Aeropress Makes Espresso: No, Really

Your #Aeropress can can make actual #espresso -- something truly syrupy and concentrated. But how can you use a small amount of water to extract all the goodness from coffee without the high pressure of an espresso machine? This requires a little ingenuity, very little effort, and zero expense. Anyone with an Aeropress and a decent grinder already has everything they need. You can do this right now, today.
========
Donate to the UNICEF Palestine Emergency Appeal: www.unicef.org...
========
Shower Screen from the Cafelat Store: www.cafelatsto...
Audio capture: Zoom H-5
Audio edited with WaveLab Elements 10.0.70
Video Capture: Panasonic HC-X920
Video edited with DaVinci Resolve 17.1.1
Still images edited with Gimp 2.10.24
Additional footage courtesy of:
Cottonbro - www.pexels.com...
Tima Miroshnichenko: www.pexels.com...
juv: www.pexels.com...
Rodnae Productions: www.pexels.com...
Amina Filkins: www.pexels.com...
Yaroslav Shuraev: www.pexels.com...
Michael Burrows: www.pexels.com...
=========
Music courtesy of:
Kalimba Relaxation Music by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.fi...
License: filmmusic.io/s...
Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.fi...
License: filmmusic.io/s...

[@wiredgourmet]

I posted a followup video, AeroP vs espresso gadgets: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paqnlXmtZ8meqdk Correction at 06:01 : the clearance is 0.04 mm. Duh!

[@xPentag0n]

Made the same error in engineering class and got really roasted. Great video nonetheless. Personally not quite sure about the music 😁

[@wiredgourmet]

@@xPentag0n Thanks. Regarding the music, do you mean the selection, or the fact of it?

[@xPentag0n]

@@wiredgourmet Only the selection, the rest is fine for me.

[@YoshBagoche]

"Propreantepenultimate aeropress recipe" is my favorite title in maybe ever

[@wiredgourmet]

Mine too :)

[@raphaelanjos5691]

After some calculations, I came up with a recipe that I liked, generating a little more drink (55-60ml) and the same texture, but it requires a little more force (be careful with the equipment). 90ml of water at 97°C for 20g of coffee. Using the dry filter at the bottom and 2 filters adapted to the top of the coffee. The grind is the same as espresso. I'm going to test increasing the grind size or using less coffee (same amount as in the video) to reduce the force needed, which is quite a lot. Thanks for the video, it's a good inspiration to think outside the box.

[@nerijus.selenis]

I was skeptical before I tried it myself with double Aeropress filters and was positively surprised, it really was close to espresso taste. Thank you for the recipe.

[@wiredgourmet]

You're welcome, and thanks for the leap of faith :)

[@kathrynhavelka1764]

This is such an INCREDIBLY underrated coffee channel (pun possibly intended). The only good type of coffee channel.

[@wiredgourmet]

Thanks very much for noticing. And for the subtlety :)

[@_EDDE_]

👍Very true and agreed! You are so right about that! Liked & subscribed.

[@praba991ify]

Better than that guy

[@newforestexplorer]

I tried a similar version of this without the double paper filters and I actually got crema or at least a kind of foam! 18 grams coffee, filled chamber up to just over the no.2 mark with 80*C water gave a little stir and put the plunger in and left for around 20 seconds then pushed down slowly . One of the best coffees I’ve made in the Aeropress so far 👍🏻

[@itayoron]

I have tried it with the screen of a small size (3 cups) moka pot and it fits perfectly. Good results with one paper filter between the puck and the screen

[@wiredgourmet]

Confirmed! I had to dress the edge just slightly, but it's a great fit and works beautifully with a paper filter under it. Thanks very much for posting this! I'll definitely mention it in a future video.

[@alemholas]

Are they all the same? Or I would have to find a Bialleti 3 cup moka pot just to be safe?

[@danielmullins4891]

Long-time viewer, first-time commentator: the modified shower screen with trimmed paper with this recipe is genius! Thank you so much for your inquisitive and tireless pursuit of excellence in coffee!

[@wiredgourmet]

Thanks very much. And keep in touch because I'm going to turn the V-60 inside out in a matter of days :)

[@Fyo-zw3mq]

Thank you, Sir, I have tried your method with the paper filters, and ... !? positively surprised.

