What do a flying disc and a coffee maker have in common? Although they were created more than 20 years apart, the same person surprisingly invented both the Aerobie flying ring and the Aeropress coffee maker.
There are countless different coffee makers on the market today and they’re all advertising great coffee. Yet what sets the Aeropress apart is, despite it’s small size, it delivers a delicious cup of coffee at an exceptionally low price.
The Aeropress Inventor
You’re likely familiar with the Aerobie – a flying disc similar to a Frisbee. It became widely popular in the 1980’s and has even made more recent headlines when a Californian man used the Aerobie to break the world record for furthest throw, at 1,333 feet.
Aerobie inventor, Alan Adler, is also responsible for the Aeropress. Its entirely plastic design is simple to use, delivers a great cup of coffee, and continues to grow in popularity.
The idea for the Aeropress was first sparked by Adler’s desire for a single, high-quality cup of coffee. After growing frustrated with electric coffee machines that delivered watery coffee, Adler developed 40 prototypes before he perfected the design in 2005. Check out our coffee roaster infographic.
How To Use
One of the major appeals of the Aeropress is its simplicity of use. Besides the complete kit that comes with the it (which includes a funnel, scoop, and stirrer), you’ll need coffee beans, a coffee grinder, hot water, and a mug.
- Finely grind two full scoops of coffee beans.
- Set it up by inserting a paper filter into the cap and wetting the filter with some hot water. Place the Aeropress on top of a mug.
- Use the funnel to pour in the coffee
- Pour hot water to the top line
- Use stirrer to evenly saturate coffee grounds.
- After 1 to 1:30 minutes, insert the plunger and press down until it begins to make a hissing sound.
- Enjoy your cup of coffee!
If you want to take your Aeropressing to the next level, be sure to check out the Coffee Chronicler’s Ultimate Guide to the Aeropress.
Where to Buy
If you’ve never heard of the Aeropress, you’ll be surprised to find out that it’s available for purchase at most major stores that sell kitchen products like Target, Crate & Barrel, and Williams-Sonoma. It’s also available online at Amazon.com and from several authorized retailers through the site. Additionally, there are several independent retailers all over the country that sell the Aeropress.