Reddit reviews AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with Tote Bag - Quickly Makes Delicious Coffee Without Bitterness - 1 to 3 Cups Per Press

Aeropress makes great coffee.

One hitter does what you think.

AeroPress. http://amzn.com/B0018RY8H0

Wife & I broke five or six french presses in the first few years we were married. We finally bought a "Columbia Press" since they're stainless steel, but they're pricey. I like AeroPress coffee better anyhow.

Don't bother with chain coffee. Get yourself an Aeropress. This is the easiest method I've found to get a GREAT cup of coffee. Your grinder, if you're just beginning, doesn't matter. Get a cheap $20 blade grinder. Get some quality beans of a light-to-mild roast from your grocery's whole-bean coffee.

Using the aeropress' scoop, get 1 and one half scoop's full of whole beans and throw them in your grinder. Grind them for 10-15 seconds until they're all ground but not looking like dust. Assemble the aeropress with the filter and screen on (should be self explanatory) and position it on top of your cup. Dump your grounds in, and fill it up to the 4 position with boiling water. Start stirring with the included paddle. While you're stirring water will come out the bottom, keep stirring until it goes down to the 3, and fill back up to 4 with boiling water again. Keep stirring. When it goes down to between 2 and 3, position the plunger and press the coffee out.

This all takes about 2 minutes and makes great coffee alone. You may not be ready for black coffee yet, that's fine. Toss this in a bullet blender with a tablespoon of coconut oil and a little cream and blend it. That, my friend, is (almost) bulletproof coffee, and it's fucking amazing.

Grinder

>Capresso Infinity - $89
>
>or
>
>Hario Mini Mill Slim - $30 - If you don't mind hand-grinding your beans


Coffee Maker

>Aeropress - $23 - Balanced flavour, easy cleanup
>
>or
>
>Hario v60 - $19 - If you enjoy the process of preparing your coffee, and enjoy a brighter (more acidity) cup of coffee.
>
>or
>
>A french press - $20 and up - If you want to make more coffee at a time than the Aeropress, don't mind a "thicker" (more coffee particulate and oils in the cup) coffee, and are not opposed to having a little bit more clean-up.

You'll need a kettle for any of these brew methods; a programmable/temperature controlled kettle like this one ($95) is ideal for manual brew methods, but any kettle (and a thermometer if you'd like to get fussy) will do just fine.

Personally I would get the Capresso and the Aeropress if I were you. It's a very balanced and forgiving brew method that can make coffee a few different ways (eg. paper filter for a "brighter" cup, metal for a thicker one). Set aside the rest of your budget and find a good coffee roaster near you!

Instant is the fastest; Starbucks Via is pretty good, could be too strong for some. It's annoying that it only comes in single packets (in London you can buy tins of it).

Espresso is fast. A handheld espresso like the MiniPresso can make it very quickly. However, it only makes one shot at a time, so to make 4 doubles it takes quite a bit of time to reset for each shot.

Aeropress is likewise fast, but again suffers from the ability to make large amounts at once.

A larger French press can make a decent amount of coffee at once, needing to steep for about 3-4 minutes, and resets pretty quickly. The GSI Java Press comes in a 50oz and is made of Lexan (or was, not sure what it the BPA free is made of now). I've got a couple of older ones and they work well enough.

Or cowboy coffee and a fine strainer.

That grinder will possibly give you issues with pour over. V60 is really picky too, and you will probably want a gooseneck kettle to use with it to make it much easier to get a good cup. The potential issue with that grinder (or similarly priced ones, which are all knock-offs of another hand grinder) is that it might give you a really inconsistent grind with a lot of fines, which could cause your pour over brew times to vary wildly and take far too long (ruining your coffee).

How much coffee do you want to make at once? If only one cup, here's what I recommend:

• You can keep that grinder and instead of a pour over (which is pickier about grinder + kettle type), get something like an AeroPress ($30). Also, get a scale too, to weigh out your beans + water in order to get a consistently good cup, every time.
  