[@BobKimball]

Tried this technique today, while it may not meet the technical definition this was much better than I expected! Thanks for the recipe

[@wiredgourmet]

Good to hear. You can get close to the flavor and texture, but not the appearance :)

[@krazyolie]

Just tried with double paper, yep that's pretty close! Love the old school production on the vids, very nice change from al the vlog style coffee videos

[@wiredgourmet]

Thanks very much, and welcome :)

[@krazyolie]

@@wiredgourmet I've been experimenting with an inverted method of this which requires no screen today Flip the aeropress and add the coffee and water, stir with a chopstick (or similar) to get it all saturated. Put on the cap with the paper and push down the brew chamber until there is no air in the aeropress, some beads should form on the cap. Flip and push. So far haven't quite matched the 2 paper method but it's close and I need to work out temps and timings but the principle overall is the same. The extraction I suspect is mostly happening when stirring and then getting an extra kick nudge when pressure is applied.

[@d0nj03]

Hmm... I think I can still get the metal option without any tools because replacement filters are available to buy in a variety of sizes for all kinds of moka pots, and some of them are 56mm out of the box. That gives a clearance of 0.9mm inside the Aeropress tube, not 0.4, but heck, it's close enough -- possibly better this way because of the somewhat(?) lower chances of scraping against the plastic wall and putting little bits of plastic into the drink every time it's used.

[@TheSlowerMonkey]

Bro this is so high effort I LOVE it. Keep it up!

[@wiredgourmet]

Thanks. That's the plan :)

[@teedeepee]

Just tried this, using the first method, and I have to say, I'm impressed! Thank you!

[@wiredgourmet]

Glad to hear it! Enjoy your Aeropress :)

[@philtree5668]

This was amazing! One tip is to not ruin your wrists with your stance but use your forearms like the inventor recommends - I cross my wrists and lean forward (one forearm on the plunger and the other arm cross over) and its significantly more comfortable

[@wiredgourmet]

Thanks for the tip, mate.

[@Winner8501]

I went into this thinking "this can't possibly produce anything close to real espresso" and I will eat my hat now. I tried the "effortless" method (but with the Fellow Prismo attachment with paper filter) and the result I got with a sub-par coffee (I didn't want to waste my good beans in this experiment) was substantially better than what I get with the same coffee in my Delonghi Dedica machine (yes, I know it is a cheap machine, but I've got a reasonable handle on making decent espresso with it, with unpressurised portafilter, temperature surfing etc.). I will try it with some good espresso blend next and if the aeropress one tastes better again, I'll be quite angry :-D

[@wiredgourmet]

I try to make certain that my hacks actually work :) I will be posting a followup on hand espresso, with an update for the Aeropress, in a few days' time.

[@immakiku]

I don’t usually comment on videos, but this is awesome! I don’t know what TDS or pressure actually went through, but the output tasted amazing! This is the first video of yours I watched so the whole time, helped by your sarcastic sounding voice, I thought this was a prank. But honest to god I just tried the paper filters and it was amazing!!

[@wiredgourmet]

Thanks, and welcome to the community :)

[@entropy0917]

This was fun to try (2 papers on top) on my vintage a-p, bought in 2007. I pressed into a heavy ceramic mug and it was slow and hard to do, plus quite cool when done so I made a very nice americano with hot water. Still have an imprint on my palm 30+ mins later - hah! My a-p is now my daily driver after having 9 diff espresso machines over the years - just love mine.

[@wiredgourmet]

I'm glad it's starting to work out for you :)

[@AndyGait]

I currently use the Fellow Prismo with mine, with a paper filter for a cleaner shot. Haven't tried using a second filter as a screen. Something new to try in the morning. Cheers. Great video.

[@wiredgourmet]

Thanks, and good luck with it :)

[@AndyGait]

@@wiredgourmet Gave it a try this morning. It worked really well. Going to play about with grind size, brew times etc, to try and improve it, but I really enjoyed the coffee.

[@wiredgourmet]

@@AndyGait Great. Circle back and let us know how it goes.

