Espresso machines for home use can be expensive, even with the most affordable of units. Fortunately, one way to enjoy great coffees without breaking the bank is through using a coffee press. And the Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker serves the purpose brilliantly.
>> Also read: Aeropress vs French Press
Before diving into the details, here’s an overview of the pros and cons of this portable coffee maker.
Our rating of the Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker: 3 Stars
The Aeropress Coffee & Espresso Maker
Review
Key features:
- The Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker may look like your regular French press, except it might just be better! Although both the appliances use pressure and complete immersion of coffee grindings, the Aeropress proves its efficiency in more than one ways.
- First of all, Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker won’t leave bits of coffee particles in your coffee thanks to the use of microfilter on the bottom of the unit (unlike a press French which uses it on the top). The result? Smoother and texture-free coffee.
- The Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker furthermore accentuate the sweetness of your coffee, naturally, by allowing you to have control over the water temperature (something pod and espresso machine can’t do). The microfilters furthermore strain every little bit and particle of coffee grind to help with texture and smoothness of the final espresso.
- And finally, the Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker can make almost every drink that requires the pure core and essence of the coffee beans with its quality espresso shots. On top of making espresso the AeroPress also lets you make lattes and Americanos (something most French presses are not able to).
- The Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker brews faster than most other coffee brewers
- Produces naturally sweeter-tasting espresso
- Offers high volume capacity
- Includes a year’s supply of microfilter
- Easy to clean
- Pours directly into the mug
- Plastic is BPA and Phthalate-free
- Compact design
- Made of plastic parts; allegedly, smells plastic-y
- The rubber ring and plunger seal might disintegrate over time
- Relatively short life span; stretches a little over a year or so
The Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker is ridiculously affordable, and has earned a huge following of happy users over the world.
Does our rating do it justice? Read through our Aeropress review to find out.
Features
Performance and results
Press coffee makers are justifiably less powerful and efficient than machines and pods brewers simply because it is entirely manual. The AeroPress comes with all the necessary equipments and accessories including the plunger, funnel for the coffee grinds, microfilters, scoop and a stirrer. The microfilters are stored in the bottom cap.
One key selling point of the Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker is in its microfilter, which catches even the smallest of coffee particles from entering your coffee mug. A lower water temperature to submerge the coffee grinds, and then using a slower pressure to press the espresso out, resulting in a refined, smooth and naturally sweet tasting espresso.
Side Note: You can also make unfiltered coffee with the AeroPress by getting a metal piece filter separately.
Here’s a quick video to demonstrate on the set up and use of the AeroPress:
Capacity
Volume wise, the Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker can brew from 1 to 4 cups of coffee at a single go (this should be enough for 1 to 2 mugs). In other words, it can brew up to 4 scoops of grinds. And each scoop can make the equivalent of a single shot of espresso, or 5 ounces of Americano. Clearly, making coffee for personal consumption or for a crowd is not a problem. You can easily serve espresso to 2 to 4 people from one extraction and be done with it.
Ease of use
The Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker comes with a year’s supply of microfilter included in the purchase. This should be somewhere around 350 counts of microfilters. The filters are easily available in almost all department stores now. Alternatively, you can switch it up with reusable filters to save some bucks!
>> Related: Best Travel French Press
Speaking of dishwashing, the Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker very easy to clean since the chamber is self-cleaning. A quick rinse for each part, and you are done. Lastly, and very obviously, the Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker is super compact. Measuring at only 4.8 x 4.5 x 11.8 inches in dimensions, that’s around the size of your forearm! Store it in the cabinet or simply let it sit on the counter. To make the espresso, simple pour in your ground coffee, add hot water (preferably at 175F) and press the plunger all the way down for 20 to 30 seconds.
Side note: The cup doesn’t have to be that exact size as that of the Filter cap in order to use. The AeroPress goes on top of almost any coffee mug size in the market
Build & Quality
As far as functions and performance are concerned, we are swooning over the Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker. The AeroPress maker is however more or less entirely made out of plastic. Though the plastics are BPA and Phthalate-free, many users does complain that the plastic feels flimsy and cheap. Some users also experienced getting funky plastic-y smell due to the plastic chamber. Its rubber ring or gasket also seem to give in pretty soon.
Aesthetics & Appearance
Look wise, are parts of the AeroPress are in black while the chamber is clear for easy-view. It looks great and fits well on tables, nothing too special or awe-worthy.
So, how does the Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker compare?
1. The Firelight French Coffee Maker
Similar to the internet’s best french press, the Firelight French Coffee Maker is a great little coffee maker. It is affordable and does it’s job well. Do be careful with the glass chamber as it might crack from heat or force.
This coffee maker is still a great option for a people who have lower daily caffeine intake. Probably great for travel too!
2. Ritual French Coffee Press
The Ritual French Coffee Press is affordable, efficient, and looks amazing with wooden details. There are however some negative reviews in terms of quality control where some have problem with the filter clogging up, while others have trouble with the plunger.
One thing that is very evident about this press is that its wooden parts appears to disintegrate and warp with use. Hence while the wooden details adds to the aesthetic looks of this french press but cuts down the lifespan as well. Nevertheless, it is still a very stable piece minus the woodwork.
3. The Osaka Cafetiere French Press
The Osaka Cafetiere French Press is affordable, minimal and simple. It does lack behind on the glass chamber where users complain about cracking and slight shattering glass. There are also a few complaints about condensation getting inside the 2 glass walls despite the double-walled borosilicate glass this coffee maker boosts.
The Osaka Cafetiere French Press does produce proper espresso at the end of the day, and there are equal number of users who very much enjoyed using it. It is no match for the Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker though.
Conclusion
The Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker is a greatly balanced machine and is great for those who look for reliability, quality, and easiness of use. Indeed, its simple construction will allow you to easily wash it and the compactness makes it easy for you to store it wherever you want.
High-quality materials make this coffee maker durable and ensure that its components do their job properly.
If you need a harmonic coffee maker without serious flaws for a good price, then definitely consider buying the Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker.
