Coffee to go! AeroPress: Your coffee, your style

AeroPress: The all-rounder for those who like to experiment

Have you ever heard of the AeroPress? This handy and versatile coffee machine is popular with coffee lovers all over the world. It allows you to prepare aromatic coffee quickly and easily, with a flavour and intensity that differs significantly from other brewing methods.

In this article, you will learn everything about the AeroPress - from its history to perfect preparation.

Where does the name AeroPress come from?

The AeroPress was developed in 2005 by Alan Adler, an American engineer and inventor. The name "AeroPress" is derived from the combination of "air" and "press", which describes how the machine works:

The coffee is pressed through a filter using air pressure. The AeroPress quickly became popular and has established itself in the coffee scene as an innovative coffee maker that allows the brewing parameters to be flexibly adjusted to create a wide variety of flavour profiles.

What ingredients are needed?

You only need a few high-quality ingredients to prepare coffee with the AeroPress:

• Coffee: Use 16 to 18 grams of freshly ground coffee. The grind should be fine to medium, comparable to table salt, to ensure even extraction.
• Water: 200 to 250 ml of water, ideally filtered, heated to a temperature of around 90 °C. These simple ingredients allow you to brew an aromatic and balanced coffee.

What equipment is needed?

The AeroPress consists of three main components: the brewing cylinder, the plunger and the filter holder. You also need paper filters that are inserted into the filter holder. A coffee grinder is essential to grind the coffee fresh and achieve the desired grind. A kettle with a temperature setting helps to bring the water to the optimum temperature. A scale is useful for measuring the exact amount of coffee and water, and a spoon for stirring the coffee rounds off the set.

What is the brewing recipe?

Brewing with the AeroPress is quick and easy:

• Prepare the filter: Insert the paper filter into the filter holder and rinse it through with hot water to remove the paper flavour and preheat the filter.
• Grind the coffee: Grind 16 to 18 grams of coffee to a fine to medium grain size. Pour the ground coffee into the brewing cylinder of the AeroPress.
• Pour in water: Heat the water to around 90 °C and pour it into the brewing cylinder so that the coffee is completely wetted. Stir the coffee briefly to ensure even extraction.
• Pressing: Place the plunger on top and press it down slowly and evenly. This step should take about 30 seconds. The pressure generated presses the coffee through the filter and extracts the flavours.
• Enjoy your coffee: As soon as all the coffee has been pressed into the cup, you can enjoy it straight away. If you prefer a stronger coffee, you can use less water; for a milder coffee, you can dilute it with hot water, similar to an Americano.

How does AeroPress coffee taste compared to filter coffee or coffee from a portafilter machine?

Coffee from the AeroPress is characterised by its clarity and full flavour. Compared to filter coffee, AeroPress coffee is more intense and full-bodied as it is prepared under slight pressure and does not absorb any bitter substances from the paper filter.

Compared to an espresso from a portafilter machine, AeroPress coffee is milder and less concentrated, but still offers a rich depth of flavour. The AeroPress allows you to explore different flavour profiles and find your ideal coffee by adjusting the brewing parameters.

What accessories do I need?

In addition to the AeroPress itself and the paper filters, you will need a coffee grinder to grind the coffee fresh. A kettle with temperature control ensures that the water is at the right temperature. A scale helps you to measure the exact quantities of coffee and water, and a spoon is handy for stirring the coffee during preparation. The AeroPress is easy to clean and can be quickly made ready for use again after each preparation.

With these simple steps and the right equipment, you can enjoy great coffee at home or on the go. The AeroPress gives you flexibility and control over the entire brewing process, so you can experiment and achieve your perfect result every time.