While you may have plenty of familiarity with drip-style coffee, you might also find that you’re interested in what other brewing styles are out there!
With so many brewing options, who wouldn’t want to explore a little?
One of the up-and-coming brewing methods uses something called an Aeropress.
While it might seem like something developed by NASA, it’s really a pretty simple method to try out.
To show you some of the differences available between Aeropress and drip-style coffee, we’re going to compare the two methods.
Read on, and you’ll discover whether you might want to try something new!
Aeropress
Details
Among a number of other brewing methods available today, Aeropress is one that is gaining a decent amount of popularity.
This method includes a small, usually plastic, container that uses pressure to create the finished product.
If you need an example, you can take a look at the Aerobie Aeropress!
In many cases, people find that the process is a little more complicated than others.
However, they also often find that the resulting coffee is well worth the extra work!
You can also find Aeropress coffee makers at a pretty low cost when compared to other options.
In any case, it might take an attempt or two before you feel comfortable with it!
For those who are new to the idea of an Aeropress, it can be a good idea to remember that you can get all the equipment you need to get started for under $40, including the filters!
When compared to a lot of other coffee machines, that’s a highly affordable cost.
You also won’t need to worry about having to search for all the pieces you’ll need.
Many also enjoy the Aeropress because it uses a process of full immersion to allow you to get the best possible flavor in a speedy way.
Pros
- Required equipment is inexpensive.
- Aeropress devices are small and compact.
- Resulting coffee is often very delicious.
- You can have finished coffee in about a minute (after heating up the water!)
- The brewing process is easy to clean up after.
- Aeropress coffee makers are known to be very sturdy.
Cons
- It can be a more complicated process than drip-style brewing.
- This method is only able to make a single cup at a time.
- Filters tend to be a little more complicated than other methods.
Summary
Aeropress is a fantastic option for those who are looking for something that won’t have a high starting cost.
It’s also ideal for those who don’t mind having a little more control over the brewing process.
This does mean you’ll have to be a little more hands-on, but that can be a very good thing!
That said, it is worth saying that there can be a little bit of a learning curve for this method.
Generally speaking, Aeropress containers are also only able to make a single cup at a time.
It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that this option requires specialized filters, and results can be poor without them.
Drip-Style
Details
Drip-style coffee is a method that most of us are more familiar with.
After all, these machines have been used for many years as a primary brewing method.
For those of us who are new to making coffee, a cheap drip-style coffee maker can often mark the entry point to our addiction.
As a result, there are a wide variety of models available, from the cheap, to the programmable, to the massive.
While there are some drip coffee options out there aside from using a drip-style coffee machine, this is the most popular option.
Many also find that there are plenty of ways to play with this kind of coffee brewing.
You can choose to stick to the standard grounds-to-water ratio, or you can play with it to create the best brew for your tastes.
In addition, you’ll be able to make your choice between a standard drip machine or something that can uses single-serve pods.
This choice will really be up to your unique preferences and the amount of control you want over the resulting cup.
Pros
- Drip-style coffee machines can be very inexpensive.
- Programmable machines can get coffee started automatically.
- Brewing is very easy.
- Cleanup is simple, thanks to paper filters.
- You get a lot of coffee options to choose from.
- Capable of making up to 12 or 14 cups at a time depending on the machine you choose.
Cons
- Not the most travel-friendly.
- Some can find resulting coffee isn’t the highest quality.
- These machines do require electricity to run.
Summary
There are plenty of benefits you can get when you choose drip-style coffee.
The machines used for this type of coffee can be found at very budget-friendly prices, and they’re often very easy to use.
You’ll also be able to explore the coffee-to-water ratio to create a brew that suits your tastes perfectly.
However, it is important to keep in mind that most drip coffee makers are going to be electric, so they may not be ideal to take on a camping adventure.
Some can also find that they might not always make the best coffee, but there are definitely ways around that!
Comparison
Ease of Brewing
Neither drip-style, nor Aeropress coffee is particularly difficult to make, but there is a difference in the ease of brewing between the two.
Aeropress coffee will require timing, prep and a small amount of waiting. It’s a process you have to focus on more.
Unlike with a drip-style machine, it’s not an option that you can turn on and leave until the coffee is done.
As a result, it can be better during times when you may not have access to electricity, as it doesn’t require any to function.
However, if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require as much work then a drip-style machine is ideal.
In most cases, you just have to add your water and grounds, turn it on and let it go.
If you don’t mind paying a little bit more, you can also opt for a programmable option that will ensure you get to wake up to a fresh pot of coffee without having to lift a finger.
This can make things a lot easier when you’re rushing around in the morning before work.
If you’re someone who goes camping often, you may even want both devices so that you’re covered wherever you go.
Flavor
There are many who find that the flavor the Aeropress is able to create makes it well worth the added effort.
You can also have a lot of room for experimentation, which means you’ll be able to achieve some different flavor profiles to suit your preferences.
Using the grind size, time spend brewing and water temperature you can really have full control over the process!
As a result, you’ll be able to create a stronger brew if that’s what you prefer, or one that avoids some of the acidity that coffee can have.
On the other hand, some people can find drip-style coffee to be somewhat lacking.
In some cases, it definitely can seem diluted or bland.
That said, you do have options for improving the flavor.
Playing with the water-to-grounds ratio can allow the brew to be stronger or weaker.
Another great option is investing in a quality grinder so that you can brew using fresh beans.
For many, this can make all the difference in the resulting cup.
Unfortunately, you may not have the same level of control over water temperature or timing, but you do have options!
Overall Cost
Naturally, most people care about the costs required for making certain types of coffee regularly.
For those who are on a tight budget, drip-style coffee is likely to be the least expensive.
You can find a drip-style coffee maker for under $20 and all the way up to over $100.
Because of that, those in just about any budget level have options.
Paper filters for these machines also tend to be very inexpensive.
In some cases, you can get a pack of 200 for under $2!
Aeropress coffee makers aren’t terribly expensive either, though they aren’t as likely to be found in the ‘below $20’ range.
In most cases, kits for making Aeropress coffee can be found for $30-$35, which is definitely affordable!
You also get everything you need in the kit to get started, aside from the actual coffee.
That includes some filters, but do keep in mind that they can be more expensive than paper filters once you need more.
That said, there are also reusable filter options out there!
Overall, both of these options are well worth checking out, and come in at great prices overall!
Awesome Gear! Amazing Coffee! The Best Prices!
Does Your Coffee Suck? We Know Why!
Drop your email in the form below and we'll send you a list of the most common reasons your coffee stinks and what to do about it. :)
