If you’re interested in finding out what lies beyond the world of drip-style coffee makers, there are so many options out there!
There might even be some coffee makers out there that you haven’t heard of before, or just aren’t familiar with using.
Two of these options are the Aeropress and percolator, which can really expand the kinds of coffee flavors that are open to you.
Before you head out to purchase either option, it’s worth learning a little bit about how they both work.
In addition to that, we’re also going to take a look into what you can expect from the resulting coffee.
Continue on to learn about these exciting devices!
Aeropress
Features
Making coffee with an Aeropress can be a little more complicated than some of the other coffee-making devices out there.
You will need to make sure that you have all the required pieces for making your brew with this tool.
The important items you’ll need are the Aeropress, your coffee, a kettle, Aeropress filters, your mug and a grinder if you choose to use fresh coffee.
It’s also going to be important that you follow all of the brewing steps very closely, as it isn’t an automated process.
That said, many who have used an Aeropress claim that it is well worth the extra effort.
Many find that the resulting brew is much richer and more flavorful than other coffee-brewing options out there.
Additionally, buying an Aeropress device is only likely to run you around $35, which isn’t bad at all as far as coffee makers go.
Most Aeropress devices also use paper filters, but they are different from those that you’ll find in the standard drip-style coffee maker.
Luckily, they aren’t terribly expensive, allowing you to buy 700 for around $11.
Unlike options like Keurig machines or Chemex, the coffee and filters needed for Aeropress are luckily about as inexpensive as you’d find with a drip-style coffee maker.
Because of that, the Aeropress is a great option for those with almost any budget.
Pros
- Very easy to clean up after use.
- Creates delicious results.
- It’s easy to take with you when you’re on the go.
- You’ll be able to make espresso as well as coffee.
- Devices are relatively low cost.
- Drinks can come out very strong.
Cons
- May be a more complicated method than others.
- There are some requirements for very specific pieces and tools.
- You typically aren’t able to make more than a cup at a time.
Summary
There are a lot of things to like about the Aeropress.
It’s very easy to take with you just about anywhere you go, and many appreciate that it’s extremely easy to clean up after use.
Generally speaking, all you have to do is take out the used filter, rinse out the Aeropress and you’re good to go.
It may not be the best option for those who want an aesthetically pleasing coffee maker, but as far as function goes, it’s a definite winner.
For those who want an excellent cup of coffee and don’t mind the extra effort it takes or the ability to only make one cup at a time, it’s worth trying out.
Percolator
Features
For those who prefer something with a little bit more simplicity, the percolator is a great option.
It’s a device that evokes nostalgia in many users, reminding them of a simpler time.
Oftentimes, these coffee makers can be found in stovetop or electric varieties and they also tend to be less expensive than some of the more complicated coffee machines out there.
Those who want something they can take camping, use on stoves or grills and more then a stovetop percolator is a hardy, easy option.
However, electric options are great if you just want something that can plug in and brew.
Coffee-lovers who like a strong brew often find that a percolator is the way to go.
You’ll get a lot of control over the brewing process, allowing you to get exactly the strength you’re looking for.
Many also find that coffee made in a percolator is stronger than you may get from other brewing methods.
When compared to the Aeropress, the brewing process is a little bit simpler.
You won’t need to worry about having as many pieces to pay attention to, and in most cases you don’t even need to worry about filters because they are built right into the percolator.
That said, the built-in baskets may not always be perfect, so you can end up with some grounds in your cup.
Pros
- Percolators are very easy to take just about anywhere.
- You get to choose between stovetop and electric varieties.
- There is a high level of control over the resulting brew in the process.
- Coffee tends to be much more flavorful and effective.
- Many users like the nostalgia of using a percolator.
- Percolators tend to be very lasting devices.
Cons
- It can be very possible to result in coffee that has a burnt taste.
- You’ll have to pay closer attention to the process than with a more automatic method.
- In some cases, percolators can be more complicated to clean.
Summary
A percolator is a great option for those who want strong, flavorful coffee.
They allow you more control over the brewing process, without having to feel like a scientist while making your brew.
It is important to make sure the percolator reaches the right temperature, otherwise the brew may be underwhelming or become too bitter.
These devices are great for traveling, including camping trips where you may not have access to a plugin or stove.
It’s a wonderful option for those who are sick of the more automated devices that may not make coffee to your liking.
Comparison
Flavor
The flavors you can expect from both the Aeropress and percolator-made coffee can be relatively similar.
They are both options that can create a result with a lot of flavor, especially when compared to drip-style coffee makers or more automated machines.
However, it’s important to note that the coffee you make with an Aeropress may be easier to adjust to your liking than a percolator.
There are some different flavor profiles you can aim for with the device, as well as different ways that you can use it to experiment with the resulting brew.
On the other hand, there are some adjustments you can make to the resulting flavor of coffee made in a percolator, but it’s mostly in regard to temperature and ground-to-water ratios.
If you are someone who enjoys strong, rich flavor then a percolator is ideal, but if you want to experiment with a little then Aeropress might be a good idea!
Cost
The good news is that neither of these options are extremely expensive.
You won’t have to invest hundreds of dollars on the initial purchase like you might with some of the automated coffee machines out there.
Aeropress sets can range from about $30 to $50, and some of the sets can even include filters to get you started.
On the other hand, coffee percolators can have a wider range as far as the prices go, depending on what you’re looking for.
Some stovetop options can run as low as around $15, while more expensive electric options can be up to $70, with many options at just about every pricing level in between.
You also won’t need to worry about purchasing filters unless you want to absolutely avoid any chance of grounds ending up in your cup.
Because of these prices, you may even choose to try out both options!
Complexity
It is important to keep in mind that if you plan on trying out either of these options, they aren’t automatic.
Because of that, you can’t just leave them to sit and expect perfect coffee when you get back.
That said, the Aeropress is definitely the more complex between the two.
It requires more timing, focus and manual labor just to get a single cup at a time.
Fans of the method say that it’s well worth the effort, but that decision is up to you.
The percolator isn’t quite as complex, but you will need to pay attention to the temperature and time spent heating.
Therefore, if you prefer the simpler option then a percolator is the way to go!