Fundamentally the Aerobie AeroPress coffee maker cannot produce espresso because it doesn’t use the amount of pressure required. The AeroPress is a very popular device that does make a fantastic coffee and, while it is not the same thing as a real espresso, there are ways to get more of an espresso taste out of your AeroPress.
A real espresso machine is quite an investment but there is no alternative when you are looking for the genuine article, partly because of what is essential to the process of creating a true espresso. There are, however, different options out there for making a brew to suit your needs with an AeroPress.
This article will go into detail about what makes an espresso an espresso, how the AeroPress differs in what it produces and the options you have for making coffee the way that you want at home.
What is Espresso?
Espresso is coffee in a concentrated form and is the basis for many of the coffee drinks that you find on the menu at a café. It is generally served in small shots and can have different additions to make different types of coffee, such as hot water for an Americano or steamed milk and foam for a Cappuccino.
How is Espresso Different to Coffee?
Espresso is still coffee, it is just coffee produced in a particular way that creates a strong, intense flavour that is highly concentrated. A small amount of boiling water is forced through finely ground beans at 9-10 bars of pressure, and it is this high pressure and the low ratio of water to coffee that makes it an espresso.
Does AeroPress make Espresso or Coffee?
Sometimes a misunderstanding of what an espresso is can make a device like the AeroPress seem hard to define. An AeroPress is usually used to make small quantities of coffee by applying pressure, but it is significantly less pressure than is required to make an espresso and the coffee is never as concentrated or intense.
What is the Difference Between AeroPress and Espresso?
At least 9 bars of pressure are required to make espresso, but the AeroPress can only generate around 0.75 bars. With lower pressure, you will have trouble forcing water through ultra-fine espresso grounds, and the resulting coffee will never be as intense in flavour, as concentrated, or have the same amount of creamy foam on top.
How Does Pressure Affect the Flavour of Coffee?
You will often hear that making a great coffee is all about extraction – essentially, getting as much of the coffee flavour as possible out of the ground-up beans. Increased pressure means that more of the tiny particles come off the grounds, and the acids, oils, and other elements flow into the water more quickly.
What Makes an Espresso Shot Stand Out?
One of the first things that you will notice about an espresso shot is the layer of creamy, golden foam that sits on the top of it, which is called “crema”. Once you take a sip, you will notice that the flavour is intense and aromatic, and the texture is syrupy, all of which are signatures of the espresso.
How Much Does an Espresso Machine Cost?
Even if you have the space set aside for it and the time to learn how to operate it, an espresso machine is a significant investment. You might find a beginner’s device for $100 but a good quality machine will set you back around $500, and the commercial ones can go for as much as $20,000.
Is AeroPress as Good as an Espresso Machine?
This is not to say that the AeroPress is inferior to an espresso machine as it has many other benefits, even if the coffee is not quite the same. The AeroPress is cheap, easy to use and transportable, taking up no kitchen space it is even something that can be packed into a bag when you’re travelling.
Does AeroPress Taste Like Espresso?
AeroPress coffee does not taste the same as an espresso, because of the lack of intensity and concentration mentioned above, but that is not a negative for everybody. The AeroPress creates a balanced coffee with great flavour for the everyday drinker that is easy to adjust to your liking with the use of different beans and additives like milk.
What Grind is Best for AeroPress?
A general rule to go with for coffee is that the finer the grind, the more intense the flavour, but an AeroPress can be hard to use with extremely fine grounds. The company recommends a medium-fine grind for your AeroPress coffee, though many people opt for something finer and apply a bit more force.
What Makes for Good Coffee Grounds?
Besides the coarseness of the grind, you also want to look out for high-quality beans that are as freshly ground as possible. For the best brew, you can invest in your own grinder, many of which are very cheap and easy to use, so that your coffee is always tasting fresh and flavourful.
How Do You Make an Espresso Shot with an AeroPress?
Though you are never going to create the genuine article, you can do a few things to make your AeroPress coffee much closer to an espresso. If you use finely ground coffee, a small amount of hot water, and a quick plunge with a good amount of force, you can get yourself a coffee that is surprisingly similar to espresso.
Which Type of Filter is Best for an Espresso?
Espresso machines always use a metal filter, partly because they are better able to withstand high pressure and partly because it allows more flavour into the brew. Paper filters absorb oils and micro-grounds, so buying a metal filter for your AeroPress is a great step towards creating an espresso-like flavour.
Do Other Coffee Makers Make Espresso?
While it is not perfect, the AeroPress is one of the only coffee makers that can even come close to creating a drink that is similar to the espresso, because of its use of pressure. Pour over devices like the Hario V60 and traditional French presses (or cafetieres) can’t create balanced brews that are highly concentrated.
Hi, I’m Jen Williams, chief editor and writer for ThirstPerk.com.
I’ve been drinking coffee and tea for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I started working at Thirstperk.com that I became an expert on the subject. I’m a total caffeine addict who has spent hours upon hours reading about and experimenting with the different types of coffees out there in my search to find the perfect cup of joe.
I’ve been a tea lover for as long as I can remember as well. I grew up in a house with a mom who loved to drink herbal tea, and I think that’s where my love for tea first began. These days, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting teas to try, and I love experimenting with different brewing methods and flavoring combinations.