When it comes to modernizing the coffee brewing process, there are a few companies that have been on the head of the competition. Hario in Japan and Aerobie in the United States have presented us, in the last few years, with two cutting edge devices that have, on their own way, revolutionized the way coffee is brewed and how to harness every one of its characteristics.
Though detractors have harshly critiqued the Hario V60 as a glorified store-bought coffee dripper, there is actually so much more to it, and it is all hidden in plain view, if one only realizes the design is as it is for a reason. If you have seen a Hario V60, then you know that it is not made of plain plastic or glass, but has stripes on the inner surface in a spiral like shape. Plus, the hole from which the coffee drips is bigger than usual, and all of this has a reason to be.
Firstly, the classic cone shape adds dimension and depth to the beverage. It filters in layers, making sure every flavor particle is harnessed. Secondly, the bigger hole is intended to change, really change the flavor of the coffee depending on the water flow. Meaning you can add more water and increase the flow and you will obtain a lighter cup; if you add water more slowly and wait as it drips, the flavor will be fuller. If the hole had been smaller, lighter coffees couldn’t be achieved and we would be forced to brew a more concentrated beverage. Lastly, the stripes; they allegedly assist in the flow and in taking full advantage of all the coffee that is being filtered.
When it comes to the Aeropress, we have expanded in its characteristics in articles past. However, its cutting-edge syringe-inspired mechanism was worthy to be brought up again since it is so different from everything else we are accustomed to.
This is a manual device that uses specially designed microfilters and requires to let the mixture of coffee grounds and water to sit and be stirred for at least ten seconds before pressure is applied to the upper cylinder and the ready to drink brewed coffee will be poured into the vessel over which the Aeropress is placed.
The important thing about these two devices is how novel they are. Since the introduction of automatic drip machines, there hadn’t been a lot of progress in the coffee brewing area and coffee lovers without a lot of time in our hands had resigned ourselves to drink lighter and weaker coffee in exchange for it being brewed quickly and at home. These two options brew strong coffee comparable to those of the French press, the Percolator and the Moka pot erasing risks as burnt coffee, over-extraction and residue in the final product, issues the other three devices had.
As I always say, there is constant and real need for improvement and coffee is a very important and fundamental part of a lot of people’s days, so it is refreshing to see that there are more modern options out there that can be adjusted to our modern, hectic times.