and pour it into your AeroPress.

You’re going to need one AeroPress scoop (18 grams) of fine ground coffee beans.

Before adding any water at all, insert the plunger. Force the plunger down until it makes contact with the coffee grounds.

Give the plunger a few firm pushes to tamp down the coffee grounds.

Once you’ve tamped down the coffee grounds, pull the plunger out of the chamber. It’s time to add the water now.

Since you’re making espresso, you won’t need as much water as you would if you were brewing a cup of coffee.

Close up of a coffee cup with some coffee with a slight crema present, after following one of the Fellow Prismo recipes.

The Final Step

Pour two to four ounces of almost boiling water into the AeroPress. With the hot water in place, insert the plunger into the AeroPress.

Now, this is usually where we put all our strength and might into forcing the plunger down. Today, we’re taking a different procedure.

Allow the hot water to sit on the grounds for about a minute.

I know that when you’re craving caffeine, a minute feels like a lifetime. But I promise you that you can hold out for 60 seconds.

Once the minute is up, begin pressing your plunger downwards. You want to use steady pressure, but you don’t have to slam the plunger down.

You may notice the liquid coming out of your AeroPress is more syrupy than usual. And that’s great.

After you’ve pushed all the water through your ground coffee, you now have espresso-style coffee made at home.

Can you make espresso without a machine? Technically no… but you just proved you can get pretty darn close!

AeroPress Vs Espresso – The Verdict

So you’ve proven that you can make espresso-style without an espresso machine. Now I bet you’re thinking that you can live without one, right?

But there is one thing that an espresso machine has that no other coffee maker does: a steaming wand.

If you want your home-made lattes to taste anything like you get in a coffee shop, you’re going to need a steaming wand.

Close up of an espresso machine steaming wand.

Steamed milk isn’t just hot milk.

When you add steam to the equation, it makes the warm milk lighter and more airy. This is how you make foam or froth when steaming milk.

Close up of an espresso machine steam wand being used to heat up milk in a metal milk frothing jug.

If you’re crazy about lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites, I say go with the espresso machine.

The price point is higher than an AeroPress, but you’re getting that invaluable steaming wand.

And let’s face it. Nothing’s going to make better espresso than an espresso machine, right?

If you’re more of a straight espresso or Americano drinker, go with the AeroPress.

The AeroPress makes top-notch espresso-style coffee if you follow the procedure above.

Or if you love coffee any way it’s made, why not splurge and get both?!

How do you find the AeroPress compares with the espresso machine? Do you prefer one over the other?

Let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!

Coffee Maker, Reviews

AeroPress Vs Moka Pot – Which Is Best For You?

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

Are you looking to make mind-blowing coffee from home? Have you found that your home coffee is mediocre at best?

Now imagine brewing the most delicious tasting coffee with all the delightful aromas. All from the comfort of your own home.

I assure you that it’s not only possible, it’s almost effortless.

On my coffee-making journey, I’ve been experimenting with different coffee brewing methods.

Recently, I’ve fallen in love with the AeroPress. But there may be a new contender for the best way to make coffee: the Moka Pot.

Keep reading to find which coffee maker will win in the battle of AeroPress Vs Moka Pot.

Text: AeroPress Vs Moka Pot. Image: A moka pot sitting on a kitchen gas stove with a jar of ground coffee behind it.

AeroPress

If you haven’t heard all the buzz surrounding the AeroPress, allow me to clue you in.

The AeroPress produces delicious coffee through the science of manual pressure. It’s pretty simple.

All you need to do is:

place a metal or paper filter in the filter cap,
attach the filter cap to the AeroPress chamber,
place coffee grounds in the body of the press,
fill it up with hot water to the desired level,
give it a stir,
put the plunger in, and
apply pressure downward on the plunger.

The plunger forces the water to pass through the coffee grounds and into your desired cup. The result is a quick and delicious cup of coffee.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker and 350 Additional Filters – 1 to 3 Cups Per Press

Popular with coffee enthusiasts worldwide.
AeroPress paper Microfilter eliminates grit and means clean up takes seconds.
Makes 1 to 3 cups of American coffee per pressing in about a minute.
Lightweight, compact, portable and durable, making it also ideal for traveling, camping, backpacking, boating and more!
Includes the AeroPress press, funnel, scoop, stirrer, 700 microfilters and a filter holder.

See on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Now what about the Moka Pot?

Moka Pot

The Moka Pot is a tad more complicated than the AeroPress.

Instead of applying pressure by hand, the water boils upward through the grounds. This produces coffee that is similar in taste and color to a brew from a commercial coffee machine.

The pot has two chambers. One for the water and one for the brewed coffee. There’s also a filter that holds the ground coffee which sits inside the bottom water chamber.

Let me give you a quick rundown of how to use a Moka Pot:

pour water into the bottom chamber up to the fill line,
heat the water up on the stove,
one the water is just boiling, remove it from the heat and place the small filter with your ground coffee on top of it,
screw the top chamber on,
place the Moka Pot on the stove over medium heat,
remove from the heat when you hear the hissing sound,
pour your coffee and enjoy!

As the water heats up and boils, it will propel the water upward through the coffee grounds. This water then bubbles up into the storage chamber.

Watch this video for a more detailed brew guide for the Moka Pot:

This process takes a little less than 10 minutes. The result is a heavenly and flavorful coffee with a light layer of crema on top.

Bialetti Moka Express Export Espresso Maker, Silver, 1 Cup

With Patented safety valve
Suitable for all types of cookers (except induction)
Material: alumi

See on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

What Is Crema?

Close-up of a ceramic cup with coffee inside with crema on top.

Come on, you’re telling me you’ve never heard of crema? Crema is the aromatic froth that rests on the top of an espresso shot.

The reddish brown foam forms when water filters through fine ground coffee beans. Crema is seen by most as an indicator of quality coffee.

Can You Get Crema From A Moka Pot?

Yes, you can get crema from a Moka Pot. The Moka Pot produces crema every single time it brews.

The crema makes the coffee so smooth. It’s enough to get you addicted to the Moka Pot.

Can You Get Crema From An AeroPress?

Unfortunately, the AeroPress does not produce crema every time.

To make crema with the AeroPress, you have to follow a very specific technique. Let me tell you how:

First things first, you need the right coffee beans. Dark roasted beans are more capable of producing crema than light or blonde roasts.
Now that you’ve got your chosen beans, you need to grind them. To make crema, you want a fine grind. Fresh ground beans are the best contender for making crema. The super fine grind makes the water pass through the grounds slower. Coffee ground for drip brewers is often of a coarser grind. This is part of the reason why drip brewers can make you a whole pot of coffee in under 10 minutes.
The correct water temperature is key for making crema as well. Water for your coffee should be around 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius). Water that is too cold will not produce crema. And water that is boiling or hotter will produce bitter, burnt coffee.
Part of producing crema is the speed at which the coffee passes through the grounds. To slow down this process, use extra paper filters, an Aesir filter, or a fine metal filter. This will slow down the rate at which the water passes through the coffee.
Finally, you have to apply a lot of force to the plunger. Get in there and apply that elbow grease if you want to produce some crema.

If you’re still struggling to get the results you’re after, don’t panic. You could try some different methods found here or watch this short video.

How Much Coffee Does Each Need?

AeroPress

aeropress sitting on top of cup

To make coffee in the AeroPress, you’re going to need about 17 grams of ground coffee.

That equals about 1½ tablespoons if you don’t use the scoop that comes with the AeroPress.

Moka Pot

When you’re using a Moka Pot, the amount of coffee you need depends on the size of your Moka Pot.

Each different sized model comes with a different sized filter. You’ll want to fill the filter to the top with coffee grounds.

While technically you could fill the filter with less grounds, it’s not recommended.

You should consider which size Moka Pot would best suit you and your needs before you buy.

How Much Coffee Do They Make?

Moka Pot

Moka Pots come in a variety of sizes. They can make one, three, four, six, nine or twelve cups of coffee.

That’s up to 22.7 ounces of freshly brewed, rich coffee. That’s definitely enough to caffeinate your guests when you’re hosting a get together.

Or you can spice up your life by drinking the whole pot’s worth yourself!