[@AndyGait]

@@wiredgourmet Just made one that I'm very happy with. 18g Con Vivo espresso blend from a local roaster (Wogan Coffee) here in Bristol, UK. Fine grind with my Hario slim pro. 50g water just off the boil. Paper filter on top of the metal one in the Fellow Prismo. Tamp down coffee. Another (trimmed) paper filter on top of the grounds. Let infuse for two mins then push hard. Worked really, really well.

[@ejazzivtec]

Thank you Thomas for teaching us your techniques to make great coffee.

[@dhruv.chaudhari]

Wow, turned out delicious. Thanks!

[@me-fv5xb]

Taste good. I also used a spice/salt shaker to tamp the coffee grounds before i place the filters on top. Even had little crema on the side or fake crema anyway

[@danielsoto5930]

This is so good! Thank you for this. I’ve been using the aero press with the fellow prismo attachment and could never seem to get it right but with your recipe and trick. So good! I tried it with old beans and the fresh beans and I would recommend the fresher the better!

[@ginodc5944]

I have the same attachment. Mine came out with foam on top that did not dissipate even when stirred. I only used one paper filter though. I am a bit befuddled by this technique but the result seems impressive.

[@Repeatpeteva]

I found a “Spice Classics” bottle (available everywhere for a couple bucks) fits the Aeropress as a tamper almost perfectly.

[@wiredgourmet]

Good tip; thanks for posting.

[@the510wagon]

Hello, love the channel. I have tried this "espresso" recipe a few times and I cannot get anything close to your results. The one thing I can't reconcile, which is not really covered in your video, is the conventional brewing orientation and the issue it creates. Most AP recipes brew in the upside down position for one good reason - it prevents immediate "leakage" through the paper when the water is added. You then flip the AP when you're ready to press. Your technique requires the conventional (or these days unconventional?) orientation with the coffee & papers already below the water before it is added. So, when I add the water on top of my pre-cut distribution papers it immediately starts passing through the coffee & into the cup. I quickly fit the plunger and start a 60-90 secs press, but I've lost a good portion of the 55 grams of water already....and that portion of water that has "leaked" through has participated in the worst kind of extraction i.e. - no time, no pressure, just dribble through. I have tried adding a second full size paper below the coffee to minimise the "leakage" through the coffee....but it didn't make much difference.

[@XeonX__ASMR__METAL-experiments]

Use extra fine grind !!! Near 150 - 180 um Timemore C3 ESP PRO (5-6 clicks)

[@adamseward358]

Try a little bit of water to soak the grounds for 30 seconds first, before adding the rest. Then quickly put in the plunger at an angle and pull up. This way I get nothing coming through until I want it to.

[@adamseward358]

This works even with only one filter paper or a metal fine gauge filter.

[@ayex86]

You can simply try Prismo attachment for AeroPress and create a video comparing both methods.

[@kmicki85]

Wow, I have no idea how a proper espresso is supposed to taste like, but the result of this method tastes amazing. I used this method mainly because I'm stuck with some leftover preground coffee that's too fine for moka pot or aeropress. I guess it's too coarse for espresso as well because I had to press rather gently to achieve percolation time of 60s. But I love the result anyway and I will do it with freshly ground coffee for sure (if my grinder is able to create an appropriate grind size). You said that you're not able to create crema. First time I used your method and I got a thick layer of foam (not really crema but still). I haven't taken a picture but I will next time.

[@XeonX__ASMR__METAL-experiments]

Maybe you use too fresh beans (under 10 days after roast) ?

[@gblan]

You were 100% correct in that an Aeropress can not generate anywhere near the pressure an espresso machine can make. Therefore it cannot make espresso, at all, ever, no matter what you do.

[@wazzup105]

HEY ... That ain't a bad brew. Loved it on the first try . Getting the papers in on top was a bit fiddly so I'll go splurge on a screen (and a file). One thing I would advice is to pre-heat the cup. I hate my coffee getting cold too quickly.

[@that_which_is_not]

I’m here for it 🙌 Letz goooooo!

[@wiredgourmet]

Love your enthusiasm :)

[@that_which_is_not]

@@wiredgourmet same reason I’m subscribed! With this and James Hoffman’s videos, there’s a large number of satisfied aeropress users out there 👍

[@michaeldimmitt2188]

Very interesting! My Aeropress wouldn’t work as well because it has a crooked head where the silicone plunger sits. I was surprised when I noticed if a few months after purchase. Still works great for original recipe Aeropress brewing! Thanks for the great video and for getting me thinking deeper about coffee-making mods!