  If you want a larger amount of coffee (though you might find making your own coffee with fresh beans gives you more of a kick of caffeine than a cup from McD), then pour over is a good way to go, but will probably require more and better equipment in order for it to not suck. The V60 is the pickiest pour over about grind consistency. I don't make large batches, so maybe someone else can chime in with recommendations for devices that might handle a lower quality grind. But no matter what, a better grinder will improve both your ability to make pour over, and the taste of the coffee. If you want to stick with pour over, here's what I recommend for equipment in order for it to not be hard and get coffee that doesn't suck out of it:
  
  
• Get the same scale I linked above. This is important for consistency; without weighing your coffee and water amount you can easily vary between making strong or weak coffee from day to day. It'll suck and be confusing. Scales are awesome and make everything easy.
  
• Get a good-enough grinder, at the very least. When it comes to coffee, the best grinder you can afford is the way to go, it'll make your coffee taste better and with pour over you'll be able to be better at making your coffee. For me, bare minimum is the Baratza Encore. For the same price point but better grind, see if you can get a Feldgrind. Or pre-order the Aergrind for a great deal. A Lido or Helor are good options too.
  
• A gooseneck kettle will be important too. V60 is very difficult without one if you want good coffee. Other pour overs you may be able to handle without needing a gooseneck, but it makes anything easier if you have the free cash flow. A good inexpensive one is the Hario Buono.
  
  And I would recommend going with white/bleached filters instead of the natural/brown ones. The nat/brown ones always have a strong paper taste you can't really get rid of.
  
  

If you really like coffee, Aeropress is the way to go.

You don't need that funnel or all of the filters for a weekend.

Instead of a french press, consider an Aeropress . More portable and lower maintenance than a true french press, but the coffee is every bit as good.

YOU'RE not obligated to tip. You should make YOUR coffee at home.

i make my coffee at home with an aeropress, takes 5 minutes

For the Canadians:

https://www.amazon.ca/Aerobie-AeroPress-Coffee-Maker-Tote/dp/B0018RY8H0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511548749&sr=8-1&keywords=aeropress

Good for you.

Now, buy yourself an Aeropress and save yourself tons of money.

http://smile.amazon.com/Aerobie-AeroPress-Coffee-Maker-Tote/dp/B0018RY8H0/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1457403418&sr=1-1&keywords=aeropress&refinements=p_89%3AAeroPress

Looks like a coffee filter press: https://www.amazon.co.uk/AeroPress-82R08-Coffee-Maker-Tote/dp/B0018RY8H0/ref=asc_df_B0018RY8H0/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=226302833456&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1843388472086456956&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045888&hvtargid=pla-351953890228&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

You'll be in for a big, but pleasant, shock if you're going from instant coffee to something freshly and properly brewed. I say go for it - it's one of my favorite brewing devices for sure. Preground coffee will due for now, but if you want the full experience, I'd highly recommend a burr grinder as well. Alternatively, if you're more interested in brewing just one quick cup at a time, I'd recommend an Aeropress. The Chemex brews multiple cups at once and is slower, whereas the Aeropress does one at a time and is very fast. Both devices are inexpensive, simple to use, easy to clean, and will produce great coffee.

Why not an Aeropress? Easy, consistent, tasty, and cheap!

Here's the kit I got
http://www.amazon.com/Aerobie-AeroPress-Coffee-Maker-Tote/dp/B0018RY8H0/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1397195647&sr=1-2&keywords=aeropress

Excellent - thanks for that link. My turn to share, related to coffee - get an AeroPress on Amazon. It will change your life as relates to coffee. Flavors you never knew existed will reveal themselves to you as in a dream. It's a game-changer, especially if you haven't historically been a fan of black coffee. I don't have anything to do with Aero other than that I've used it for several years and love it.

Get an Aeropress and a subscription to driftaway.coffee. They'll send you a sampler to figure out your taste profile. Then send you amazing coffee monthly.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018RY8H0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Got mine for around S$50, shipping inclusive. One of the best purchases from Amazon. Shipped directly to Singapore without any minimum amount.

Have a great brewing and coffee time with the amazing Aeropress! =D

I got one for about 25$ at a place called Bed Bath & Beyond, but I'm not sure where they are outside of Oregon, I haven't seen any. Here's a set on Amazon, and it has a bag that comes with it (mine didn't, wish it did now... haha) for 25$ plus shipping. I bought one for myself last August, and bought three more as gifts for Christmas that year.

I found this for under 30USD. This is about as cheap as coffeemaking gets unless you want Turkish coffee.

Alright, I'll lay out two set ups for two different price points.