AeroPress

The AeroPress has a small brewing chamber, and it can produce up to eight ounces of coffee at a time.

When you’re looking to make a bulk serving of coffee, the AeroPress is not your friend.

Of course, the AeroPress produces coffee quickly, so you can make another cup in no time.

Playing host to guests is exhausting enough. I’m not sure you’d want to also hand press each person a cup of coffee.

Which One Is Better – Moka Pot Or AeroPress?

Like anything else in life, coffee is personal.

What you like, what you dislike, how much work you’re willing to put in for a cup of black gold varies from person to person.

But we’re talking about AeroPress Vs Moka Pot. There are a few qualities between the two that will help you decide which is best for you.

Effort

In the category of effort, AeroPress definitely wins. This is because it requires the least amount of effort and time.

But, the coffee brewer might not be able to effectively push down on the AeroPress. This could be because of missing limbs or arthritis, for example.

This wouldn’t make it a practical option.

Heat

Both methods of brewing coffee need hot water to produce the beverage.

Your kitchen space may be limited, or you mightn’t have a stove because you’re on the road.

AeroPress

The AeroPress can make your coffee without the use of a stove. But you would need to use an electric kettle or microwave (no! no! no!) to heat up your water.

Moka Pot

A side-view of a Moka Pot with a hand holding it up and some trees in the background.

The Moka Pot requires that you place the pot over a heat source to heat the water in the lower chamber.

The easiest way to do this would be to heat the pot on your stove or stove top cooker.

There’s also induction stove-top Moka Pots, which also come in a variety of sizes.

You can also heat up your Moka Pot over a campfire if you’re the outdoorsy type. Then you could create something close to Cowboy Coffee, which is actually pleasant to drink.

Both options are more portable than a plug-in coffee maker, so that’s a huge plus no matter which method you choose.

Time

I know I’ve already mentioned how the Moka Pot takes more time to brew coffee than an AeroPress. This is because it’s a critical factor.

Fast coffee is like fast food, it’s quick and convenient, but it doesn’t taste as good as the real thing.

If you have the time to spare, the Moka Pot can produce an exquisite and flavorful cup of coffee.

It will gently caress your taste buds as you sip it.

The Moka Pot may not be suitable for the hustle and bustle of your morning routine.

But imagine waking up late on a Sunday morning. All you want to do is unwind and savor the weekend.

I highly suggest you carve out the time to brew a cup worth savoring.

Cost

The most important factor for many consumers is the cost. How much does each cost? Will you save any money investing in this?

I can tell you that brewing your own coffee at home will save you money.

If you stop by your local coffee shop on your way to work every morning, you could be spending around $30 a week for coffee.

The average AeroPress and Moka Pot are only $30 each. So it’s a no-brainer!

Is Brewing Coffee At Home Cheaper?

You’ll save money brewing your own coffee at home. Guaranteed.

There are fancy versions of the Moka Pot that can run a little higher.

But the price difference is minimal when you realize that it’s around the cost of your coffee per week.

In one month, you’ll have saved $120 by not going to the coffee shop.

Twenty dollars of that can go toward one bag of premium ground coffee. Or you can buy some of the inexpensive stuff at around $5 a can.

The money you save brewing your own coffee will more than make up for the initial investment.

AeroPress Vs Moka Pot – The Verdict

As someone who has tried both methods of brewing coffee, the decision is yours.

There’s pros and cons to both brewing methods, but you’ll have to make the call now.

AeroPress

I can say that the AeroPress is best suited for people who look to coffee for the caffeine.

People with busy lives that don’t have the time or the patience to brew their coffee on the stove should go with the AeroPress.

It’s quick, affordable, and the upkeep is as simple as giving the press a quick wash after each use.

Moka Pot

The Moka Pot is the obvious choice for anyone who enjoys coffee for its flavor.

By a landslide, the Moka Pot produces a more flavorful cup of coffee. The science behind this brewing method makes it so.

The effort is definitely worth the reward for anyone who wants a smooth cup of coffee that is worthy of their favorite mug.

Have you tried the Moka Pot and the AeroPress? How did you find they compared? Which do you prefer? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay caffeinated!

Coffee Maker, Reviews

AeroPress Vs V60 – A Surprising And Legendary Showdown

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

There’s nothing I enjoy more than a delicious cup of coffee. It warms the body and gives me energy to tackle the day.

Recently, I’ve been trying to liven up my coffee drinking experience. I experimented with different flavored syrups, different roasts of coffee. They were all fine.

I still felt kind of stuck in my ways, though. Next, I decided to completely change the way I brew my coffee to see if that could jazz up my morning routine.

In this post, I’ll be comparing the AeroPress to the Hario V60. It’s a legendary showdown: AeroPress Vs V60!

infographic of aeropress vs v60 - explaining some of the differences between to two brewing methods.

All the Ways to Brew

It feels like there are a million different incredible ways to brew coffee.

In my younger years, I used a simple old coffee maker left to our family by my grandmother. You load up the back of the pot with water, put some ground coffee beans in the filter, and turn it on.

I felt so fancy and established when I purchased a single cup brewer. Now, I could have a delicious single cup of whatever flavor coffee I wanted without brewing an entire pot.

Recently, I’ve been thinking I need to go back to my roots and use a more traditional form of brewing coffee.

A Hario Buono gooseneck kettle pouring water into an AeroPress, sitting on top of a coffee cup, with the text "AeroPress Vs V60" and "See more tips, tricks and reviews on our website!"

So many options

French press coffee makers have been around since the 1800’s. I was amazed to learn that! While the technology is so simple, it feels far too sophisticated to not be a recent invention.

In an AeroPress coffee maker, you insert a filter and your desired coffee grounds. Pour in hot water, and press the plunger down.

The force of the air in the vessel makes the water pass through the coffee grounds. This takes all its delightful flavor and much needed caffeine with it.

The pour-over method feels much more traditional than the scientific French press. But it was actually invented after the press came into the world.

In the pour-over method, you pour hot water over grounds situated in a filter. Gravity drags the water down as it passes through the coffee grounds. This makes a delightful and warm cup of coffee.

For either method, you should definitely buy a gooseneck kettle. It makes pouring much easier and is ideal for the slow pour needed for pour over coffee.

I couldn’t decide which to turn to, so I bought both an AeroPress and Hario V60.

AeroPress

It isn’t hard at all to find an AeroPress. Many stores that sell cookware have them on their shelves.

And online retailers make it so easy to buy a new way to brew your coffee without ever leaving your couch.

They’re inexpensive as well, costing around $30. With a price tag that low, I didn’t have to wait until a major sale or clearance event to buy one.

Not like with a single serve brewer.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

Popular with coffee enthusiasts worldwide.
Avoids the bitterness and high acidity.
Brew espresso style coffee for use in lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso based drinks.
Lightweight, compact, portable and durable, making it ideal for traveling.
Includes the AeroPress press, funnel, scoop, stirrer, 350 microfilters and a filter holder.

See on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

AeroPress Functionality

The AeroPress doesn’t need a particular brand of coffee or shape of K-cup to function. That was a huge plus for me.

There’s one major difference between the AeroPress and a traditional French press. An AeroPress isn’t designed for full immersion.

Full immersion means every single coffee ground gets wet. This allows for an even brew and no wasted coffee grounds.

You can of course use the inverted method or an attachment like the Fellow Prismo. You can learn more about the Fellow Prismo here.

Using the AeroPress

I was a bit worried that the AeroPress would be complicated to use. I’d never pressed my own coffee.

Forget about completing a difficult task before getting your daily dose of caffeine. The results would be disastrous.

I was shocked at how stupid-simple it was to use the AeroPress.

Add a metal or paper filter and screw the filter cap onto the body.
Add your ground coffee into the extraction chamber.
Pour in hot water that you’ve prepared in your kettle.
Give the water and grounds a good stir to make sure all your coffee grounds are taking a nice hot bath.
Insert the plunger and press.

With my AeroPress resting on top of my favorite mug, I applied an even pressure to the plunger. Rather quickly, coffee came trickling into my cup.

AeroPress Results

The smell was heavenly. I felt like I was at a fancy little coffee shop but in my pajamas.

The amount of coffee produced didn’t fill up my whole mug. I decided to have a taste of what I created.

