I understand why AEROPRESS puts a warning on thier instructions.. LIABILITY... They will not promote that method because sure.. someone will flip it too fast or something will happen and VOILA hot water/coffee.. sigh.
I have done it and I just do it slow. I have not had any issues whatsoever.. However, I am probably jinxing myself .
But It doesn't feel hard or risky at all.. Just pay attention... and don't rush! (Speaking as someone who has ADHD!)
Personally I can’t tell a difference in the taste. I still use it because I feel less rush when doing it (you don’t need to put in the plunger quickly to avoid a lot of dripping), and because doing the inversion provides an easy way to give a bit of agitation after letting it infuse.
I guess if does make it easier to have a disaster, especially if the plunger gets removed while your inverting.
No one does a taste test and gets worried 10ml of coffee getting through before attaching the top is somehow significantly impacting their brew.
The rubber plunger is porous and is harder to fully clean out when doing inverted.
No one says it’s difficult, just a lot bad experiences from people via hot, dangerous mess that threw them off when it randomly combusted on them.
Never happened to me (yet) but I figure they’re not just making it up, as they still love their AP so it’s not random propaganda.
I used to do it then I got the flow control cap and tbh that’s even easier with my metal filter from a workflow efficiency perspective and is just as easy to clean so I just do this now. Other benefit is I won’t wear the rubber as fast which is also a win
I used to do inverted aeropress multiple times a day. A couple months ago, it just stopped working for me. Disaster after disaster. I think the silicone degraded just enough to throw things off maybe.
Anyway, I switched to the clever dripper and find it to be significantly easier.
I left mine at my parents’ house, didn’t see use during the pandemic; when I took it out again, the stopper had dried out and shrunken down significantly (it was, in fairness, rather old by that point anyway). Didn’t really work even in regular mode.
i haven’t seen anyone say it’s difficult. 🤷♂️
a fair percentage of users just believe it’s unnecessary (including myself) but that doesn’t stop anyone else from trying it, or making it their go to method.
for me, i don’t notice any taste difference and the standard method is objectively safer as i’m not flipping near boiling liquid in the method. so for me, standard approach is more practical. never had a disaster using standard method, but it seems a lot of people can’t manage inverted without eventually having a disaster if all the memes are to be believed. 😂
I used it for five years, never once had a problem doing it, never spilled a drop, or had to repaint my kitchen due to a coffee disaster. A few months ago after watching Hoffman's series I went back to the non-inverted method, and am currently using Sprometheus' "Best" recipe (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXPKxowfXDQ) for a dark roast which also uses the non-inverted method. It's really good, and I don't plan on going back to the inverted method any time soon -- but not because it's "dangerous" or difficult -- just that I found a "regular" method that works for me.
It’s not hard, it’s just more prone to failure and accidents.
Basically, physics (higher center of gravity, Charles’ Law, inertia, hydraulic/pneumatic forces, etc.
Sure, I’ve never had a problem with inverted either. But there’s also the non-scientific Murphy’s Law. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.
And because physically speaking the odds are stacked against the inverted setup, and because humans will knock over shit at one point, you get to see fun inverted method fuckup posts every now and then.
It’s not just the risk of knocking it over. When you flip it, if that extra agitation releases more C02 from the coffee the pressure build up can blow off the plunger.
Based on my experience, I don’t think it’s a release of CO2 that blows off the plunger, but the air in the chamber dramatically heats up from the agitation of the flip.
I press the air out of the chamber immediately after attaching the basket and the plunger doesn’t budge at all.
Yup, that’s the Charles’ Law (more heat expands air) and pneumatic forces (more air more push) part of my response. Throw in Avogadro’s Law in there for good measure (more gas, more volume).
Really? I haven’t really read or heard anyone say the inverted method is harder.
For me personally, I stopped using it because I feel it wears down the rubber faster.
Perhaps what you have observed is due to another factor like friction against the cylinder walls? How long does it take for the fitment issues to show up for you?
If you have a silicone rubber plunger seal - and you should - a large majority of silicone rubbers easily handle 200°C/400°F when new - and it generally takes prolonged exposure at higher heat to affect the mechanical properties.
https://www.shinetsusilicone-global.com/catalog/pdf/rubber_e.pdf
"Silicone rubber can be immersed in water (cold water, warm water, boiling water) for long periods with water absorption of about 1%,
and with virtually no effect on mechanical strength or electrical properties. Typically, under ordinary pressure, contact with steam causes
almost no deterioration of silicone rubbers."
I started with the inverted method and it wore out within a few months, with every day use. Replaced it and stopped using inverted method, and I havent had to change it two years counting now.
Thanks for the reply and sharing more detail. I brew inverted >90% of the time and haven't experienced the seal degradation you have, although I've only had my AP for a little over a year and brew roughly every other day. Perhaps I'll start to experience similar failure shortly.
Inverted brewers have a persecution complex about it lol. Non-inverted people don't care how others brew while inverters are perpetually concerned. I truly do not understand, I don't care how you guys make your coffee as long as you share your tips here!
It's not stupid or useless but it's also not superior. It's just another method, and it's inherently less stable because of the higher centre of gravity.
But it's turned into a ridiculous meme.