[@amit020783]

Tried Today, it worked 👍

[@wiredgourmet]

Great 👍

[@ivogievski]

This is an amazing recipe, it really does work! However, the water temperature quickly falls under 80C when I pour it into the Aeropress, and the results are a bit sour for my liking. That said, I might try heating the Aeropress first!

[@wiredgourmet]

Another approach might be a darker roast :)

[@ivogievski]

@@wiredgourmet yup, I will try that! Thanks, anyway, and keep posting amazing content!

[@MorrisDugan]

That upper screen in the second method - I wonder if the upper half drip screen from a Vietnamese coffee maker (phin) would fit without filing. There are so many different ones that there could be one that fits. Or - what about using a metal mesh or cloth filter on top?

[@alemholas]

This is awesome! Thank you for this technique. I saw your option with a metal filter, but what about a Fellow Prismo AND a paper filter with this method? Maybe we could get even closer? (Maybe without the paper filter in the Prismo... I was just thinking about the pressure, but maybe that is not needed) Thank you!

[@wiredgourmet]

That's a good idea, and I've been thinking about it. Pressure seems to be the problem with the foam. So I want to see if the prismo might solve it. My hand-espresso roundup video has more about that, if you're curious.

[@_Ciiitron_]

Have you tried this with an Aeropress metal filter?

[@JatinGera]

Thank you again for such a informative video. So I have one question, which one do you say produces better espresso, the moka pot voodoo method or the aeropress with mods you described.

[@wiredgourmet]

OK, that's a tough one. The moka pot is a coarser grind and a longer infusion, and I think maybe the flavor is more subtle and complex. But this trick here yields a thicker texture and a somewhat more espresso-like flavor.

[@janmichaelsimon5342]

In delter coffee press can be used as making espresso

[@thecoffeeengineer]

Nice guide, especially for people like me who don't have the Prismo or Flow Control Cap. One question though: Do you recommend letting the coffee brew for a while with the plunger in the brewer slightly, to get more extraction out of the coffee?

[@htns]

As an opening line, "Is it possible to make something like real espresso using an aeropress?" is asking "Is it possible to use a tool to accomplish the task it was literally invented for?"

[@leesteely8875]

Never press an aeropress on a digital scale that is how you break the load cell.

[@sidneywhite749]

As a beginner can you show what you use to measure/weigh the coffee and water. Also what kettle to get?

[@XeonX__ASMR__METAL-experiments]

Hello ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Any updates?

[@Bando710]

Early 2000's vibes

[@Matpermad]

Just got my aeropress and this is the first recipe that i tried. Amazing result. Btw, when you say 60-90 secs, that's pressing or leaving the coffee resting? Also, what's your temp range?

[@Richard-Seekingwulf]

My question exactly

[@thomasgentil4907]

also would like to know the answer to this

[@europa-rhd]

He has answered this - it's pressing time. He doesn't appear to leave it to rest at all, which makes sense given he uses filters on top of the coffee. So, the water is not actually in contact with the coffee until he starts pressing. Kinda like an espresso machine!

[@Sassafrassassassa]

doesn’t the puck look like that because you plunged all the way down and compacted the grounds?

[@justsayin7704]

If you already have a robot, what do you need an Aeropress for?

[@GH-ov1lj]

Would using an inverted setup detract from this or the finished product? It's just that you inevitably get some liquid which passes through the grind and filter into the cup whilst waiting for those first 60 seconds and so have to wonder if preventing that would give a better brew by allowing the entire quantity of water to absorb the flavour to it's full potential.

[@lucask4865]

Really nice video again. But in my opinion the aeropress is not capable of making espresso. I have done strong coffes with the aeropress and it can taste really great but all your getting is a very strong coffee and not more. I think it is essential for espresso to have at least 6 bars of pressure because otherwise you just cant get the right texture and taste.

