Elfster is the best!

[jzuzphreek]

At work, we just held our first annual Elfster gift exchange and potluck! My elf got me something I've been wanting, but didn't really have the disposable funds to get myself for over a year. An Aerobie Aeropress!!! I'm so excited, as is my wife. I'm hoping to get some fresh coffee before Christmas, so I can make some great coffee Christmas morning. Might have to wait till New Years though.

Has anyone else brewed with an Aeropress? Which method do you use? What about brewing over ice? I'm so excited... I have SO MANY things to try now!!! Better order a 5lb bag from Klatch or Counter Culture.

 

[Kazeryu]

Is this the same as a secret santa exchange?

 

[StillShaving]

Nice gift. It's a brewer that beckons to be experimented with. There are a couple of websites that collect different recipes, including ones which have won taste- offs type events. I mostly use a basic upside down method or quick straight up method, not being too precise with either. My quick method is too grind a little finer than normal, and steep more quickly (under a minute), not for better taste but when working and need to prepare a cup quickly.

 

[DanInFla]

i use the inverted method. fine ground coffee. i steep for 60 seconds and do the plunge. I stop the plunge right before you get the "pssstttt" at the end. i find that last little bit to come out is very bitter,and makes a lot better cup when its avoided. I used the full measurement spoonful, and fill it to the top with near boiling water.

 

[jzuzphreek]

I've heard a lot of variance on the temperature preference of the water. Purists say that it should be in the 198-205 (deg Fahrenheit) range. However, many say that the enclosed instructions are best followed (about 175 deg F). How have ya'll found the different ranges affect the taste?

 

[StillShaving]

Most would agree with the purists, in that provides "better" extraction of the good tasting coffee compounds. I think the Aeropress inventor was looking for a less acidic cup, which led to this device. I speculate he was looking for a immersive brewing method similar to a French Press, but with a paper filter to reduce oils and acidity. And that the reduced brewing temperature to less their presence to begin with.

 

[jzuzphreek]

Is this the same as a secret santa exchange?

Yep! Elfster conducts the drawing for you. Allows for social media interaction for party and rule announcements, allows participants to create and view wishlists, and even communicate anonymously with one another to help in thoughtful gift giving.

Most would agree with the purists, in that provides "better" extraction of the good tasting coffee compounds. I think the Aeropress inventor was looking for a less acidic cup, which led to this device. I speculate he was looking for a immersive brewing method similar to a French Press, but with a paper filter to reduce oils and acidity. And that the reduced brewing temperature to less their presence to begin with.

This is pretty much what I've heard about the device as well. Although there are 2 different stainless steel reusable filters on the market (3rd party), that allow you to get the oils that many appreciate from FP method, with none of the sediment.