The strength of that brewed cup was out of this world. I should’ve been sitting down, because it almost knocked me over. As strong as it was, there was no bitterness to the drink.

I was tempted to sip on this black gold, but I figured I didn’t need to be bouncing off the walls at 7 am.

I poured in some of the hot water that was left in my kettle, and I had my very own pressed cup of coffee.

aeropress and all accessories laid out on bench

Cleaning an AeroPress

After I’d finished sipping on my delightful cup of coffee, I figured a clean-up was in order.

I was preparing myself for some ghastly ritual. Something like taking the appliance apart and scrubbing each tiny part of it.

You cannot imagine the shock I felt when I read the user manual. I realized all I had to do was take the plunger out and rinse the press.

I paid extra attention to the bottom of the machine where the coffee came out. But the aftercare couldn’t be any less complicated.

Even though I was excited about the new brewing method I’d found, I still felt like there was more to discover.

V60

Pour-over coffee feels so traditional to me. I’m sure many people would agree it’s a lost art. It’s not completely lost, though.

A recent resurgence in coffee has made many people shy away from their single serve cup brewers. They’re returning to older methods of brewing their brew.

When I researched pour over coffee methods, I was a little intimidated.

So many articles described so many variations and things that can go wrong with your coffee. I’m sure you’ve found the same thing.

Hario V60 Coffee Pour Over Kit Bundle Set

Brew up to four perfect cups of coffee.
Includes: Package of (100) Hario V60 02W Coffee Filters.
Includes: Hario XGS-02 V60 Glass Pot Range Server (with glass handle, NOT plastic).
Includes: Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper (dishwasher safe) and measuring spoon.
Includes: Silicone and Glass Lid, which also serves as stand for dripp

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Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

V60 Functionality

I was completely discouraged until I found the Hario V60. This wonderful piece of ceramic resembles a teacup sitting on a saucer.

Looking at it from an aerial view, you can see it’s definitely not suited for sipping tea out of.

The sides of the vessel have swirling ridges that empty out into a hole in the bottom of the cup.

The swirly bits help the coffee travel down the sides, ensuring an even brew. The coffee drains out of the ceramic body and into your coffee server pot.

The saucer-like edges at the bottom help the brewer remain stable while resting on top of your coffee pot.

Hario V60 Ceramic, Glass or Copper

The Hario V60 ceramic brewer is cheap on its own. If you’re looking for a bargain, here it is.

This brewer does need special filters. But with the money you saved on the apparatus, you can fit the filters into your budget.

I went with the Hario filters to keep things on an even playing field.

If you enjoy watching the magic of coffee brewing, the V60 also comes in glass form. Glass manufacturing is what Hario is known for, but I like the look of ceramic myself.

A glass Hario V60 sitting on a glass Hario coffee server with coffee inside.

It gives a cozy, inviting feeling to the process. It reminds me of holidays where family members all brought a variety of ceramic cookware.

There’s also the option of a copper Hario V60. It’s a bit pricier, but it looks quite glamorous.

It has improved thermal conductivity compared to the other options, so you can expect a warmer coffee. Also, its less likely to break compared to the glass or ceramic options.

Using The V60

The set up for this brewing process was more than easy.

Switch on your kettle to boil your water.
Put the V60 brewer on top of your coffee pot.
Place your filter inside the V60.
When your water gets boiling hot, lightly pour the water around the filter. This makes sure it sticks to the inside of the brewer.
Add your medium-fine coffee grounds. A few tablespoons will do the trick.
Slowly pour the hot water over your coffee grounds in circles, making sure to get every single ground wet.
Stop when you’ve reached the desired amount of coffee in your pot.

For a more detailed brew guide for the Hario V60, watch this video:

This brewing process wasn’t as simple as the AeroPress or turning the coffee pot on. But it was far from difficult. In about three minutes, I had a nice, hot cup of coffee ready for me.

This brewing process yielded a cup that was mild, but beyond delicious. I could detect subtle notes of other flavors in the coffee that I hadn’t noticed before.

A Hario V60 sitting on a coffee pourer with a Fellow Stagg gooseneck kettle pouring in water, with the text "AeroPress Vs V60" and "See more tips, tricks and reviews on our website!"

AeroPress Vs V60 – How Do They Compare?

In a cage match of AeroPress vs V60, there’s no clear winner. At least not in my opinion. The biggest difference between the two was the coffee produced.

If you need a cup of coffee that will put some hair on your chest in the morning, you should go with the AeroPress.

The press is also a great option if you enjoy lattes and Americanos over a traditional cup of coffee.

You can make espresso-style coffee with the press. Yet without investing thousands of dollars in an espresso machine.

The Hario V60 produces coffee that people who truly enjoy coffee will like.

Much like tea, a nice mild cup allows you to enjoy and savor the flavors of your coffee. While strong brews tend to annihilate your taste buds.

The slower extraction time of the V60 also allows more flavor to be extracted from the ground coffee. This is different compared to the speedy process of the press.

Both methods of brewing are travel friendly, even the V60 with its glass model. You can place it in your weekend bag and take it wherever. The same for the press.

Conclusion

The method you choose to go with is up to you, your tastes and your preferences.

If you think of coffee as your fuel, go with the AeroPress. You’ll be able to produce robust cups in less time.

If you think of coffee as a delightful beverage to savor, go with the Hario V60. You won’t be disappointed.

How have you found the AeroPress to compare with the V60? Have you had a different experience? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!

Accessories, Coffee Maker

What Grind For AeroPress? 5 Grinds For 5 Simple Methods

Have you been brewing mediocre AeroPress coffee? Does something seem a little off but you can’t quite figure it out?

Now imagine having a friend visit you and how awkward you’d feel serving them a sub-par coffee. Not exactly what you want, is it!

It could be the grind that you’re using. Making sure you use the right grind for the right brewing method isn’t important. It’s essential.

In this post, we’re going to look at:

What grind for AeroPress Fellow Prismo method
What grind for AeroPress Prismo maximum crema method
What grind for AeroPress PuckPuck method
What grind for AeroPress standard method
What grind for AeroPress inverted method

We’ll also then look at some different brewing methods you can use with the AeroPress.

Let’s get to it!

What Grind for AeroPress Fellow Prismo Method?

fellow prismo unwrapped from plastic laid out on paper with filter next to it

Do you struggle with the inverted method? You may have the fear of spilling it everywhere and I don’t blame you. It’s not very safe.

If you’ve struggled at all with the inverted method, this method’s for you. Why not give your AeroPress superpowers using a little-known attachment for the AeroPress?

Introducing the Fellow Prismo.

Features of the Fellow Prismo

One feature of the Prismo, is that you can make amazing full-immersion coffee without using the inverted method. Learn all about the Fellow Prismo and why you should own it here.

If you want to get a delicious crema with the Prismo, you’ll need to use an ultra-fine grind. This helps to build up pressure when pressing the coffee through the Prismo metal filter. This also helps to produce a crema.

Instructions

Here’s the step-by-step method:

Insert the metal filter into your Fellow Prismo.
Screw the Prismo onto your AeroPress chamber.
Pour 1 scoop of ultra-fine grind into your AeroPress chamber.
Pour 50mls of boiling water into your AeroPress chamber.
Stir your coffee for 20 seconds.
Leave your coffee to steep for 1 minute.
Place your AeroPress onto your coffee cup.
Insert your plunger into the AeroPress chamber.
Press HARD until you reach the ground coffee beans.
Be amazed at the crema you have produced!
Drink as is, or add hot milk and sugar to taste.
Enjoy your coffee!

Now you’re familiar with the incredible Fellow Prismo and the basic recipe. Fantastic! Next, let’s look at the Maximum Crema method.

What Grind for AeroPress Prismo Maximum Crema Method?

A close up of a latte glass with some coffee with lots of crema inside.

If you want to get maximum crema from your AeroPress and Fellow Prismo, a fine grind will do. I’ve explained this method in full detail on my post “How To Get Crema From An AeroPress – 3 Secret Methods”.

If you’re looking to achieve jaw-dropping results like this, read it now!

What Grind for AeroPress PuckPuck Method?

Close-up of the AeroPress with the PuckPuck on top with the water vessel attached with 100 grams of ice and 400 mls of water inside, with the lid on the water vessel.