[@wiredgourmet]

You should try it my way. If you grind for espresso, you'll get the fines in the cup that create the texture in espresso. They can pass through the filter with the right grind. Pressure isn't the key, really; I do one-min shots with the robot at around 4 bar sometimes, and get a fine shot, with great mousse. The paper filter prevents the mousse, but the syrupy espresso mouthfeel is there, and the flavor.

[@lucask4865]

@@wiredgourmet i have to say that my grind was more between espresso and pour over, so i will definitly try this out in the next days :D

[@RainorShine1]

Would like to see how this screen would work as it is for the area press. Able Disk for AeroPress

[@wiredgourmet]

I will post a roundup of hand espresso makers soon, including a metal screen for the Aeropress, so keep in touch.

[@bogdanadzic9305]

how do u put filter above the coffee its so hard ....

[@wiredgourmet]

If the filter is damp it falls better. You can adjust it with tweezers.

[@Big_Papa_Leonard]

You say the robot basket is 57.8mm and the screen is 57.4mm leaving a delta of .4mm which is true if your measurements are correct. But then you measure the aeropress Inside diameter at 56.92. To keep the same delta you’d have to make the modded screen diameter 56.52mm to have a .4mm delta. Your modded screen dimension of 56.88mm leaves a .04mm delta, not .4 again assuming your measurements are correct which I would definitely question at this point.

[@wiredgourmet]

What, you mean you missed the pinned comment where I corrected that, like months ago?

[@Big_Papa_Leonard]

@@wiredgourmet That would be correct.

[@catherineann7259]

If you ran it back through the press quickly after removing the grounds would it create the crema your looking for? I’m definitely a beginner at this but it’s my dream to open a café someday but for now this is fun for experimentation

[@wiredgourmet]

I'm pretty sure the problem is a lack of pressure, so I doubt it would work. But if you experiment and find something, do circle back and tell us.

[@pranavpandey9730]

Hello, I've a confusion. After pouring in the water, should I stretch out the plunger and wait for 60-90sec? Ant then push out the coffee ensuring 60-90sec before hissing? Hence total time = 120-180 sec?

[@wiredgourmet]

There's no need to wait. You pour the water onto the two filters, then start pushing. If the grind is fine enough, it should take appr 60 - 90 secs to finish.

[@pranavpandey9730]

@@wiredgourmet okay so I'll give a quick run-through. Please correct if there are any mistakes: 1) 17g fine grind coffee into the Aeropress. 2) Place two filters on top. 3) Quickly add 50-60g water, 95°C 4) without any delay, start plunging. 5)From that very moment, plunging should be at such a rate that it takes 60-90sec for the whole liquid to come out. Please check this once, especially the 4th & 5th points. I'm new to Aeropress, been 2 days only. Any help would be great.

[@wiredgourmet]

@@pranavpandey9730 That's about right. You will have to practice of course; it's not going to be perfect on the first try :)

[@michaeldimmitt2188]

@@wiredgourmet first making sure to trim the size of the filters to fit inside the plunging tube…

[@alkumhcounseling8634]

Question - I had some leakage into the cup before beginning to press using this method. What might I be doing wrong?

[@wiredgourmet]

Two things come to mind. One is that you could be grinding more coarsely than you need. See if you can get away with a finer grind. The other is that I recommend two papers on top to ensure even saturation. The top ones can be rinsed and reused, so no worries about waste. Good luck.

[@pranavpandey9730]

Is it possible to achieve these results using a moka?

[@wiredgourmet]

Absolutely; I have 2 moka pot videos here showing how to do that.

[@pranavpandey9730]

@@wiredgourmet yea I know. What would you recommend to a student like me who loves coffee but can't afford expensive machines and wants something closest to espresso If I had to choose one, Aeropress or Moka?

[@wiredgourmet]

@@pranavpandey9730 Both make delicious coffee. Wouldn't the aeropress be more convenient for a student because it needs only hot water, electric kettle, but moka needs a stove or hot plate.

[@pranavpandey9730]

@@wiredgourmet very well. I'll probably be purchasing a one cup bialetti moka express tommorow. Heat source, not a problem for me.

