Last Updated on November 22, 2021 by John Moretti
Aeropress and Pour Over coffee makers aren’t just for artisans and coffee enthusiasts; nowadays, everyone from college students to executives uses them at home, in their dorms, and offices.
Both brewing methods utilize about the same amount of time but use distinct techniques. Because there is more significant influence over the outcome of Pour-over than with an Aeropress, the design and material substantially impact the flavor. It’s a choice between those who want light coffee (Pour-over) and those who prefer robust coffee (Aeropress).
I experimented with both to discover what the differences and advantages are between Pour Over and Aeropress coffee. For a complete picture, see my in-depth look at both coffee brewing techniques.
The Aeropress and Pour Over Designs
Aeropress
Between a French press and an espresso machine, the quick-brewing Aeropress coffee maker falls somewhere in the middle. You pour hot water over your grounds and then use a plunger to drive the water through.
We can distinguish AeroPress by its ability to produce a high-quality cup of coffee in a short amount of time. The entire process takes around one to two minutes, and you’ll have a highly concentrated, smooth pot of coffee at the end.
Alan Adler, a toy designer, created a prototype coffee maker in 2005, in which two plastic cylinders fit together to produce an airtight seal.
Adler cut the steep time to as little as 10 seconds by pumping hot water through the grounds at high pressure (though many will wait up to half a minute before pressing the plunger).
Pour Over
The Pour Over brewing method has a long history and is a simple brewing method that has witnessed a resurgence as automatic coffee machines have become less popular.
The Pour Over maker, which sits atop a coffee mug, pours hot water over coffee grounds in a paper or recyclable filter, brewing and dripping into the cup through a hole at the bottom of the brewer.
Though cloth-filtered Pour Overs have existed for a long time, Melitta Bentz of Germany was the first to invent the modern, paper-filtered version in 1908.
User-Friendliness
Aeropress
The conventional approach (where you fill the gadget filter side down and plunge straight into your mug) and the flipped technique (in which you fill the unit filter face up and plunge right into your cup) are the two principal approaches to brewing with the AeroPress.
Since no liquid drips down through the filter if you’re brewing, the reversed process is common among fans as it gives you a little more power over the absorption and brew duration.
One of the key advantages of the Aeropress is that it consistently prepares excellent coffee after the user understands a few basic principles.
Pour Over
The Pour Over technique is still the most simple between the Aeropress and the Pour Over, although it requires more fussing and skill.
Producing a cup of Pour Over necessitates pouring the water in a specific direction while paying strict attention to the timing.
Though the technique is simple enough to pick up, beginners will have a steeper learning curve as they begin to know and grasp the brew system.
Brew Control for French Press and Pour Over
Aeropress
The Aeropress is a versatile coffee maker. You can use it to make coffee that is more akin to that generated by a French press, in addition to a traditional brew.
If you’re a coffee connoisseur, you can also create iced coffee, lattes, and cappuccinos. Use the classic procedure if you want a light, brilliant outcome. Use the reversed approach to get a darker, richer flavor.
You’ll also need a burr or an electric grinder in addition to the Aeropress. You’ll need an excellent grind if you prefer the traditional technique of brewing. If you’re going to use the inverted approach, choose a coarser grind.
Pour Over
Because you manage the water directly with your pouring method, Pour Over coffee provides more brewing control than the Aeropress and is even greater with a gooseneck kettle.
Pour Over coffee makers are available in various shapes and sizes, as well as hole counts, diameters, and conical or flat bottoms. These variables impact the flow rate through the maker, with some aspects being more forgiving than others.
In some ways, a Pour-Over is limited in the same way as an Aeropress is – rich coffee oils and particles won’t flow through the more delicate filters, so you’ll always receive a light, beautiful cup of java!
Which Has a Faster Brewing Time?
I find that the Aeropress takes around 2-3 minutes from beginning to end – between the brew-time and the preheating process; it’s one of the most simple, short, and precise coffee brewing tools.
Making a cup of coffee with a Pour Over coffee maker should take around 4 minutes total, with a quick preheat of the filter and a 3-minute brewing process.
Overall Taste
Aeropress
Is it true that Aeropress coffee tastes better? That’s a question you should avoid asking among coffee fans since it’s a pointless debate. I like my coffee strong.
It is because folks are adamant about their favorite brewing method, and no one can agree on which flavors make the ideal cup of coffee.
Regardless of my or your preferences in terms of flavor, it’s evident that these two coffee machines make a tasty cup of Joe. That’s fantastic since it caters to everyone!
Because the paper filter prevents any oil or sediment from entering the cup, Aeropress coffee does have a clean flavor with strongly outlined flavor nuances. The Aeropress is remarkable in that it can brew coffee in two different ways.
Pour Over
Is it true that pour-over coffee is superior? These days, you can’t walk into a third-wave coffee shop without seeing at least one Pour Over coffee machine.
The Pour Over is notable for its flavor, which is the polar opposite of the French press. Its brewing method enhances the taste of specific beans.
Usually, this means that most Pour Over is consumed in black, though this isn’t always the case. People who prefer French press may not enjoy Pour-Over as much because the flavor is lighter.
Materials Needed
The Aeropress is simple – all you need are some coarsely ground beans, hot water, and your press.
I find that the Pour Over brewer won’t need a lot either; however, it may lead to wastefulness since it utilizes more paper filters, but these filters, which are sometimes biodegradable. It’s not, though, when they comprise other materials, like linen.
Finally, Which Coffee Brewing Method is Best for you?
Overall, the two crafting styles have a lot to give. The ideal choice for you will mostly depend on your preferences: if you prefer a robust cup, opt for an Aeropress; if you desire a light, lively cup, choose for a pour-over.
The Aeropress and the pour-over will serve if you want to produce significant, quick coffee without spending a fortune on an espresso machine.
The Aeropress is unbeatable in terms of adaptability. It’s also easy to clean, and it’s ideal for home baristas who want to take the ingredients for a quick caffeine fix with them on the go.
Pour-over coffee is still very economical and portable, but it may take a little longer to get the perfect brew.
Why not do your compare and contrast exercise in your kitchen because both of these techniques are inexpensive and simple to master?
