Aeropress, How I Love Thee

Nancy may like her folgers, but I can’t stand most drip coffee. Call it fru fru, but I don’t care. It’s bitter, and gives me the jitters.

That’s why I’m happy to have found the Aeropress. It’s somewhat similar to a french press, except it uses air to push the water between the grinds and through a very fine filter. Everything happens in around 30 seconds, which reduces the acidity, and in turn the bitterness. The result is a very good cup of homemade espresso. I add hot water to mine to make an americano.

Aside from not having to fight Wick for our coffee machine every morning, other benefits include cleanup. Click the filter cover off, and push the plunger while aiming at the trash. A puck of used grinds goes flying, and yes, it’s fun. Wipe the end of the plunger and you’re done. No need to clean the cylinder, as the plunger cleans the sides as you push down. The best part? It’s under $30. I found mine at Sur La Table.

Here’s Boing Boing’s Mark Frauenfelder demonstrating how it’s done.