Aeropress vs French press: Know the Exact Difference
Coffee is all about different brewing methods and flavors. But two popular brewing methods top the list AeroPress and French Press.
Choosing between these two brewing methods is surely a challenge.
Thus to help you make the right choice, here I am. Today in this showdown I will share with you which one to choose between AeroPress and French Press. Plus, I will also share with you how they differ.
So let’s get started.
French Press overview
What is the French Press?
The French Press is a classic coffee maker loved by coffee lovers for its ease and convenience. It is made of a cylindrical glass or stainless steel container with a plunger and mesh filter.
The brewing process here works by simmering coarsely ground coffee in hot water for a few minutes before pressing the plunger to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee.
How to use French Press?
Step 1: Grind your coffee
Measure your coffee and grind it to a coarser grind, similar to the consistency of fine salt, and add it to the French Press. Shake it to make the coffee bed flat. A ratio of 1:12 is ideal.
Step 2: Heat your water
Boil water and bring it to 195°F (90°C). Once done pour it over coffee grounds in a circular motion and keep the mixture aside to bloom for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Stir the mixture
Give the mixture a fine stir to make sure that the coffee grounds are mixed well.
Step 4: Add more water
Pour more water from above and let it sit for around 30 seconds. After that, let the mixture steep for a few more seconds.
Step 5: Press down the plunger
Slowly press down the plunger to extract the coffee well.
Pros and cons of the French Press
Pros
- Full-bodied and rich coffee
- Simple and easy to use
- Inexpensive
- No paper filters required
Explore: Benefits of brewing coffee using French press
Cons
- Time-consuming
- Produces gritty coffee
- Not travel-friendly
Aeropress Overview
What is an AeroPress?
The AeroPress is a method famous among manual brewers. It works by using pressure to extract the deep coffee flavors from the green coffee beans. Coffee lovers, mostly travelers, love it for its ease.
All you need for it is two cylinders, a plunger, and a paper filter.
What is the AeroPress good for?
The AeroPress is good for people who prefer clean and bright-tasting coffee. It is perfect for people who enjoy experimenting with different coffee flavors and brew styles. The AeroPress is also ideal for people who travel frequently and want to enjoy a high-quality cup of coffee on the go.
In which conditions is the AeroPress not compatible?
The AeroPress may not be suitable for people who prefer a full-bodied and robust coffee.
Also, AeroPress is not the ideal brewing method for people who like to brew multiple cups of coffee at once. It's designed to make one or two cups of coffee at a time.
Pros and cons of AeroPress
Pros
- Produces a clean and smooth cup of coffee
- Portable and lightweight
- Quick and easy to use
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Brews small batches of coffee
- Requires paper filters
- More expensive than a French press
AeroPress vs French Press: Quick comparison
1) Convenience
The AeroPress is generally considered more convenient and easier to use than the French Press. What makes it more convenient is its portability and ease of cleaning.
2) Cost
The French Press is generally more affordable than the AeroPress. Thus people with a limited budget go for French Press while those looking for a time investment and portability consider AeroPress as ideal.
3) Brewing time
The AeroPress takes less time to brew a cup of coffee than the French Press. In AeroPress, you just have to pour, bloom, steep, and plunge while in the French Press, you have to let it steep for longer which requires more time.
4) Portability
The AeroPress is more portable and travel-friendly than the French Press. Its compact size makes it easier to carry in comparison to the French Press.
5) Flavor profile
The French Press produces a fuller, richer flavor while the AeroPress produces a clean, crisp taste. Thus if you like your coffee with some sediments then go for French Press else AeroPress for a cleaner cup.
6) Ease of cleaning
AeroPress is easier to clean as it has fewer parts and a simple design. On the other hand, the French Press takes longer to remove grounds and oils.
7) Grind size
The French Press requires a coarser grind while the AeroPress requires a finer grind. Thus French Press results in lighter coffee than AeroPress.
8) Durability
French Press is more durable and long-lasting than the AeroPress due to its qualitative material.
9) Brewing capacity
The French Press can make multiple cups of coffee, while the AeroPress is designed for making one or two cups at a time. Thus if you want fewer cups go for AeroPress otherwise, French Press is ideal.
French Press or AeroPress: Which one should you choose?
Thus the choice between the French Press and the AeroPress comes down to personal preferences.
If you enjoy bold, full-bodied coffee with less effort and don't mind some sediments, the French Press may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clean and portable coffee maker then AeroPress will be the best fit.
Wrapping up
The French Press and AeroPress both have their own benefits and limitations.
That's all for this article. I hope now you can make an informed decision and choose one of them which suits your daily choices and needs the best.
I would suggest that you give them a try and then select one. It might happen that based on your requirements, your choice may vary from time to time.
Also share with us, which one is your favorite.
I am a barista by profession hailing from NC. My journey began in my late teens when I started working as a barista in a local coffee shop. My passion for coffee quickly became evident as I immersed myself in the art of espresso extraction, latte art ...
