Latest news with #AeroPress
Geeky Gadgets
29-05-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
$150 AeroPress Premium Review : Worth the Hype or Just Overpriced?
What if your favorite coffee brewer got a luxurious makeover—but at a cost? The AeroPress Premium, a $150 reimagining of the beloved AeroPress, promises to elevate your brewing experience with sleek materials like stainless steel, dual-walled glass, and aluminum. But here's the catch: in its pursuit of elegance, it sacrifices some of the very traits that made the original a cult favorite—affordability, portability, and rugged durability. Is this high-end iteration a bold step forward for coffee enthusiasts, or does it stray too far from the essence of what made the AeroPress iconic? In this analysis, James Hoffmann dives deep into the design, performance, and practicality of the AeroPress Premium to help you decide if it's worth the splurge. Throughout this review, James Hoffmann uncovers how the Premium's refined materials subtly impact brewing performance, why its glass-and-metal construction might not be ideal for travelers, and whether its aesthetic appeal justifies the hefty price tag. You'll also gain insight into the trade-offs between luxury and practicality, as well as the niche audience this brewer seems to target. Whether you're a die-hard AeroPress fan or simply curious about this upscale reinvention, this exploration will leave you questioning what truly matters in your coffee ritual. After all, is brewing coffee about the tool—or the experience it creates? AeroPress Premium Overview Design and Materials: A Blend of Elegance and Compromise The AeroPress Premium distinguishes itself through its use of stainless steel, dual-walled glass, and aluminum, creating a sophisticated and high-end appearance. These materials cater to coffee enthusiasts who value style and craftsmanship in their brewing tools. The glass brewing chamber, which is taller and narrower than the original plastic version, slightly increases brewing capacity, adding a touch of refinement to the brewing process. However, this design comes with notable trade-offs. The glass components, while visually appealing, are inherently more fragile than the durable plastic used in the original AeroPress. This makes the Premium less suitable for travel or heavy use, as it is more prone to breakage. Additionally, the interaction between metal and glass during brewing may feel less seamless compared to the original's all-plastic construction. While the materials elevate the brewer's aesthetic appeal, they detract from its practicality, particularly for users who prioritize durability and ease of use. Brewing Performance: Subtle Refinements, Limited Impact The AeroPress Premium introduces minor changes to the brewing process, largely due to its materials and design. The dual-walled glass chamber retains heat differently, starting cooler but maintaining temperature for longer. This can slightly alter the extraction process, with the narrower chamber potentially producing a marginally higher coffee extraction. However, these differences are subtle and unlikely to result in a noticeable improvement in coffee quality for most users. The coffee brewed with the Premium tastes nearly identical to that of the original AeroPress. While these refinements may appeal to coffee aficionados seeking incremental improvements, they are unlikely to justify the Premium's significantly higher price for the average user. $150 AeroPress Premium Review Watch this video on YouTube. Stay informed about the latest in coffee makers by exploring our other resources and articles. Practicality: Portability and Maintenance Challenges One of the original AeroPress's standout features is its portability, making it a favorite among travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. The AeroPress Premium, with its heavier and more fragile design, compromises this advantage. The glass components are particularly prone to breakage, reducing the brewer's durability and making it less ideal for on-the-go use or rugged environments. On the maintenance front, cleaning remains straightforward, much like the original model. However, the fragility of the materials demands more careful handling, which could be inconvenient for users accustomed to the ruggedness of the original AeroPress. These practical limitations make the Premium less versatile and less suited for users who value ease of use and travel-friendly design. Health Considerations: Addressing Microplastics and BPA For those concerned about plastic in coffee brewing, the AeroPress Premium offers an alternative. Its stainless steel and glass construction