Cold brew is delicious and one of the best ways to enjoy coffee. The only thing is that it takes several hours to brew, which isn’t always practical.

Have you often found yourself wishing it would brew faster? Have you experienced remembering that you meant to make some cold brew the day before but forgot?

Luckily for you, there’s the PuckPuck! The PuckPuck is an innovative AeroPress cold brew attachment that makes slow-drip cold brew coffee. But in about 3 ½ hours. Super fast!

For brewing with the PuckPuck, you’ll need a medium grind.

Instructions

Let’s take a look at the step-by-step process:

Place a paper filter into your AeroPress filter cap and screw it onto the AeroPress chamber.
Sit your AeroPress on a jug or suitable container. It needs to be large enough to hold at least 400ml.
Pour 38g of medium grind into your AeroPress chamber, then give a gentle shake or a tap to level the grounds.
Gently drop your PuckPuck splash filter into your AeroPress chamber. Make sure it’s sitting flat on top of the grounds.
Attach your PuckPuck water vessel onto the PuckPuck. Place the PuckPuck onto your AeroPress. If you didn’t buy the water vessel with the PuckPuck, you can use a compatible water bottle instead.
Place your PuckPuck and water vessel onto your AeroPress chamber.
Pour 100g of ice into your PuckPuck water vessel. Pour 400ml of water into your PuckPuck water vessel.
Slowly adjust the drip rate of your PuckPuck to about 50 drips per minute. Do this by holding the bottom section of the PuckPuck and turning the top section anti-clockwise. This can be a bit tricky to get the hang of, but you’ll get it. Start very slow until you see drips coming out of your PuckPuck.
Check your PuckPuck from time to time, making sure the drip rate isn’t speeding up or slowing down.
Wait until all the water has dripped through the water vessel. Remove the AeroPress and PuckPuck combo from your jug or container and place in your kitchen sink for cleaning.
Pour some of your delicious cold brew into a large glass or mug with ice.
Add sugar or milk to taste.
Enjoy your delicious cold brew coffee!

If you’d rather make the guaranteed and reliable coffee that the AeroPress instructions recommend, take a look at this next method.

What Grind for AeroPress Standard Method?

top view of aeropress with water added and stirring with spoon

This is the proven method that you started with when you first got your AeroPress. It’s the standard method that you’re provided in the AeroPress instructions. For this method, you’ll want to use a fine grind.

This is because brewing with this method has a minimal brewing time. If you were to use a coarser grind, you wouldn’t extract enough of the goodness.

Instructions

The step-by-step method is:

Insert a paper filter into your AeroPress cap.
Screw your AeroPress cap onto the AeroPress chamber.
Place your AeroPress onto your cup. Pour in one scoop of your fine grind coffee into the AeroPress chamber.
Pour hot water into the AeroPress chamber up to the number 1 on the chamber.
Using the included stirring paddle, stir the coffee for about 10 seconds.
Insert your AeroPress plunger into the chamber and lightly press, until all the coffee is in your cup.
Add milk or sugar to taste.
Enjoy your coffee!

Now we’ve covered the standard method, let’s take a look at a different popular method.

What Grind for AeroPress Inverted Method?

The inverted method is a popular brewing method with the AeroPress. Brewing with this method makes a full-immersion brew, which you can leave to steep as long as you like.

Think of it as more like a french press brew.

I should warn you though, this method is not recommended by Aerobie. It does have the potential to leak or spill if not done correctly, so be careful!

Unlike the standard method above, you’ll want a fine-to-medium grind for this method. If you use a too fine grind, it could lead to over-extraction because of the longer steeping time.

The setup for this method is a little different, too. Insert the AeroPress plunger into the chamber up to the number 4. Now turn the AeroPress upside down and use the AeroPress plunger as a stand for the AeroPress.

The AeroPress is now ready to add your fine-to-medium grind and hot water.

Instructions

Let’s take a look at the step-by-step instructions:

Insert your AeroPress plunger into the AeroPress chamber up to the number four.
Turn your AeroPress upside-down, using the AeroPress plunger as a stand.
Pour in one scoop of fine-to-medium grind into the AeroPress chamber.
Pour hot water into your AeroPress chamber up to the number one and stir for 20 seconds.
Leave your coffee to steep for 30 seconds.
Pour hot water to the top of your AeroPress and then leave for a further 60 seconds.
Place a paper filter into your AeroPress cap and wet the filter so it sticks to the cap.
Screw the cap onto the AeroPress chamber.
Turn your coffee cup upside-down and place it on top of the AeroPress.
Holding both your cup and the AeroPress, turn them both the right-side up in one smooth motion.
Gently press your AeroPress plunger into the chamber until all the coffee is in your cup.
Add water, milk or sugar to taste.
Enjoy your coffee!

So how did you go with that one? I’m sure you nailed it without any struggle!

Conclusion

So there you have 5 different grinds for 5 different AeroPress methods. Now you’re armed with some powerful info to get out there and make the best brew that you can!!

Have you got another AeroPress brewing method to suggest? Have you tried one of these methods and not achieved the results you were hoping for?

Let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!

Coffee Maker, Reviews

AeroPress Vs French Press – A Detailed And Bold Comparison

Seeing as you’re here, I’m guessing you’re probably aware of what an AeroPress coffee maker is (or you’ve at least heard of it), and given that, I’m going to presume you also know what a french press (or coffee plunger, coffee press, press pot, or cafetière) is.

You’ve probably also found yourself wondering what the differences between them are. How do they compare? Well then, you’re in the right place!

In this article, we’re going to look at:

How they work
What’s included when you buy them, and
The differences between them.

It’s time for a detailed and comprehensive matchup – AeroPress Vs French Press. Let’s jump in!

How does it work?

AeroPress

An AeroPress sitting on a kitchen bench with its box in the background.

The AeroPress works by pressing the brewed coffee through a paper filter, which sits at the bottom of the AeroPress, directly into your cup. This differs from the french press, which instead presses the filter through the coffee and is then poured into a cup.

The coffee brewing process is simple:

Unscrew the filter cap at the end of the chamber.
Place a paper filter inside the filter cap and screw it back onto the chamber.
Add the desired amount of ground coffee beans to the chamber – one scoop for an espresso equivalent and up to a max of four scoops.
Sit the chamber on top of your coffee cup.
Add hot water to your desired level.
Stir the coffee for about 10 seconds.
Insert the plunger at the top of the chamber and gently press the plunger down until the plunger reaches the coffee grounds.
Take the AeroPress over to your rubbish / compost, unscrew the cap and push the plunger over your rubbish / compost to eject the used grounds.

Watch this 1 minute official video on how to use the Aeropress and check out my AeroPress review.

French press

A stainless steel coffee plunger sitting on a table.

If you’d like to know exactly how a french press works, I recently wrote a post about called How do coffee plungers work? Again, it’s a pretty simple process, but the brewing time is substantially longer.

Remove the plunger from the canister.
Add the desired amount of ground coffee into the canister – this will vary depending on the size of your canister.
Add hot water to the canister, filling it to below the spout.
Stir the coffee for about 20 seconds.
Sit the lid on the canister, but don’t press the plunger yet.
Leave it for four minutes to steep.
Slowly press the plunger down into the canister.
Slowly pour the coffee into your coffee cup.

What’s included?

AeroPress

An AeroPress box sitting on a kitchen bench.
I decided to recently purchase an AeroPress, as I had been using a french press at work, but I accidentally dropped it and it smashed… I immediately saw the silver lining, as I had been strongly considering getting an AeroPress for some time.

This was my chance. A crisitunity! I’d used my friend’s one on several occasions, so I was aware of how they worked and that they make a great cup of coffee.

I ordered one and had it in my hot little hands within a week. Let’s take a look at what I got:

The AeroPress itself – this includes the main canister where you brew your coffee, the filter cap which screws onto the bottom of the canister and the plunger.
350 paper coffee filters – considering you can reuse these papers at least once, it’s a pretty hefty supply. Almost two years worth!
Coffee filter holder – a convenient little holder for your coffee filters that protects them from damage.
Stirring paddle – used to stir your brew, it has a very wide handle which I’m guessing is to remove the chance of accidentally dropping it into the canister.
Coffee scoop – one whole scoop per standard brew is enough for me.
Funnel – placed inside the canister, this can help you to avoid spilling your coffee grounds on the bench when scooping them into the canister.
Instructions – these come in six different languages: English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German and Chinese. They include some recipes, how to get started with your AeroPress, cleanup and storage and some general tips and safety information. Online versions also include: Italian, Portuguese, Korean and Turkish.