Cheap Set Up

Hario Skerton This is the most basic entry level grinder possible, grinds enough for one person pretty easily, and gets "good enough results for a poor college student

Aeropress You can make full cups of coffee or pseudo-espresso that you can mix with milk for a pseudo, its easy to clean, and probably the most forgiving coffee making tool.

And then any kettle and any scale. Look for cheap on both, were going for cheap here, and were not doing rocket science, should be another 25-30 total for both of these, which lands you just under $100 total for this set up. You don't need to bother roasting beans yourselves, and if you're in a college town theres probably a local roaster around that you can get good quality roasted beans from and be happy with. For cold brew just throw grounds and water in jar in you fridge for a day in a 8:1 ratio, then strain the goop the next day for a solid cold brew concentrate



The pricier beginner college set up


Baratza Encore. If you can afford this, then get it. The things great, does everything but espresso grind really well, and because its not manual its doesn't take that long and it doesn't require any real effort on your part. I love mine, but the $140 price tag could be steep (I wouldn't have bought it when I was in college, I was poor as shit).


Brew Methods: I still recommend at least an Aeropress, but pair it with a 1LFrench press too for when you want to make a lot of coffee at once, or coffee for friends. you can also make cold brew in a French press instead of a jar, and you can use it to strain it out. Also, if you really want to make the closest thing to espresso that you can without blowing $300 dollars, get a 3-cup moka pot. You can find a cheap one at your Ross or Home Goods equivalent.



For kettle, you can get a variable temp one if you want to spend the money, people recommend the Bonavita Variable Temp Gooseneck but I still just use my cheap 15 dollar kettle and am doing fine.


As far as scales go, I still just say find a cheap scale that works well enough.



Bits and Bobs


Hand held Milk Frother for frother hot milk for lattes. Sounds like something you would like.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with Tote Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018RY8H0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BvmPBbQ7XC5GK

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with Tote Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018RY8H0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KWFBzbA5626EE


My favorite tool for coffee in the outdoors.

Aeropress gives you a lot of freedom on the taste of your coffee, so I recommend that. There is also no need for a lot of additional equipment with it unless you want to get info coffee more in the future. Quality of your coffee is equally as important as your method, so you don't have to break your bank, but try to get your hands on locally roasted single origin beans. (Best result is if you can buy your own grinder to make the freshest coffee, but if your budget doesn't allow for that, then ground coffee will do).

Aeropress - $35

Electric grinder - $37 (decent, takes no time at all)

Hario Skerton hand grinder (more reliable, takes some time, don't cheap out on the $15 dollar amazon version if you want a decent grind) - $39

If you go this route I also recommend looking at the World Aeropress Championship recipes and following in their lead to emulate a world-class cuppa joe.

Non-electric? Like, something you can take camping? Give the AeroPress a look.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018RY8H0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_JGaEzbBA8ZGA0

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SPEU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_0HaEzbZQ9V8JG

Add an electric kettle and you're set

Don't leave home without it.

Weak vacation coffee? No, thank you.

Have a great trip and thank you.

• Kreg pocket hole jig -- $40 to make carpentry projects super easy.
  
• Rivnut tool -- for mounting things to sheet metal.
  
• Shop towels -- more versatile paper towels.
  
• good cooler -- ice last 5-8 days even in the middle of summer heat.
  
• bug nets for windows -- but them pre-made or build your own. Gives you airflow in summer without letting the bugs in.
  
• candle lantern -- cheap. Safe if you blow it out before crawling into bed. Nice soft lighting to give you a break from blue LEDs.
  
• Aeropress coffee maker -- great coffee where ever you are. Quick and easy to clean.
  
• mechanic gloves -- for when you've got to do work and don't want super greasy hands and bloody knuckles.

This guy makes the best coffee I've ever had in my life. Doesn't impart a bitter taste like a French press does.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0018RY8H0?cache=ce361c90ed98b6c4d4e01f67ce8e3187#ref=mp_s_a_1_2&qid=1393867240&sr=8-2

This is a couple dollars less, plus it comes with the zippered pouch that's nice for keeping the kit together.

This one is even a few dollars less than that, could be a Cyber Monday special. Makes it a tiny bit closer to a better grinder...

These are popular

It's also worth looking into the aeropress, I prefer mine over a french press.

I agree with this guy full heartedly. Another option would be to spend $100 on an electric bur grinder and get a siphon coffee brewer instead. Just as quick if not quicker, you'll make a way better pot of coffee, and you get to impress your friends with your snobbish coffee methods all at the same time.