eliminate direct contact with plastic, addressing worries about microplastics. While the health effects of microplastics are still under study, some users may find comfort in avoiding plastic altogether. That said, it's worth noting that modern AeroPress models already use BPA-free plastics, which are considered safe for food and beverage use. For most users, the plastic in the original AeroPress poses no significant health risks. As such, the Premium's material upgrade is more about personal preference than necessity, appealing primarily to those who prioritize non-plastic brewing tools for peace of mind. Value Proposition: Who Is the AeroPress Premium For? At $150, the AeroPress Premium caters to a niche audience. It appeals to users who prioritize premium materials and aesthetics over practicality. For those who value affordability, portability, or durability, the original AeroPress remains the better option. The Premium's price also raises questions about its value compared to other coffee-related investments, such as a high-quality grinder or specialty beans, which may have a more noticeable impact on coffee quality. Ultimately, the AeroPress Premium is best suited for coffee enthusiasts who view brewing as an art form and are willing to invest in a luxury brewing tool. However, for the majority of users, the original AeroPress continues to offer a more practical and cost-effective solution. Media Credit: James Hoffmann Filed Under: Gadgets News, Reviews Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Tom's Guide
22-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Is this the AeroPress killer? I put OXO's Rapid Brewer to the test
Price: $39.99Weight: 1.27 lbsDimensions: 8.7 x 3.4 x 3.3 inches Materials: Tritan Renew (recycled plastic), stainless steel filterColor: BlackDishwasher safe: Yes, top rack (except pump) OXO isn't the first brand that comes to mind when I think about the best coffee makers. I tend to think of the company's prowess in terms of kitchen gadgets, such as garlic presses and kitchen scales, rather than products to make a perfect brew. However, I couldn't turn down the chance to test the OXO Brew Rapid Brewer. I love the concept of making a delicious cup of coffee at home, without a complex machine that has to stay permanently fixed on your countertop. What's more, it's small and compact enough to take to work or on your travels. In less than five minutes, you can make 1-3 servings of an espresso-style concentrated coffee, similar to making coffee with an AeroPress. You add finely ground coffee to the filter, tamper the grinds, add water, and wait. After 2-5 minutes, depending on whether you want a hot or cold brew, you use the pump to press the concentrated coffee into the carafe. From here, you can make your desired drink — an Americano, latte, or cold brew cocktail! Here's how I got on when I tested the OXO Rapid Brewer. The OXO Brew Rapid Brewer is available for $39 at Amazon. It's a good price compared to the AeroPress, which has a list price of $49 at Amazon. However, it's far cheaper than the AeroPress Premium, which rockets up to $179 and is available directly from certainly feels like an affordable coffee maker, and would be ideal for gifting without breaking the bank. I'm so used to using an AeroPress that I didn't think I could be swayed by anything else — but the design of the OXO Brew Rapid Brewer is impressive. It does come with a few parts: a carafe, pump, coffee filter, water chamber and tamper, but it doesn't seem excessive. And everything fits neatly together and can be stored without worrying about losing an essential part. I was even impressed that the tamper fits inside the coffee filter. Everything also feels premium to hold. The coffee filter has a diagonal ridge pattern that helps you grip, but also adds to the aesthetic, and the pump is strangely satisfying to press. You'll also find a stainless steel filter integrated into the coffee basket, so you'll never have to worry about running out of paper filters when you're desperate for a caffeine hit. Plus, if you are clumsy — especially likely until that caffeine hits in the early morning —the water chamber and carafe are made from Tritan Renew. This 50% recycled material that is durable and resistant to impact, unlike glass. Inside the coffee basket, you'll find two fill line markings, one for a hot concentrate and another for a cold concentrate, where you'll need double the grinds. The water chamber also includes a maximum water level mark, and there are alignment marks on the filter and water chamber to ensure everything is secured before you make your brew. And to avoid any awkward spillages, the