Related Article – 5 Best AeroPress Stands For Keeping Organized

French press

French presses are pretty readily available, but you’ll find that the quality of them can vary quite dramatically. It’s always best to find one that meets your needs and also has good customer reviews.

Here’s what you get with a french press:

Canister – This is generally glass, stainless steel or ceramic. Each has different benefits. They can range in size, but most common sizes are 1 litre (3 cups) and about 350 mls (1 cup).
Filter – This is usually three individual parts held together: a metal filter, a fine mesh metal filter and a filter base.
Lid – This sits on top of the canister and will often have an opening to pour the coffee. Some can also be turned around to keep the heat in while your coffee is brewing. There will also be some kind of knob in the centre of the lid, which controls the plunger.
Plunger rod – This connects the lid to the plunger filter and attaches to the knob on top of the lid on one end and the plunger filter on the other end.
Additional filter – Some French Presses come with one or more additional mesh filters that you can replace with the existing mesh filter.

What’s the difference between an AeroPress and a french press?

There’s some definite similarities between them, such as they both use a plunging action and they can both brew using the immersion method, but the cup of coffee you end up with does vary.

Some of the differences between an AeroPress and a French press are:

Grind size
Filtering method
Brewing time
Capacity
Clean up
Durability

What grind size should you use?

AeroPress

For an AeroPress, it’s recommended to use a fine ground, the same as you would use for an espresso coffee. This is because the extraction time is brief, so a fine ground will give you plenty of flavour without over-extracting.

If you’re making two serves, a slightly coarser grind may work better. This is because it can be difficult to press two serves worth of fine coffee at one time.

If you do find that it’s difficult to press your coffee, try a slightly coarser grind, like for drip coffee, and see if that helps.

When I first started using mine I was using a coarse grind, as I had already ground my coffee to use with my french press that broke.

I did have some issues with too much water coming through the filter before pressing the coffee, which was likely due to the grind size.

When I did eventually try a fine ground, I noticed an instant decrease in the amount of water passing through the filter before pressing.

French press

For a french press, you should use a medium coarse grind. This is a major difference between the AeroPress and French press.

The reason for a coarse grind, is if a fine grind is used, too much of the coffee grounds end up in your cup. This is mainly due to the filtering method, which I’ll discuss more in a moment.

This also means that the coffee will need to steep for about four minutes before serving, as coarser grounds take longer to extract the flavour.

Basically, a coarse grind stops more of the grinds from ending up in your coffee.

What’s the filter method?

AeroPress

The AeroPress filters coffee by using a paper filter. This is placed inside the cap, which is unscrewed at the base of the chamber.

Once this is screwed back on to the AeroPress, you can pour your ground coffee in, sit your AeroPress on your cup and add your hot water.

As you push down on the plunger, the coffee is pushed through the paper filter and into your cup. This is a major difference when compared to a French press.

According to the AeroPress website, you can re-use your paper filters once, which I have been doing since reading that, and I haven’t noticed any loss of quality to my brews.

A used AeroPress Coffee Maker filter inside the filter cap — A used AeroPress filter.

There are also reusable metal filters of various types available for purchase.

I purchased a reusable metal mesh filter, but I have gone back to using the paper filters, as I was noticing an increased amount of coffee sludge at the bottom of my cup.

close-up of an aeropress metal mesh filter

While some people prefer this, personally I don’t. As soon as I reverted to the paper filters, this disappeared and I was again able to drink all the way to the bottom of the cup.

It’s possible that this was due to the quality of the metal filter I purchased, though. I have seen other options which look like they would be much better quality and produce a better result. For instance, the type of metal filter that comes with the Fellow Prismo pressure-actuated attachment works great.

French press

A french press filters coffee a different way. It’s generally a metal plate at the bottom, then a metal mesh filter and then a metal plate filter on the top. It’s all held in place by the plunger rod that connects the filter to the lid screwing into it.

a close-up of a coffee press filter

The plunger is removed from the canister and you add your coffee and hot water. After steeping for about four minutes, you press the plunger down through your coffee.

This allows the coffee liquid to pass through the filter, while trapping the coffee grounds underneath it. Once fully pressed, it holds the coffee grounds at the bottom of the canister.

When you pour your coffee into your cup from the french press, you will likely get some coffee grounds in your cup that have passed through the filter.

This is why you should use a coarse grind when brewing with a french press, as regardless of the size or quality of the mesh, a fine grind will likely pass through the filter.

What’s the brew time?

AeroPress

When brewing with an AeroPress, the entire brew time is about 1 minute, which is a reasonably short time.

It’s about:

20 – 30 seconds to pour in the hot water,
10 seconds to stir the coffee, and
about 30 seconds to press the coffee.

No steeping time required. For the quality of the brew that it makes, it’s definitely time well spent.

French press

The entire brew time for a French press is about 5 minutes, which is substantially longer than the AeroPress.

Some of the times can vary due to the variety of sizes of French presses. It’s much easier to be specific with the AeroPress, as there’s only one type (not including the AeroPress Go).

It’s about:

20 – 30 seconds to pour in the hot water,
20 seconds to stir the coffee,
4 minutes to let it steep,
5 – 10 seconds to press the coffee, and
5 – 10 seconds to pour it.

As you can see, most of the time (4 minutes) is taken up by letting the coffee steep.

What’s the capacity?

AeroPress

The AeroPress comes in one size (not including the AeroPress Go) and is often referred to as a single-serve coffee maker. Its capacity is about 250mls.

It’s perfect if you only want to make a coffee for yourself, but not the greatest if you’re hosting a dinner party and need to serve multiple guests.

You can always add more ground coffee and water and press it into multiple cups and then top the cups up with hot water.

Doing this is definitely easier and less messy with the Fellow Prismo. It’s a third-party attachment that has a pressure-actuated valve that stops the flow of coffee into your cup unless you are applying pressure, giving your AeroPress superpowers.

You can read more about it in an article I wrote called Fellow Prismo attachment for AeroPress.

Otherwise, you could press it into a small jug that has a pouring spout.

French press

French presses come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 350mls for one cup, to 1 litre for three cups.

You should consider how you’ll be using it before purchasing one. Is it just for you at home or work? Or will it be for multiple people at one time?

If you purchased a 1 litre option, for instance, would you be leaving the coffee sitting there for a while before drinking it all?

While the ceramic and stainless steel French presses can keep your coffee warm for some time, leaving it sitting in the French press can lead to over-extraction and not such a pleasant coffee drinking experience.

It’s worth keeping this in mind.

How do you clean it?

AeroPress

The AeroPress is super easy to clean. It’s definitely another clear advantage over the French Press.

All you need to do to clean the AeroPress is:

Remove the filter cap from the bottom of the chamber.
Push plunger all the way to eject the used grounds “puck” into your rubbish or compost.
Rinse the rubber gasket in your sink.
Remove the plunger from the chamber and rinse everything, including the filter cap.
If you want to reuse the paper filter, rinse both sides of it, put it back into the filter cap, screw the filter cap back onto the chamber.
Leave everything to dry.

Every few times, you can use a soft sponge and some soapy water, but it hasn’t really been necessary every time in my experience.

Although you could put it in the dishwasher (on the top rack only), at the risk of causing damage to it, I wouldn’t recommend it.

French press

If you want to give your french press a super clean, you can read how to do that in the article I wrote called How do coffee plungers work.

For a regular clean:

Remove the plunger and leave it in your sink.
Take the canister over to your rubbish or compost and scoop out the used coffee grounds.
Rinse the canister and plunger with hot or warm water in your sink.
Put some dish soap on a sponge and gently wash the canister, the underside of the lid and the plunger rod.
Gently pull back the mesh filter while holding the plunger under running water to remove any grounds that are stuck between the mesh filter and the bottom filter plate.
Rinse all the parts with hot or warm water and leave to dry.

