How I brew cafe-quality coffee anywhere, from campsite to carry-on

"This is the star of the show. The humble Aeropress is a remarkably versatile, durable little device that's seen me through conferences, multi-state moves, and even a stretch of couch surfing between friends' places. At its core, it's just a simple plastic cylinder with a plunger. Add your coffee grounds, pour in hot water, give it a stir, and then plunge it like a giant syringe. I made one key upgrade, though: instead of the standard cap and paper filters, I use the Fellow Prismo, a high-pressure cap with a reusable metal filter. This swap both eliminates the need for paper filters, and aerates the coffee as you press, giving it a touch of crema and a boost in both flavor and aroma."

"When I'm staying in a hotel, I'll usually track down a local cafe and pick up a bag of beans. Most spots are happy to grind them for you, and it's worth it: those commercial-grade burr grinders give you an incredibly even grind, which makes a big difference in flavor. Plus, it's a great way to connect with the local coffee scene. You're not just getting a caffeine fix you're tasting your travels, supporting a small business, and maybe discovering a roast you'll end up ordering again once you're back home."

Making coffee while traveling can feel like a compromise, but a simple portable setup creates consistent, comforting results. A compact Aeropress offers versatility, durability, and straightforward operation for brewing anywhere. Replacing the standard cap and paper filters with a high-pressure Fellow Prismo metal filter removes disposable filters and aerates the brew, producing crema and enhanced flavor and aroma. Buying locally roasted beans and having them ground on commercial burr grinders yields an even grind and better taste. This approach enables rich, home-like coffee on trips without packing large machines and supports local cafes.

Read at www.theguardian.com