carafe has a pour spout. I found the carafe super helpful. When using an AeroPress, I usually grab the nearest mug, and it doesn't always sit perfectly on top. But with the carafe included with the OXO's Rapid Brewer, it makes life less messy. The best thing about this coffee maker is that it doesn't need electricity, apart from heating the water, if you fancy a hot brew. Other than that, it's all down to you. Although, it won't be able to heat and froth your milk if you fancy a cappuccino. The coffee-making procedure is the same, whether you're making a cold or hot coffee; the only adjustment needed is the amount of coffee you use and the brewing time. The detailed instructions suggest 20g of coffee for a hot brew, with a 2-minute brew time, and 40g for a cold brew, with a 5-minute brew time. Once the coffee has made its way into the carafe, you can drink it however you like. OXO suggests diluting the coffee concentrate to a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio with either water or milk. I found the coffee maker easy to use and put together. However, on one occasion, I did forget to place the carafe underneath. Everything is there for you to make the process as easy as possible. Marker lines are placed in the filter to guide you with the correct grind amount, and the water chamber indicates the maximum fill level. There are also alignment markers on the water chamber and filter to ensure everything is sealed before you make your brew. The first time I used the brewer, I did find the coffee came through very quickly, and there wasn't much water left in the reservoir before I used the pump. However, after a quick read of the troubleshooting section on the instruction guide, I discovered that the grind was too coarse and I needed to use a finer grind. It may take you a few goes to get it just right, but that's all part of the fun. If you're looking for any flaws in performance, you won't find any with the OXO Brew Rapid Brewer. Apart from being easy to use (see below), you're guaranteed a smooth brew, without any hint of bitterness. And thanks to the filter, you won't find any grit in your cup, or between your teeth! It feels like a premium tasting coffee without a premium price tag.I'd compare it in taste to what you'd expect from an AeroPress, and for a cold brew, that is known to take hours to brew, you get a superb result in 5 minutes. You really can't argue with that. The process of using the OXO Rapid Brewer really couldn't be simpler, although it did help me that it's a similar system to the AeroPress. Here's how you use it: 1. Place your desired amount of coffee in the coffee basket. 2. Tamper down and level the coffee. 3. Attach the coffee basket to the water chamber. 4. Place the unit over the carafe. 5. Fill the water chamber with hot or cold water (5.6oz/160ml max). 6. Place the pump on top of the water chamber, making sure the pump is closed down. 7. Wait 2 minutes for a hot brew and 5 minutes for a cold brew. 9. Push down and twist the locking handle of the pump a quarter turn to unlock it. Press down slowly, and repeat a few times. 10. Your brew is now ready to be made into your desired drink. Once you've made your brew, it's time to disassemble all of the parts. I did find the coffee grinds a little awkward to remove from the coffee basket, especially considering how easy it is to tip out the grinds from an AeroPress, but it wasn't a big deal. The water chamber, coffee basket, and carriage are all top-rack dishwasher safe, but OXO recommends handwashing the tamper, and warns that the pump should not be submerged in water and is wipe clean unit is also neat and compact to store, so you don't need to worry about random parts being scattered throughout your kitchen. I like the feel of the OXO Brew Rapid Brewer — and isn't that what products are all about — the enjoyment we get from the whole experience, not just the end result? It's been a real winner in my household, and my adult sons couldn't wait to get their hands on it. They loved the satisfaction of using the pump — once you try it, you'll know. I particularly like how easy the filter is to attach, much more so than when using the AeroPress Clear, and you never have to think about paper filters. What's more, there's no issue of pressing too light or too hard on the pump, like you would with a plunger design. It also produces a tasty brew, and you can adjust the grind according to your results, with OXO recommending a fine grind for the best results with the Rapid Brewer. What's next? I'm off to make a Cold Brew-Tini — 2oz vodka, 1oz cold brew concentrate, 1oz coffee liquor, and ½ oz maple syrup — cheers to that!