How durable is it?

AeroPress

Durability is one of the greatest features of the AeroPress. This is because of the materials that it’s made from.

It’s currently made from BPA-free polypropylene. I say currently, because there has been a steady evolution in the materials used.

When it was first introduced to the world in late 2005, it was made from polycarbonate.

Then in mid 2009 they changed to copolyester. And finally in mid 2014 they changed again to polypropylene.

There have also been some subtle changes in its appearance over the years, and some other not-so-subtle changes, such as the colour changing from clear to a grey tint.

You can read more about the evolution of the AeroPress here.

The materials that are used to make it mean that it is extremely durable. You never need to worry about accidental breaks from dropping it and you could quite easily store it in your luggage when travelling.

The only part of it that I can ever see myself replacing is the rubber gasket that sits on the end of the plunger. And that’s only if I really have to.

French press

Each french press is going to be different, so it’s a bit difficult to be too specific about this, but I’ll do my best.

The four most common types of plungers are:

Stainless steel,
Combination of metal and glass,
Combination of plastic and glass, and
Ceramic.

Stainless steel is the most durable option, as the other three can all potentially be broken from an accidental drop. They could, however, still be dented or have parts bent, like the plunger rod or the spout.

The durability of ceramic plungers would vary depending on the individual manufacturer. They could break if dropped, but they might survive.

If you’re considering purchasing one, make sure you read the user reviews to see if they mention anything about this aspect of their quality.

Obviously, anything with glass would be quite fragile. However, if you’re keeping it in one place and don’t intend on transporting it anywhere, this shouldn’t be a concern.

If durability is important to you, I would definitely go with an AeroPress instead of a French press.

Next, would be a stainless steel french press. They’re pretty much the only type of french press that come close to the durability of the AeroPress.

So Which Is Better? – AeroPress Vs French Press!

While they both have their pros and cons, I do have a preference. Overall, the AeroPress ticks more boxes for me that make it the better choice.

I appreciate the portability, durability, brew time and cleaning time. It makes a pretty decent cup, too!

Which option ticks more boxes for you? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!

Coffee Maker, Reviews

What Is An AeroPress? – An AeroPress Coffee Maker Review

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

If you’re like me, you probably first found out about the AeroPress Coffee Maker when you visited your friend’s house and they offered to make you a cup of coffee.

After watching your friend brew your first AeroPress coffee, there’s no doubt in my mind that you would have continued to think about it on occasion, all the while knowing that one day you would have your very own.

But perhaps you’re not like me and have no idea what an AeroPress is, how it works, it’s benefits or even who made it.

Well you’re sure in luck then, as those are some of the very points I’m going to cover in this AeroPress Coffee Maker review.

What is an AeroPress? – An AeroPress Coffee Maker Review

An AeroPress sitting on a kitchen bench with its box in the background.

The AeroPress coffee maker is an innovative device used to brew coffee. The coffee is steeped for about 10 to 50 seconds in the coffee maker, but the time may differ depending on the strength and the texture of the grinds.

After steeping, you need to press the plunger through the tube and the coffee is forced through a filter. The primary filters used on this coffee maker are the AeroPress paper filters or disc-shaped filters made using thin metals.

The AeroPress comes with two cylinders, and the one with a flexible airtight seal fits inside the larger cylinder.

The material used to make the cylinders is polypropylene, which is grey tinted in colour. However, the first machine to be invented had cylinders moulded using clear polycarbonate and clear co-polyester, which later was tinted.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with Tote Bag and 350 Additional Filters

Makes 1 - 3 cups per pressing
Low acidity and bitterness
Uses a total immersion brewing method
Portable - Ideal for travel
Compact, lightweight and durable
Includes the AeroPress, funnel, scoop, stirrer, 700 microfilters, a filter holder, and a zippered nylon tote bag

See on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

When Was the AeroPress Coffee Maker Invented?

The AeroPress coffee maker was invented in 2005 by Alan Adler, who is the President of Aerobie.

One day, Adler was having dinner with members of his company. Then the wife of one of the sales managers said she was having problems brewing a single cup of coffee.

At that time, coffee machines made 6 to 8 cups of coffee per brew. Adler studied the pre-existing coffee makers, and he found gaps.

After a year of research and designing, he filled those gaps with AeroPress. It was highly appreciated because this meant no more coffee going to waste.

AeroPress – What’s in the Box?

The box has:

the AeroPress tube and piston,
a stirring wand,
coffee scoop,
coffee funnel,
the plastic filter holder,
350 paper filters and
a filter cap.

A manual to help you put the parts together is also included in the box.

The AeroPress coffee maker is gaining popularity nowadays because it is convenient, compact and makes great coffee. Other than giving you your preferred amount of coffee, it is healthier for your body as it is less acidic.

If you want a reliable coffee maker, you should definitely consider buying an AeroPress.

aeropress and all accessories laid out on bench — AeroPress – what’s in the box. Click this image to see it on Amazon.

How to use an AeroPress – inverted method Vs regular

Two methods of brewing that are possible using the AeroPress coffee machine are the regular and inverted methods.

Regular method

The conventional process of brewing involves:

placing ground coffee on top of a paper microfilter that is put in the bottom of the larger cylinder,
pour hot water at 79 or 85 °C (175 or 185 °F) over the coffee,
stir for about 10 seconds,
push the plunger downwards to force the coffee through the microfilter.

Most baristas that use this method use fine ground coffee beans, and they often use a dose of 14 and 20gm with about 200 to 230 ml of water.

Inverted method

In the inverted brewing method, the formula is reversed:

place the plunger into the cylinder from the beginning of the process,
the entire machine stands upside down, which means that the plunger is close to the top of the column,
add the coffee grinds depending on your preference, followed by water and then stir the mix,
place the paper filter on the filter cap, and moisten it to help it stick,
the AeroPress cap is placed on top of the column and then screwed in place,
when brewing is done to your desire, you should turn the AeroPress right side up and then plunge it like in the traditional brewing method.

Also, some people don’t turn the machine right side up but hold it at an angle and plunge it horizontally.

Watch the following short video to see the inventor, Alan Adler, take you through how he makes a cup of coffee with the AeroPress.

Can AeroPress Make Cold Brew?

Yes. Cold brew is made in an AeroPress using room temperature water. However, you need to use fine ground coffee, and you may have to stir the mixture for long, which is about one minute, as opposed to the ten seconds when making a hot brew.

Also, you can add ice or cold milk if you want to add flavour to your cold brew.

If want to take your cold brew to the next level, you can even purchase a third-party attachment called the PuckPuck. The PuckPuck attaches to the top of the AeroPress and allows you to make slow-drip coffee, which is perfect for cold brew.

You can purchase the PuckPuck with a 500ml water container, or on its own for slightly cheaper. If you do decide to buy it on its own, you will need to screw your own suitable-fitting water bottle into the PuckPuck instead.

It’s also possible to make cold brew using a 12-24 hour steep using the Fellow Prismo. If you’re not sure what that is, I recently wrote a review on the Fellow Prismo attachment for AeroPress.

I also recently wrote a post about cold brew.

Can You Use AeroPress for Tea?

The AeroPress machine can be used to make tea. However, you can only use the inverted brewing method when making tea.

First, insert the plunger into the machine’s column and let it stand upside down.
Put the preferred amount of your favourite tea grinds on the column and then add nearly boiling water.
Stir the mixture for sixty to ninety seconds.
Add a filter to the AeroPress cap and let the machine stand upright. Flip the coffee maker over a cup and then press the plunger through the cylinder until all the tea is extracted.

See price on Amazon

Can You Reuse AeroPress Filters?

Yes. After you have finished pressing, peel the filter from the coffee puck, rinse it, and then place it in the filter cap to dry in position. This filter is eligible for use during your next pressing.

Also, you can decide to get the metal filter that you can reuse many times. Metal filters are advantageous as they allow microscopic coffee grounds to get into your mug, which adds flavour to your coffee.

Also, they allow coffee’s natural oils into your cup. These oils are responsible for coffee’s smoothness and flavours. Besides, it is more suitable for travelling with a metal filter since all you need to do is wash it and pack it.

Can AeroPress go in the Dishwasher?

