There are more elegant ways to brew coffee today - the Chemex, the Siphon, the Hario V60 and so on - but none as efficiently and satisfactorily as this plastic syringe-like tube, the Aeropress. Sure it isn’t beautiful, but my pre-coffee self at 8am doesn’t care about that. It’s inobtrusive, compact and easy to use.
Alan Adler, the engineer and inventor behind it, designed it out of dissatisfaction with the previously existent one-cup brewing methods. He liked the smoothness of a coffee filter machine, but was unhappy to make a large batch and reheat cups - because fresh coffee is better coffee. He also investigated and found that coffee made at a lower temperature (around 80C not 100C) is less bitter, a faster wet time improves the taste too. Adler combined this experience with his engineering principles and the result, forty prototypes later, was the Aeropress.
The innovation is in the simplicity. The pressurised chamber eliminates the need for a complex pressurizing mechanism in bulky espresso machines. The resulting compression of the coffee into a ‘puck’ means that it is virtually self cleaning - no more scraping out a cafetiere. The reusable paper filters result in a smooth and satisfying brew, grit free. A user cycle filled with ease.
The Aeropress gives the user complete control - over water temperature, coffee dosage, wet time - and creates creativity. It allows one to master their own personal coffee ritual, and has resulted in Aeropress Championships being held around the world.
Its made in California from copolyester, polypropylene and thermoplastic elastomer and retails at just £21. The portability and durability mean it has become a cult item for campers, backpackers and explorers, when every gram counts.
I’ll admit some brief criticism; the filter can occasionally become loose and allow grounds to slip through, and one does need to be careful with the amount of water they pour through to prevent an overflowing cup underneath. The previous transparent model may have helped with this issue but they changed it due to market research - staining perhaps? However, I think with some brief experience these are no longer issues, apart from perhaps the foggiest mornings.
I’ve had my Aeropress for nearly 2 years, and have recommended it so much I believe it spawned in the purchase of six of them by my family and friends. This must serve as a testament to the trust I’ve developed in the product, which leads me to believe its pretty great design.
Photos by Jason Henry for backchannel.com
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