Aerobie AeroPress Espresso Machine & Coffee Maker

The Aerobie AeroPress is very unusual because you must force the water through the grounds by hand making the equivalent of an espresso double shot. No I can't say it is as good as the best espresso, but the concentrate is very close and tastes better than any other brewed coffee I ever tasted. I had a functioning Procter-Silex maker that just didn't consistently make good coffee. We tried adjusting the grind (Capresso Mill) and the brands and amounts of coffee. Some days it was very good...but there were others. When I read reviews here and at other coffee sites for replacements, I found so many faulty designs. Some made great coffee but broke after a while. Many had other problems after I thought they were the "best". Then I found the Aerobie Aeropress for only $24.95 at Amazon.com. The AeroPress is so simple and easy to clean and never fails to make great Americano style coffee. Here's how:

1 Put a new flat filter paper in the holder and twist onto the bottom of the brew cylinder.

2. Measure the beans with the supplied scoop. The amount of coffee will amaze you...it's a lot.

3. Grind to a medium fine grind (not espresso) and add to the brewer using the funnel provided.

4 Place the AeroPress brew cylinder on a large mug or equivalent sturdy container.

5 Use the calibrated plunger to measure water that has been heated to about 180 degrees (not quite boiling). I use one of those instant hot water taps on my sink but a microwave oven works just as well.

6.Pour a little of the water on the grounds and give the cylinder a swirl to wet the grounds and pour in the rest of the water. (be sure the cylinder is on the cup, it drips strong coffee immediately.)

7. Stir with the paddle for 10 seconds and rinse the paddle and wet the plunger.

8.Push the plunger down slowly until all the coffee and air is pushed through the filter.

10 Remove the cylinder to the sink; take off the cap; and press the plunger through to shove all the grounds and filter to the garbage (disposer). Rinse.

11. Divide the contents of the cup between two cups and dilute with more hot water.

The only problem we have with the AeroPress is that my wife can't push hard enough if the grind is too fine. I can almost get to an espresso grind and I think that makes the best brew, but she needs to use a medium grind, Coffee is still great just not as close to espresso.