Several years ago, I had the chance to visit the AeroPress booth at a trade show and inquire about any new products in development. The response was a cryptic yet intriguing “wait a few years.” This interaction sparked my curiosity and left me wondering what innovative creation the company had in store for coffee enthusiasts.
The original AeroPress, often described as a giant snub-nosed syringe, quickly gained popularity for its ability to produce delicious coffee. Its compact size, portability, and easy cleaning process made it a favorite among coffee lovers. To make a batch of coffee using the AeroPress, all one had to do was place coffee grounds in the chamber, pour hot water over the top, stir, and then use the plunger to press the coffee out through a flat, circular filter into a mug. The AeroPress was invented by the same individual who introduced the famous Aerobie flying disc, and it quickly developed a dedicated following among baristas and coffee aficionados alike.
Despite the AeroPress’s success, fans were eager for more from the company. In recent years, following a change in ownership, AeroPress enthusiasts have been treated to a plethora of new offerings. Two accessories have already been released or are soon to be released: a clear model made of Tritan plastic and a more luxurious version crafted from glass, aluminum, and stainless steel. Additionally, the company has just launched the AeroPress XL, which I had the opportunity to try out myself about a month ago.
The AeroPress XL is a supersized version of the original, boasting twice the volume. All its main parts, including the plunger, chamber, cap, filter, and stirrer, have been proportionately increased in size. To accommodate this larger design, a complementary carafe is included to capture the pressed coffee. Upon receiving the AeroPress XL, I was struck by its substantial presence compared to its predecessor.
My initial experience with the AeroPress XL involved simply adjusting the amounts of coffee and water for each brew while following the same brewing process as the original model. The coffee tasted just as exceptional as before, but the size disparity was hard to ignore. Intrigued by this new iteration, I decided to visit the lab at Olympia Coffee Roasting Company in Seattle and consult their retail trainer, Reyna Callejo. Reyna, a renowned barista and dedicated AeroPress fan, provided valuable insights and feedback.
During our conversation, Reyna recounted her 18-day trip to Japan and how she relied on her AeroPress every day. When I presented the AeroPress XL to her, she couldn’t help but express surprise at its size. Holding the plunger against her arm, she showcased how the entire assembly extended from her wrist to the middle of her bicep. This newfound scale prompted us to conduct a brewing session using her preferred method, which she referred to as “good for most people.”
In our scaled-up version for the AeroPress XL, we used 30 grams of coffee beans with 500 grams of water, resulting in a 1:16.67 ratio. As we began the brewing process, it became apparent that the XL’s size posed some challenges. Reyna had to enlist the help of a stool to work with the AeroPress XL due to its height. When the plunger was attached to the chamber and placed on top of the carafe, the setup measured about 19 inches tall. Even for someone of my height (6 feet), this arrangement reached halfway up my sternum. Reyna, at 5’3″, found it too high to operate safely without the aid of a stool.
The introduction of the AeroPress XL, accompanied by the various accessories and materials, showcases AeroPress’s commitment to satisfying the desires of its passionate customer base. While the XL offers an intriguing new brewing experience, its size does present practical considerations that users need to take into account.
As AeroPress continues to innovate and expand its product line, coffee enthusiasts can anticipate more exciting developments. Whether it’s through novel accessories, advanced materials, or further advancements in brewing technology, AeroPress has proven that it is at the forefront of creating exceptional coffee experiences.