Yes, the AeroPress coffee maker is safe on the top shelf of the dishwasher, but it’s not really necessary for it to go in the dishwasher. This is because the machine doesn’t usually get extremely dirty, as the plunger does a great job of cleaning the system as you press.

So while your AeroPress can go in the dishwasher, if you don’t like the smell of soap afterwards you can always use Bar Keeper’s Friend, a cleaning agent that lacks soap taste or smell.

This agent is an abrasive, and therefore you should not scrub. Rinse it by hand using hot water, and you will love the results.

Why is AeroPress Coffee Less Acidic?

Due to the shorter filter time and lower temperature used on the machine, the coffee produced is always less acidic. The water temperature used in AeroPress is approximately 175 or 185 °F (79 or 85 °C).

This low temperature has a low strength of releasing high amounts of acids from the grinds. Moreover, ten seconds of stirring is a short time for the grinds to release high amounts of acid.

Consequently, the coffee yielded usually has low levels of phosphoric acid. Also, AeroPress allows you to use coarser grinds, which produce coffee that has low levels of phosphoric acid.

Conclusion

So there you have it. I know I haven’t answered all the questions about the AeroPress, but I do hope that I’ve left you with a little bit more insight into it than you arrived here with.

If you have a question or something to add to this AeroPress Coffee Maker review, let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!

Coffee Maker, Reviews

Sunbeam Cafe Espresso II em3820 Review

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

While I don’t own the Sunbeam Cafe Espresso II em3820 myself, my brother has one, which I’ve used several times, and he enjoys it for its simple functionality.

In fact, he and his wife wore their first one out, so he’s on to his second machine. They bought the exact same machine again, which is enough to tell you they are happy with it.

The Sunbeam Cafe Espresso II does what it says it does, and doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. Some of the features include:

Thermoblock fast heating system for quick heat up,
15 bar Italian pump,
Italian crema system,
removable 1.7 litre water tank,
warming plate for pre-heating cups,
12 month replacement warranty.

What are the specifications?

Included accessories	Measuring spoon/tamper Portafilter one cup & two cup portafilter baskets 500ml stainless steel jug
Dimensions	31.2 x 21.5 x 26.0 cm
Weight	6.16 kg
Colour	Silver
Construction materials	Plastic & metal
Power	1300 Watts
Capacity	1.7 L
Pump pressure	15 bar Italian pump
Warranty	12 month replacement

If you want to check out the product manual, you can find that here.

What are the features?

First up, this is a semi-automatic espresso machine. No super-automatic here (not that you’d be expecting that with the relatively low price tag), but there’s still plenty of features that could make this simple machine what you’re looking for.

Let’s take a look.

Accessories:

Included with the machine are a few accessories:

A portafilter and two different sized portafilter baskets for brewing either one cup or two cups of coffee
A measuring spoon for your ground coffee beans that doubles as a tamper
A 500ml stainless steel jug for steaming or frothing your milk

Warming plate:

This warms to a moderate temperature once the machine has been turned on and is located on the very top of the espresso machine.

Simply leave your coffee cup or glass resting upside down on the plate to warm it up, so that it retains the espresso aroma and rich taste of your brew.

Removable drip tray & grill:

This can be found directly underneath where your cup sits when brewing coffee. Drip trays in this area are common and helpful, for unexpected spills or catching the drips once you’ve moved your cup away after a fresh brew.

Being fully removable helps for easy cleaning, too.

Removable water tank:

This is where you need to add clean water for brewing coffee and steaming/frothing milk.

It’s located at the very back of the machine and while this water tank can be removed to refill with water, I shy away from removing the one on my coffee machine at home unless I really have to, or perhaps to give it a thorough clean.

The reason for this is to not wear out the mechanism that allows water to flow into the machine. Simply pour water into the tank while it’s connected to the machine, instead.

Just a thought.

Steam wand with silicone cover:

The steam wand, used to steam/froth milk, is located on the right-hand-side of the machine. The silicone cover allows you to handle the steam wand without getting burnt.

There’s a cleaning pin included that you can use to clean the steam wand. This can be found by opening the water tank and is stored on the inside of the water tank lid.

15 bar Italian pump:

While 9 bars is considered the ideal pressure for brewing espresso coffee, this machine has a pressure relief system to limit it to a maximum of 15 bars, which helps to protect from over-pressure.

Unfortunately, there are no gauges on this machine to show what the pressure being produced is, unlike some of the more expensive and commercial models.

Thermablock fast heating system:

The Thermablock fast heating system ensures that the water is heated to 92ºC, to avoid burning the coffee grounds. This is important, as espresso coffee is made with hot water, but not boiling water.

As a result, the correct amount of oils are extracted from the grounds and it reduces the chances of producing a bitter coffee experience.

Simple design and interface:

There’s no denying that the Sunbeam Cafe Espresso II em3820 has been designed with simplicity in mind. The controls are minimal, which greatly reduces the chances of any errors when producing an espresso.

It’s pretty difficult to get it wrong, when your only options for both brewing coffee and steaming milk are “on” or “off”.

To brew a coffee, simply turn the dial clockwise to the right. To steam/froth milk, simply turn the dial anti-clockwise to the left. Easy, right?

However, it also means that this machine is most likely not suited to experienced people that prefer to have more control over their brew.

Cleaning and maintenance

If you’ve used the milk steamer, you should wipe down the steam wand with a damp cloth and then run the steam for a burst or two, to clean out any milk that may have entered the steam wand.

You can also use the cleaning pin that I mentioned above, but you probably won’t need to do this after every use.

The nozzle of the steam wand can be removed by twisting it, for extra cleaning (just make sure it’s not too hot to touch), if you want to run some water through it or clean it with the cleaning pin.

The cleaning pin can also be used to clean the underside of the portafilter basket, ensuring there are no blockages in any of the holes.

To clean the group head, wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove any coffee grounds left there from the previous brew and then run the machine for a couple of seconds.

Who should purchase the Sunbeam Cafe Espresso II?

This machine is best suited to someone who doesn’t want to spend too much, doesn’t care about all the bells and whistles, but wants a machine that is simple to use and that can still make a decent espresso.

The reviews over on Amazon are very positive, with most people finding it great value for the price and decent quality. Check out the reviews on Amazon now.

I hope my review was helpful. If you’ve purchased this machine, leave a comment and tell me about your experiences with it.

If you’re still undecided if this is the coffee machine for you, check out my other coffee maker reviews.

Stay caffeinated!

Coffee Maker

How Do Coffee Plungers Work? – Free Complete Guide

Seeing as you’re here, you’ve probably found yourself wondering how do coffee plungers work. Perhaps you’ve never really used one and want to know how to make a coffee with one and maybe the cleaning that’s involved.

When I recently decided that I couldn’t continue drinking instant coffee (or powdered dirt, as my workmates called it) at work for one single day more, a coffee plunger was the first alternative that came to mind.

I definitely didn’t want to be shelling out cash for an average “real coffee” five days a week from the local cafe or use the coffee machine in the lunch room that only takes coffee pods (due to the waste).

If you’re not familiar with the ins and outs and would like to know more, read on.

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

So how do coffee plungers work?

A stainless steel coffee plunger sitting on a table.

Coffee plungers work by using the infusion method of brewing, by first allowing the coffee to brew in hot water while sitting in a canister for a few minutes. Then, by pressing down the plunger / filter attached to the lid, you filter the coffee grounds, pushing them to the bottom of the canister.

Using this method you can make a simple black coffee, or you can make a flat white by adding some milk.

It’s also a flexible method, as you can make it as strong or as weak as you want, by simply adding more or less ground coffee beans. This is one advantage that this method has over other methods, such as espresso, which has a set amount of coffee needed to make one cup.

What are the parts of a coffee plunger?

Coffee plungers come in various styles and sizes, but as far as functionality goes, they’re all basically the same.

They most often consist of a glass canister, but can also be found with stainless steel or ceramic canisters, a plunger with a metal and mesh filter and a lid at the top, which is connected with the plunger.

a close-up of a coffee press filter

A coffee plunger's filter

It’s also possible to get a coffee plunger travel mug that filters the coffee inside the same mug that you drink from. There’s many different styles of these available.