Or get an aeropress which isn't as fancy but still makes a killer cup of coffee and lightning fast.

Also buy a scale.


Here's all the stuff I just mentioned:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002CVTKVK/ref=cm_sw_r_an_am_ap_am_us?ie=UTF8
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0012N1NAA/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1368034775&sr=8-2&pi=SL75
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000VAWXOU/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1368034899&sr=8-3&pi=SL75
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0018RY8H0/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1368034972&sr=8-2&pi=SL75

If I was in your situation, I'd purchase:

• Aerobie Aeropress - $25
  
• Prolex Grinder - $50
  
• Hario Buono - $50
  
• Thermometer - $10
  
• Kitchen scale - $15
  
  Remember, good beans are vital to a good cup, so make sure to stop by your local artisan roaster for a pound of fresh coffee beans. Once you become more invested in coffee, you'll probably want to try more brew methods like Chemex, V60 (pourover), french press, and maybe even espresso. Best of luck!

Aeropress, Manual Grinder, and a Steel Disk Filter. I started with the Hario Mini Mill with an Aeropress and I still use it for work daily. The Aeropress is so loved because its very simple to use and most consistent.

I also said to add in the Able Fine Steel Disk the Able Disk will let in more oils and is reusable forever.

Grand total is $72.50 on Amazon. You can wait on the Filter to drop your total to $60 and it will be worth every penny.

Eh. I can do $60, or maybe a couple bucks more. I have amazon prime, so at least I won't need to worry about shipping.

Here's what came up when I searched for Hario Skerton - does that seem right?

Here's the highest rated aeropress - how does it look?

NICE! i plan to use an aeropress..similar to this..just easier..maybe not quite as much pressure but sufficient enough http://www.amazon.com/Aerobie-AeroPress-Coffee-Maker-Tote/dp/B0018RY8H0/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1457232361&sr=1-1&keywords=aeropress

Here are the links:

Aeropress

Grinder

Scale

Thermometer

EDIT: I bring this setup with me when I travel for work, along with a small screw top tupperware full of coffee beans.

I guess it's not going to be possible in the budget I'm really prepared to spend on coffee:

Aeropress - £23.50

Grinder - £19.00

Frother - £21.00

Good beans - £5.50

That adds up to ~£70 which is about $100. Eek. I know lots of people here spend lots more than that on it, but it's quite an investment for something I have no idea if I'll even like as much as the pro machine stuff. :(

Lots of good suggestions here. The meal plans are a huge ripoff compared to cooking for yourself. In addition to the dorm fridge and microwave that everyone seems to have I would recommend getting a small freezer, an electric kettle and a slow cooker/crock pot.The kettle is great for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and ramen in a hurry. A ten lb bag of chicken leg quarters can often be found for under ten bucks. Throw half a bag in to the crockpot (and the other half in the freezer) and you have a meal for yourself and a few friends.

Brewing gear:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018RY8H0/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008YK3IUM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001RT2C4/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Drinking bowls:

http://www.amazon.com/Browne-Foodservice-564006-Caf%C3%A9-16-Ounce/dp/B008Y3K3GG/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1372362878&sr=8-6&keywords=cafe+au+lait+bowl

http://www.amazon.com/Konitz-Coffee-Amore-No-6-Bowls/dp/B00CLMGK9A/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1372362878&sr=8-12&keywords=cafe+au+lait+bowl

Or just grab a standard mug. I like my froth so I get bowls/large mugs to accommodate that.

Coffee:

https://tonx.org/

Tonx is what I use. I'm too lazy to support my local roaster since it's a twenty minute drive away from me and I'm never in that part of town.

> Well, I have an idea for now. I travel for a living, and spend a lot of time in hotels. I'm going to be building a cooking kit for my car that just sits in the truck for times like this.

Nice! Apologies for sounding like a fanatic, but if you're looking to replace the coffee maker at some point I couldn't recommend an Aeropress any more highly: https://www.amazon.com/Aerobie-AeroPress-Coffee-Maker-Tote/dp/B0018RY8H0

I bring it with me along with a small bag of beans and a small hand grinder whenever I travel. No electric required -- if you have hot water (ideally, close to boiling in a kettle), you have some really fantastic fresh coffee.