Tom's Guide
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I went to the 'biggest coffee party on earth' — and these 5 coffee gadgets caught my attention
The London Coffee Festival is the highlight of my year, every year. As a Homes Editor who writes about the best coffee makers on a daily basis, I feel right at home surrounded by independent roasters and innovative coffee gear. And if you're wondering how many espressos I drank, I think I blacked out after coffee number 9. But even countless coffees didn't stop me from pining after the latest and greatest coffee tech the "biggest coffee party on earth" had to offer. From AeroPress to Fellow, I saw some seriously cool tech that I can't stop thinking about. Be warned: not all of these products are available to buy yet, and some of them are still in development. But if this coffee tech is a sign of the innovations to come, I think my job's safe for another year. I got to the festival bright and early on opening day and made an immediate beeline for the new Fellow Espresso Series 1. Unfortunately, everyone else had the same idea. The machine was so swamped by coffee obsessives, you'd think we were at a movie premiere. On round 2 though, I managed to get up close and personal with Fellow's first espresso machine. And oh boy, is it even prettier in person. The finish is clean, sleek, modern and surprisingly neat. I was mentally sizing it up, trying to figure out if I had room on my (already laden) countertops. I tried (and failed) to suss out of we could expect a new espresso grinder to go with the Espresso Series 1 from some very tight-lipped Fellow employees. No matter, because the espresso made for me by London's iconic Watch House coffee roasters (using Fellow's Opus grinder) completely blew my socks off. Although I'm more than a little gutted that I'll have to wait around 6 months to try it for myself and see if it deserves a spot in our best espresso machine roundup, it was great to see this machine in action. If you preorder the Series 1 , you can get it for $1,199 plus $100 in Fellow Drops credits. For my fellow Europeans, pre-orders have yet to open. The Pietro is hands-down the prettiest hand grinder I've ever seen. It feels incredibly luxe, too. The cold steel finish and upright construction make it totally fitting for a permanent home on your countertops. Brought to the market by Italian brand Fiorenzaro, which specializes in electric grinders, the Pietro is a tribue to founder Pietro Fiorenzaro. The Pietro claims to usher in "the vertical revolution", featuring 58mm flat vertical burrs which can take you from espresso all the way through to filter coffee. It's available in a range of gorgeous colors on the company's website. There's U.K. distribution from Sigma Coffee for £360, and U.S. distribution through Seattle Coffee Gear for $475. The xbloom might not be new to you, but it's new to me. Available for U.K. distribution finally through BrewedByHand, this is the first time I've been able to get my hands on this game-changing drip brewer. And why did nobody tell me just how smart this thing is? My first impression was a sip from a fresh-brewed carafe, which was astoundingly good. Juicy, fresh, vibrant. Exactly my kind of drip coffee, and not the sort of thing I'd be able to achieve at home without some serious hands-on adjustments to my setup. The xbloom does this all for you, allowing you to tap an NFC tag agsinst the top of your machine, which will automatically adjust the settings for the perfect result, with zero experimentation needed. Everything has been thought through with the xbloom. It's got a super sensitive in-built scale for more manual brewing, and its attachments allow you to use it as a grinder for espresso or other brewing methods. Even as it brews, its water flows in a circle (like you'd pour it with a gooseneck kettle) and the machine lightly shakes the brewing cup to agitate the grounds, reducing clumping. I'm going to need this in my kitchen ASAP. It's available for U.S. readers for $599 at Confession time: I've never tried the AeroPress. But if I was to try one, I think it'd be the new Go Plus. It's totally portable, pouring coffee directly into a tumbler that also doubles as a storage container when you're done. Plus, it comes in pink. The custom travel tumbler comes with a magnetic leak-resistant lid and a built in filter holder, meaning I could take it on those family trips where you're otherwise stuck drinking instant coffee. As a newly-minted coffee snob, some portable coffee gear is becoming an essential. The Go Plus is $89.95 or £85.99 and comes in three colors. A suspiciously sparse stall caught my eye as I made a final, jittery sweep of the festival. The brand is LinkBar, and it could well be the future of coffee shops. This under-counter coffee and milk dispenser system looks and performs like a high-end faucet, but the milk and coffee it dispensed was far superior to the sort of coffee you'll get in offices and even some mainstream coffee shops. I loved my little latte, and it took less than 15 seconds to pour. The microfoam was fine and full of texture, and the coffee had a dark punchiness that would definitely satisfy the average Starbucks consumer. I suspect my employer is more than a few years away from investing in this kind of coffee tech, but I wouldn't be surprised if we saw LinkBars popping up in major corporate spaces or even coffee shops in the coming years. If this is the future of coffee, I can confirm that it tastes delicious.