Some of them are insulated to keep the coffee hot, such as the Zyliss Travel French Press, and most of them have a different type of filter than the metal and mesh filter found in most coffee plungers, such as the BruTek.

It’s even possible to find some novelty coffee plungers, such as this Star Wars R2-D2 coffee plunger.

I strongly recommend reading the product descriptions and reviews of these different styles, though, as the quality and intended usage varies.

What grind size should I use for plunger coffee?

For plunger coffee, you’re going to want to use a medium to coarse grind. This is because the filtering method used allows for small granules of coffee to pass through the filter.

Having a fine grind, like that used for espresso, will result in more of the coffee grounds passing through to your drink, which I’m certain you do not want.

Having a medium to coarse grind stops most of the coffee grounds getting through the filter. It’s not perfect, but what is?

How to make plunger coffee

The process for making plunger coffee is fairly simple.

Remove the plunger from the canister.
Pour some hot water into the coffee plunger canister, swish it around and then empty it down your kitchen sink . This warms up your canister.
Add the desired amount of coarse coffee grounds. This will vary based on taste and the size of the canister. For a 1 litre coffee plunger, I usually use about three heaped teaspoons, which results in three cups of coffee. Accordingly, for a one cup coffee plunger, about one heaped teaspoon is enough.
Add your desired amount of hot water to the canister.
Give the coffee a stir with a spoon for about 20 seconds.
Cover the canister with the lid/plunger, but don’t press the plunger yet.
Leave the coffee for about 4 minutes to brew.
Gently press down the plunger.
Pour the brewed coffee into your coffee cup.
Top up with hot water if needed, or some milk.
Enjoy that sweet, sweet freshly brewed coffee….Mmmmm….

After you make your plunger coffee, there’s only one thing left to do.

How to clean a French press

After relaxing to enjoy your freshly made plunger coffee, it’s now time to get to the fun stuff… cleaning! It’s definitely worth giving your French press a proper clean after every brew.

Luckily for you, cleaning a French press or coffee plunger is relatively easy. There’s really not a whole lot to it.

With the plunger still pushed all the way down inside the canister, pour any left over coffee liquid down the kitchen sink.
Remove the plunger and leave in the sink for now.
Grab a spoon and gently scrape the used coffee grounds out from the French press canister. You can put them in the rubbish bin, or if you’re like me, in the compost bin.
Rinse out the French press canister in the sink with warm or hot water
Pour a small amount of washing detergent on your sponge and gently clean the inside of the French press canister.
Rinse the plunger and filter in the sink with warm or hot water, carefully separating the filter and the metal plate at the bottom while rinsing to remove any coffee grounds that may be stuck in between them.
1. This next step is optional and may not be necessary with every clean, but something you should definitely consider doing. It involves completely cleaning the French press filter. If you don’t want to do it, you can simply skip this step and continue on to step 8. You should be able to remove the filter from the plunger rod by unscrewing it from the rod. Exactly how this is done will vary from French press to French press. This one I’m showing here, has a bolt on the bottom that you can undo, but others I’ve used have the rod screw into the filter plate itself.
2. If it’s a bit stubborn or hard to grip, try using a kitchen rubber glove or something similar to improve your grip on the rod.
3. Once the filter is detached from the rod, separate the mesh filter from the metal filter and metal plate.
4. Rinse each individual part in the kitchen sink with warm or hot water and use a soapy sponge to gently clean, making sure to remove any coffee grounds.
5. Once you’re satisfied that all parts are sparkling clean, place them back in order and re-attach them to the French press rod.
Use the sponge to clean the lid and the rod connecting the filter to the lid.
Give all the parts a final rinse and then towel dry or leave to dry on your dish rack.

See? I told you it was easy!

Coffee plunger or French press?

You may have heard coffee plungers called different names before, especially if you’ve done some travelling. They’re all the same coffee-making device, no matter what they’re called.

Other names for them are:

french press,
coffee press,
press pot or
cafetière.

one of my coffee plungers

Coffee plunger or Aeropress?

The Aeropress is another suitable alternative to a coffee plunger, because it’s no bigger than a single-serve coffee plunger, which makes it highly transportable, and it produces a great coffee.

I recently wrote an article here comparing the Aeropress to coffee plungers and also a review on the AeroPress.

Next level plunger coffee

If you are looking to take your plunger coffee to the next level, watch this instructional video by world champion barista James Hoffman.

Have you got a hot tip or trick that you use when making plunger coffee? Or perhaps a secret super-quick method for cleaning your coffee plunger? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!

Coffee Maker

Stainless Steel Coffee Plungers

In this post, I’ll be covering the benefits of stainless steel coffee plungers, how much ground coffee you need and also showcasing some products available.

At my work office, we don’t have an espresso machine. There’s a Nespresso pod machine, but while you can probably get a good cup of coffee from a coffee pod, I’m not really a fan.

Something doesn’t sit well with me about the waste. It’s just another bit of plastic that we’d all be better off without. As a result, I use my stainless steel coffee plunger and my AeroPress.

I realise that stainless steel coffee plungers may not be for everyone, but there’s a variety of options, which is a good thing, as what suits some, may not suit others.

If you’re wondering about the general operation of a coffee plunger, please see my other post How do coffee plungers work?

a group of different sized stainless steel french presses — *French Press Frieling Ultimo flickr photo by doubleshot_cz shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license*

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

What are the benefits of stainless steel coffee plungers?

Some benefits of most stainless steel coffee plungers are:

Double wall insulation to keep your coffee warm
No glass, so no more accidental breaks
Easy to clean and dishwasher safe

The biggest reason most people choose to purchase a stainless steel french press, is that they are not easily broken or damaged, compared to a glass french press. Perhaps you had a recent accidental break or maybe are just considering your options. It was an accidental break of my glass french press that motivated me to make my purchase of an Aeropress. I definitely haven’t looked back!

The next reason for a purchase, is the ability to keep your coffee at a warm temperature for longer. Most (if not all) stainless steel coffee plungers have some type of insulation that does just that. So if you’re the type of person that likes to brew enough for a couple of cups of coffee at one time, but also likes to take your time drinking it, this may be a suitable option for you.

close up of a stainless steel french press — *French Press Frieling Ultimo flickr photo by doubleshot_cz shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license*

How much coffee should I put in my plunger

How much coffee you put in your plunger can affect how your brew turns out. Add too much coffee, and you’ll feel jittery. Not enough, and you won’t get the kick you’re probably looking for. I don’t have any hard and fast rules about measuring coffee, unless I’m following a recipe to produce a particular expected result.

When I use my 1 litre stainless steel coffee plunger at work, I don’t measure a strict amount. I generally add three heaped teaspoons of medium ground coffee beans. This gives me and my workmates, who I share it with, one cup each. I’ve only had compliments so far, so I must be doing something right.

If I was making a brew with a one cup coffee plunger, I’d adjust how much coffee I used accordingly – about one heaped teaspoon would be enough.

Some typical examples of stainless steel coffee plungers

Let’s take a look at and compare a handful of options available.

Brand	Features	Size	Reviews	Buy
TopVeken	Double mesh filter, also comes with 2 replacement mesh filters and a bonus stirring spoon	34 oz	Amazon's choice - very positive reviews	View on Amazon
Secura	Available in a wide range of colours, comes with 2 replacement mesh filters	17, 34, & 50 oz	Overwhelmingly positive reviews	View on Amazon
Coffee Gator	Professional grade, double mesh filter, available in several colours, comes with travel jar	34 oz	Very positive reviews	View on Amazon
Stanley	Lifetime warranty, large capacity, well established brand	48 oz	Very positive reviews	View on Amazon
Barista Warrior	Built-in thermometer, double mesh filter, 1 year warranty, available in 3 different colours	34 oz	Very positive reviews	View on Amazon

Conclusion

Stainless steel coffee plungers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours, which is a great thing. There’s plenty to choose from, which means you’ll be able to hopefully find something that suits all of your requirements.

If you’d like to see a stainless steel coffee plunger in action, watch this following video. It gives you a good feel for the look and size of a 1 litre model, and also, how to use it.

I hope this post was helpful and if you decide to purchase any of these listed products, have some experience with any of these products or have a suitable product that you could recommend, please let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!

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