[@javifff13]

@@pranavpandey9730 Check out the Cafflano Kompresso. I have all three and it's the closest to espresso. Also it's cheap. It would nice to watch a review in this channel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnmTcmafjZuphLc

[@sochibudin3475]

Do you consider hacking the cafelat robot to be more portable, say, making a hybrid of the robot with the Aram maybe?😁

[@wiredgourmet]

I see what you mean, from lever to screw/crank. Could be a lot smaller then. It's a great idea, and I like it, but at those pressures tolerances are tight; I don't see how it could be a DIY hack without access to a machine shop :)

[@sochibudin3475]

@@wiredgourmet you said that you are experienced with tools 😁 I thought you have things to do that 😀

[@wiredgourmet]

@@sochibudin3475 Yes, I have; but not many people would.

[@sochibudin3475]

I thought it'll be more cheaper to buy just the cafelat robot basket + portafilter and made a DIY screw press on it 😁

[@eduardoherrera3341]

hi, i have a question... can i do maybe 3 shots at the time?? or only works with one shot?

[@wiredgourmet]

I think it would require too much force.

[@eduardoherrera3341]

i did the experiment and yes, required a lot of pressure and was hard to push, but was a success anyway 😅 and i can say it kinda works

[@maxonmendel5757]

would anybody trust the Mighty Small Glass Carafe for this? or is that a big nope?

[@Lokeidj619]

What are the voice samples in your intro?

[@wiredgourmet]

Me, then Donald.

[@akshayde]

I'm thinking about investing in an aeropress. I wanted to know if you prefer the 1st aeropress yield to your moka pot recipe yeild?

[@wiredgourmet]

Personally, I prefer the flavor of the Moka pot over the Aeropress. But they're both good.

[@brahmantasatyo7869]

in my country no cafelat store, what can replace that shower screen?

[@wiredgourmet]

The upper filter from a Bialetti Moka Express, 3-cup model fits. It doesn't lie perfectly flat though. Most viewers report good results with 2 paper filters on top as shown.

[@brahmantasatyo7869]

@@wiredgourmet good to know, how about using that moka pot filter with fellow prismo?

[@Beyondinstrumentals]

It's a shame that they only make it out of plastic. Doesn't matter what kind of plastic its bad for you, especially with hot water

[@ButlerOfTheC]

I'm having trouble dialing in my light roast for this recipe. If I grind too fine, I can't seem to push any water through the puck at all. If I grind too coarse, the whole puck just falls apart and I get an under extracted cup. Are there any other variables I should mess with to get better flow at finer grind settings? I've had great luck with medium and dark roasts but this light roast is becoming my white whale 🤣

[@wiredgourmet]

One thing we often forget is the impact of dose size on flow resistance. Try a bigger dose with the coarser grind, or a smaller one with fine. You might also try using one of those metal screens with fine ground coffee, and see if that eases the resistance for you. Circle back and let us know if you find a solution :)

[@ButlerOfTheC]

@@wiredgourmet Managed to get a really good "single shot" of light roast with only 9 grams of coffee and only 30 grams of water. Will let you now if I find a good recipe for "doppio"

[@yiyiakd]

The Moka pot makes coffee much similar to an espresso

[@Mary-Ann_B_Mabaet]

Is there any difference between 1 or 2 filters? (For effortless method).

[@wiredgourmet]

Because the filters are so thin and yielding, and you're not tamping, two work better at evening the water flow. If you can find an object that fits just right, and can very lightly tamp the coffee, then one would probably be OK, but I haven't tested that. Remember that the top ones can be rinsed and re-used several times, so cost and convenience are not much of an issue.

[@precisionsoundworksstudio]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@littlestar5737]

According to James Hoffman, Aeropress can never produce espresso, no matter what accessory you use. His experiment showed that the maximum pressure human can produce is

[@jaygopinath1694]

Still not espresso

[@wiredgourmet]

You say that like it's a bad thing.

[@bnolsen]

can't generate enough pressure to do real espresso. clickbait title. The aeropress most certainly makes a nice clean cup of coffee.

[@edipisreks5535]

I love my AeroPress, but this is not espresso. Not even close.

[@wiredgourmet]

I think you're gonna like it :)

[@Residew]

This isnt espresso.

[@grabble7605]

Yeah...All you did was make Aeropress coffee. So you ground it fine and used two filters. That is not espresso.

[@BennyCFD]

Technically real espresso needs 9 to 12 bar of pressure.....................