French presses can bring out the true flavor of coffee, but they're a hassle to clean up. Paper drip, on the other hand, is easy to clean up, but it removes coffee oils...
If you can't decide between taste and convenience, then we recommend the AMERICAN PRESS, a great invention that combines the best of both worlds!
This time, we'd like to explore the charm of the American Press, which is also available at Base Coffee.
Click here for the American Press product page!
What's So Great About It? What is the American Press?
At first glance, the American Press looks like a French press, but it actually started with a graduate student's desire to solve the "French press coffee grounds problem." After receiving various support, including crowdfunding, and much trial and error, a new coffee maker was born.
This stylishly designed device is packed with various ideas and technologies!
Easy-to-clean plunger-style pod
The pod for holding coffee grounds is arguably the most distinctive feature of the American Press. It's easy to clean up coffee grounds, and hand washing is a breeze.
French Press × Espresso Machine = American Press
The American Press is designed so that when the plunger-style pod is pushed down, pressure is applied to the coffee inside the pod, similar to an espresso machine, making it possible to brew coffee in a short amount of time.
Dual-layer filter to prevent fine grounds
Unlike a French press, which has a single filter, the American Press features a two-layer filter structure at the top and bottom of the pod. This makes it more effective at preventing fine grounds from getting into your coffee.
Container that doesn't get too hot
The American Press has no handle, so you hold the entire container when pouring. However, the container itself is thick enough that you can hold it without any issues.
Drip-free spout
The spout is designed to prevent drips, allowing you to enjoy your coffee without staining your table or equipment. It's very easy to pour, and because you're holding the entire body, it's easy to make subtle adjustments.
In addition to these, there are many other innovations designed to make it taste better and easier to use.
When you actually pick one up, you'll see various clever features in the details, so if you ever come across one, be sure to pick it up and take a good look.
How to Use the Base Coffee American Press
Despite all the technology packed into the American Press, brewing with it is surprisingly easy!
Set the coffee -> Pour hot water -> Insert the pod and steep -> Push down the pod
Let's take a look at how to use the American Press, which anyone can brew, as it requires almost no strong force or intricate techniques throughout the process.
What you need
American Press
Ground coffee (medium grind)
Hot water
Step 1: Set the coffee
Place the coffee grounds in the pod.
The recommended amount is 18-20g, but you can adjust it to your preference.
At Base Coffee, we use 19g of coffee grounds.
Removing and attaching the pod is very easy and requires no force!
Step 2: Pour hot water into the container
Before placing the pod in the container, pour the required amount of hot water into the container first.
You can adjust the amount to your liking.
At Base Coffee, we pour 250ml of hot water for the 19g of coffee grounds mentioned earlier.
Step 3: Set the pod and steep
Set the pod in the container. At this point, lower the pod until it is submerged in the hot water and let it steep for about 3 minutes.
Due to the American Press's design, you can brew coffee by slowly lowering the pod, which creates pressure. However, steeping allows for a deeper flavor to be extracted from the coffee!
Step 4: Push the pod all the way down
Once the steeping time is over, slowly push the pod all the way down.
The sight of coffee slowly emerging from the top of the pod is truly worth seeing!
Step 5: Pour into a cup
After lowering the pod, pour the coffee directly into a cup.
The coffee has a smooth mouthfeel and is very easy to drink, while still bringing out the original characteristics of the beans.
Also, unlike French presses, there are almost no fine grounds, which is a big plus as you can drink it without worrying!
Pros and Cons of the American Press
So far, I've only highlighted its appeal, but let's take another look at the pros and cons of the American Press.
Advantages of the American Press
Easy to clean
As the hassle of cleaning was the impetus for its development, when it comes to cleaning, "easy" is the only word needed.
The coffee grounds left in the pod can be easily discarded, and the device only needs to be hand-washed, so it doesn't take much time.
Brings out the true flavor of the beans
Because it uses a metal filter for extraction, it can brew coffee without absorbing the coffee oils.
This allows you to truly appreciate the unique characteristics of the beans.
Less fine grounds
The American Press doesn't have the biggest problem of French presses: leftover fine grounds.
Therefore, even those who dislike fine grounds can enjoy it with peace of mind.
Disadvantages of the American Press
A bit pricey
The American Press, a culmination of technology, has almost no downsides, but if we had to name one, it would be that it's more expensive than other coffee makers.
However, it doesn't require consumables like paper filters, and it's durable, so it can be used repeatedly for a long time. If you consider it as "being able to enjoy good coffee easily for a long period," then it's worth the price.
The American Press is solid and beautifully designed.
It's easy to use, making it perfect for those starting or new to coffee, but also recommended for coffee connoisseurs who want to try a slightly different brewing method and enjoy their coffee.
