3 ms·

Sorry, but if you are after optimal extraction, as nice a cup as the AeroPress can make, it cannot compare to a proper, temperature-controlled pour-over using a

by teilo 12y ago

Sorry, but if you are after optimal extraction, as nice a cup as the AeroPress can make, it cannot compare to a proper, temperature-controlled pour-over using a system designed for proper extraction (Hario V60, Kalita Wave, or even Chemex if made in sufficient volume). The reason is simple: It can't handle the temperature because it's made of plastic. Anyone could make a cup of coffee in a pour-over that tastes the same as the AeroPress. However, those who put the time into making a proper pourover know better. The best cup of coffee, for most of us, is supposed to have a certain amount of those bitter elements that the AeroPress is too cool to extract. Optimal extraction occurs between 92 and 96 degrees C. 74-80C is just too cool for optimal extraction. I've tested the SCAA findings in countless experiments. Their research, based on double-blind taste tests, is well done, and in my experience, quite accurate. The information on the AeroPress FAQ, which talks about the grounds on the bottom of the bed brewed using traditional methods being much cooler, is just plain wrong. Ridiculously wrong, in fact. Just measure the temperature of the finished product. If proper preheating is done, it's going to be closer to 90C, probably higher. To each his own, but the "Perfect Cup of Coffee" it is not.

e12e 12y ago
I'm not sure where you get the idea that the aeropress can't handle the temperature. The plastic has low heat capacity (it takes little energy to heat, compared to eg water). I usually pour water from my water boiler directly in -- and while I haven't used a thermometer, it must surely be close to 100 degrees. And if you're so worried, just prehat the acrylics, and use the "reverse method"[1]. That said, I'm not going to claim any one method makes the "best" coffee -- I've not tasted them all, and I don't use a thermometer or other extreme quality (in the industrial sense of reproducible brew) measures. I much prefer a proper espresso, and I've also tried "cold brew" method -- and while I can see why some people would prefer that -- that's not for me. Anyway, for something used to prepare food for oneself, I'm not sure how relevant blind tests on other people are. I really don't care if 9 out of 10 people disagree with me on how they like their coffee. Why should you? I could see the value in doing blind tests on oneself (with help, obviously) -- but if the differences are so minor that you can't tell without blind testing -- do you really care? [1] http://ineedcoffee.com/upside-aeropress-coffee-brewing-tutorial/ http://ineedcoffee.com/upside-aeropress-coffee-brewing-tutor...
- teilo 12y ago
  Did you read the part where I said: "To each his own"? If you love your Aeropress, then fine. But when people make claims like, "The perfect cup of coffee" or put BS in their FAQs, as Aeropress does, then I'm calling them out on it. I have the creds to do so. I have tried every brewing technique you care to name. I do quantitative measurements, right down to the composition of the water, TDS, and pH. I have lab-grade equipment. I also am developing a cheap solution for making an ideal coffee brewing water to SCAA specifications. This is not my first rodeo. Now to your "where did you get the idea": This is a known issue with the Aeropress (google for Aeropress crazing). Because it is plastic, it cannot handle the higher brewing temperatures required for proper extraction. The plastic starts to warp and crack. The recommended "solution" is to use a lower temperature. This produces a different cup of coffee than higher temperatures would. You may like this cup. I prefer a cup that is properly extracted. To each his own. But when people are publishing BS, I'm gonna call it out.
  - e12e 12y ago
    I've cracked my aeoropress, pushing a plunger through a cold ... holder? That other thing that's not a plunger. It was by accident, and not related to making coffee. I regularly use boiling water, and I see no issue from that. As for claims of a "perfect cup of coffee" -- I agree :-)

by teilo 12y ago

e12e 12y ago

I'm not sure where you get the idea that the aeropress can't handle the temperature. The plastic has low heat capacity (it takes little energy to heat, compared to eg water). I usually pour water from my water boiler directly in -- and while I haven't used a thermometer, it must surely be close to 100 degrees. And if you're so worried, just prehat the acrylics, and use the "reverse method"[1]. That said, I'm not going to claim any one method makes the "best" coffee -- I've not tasted them all, and I don't use a thermometer or other extreme quality (in the industrial sense of reproducible brew) measures. I much prefer a proper espresso, and I've also tried "cold brew" method -- and while I can see why some people would prefer that -- that's not for me. Anyway, for something used to prepare food for oneself, I'm not sure how relevant blind tests on other people are. I really don't care if 9 out of 10 people disagree with me on how they like their coffee. Why should you? I could see the value in doing blind tests on oneself (with help, obviously) -- but if the differences are so minor that you can't tell without blind testing -- do you really care? [1] http://ineedcoffee.com/upside-aeropress-coffee-brewing-tutorial/ http://ineedcoffee.com/upside-aeropress-coffee-brewing-tutor...

teilo 12y ago
Did you read the part where I said: "To each his own"? If you love your Aeropress, then fine. But when people make claims like, "The perfect cup of coffee" or put BS in their FAQs, as Aeropress does, then I'm calling them out on it. I have the creds to do so. I have tried every brewing technique you care to name. I do quantitative measurements, right down to the composition of the water, TDS, and pH. I have lab-grade equipment. I also am developing a cheap solution for making an ideal coffee brewing water to SCAA specifications. This is not my first rodeo. Now to your "where did you get the idea": This is a known issue with the Aeropress (google for Aeropress crazing). Because it is plastic, it cannot handle the higher brewing temperatures required for proper extraction. The plastic starts to warp and crack. The recommended "solution" is to use a lower temperature. This produces a different cup of coffee than higher temperatures would. You may like this cup. I prefer a cup that is properly extracted. To each his own. But when people are publishing BS, I'm gonna call it out.
- e12e 12y ago
  I've cracked my aeoropress, pushing a plunger through a cold ... holder? That other thing that's not a plunger. It was by accident, and not related to making coffee. I regularly use boiling water, and I see no issue from that. As for claims of a "perfect cup of coffee" -- I agree :-)