There are many ways to brew coffee. The question is, which method makes the best coffee? This article will discuss the Aeropress vs. French press's way of making coffee. These are similar full-immersion brewing methods but give different results, which we'll discuss in a moment. But first, let's talk about how each method works.
So what does "full immersion" actually mean, anyway? It's essentially the steeping process, where the coffee sits in hot water before being separated from the plunger.
Aeropress vs. French Press
What is an Aeropress Coffee Maker?
An Aeropress is a plastic cylinder designed for making espresso. It can brew up to 3 servings of espresso or an 8-ounce cup of coffee or cold brew. You can use hot or room temperature water. This coffee maker uses a paper filter and a fine drip or espresso grind. Espresso grinds take longer to press but make a richer brew. Here's how to use it.
Making Espresso with an Aeropress Coffee Maker
The Aeropress sits over your coffee cup, allowing the coffee to be pressed directly into your cup. To get started:
Place a paper filter in the filter cap
Twist the filter cap onto the chamber
Place the Aeropress on a coffee mug
Measure one rounded scoop of finely ground coffee beans
Shake to level the coffee
Add hot water to equal the number of scoops
Stir for about 10 seconds
Insert the plunger and press gently until you feel resistance
Take the Aeropress off the mug
You now have a delicious espresso! Since Aeropress makes an espresso, you can easily make lattes, cappuccinos, and cold brews in addition to coffee.
The Aeropress is easy to clean, portable, and durable. You can use it anywhere you can access hot water and fine drip coffee grounds. It's also relatively small, so it can easily fit in a suitcase, travel bag, backpack, or large purse. You can even use it to make coffee on the plane!
The Aeropress is ideal for making coffee for 1-3 people. It is not suitable for making coffee for a large group of people. Using a paper filter gives you a very smooth cup of coffee. You don't have to worry about sipping any stray coffee grounds. And it's very easy to clean. Just twist off the lid, throw out the filter and coffee grounds, and rinse.
How does the French press coffee maker compare?
What is a French Press Coffee Maker?
French press coffee makers are top-rated. You may also know them by their other name–Cafetieres. French press coffee makers use a plunger – much like the Aeropress. But that's where the similarities end.
The carafes or beakers come in glass, plastic, and metal. They use a metal filter and do not require a paper filter. Depending on the size of the carafe, you can brew between 2-10 cups of coffee.
How To Make Coffee With a French Press Coffee Maker
Using a French press coffee maker is similar to the Aeropress method.
Add coffee ground to the bottom of the carafe
Add hot water
Stir to circulate the water
Place the plunger on top of the carafe
Wait approximately 4 minutes
Press the plunger down until you feel resistance
Pour into coffee cups
The one-step missing from the French press method is the paper filter.
The coffee grounds used with French press coffee makers are a coarse grind. They can also be used to make tea.
The Similarities Between the Two Methods
Aeropress vs. French Press is straightforward to use and requires no electricity. The only power you need is to boil water and perhaps grind your coffee beans.
Both methods are pretty simple to use. Put the coffee grounds in the bottom of the container, fill it with hot water, stir the coffee grounds and water, let the mixture sit for 4-5 minutes, then push the plunger down and pour.
Both use a plunger to extract the coffee from the grounds.
How These Two Processes Differ
The most significant difference between these two methods is the size of the products. You can make up to 10 cups of coffee with the French press. With Aeropress, on the other hand, you can only make 1-3 cups of espresso or coffee.
Let's talk about the pros and cons of each method.
Pros:
French Press
French press coffee makers don't use paper filters
The metal filter is attached to the plunger
They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials
It can also be used to make tea and cold brews
Aeropress
The Aeropress uses a finer grind that gives a smoother cup of coffee
The paper filters eliminate grit for a smooth cup of coffee
Can also make lattes and cappuccinos
Cons:
French Press
The metal filter can change the flavor of your coffee
Glass carafes are very fragile and can crack or break easily
The French press has more parts to clean
Aeropress
Only available in plastic
Only available in one size
Limited to 1-3 cups of coffee
No matter what method you use, water temperature is essential. The coffee will taste more bitter if you use boiling water straight from the kettle. The temperature should be between 175oF and 195oF maximum.
Which Method is Best?
One thing I haven't addressed yet is the difference between using a paper filter and a metal filter. Using a paper filter extracts the oils from the coffee grounds, resulting in a smoother taste without bitterness.
Metal filters, such as those used in a French press, retain the natural oils of the coffee, which can cause your coffee to taste a little bitter. It comes down to your personal preference.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know all about these two immersion methods, you should have a good idea of which one you would prefer. You may even have tried them already. Both ways of making coffee will still give you great taste. It will probably come down to convenience.
The Aeropress is an easy and convenient way to make coffee for one person. However, if you make coffee for more than one person, you may prefer the French press.
Which one would you choose? Please let me know by leaving a comment below.
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