Above all delicious coffee Easy to use/clean compared to an Espresso machine or press pot Can be use almost anywhere you have hot water
Negative Product Points
Plastic parts Not sure how long the rubber plunger will last Filter cost Have to use a lot of coffee for good results Needs a good coffee grinder (but may be an excuse to get that new grinder)
Detailed Commentary
The Aeropress has changed the way I brew coffee at home. I can no longer tolerate filtered basket coffee and even French press is questionable after using the Aeropress. If you make one cup at a time this is definitely a good option. I don't have the budget for an espresso machine nor would I want to fool with one at 6am. I do like Cafe Americano and this thing makes a good strong cup without bitterness or a mouth full of grounds. My daily morning routine is to start a kettle of fresh cold water. Measure 4 Tbs. of unground coffee and grind fine (but slightly courser than espresso). Too fine a grind and it is extremely hard to plunge. Or too course a grind and the water doesn't extract enough coffee goodness. A grind setting of 20 on my Rancilio Rocky is just right. Prep the Aeropress and dump the ground coffee in the Aeropress body cylinder. I use about 190 deg water, stir the grounds for 10 sec, and plunge for about 20 seconds directly into my drinking cup. I then add some water for my cup of Americano. Delicious!
The Aeropress is easy to clean after use. Just unsrew the bottom and plunge the grounds in the garbage followed by a quick rinse and your ready for the next cup. The Aeropress is WAY easier to clean than my French press pot.
My only important negative comment is that you have to use almost twice as much coffee as you would use for other methods. But this is probably a clue to why it produces such lovely coffee. The brewing water is in contact with the coffee grounds for a relatively short time. A longer time would mean more extraction but bitterness.
After 6 months the 1st unit I purchased is still functioning normally. Not sure how long the rubber plunger with hold a seal. You can't buy spare parts so the only recourse is to repurchase. I bought two and glad I did in case something happens or breaks I have a backup.
Buying Experience
I can't remember where I bought my Aeropress but it was online for $30.00. Sold everywhere.
Three Month Followup
Still going strong after 9 months of daily use. The rubber plunger is getting a little weak to hold a seal but a rinse under hot tap water before use and works fine. Awesome coffee