NDTV
14-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
Easy Methods of Brewing Coffee You Can Try at Home
For many, coffee is more than just a beverage - it's a daily ritual, a comfort, and sometimes, a small but essential joy. While cafes offer expertly crafted brews, there's something deeply satisfying about making your own coffee at home. Fortunately, you don't need expensive equipment or barista training to enjoy a good cup. Here are some easy and accessible methods of brewing coffee at home, each offering a unique flavour profile and experience. Here Are 5 Ways To Brew Coffee At Home 1. Pour Over The pour-over method is a favourite among coffee purists. It involves pouring hot water over freshly ground coffee in a cone-shaped dripper lined with a paper filter. Gravity does the work, drawing the water through the grounds and filtering into your cup or carafe. Why try it? It allows for precise control over water temperature and brewing time, which helps highlight the subtle flavours in single-origin beans. All you need is a dripper (like a V60 or Chemex), filters, and a kettle. Tip: Use medium-coarse coffee grounds and pour slowly in a circular motion for an even extraction. 2. French Press The French press, or cafetiere, is a timeless, fuss-free method perfect for those who enjoy bold, full-bodied coffee. Ground coffee is steeped in hot water for several minutes before being pressed down with a plunger to separate the grounds. Why try it? This method retains more of the coffee's natural oils, resulting in a richer, more robust flavour. It's also easy to use and clean. Tip: Use coarsely ground coffee to avoid sediment in your cup and let it brew for about 4 minutes before plunging. 3. AeroPress Compact and versatile, the AeroPress is a modern favourite that's great for travellers and home brewers alike. It uses air pressure to push water through coffee grounds, producing a strong and smooth cup in under two minutes. Why try it? It's incredibly quick and allows for experimentation. You can make espresso-style coffee, Americanos, or even cold brews with the right tweaks. Tip: Try the "inverted method" for a stronger brew and use medium-fine grounds. 4. Cold Brew Ideal for warmer days, cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-18 hours. The result is a smooth, mellow drink that's low in acidity and can be served over ice or with milk. Why try it? It's incredibly refreshing and stays good in the fridge for up to a week. Best of all, it's almost impossible to mess up. Tip: Use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio for a concentrate you can dilute later, depending on your taste. Here's how to make the perfect cold brew. 5. Moka Pot Also known as a stovetop espresso maker, the Moka pot brews strong, espresso-like coffee by passing boiling water pressurised by steam through coffee grounds. Why try it? It's affordable, produces a bold cup, and gives you a cafe-style experience right from your hob. Tip: Use fine grounds (but not too fine) and keep an eye on the heat - too high and you risk burning the coffee. Brewing coffee at home doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you prefer the clarity of pour-over, the strength of a Moka pot, or the smoothness of cold brew, there's a method to suit every taste and schedule. So, grab your favourite beans and start experimenting.
WIRED
28-04-2025
- General
- WIRED
Oxo's New Coffee Maker Somehow Yields Tasty Cold Brew in Minutes
For five minutes, water dribbles through a shower filter into a thick, tamped coffee puck, working its way slowly through the puck but releasing very few drops. Only when I start hand-pumping is the water pushed more quickly through the puck, dribbling out over the course of another minute or so: The air in the chamber reaches higher than one bar, about double what you'd usually expect from an AeroPress but still way less than the nine bars needed to qualify as espresso. The resulting cold brew concentrate benefits from pressurized extraction, sure. But also, super-fine grounds aid faster extraction. Using a boatload of coffee grounds also means a greater bulk of flavor compounds is extracted. The device manages to coax out a surprising amount of sweetness, especially with roasts that lean caramelly and medium-dark. And in such a short time span, it produces a satisfyingly full-bodied and full-flavored drink, ready to be diluted with ice or milk. In side-by-side testing, the results were significantly better than fast cold brew made with an AeroPress. Some Don't Like It Hot But a lot of caveats are in order. Is the cold brew produced by the Rapid Brewer as complex and sweet and smooth as a 12-hour cold brew? No, it's absolutely not. The Rapid Brewer is a fast but blunt instrument, extracting sweetness and full body but not quite all of the flavor. And using the right roast matters a lot. While my first attempt with the brewer yielded cold brew so delicious I thought my senses had gone haywire, subsequent attempts with different beans showed limitations. Light roasts, in particular, came out underextracted to the point of sour: don't go below medium with this one. Too dark, you risk some bitterness. This really is a somewhat finicky balance you're striking. (For the record, my initial success came with a medium-roasted Stumptown Colombia single-origin: have fun.) You're also using a whole heck of a lot of beans for each mug of cold brew: 40 grams of coffee for four ounces of concentrate, enough to make eight to 12 ounces of drinking-strength cold brew once diluted. By comparison, I'd expect to use less than half that if making 10-ounce mug of drip coffee. The portion you're using for the Rapid Brewer is also significantly more than you'd need to make the traditional cold brew that involves patience and forethought. Photograph: Matthew Korfhage
