Too Much Coffee

This is a new idea that we thought would be worth trying out following requests for certain threads to be made into stickies because of their useful content as resources, and people asking for information to be collated in one place for useful subjects.

The plan is for there to be one person responsible for updating the thread like a big dynamic article, thus ensuring it never becomes outdated. That person will edit the content as and when relevant. The content itself might come from a particularly information rich thread (this one on the Aerobie will harvest from, amongst other places, the recent Aerobie thread that was until now a sticky), from many threads, or by direct PM with the author.

As this is in effect an article, we ask that only the author posts here. Not only does this maintain the thread as an article rather than a discussion, but it keeps the content factual as an information rich resource that is easy to find.

In this case, Bruce has kindly volunteered to maintain the resource and he will keep an eye on the boards for relevant information to add. Just post information as usual in the existing Aerobie thread or anywhere else on TMC and he will do the rest during his regular harvest for updates. Of course, you can PM Bruce to ask him to add something specific.

This may not work for TMC, but we think it could be useful, and it is a method used in various other types of forum to maintain knowledge bases efficiently. If people like it, we can start similar resource stickies for other subjects with various authors.

Meanwhile, as this is totally new to TMC, there is a sticky comment thread set-up for everyone to post opinions and ideas about the concept.

Many thanks to Bruce for taking the time to keep our Aerobie information nice and tidy. It's over to Bruce :P

This thread contains information on the way people are using the Aerobie Aeropress.

It is a summary of thoughts posted in the last weeks and will be updated as new posts on the subject appear. If you would like to see something added to it please PM me (bruceb) and let me know.

The variables considered are.

1) coffee:water ratio
2) grind
3) extraction time.

Nobody seems to think the instructions that come with the Aeropress are very good.

There is also some discussion of the use of „gold filters.“ The question was asked as to
whether anyone knows whether a proprietary „gold filter“ especially for the Aeropress is
available.

A summary with individual methods:

1) Coffee: water ratio.

The standard guideline of 55 grammes of coffee solids per litre of water would be a good starting point. (phil2spill)

1 ¾ „scoops“ and water to about 1 cm from top. (scook94)

1 level Bodum measuring spoon and water to between 2 and 3 on the scale. (lukas)

About 25g and water to between 2 and 3 on the scale. (zix)

1 full (heaped scoop) of coffee to between 2 and 3 on the scale and add water afterwards.
(greenbean)

2) Grind

A bit coarser than filter grind. (lukas)

Slightly finer than for filter (zix)

Espresso grind, but might not be optimal. (scook94)

Mid way between espresso and filter (greenbean)

A couple notches finer than for French press. (technojock)

3) Extraction time („Appears to be the most important variable“ – cmorgan)

All users seem to agree that 20-30 sec are optimal. Some stir continuosly, others stir just before pressing.

Addition of a gold filter is worthwhile.

The difference in taste is significant. The only drawback is the rapid speed with which the coffee filters through. This can be improved on by using the inversion method and might be corrected by using a finer grind or possibly by using 2 gold filters. (cmorgan)

Seepage through the filter while brewing.

Steven (scook94) notes that he has slightly changed the way he uses the Aerobie. After installing a metal filter he was concerned that prior to plunging seepage would present a problem. He tried inverted brewing, but then discovered that seepage really wasn't any worse than with a paper filter. In the process he also changed from stirring constantly to stirring and then letting it sit before plunging. Finally, he realised that by placing the plunger in the cylinder seepage can be avoided almost entirely, aside from the bit that happens when the plunger is inserted.

Probably shouldn't post htis here, but I couldn't find any better place to put it. After a lot of trial at the shop we ended up agreeing on the following method (for paper filter):

12 grams of coffee
Grind as for filter (6 on the Ditting)
Let it steep for 1 minute (including stirring) before pressing down the piston

Yum!


Ola