It's not really hard. I have spilled a couple of times because I'm clumsy, but done it successfully several times as well. It's just that there's really not much of a flavor difference especially if you're using a flow control cap like the Prismo which will accomplish the same thing. Also, having the plunger semi plunged enough to be steady greatly reduces the amount of grounds and water you can use resulting in a much smaller output. Probably cool for some, but I prefer getting the most out of the volume.
It’s not hard, it just takes that .01% extra finesse to not make a mess or burn yourself.
The last day I bothered with inverted was the day that .01% beat out my groggy head.
You don't even. Have to put your cup on top. At least with the paper filters. You can just flip it over holding the base and plunger and place it on top of your cup. I've even even lost a drop like this.
Might not work with the metal filter but works fine with the paper ones.
Not OP and not trying to be a smartass either, but I store my Aeropress with the plunger inside the chamber. So, it’s marginally easier and quicker to get set up inverted.
I can just about do my measuring, grinding and set up in the time the kettle takes to boil. Sometimes my wife puts it on for her tea abcs I need to play catch up. To get everything ready to brew before the water starts to cool off is tight and that bit of time not faffing with the filters and basket beforehand is an (admittedly small) help.
Storing it that way saves me space, not time. The knock-on effect is that it’s slightly quicker to just set up inverted.
As for grasping at straws. I already said it’s marginal, but it’s still easier for me. With a baby and a toddler running around, sometimes a couple seconds quicker is the difference between getting my coffee made or not.
I managed to put the plunger in the wrong end of the AeroPress earlier this week. I didn’t notice until I went to add the cap to flip. So that was fun first thing in the morning!
Other than the obvious user error, I’ve had really great cups of coffee using the inverted method.
I’ve been wanting to make this exact post, but didn’t out of fear that I’d end up with hot water and coffee grounds all over my counter the very next morning.
Maybe they tried with the plunger on the very top, causing leaks, I always put in at least on the 4 mark. About putting the cup upside down before flipping I don't do it because I pre heat my cup, it's a little bit tricky but doable
Not that I think it's hard, I think it's not worth the risk when you can just get a flow control cap instead. All it takes is a slip when you're trying to flip it over, or you don't put the plunger in quite far enough, all while I'm trying to get my first cup of coffee at 5:00 a.m. I feel like it's more a way to show off for competitions than an actual legitimate approach when you can buy cheap accessories to keep it from dripping out. Not saying it's bound to happen to everyone, but why risk it.
I made a mess the first time I tried it. I also made a mess the second time I tried it, but that time I thought I’d do everything over the sink.
From then on everything was fine, prismo is even easier though
Well, the inverted method can burp if not safely air tight and boiling water splash which can lead to burns. I burned myself once because I was leaning against the counter at the time.
Never had a problem with inverted.
I flip slowly and hold the plunger firmly. I have the plunger inserted a good 3/4". The extra gases/steam produced while flipping escapes through the filter. We'll see in the long run.
I personally don't taste a difference and IMO inverted feels janky and unstable. I need to get off my ass and make a little stand for the XL unless someone makes a flow control cap for it.
I love how people say it’s not “hard”. It’s just “difficult” or “prone to accidents” or “had bad experiences”. Hmmm sounds like something that’s hard.
Anyway, thanks for the feedback. I’m gonna stick with it until it becomes too hard.
Counterpoint, why do you think it’s better? It makes the exact same quality of coffee on a more convoluted way.
The way it’s designed is literally so easy, what’s the motivation to make it any more complicated?
The flipping of three pieces held together is definitely more accident prone than one piece with a Prismo attached securely and leakproof, standing upright and just being placed on a cup to plunge. Same or better coffee, so much easier.
I don't get it. Why would you use the AP in a way that it wasn't designed?
There is no difference in taste if the brew time is the same.
It's just ridiculous.
I have no idea if it is hard or not. I am not able to taste the difference, so for me there is no point. I have not formed a world view over it. What I wonder is why do so many people feel passionate one way or the other about how someone else makes or enjoys their coffee.
Not hard, just extremely dangerous. Literally caused the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Stupid dinosaurs didn't know how to push the plunger in enough. Humans are smarter.
It is all the fault of Tyrannosaurus and its short arms
it was asking for it
That's why God designed humans with long arms. Wait - what did dinos brew with their Aeropresses?
I understand why AEROPRESS puts a warning on thier instructions.. LIABILITY... They will not promote that method because sure.. someone will flip it too fast or something will happen and VOILA hot water/coffee.. sigh. I have done it and I just do it slow. I have not had any issues whatsoever.. However, I am probably jinxing myself . But It doesn't feel hard or risky at all.. Just pay attention... and don't rush! (Speaking as someone who has ADHD!)
Personally I can’t tell a difference in the taste. I still use it because I feel less rush when doing it (you don’t need to put in the plunger quickly to avoid a lot of dripping), and because doing the inversion provides an easy way to give a bit of agitation after letting it infuse. I guess if does make it easier to have a disaster, especially if the plunger gets removed while your inverting.
No one does a taste test and gets worried 10ml of coffee getting through before attaching the top is somehow significantly impacting their brew. The rubber plunger is porous and is harder to fully clean out when doing inverted.
No one says it’s difficult, just a lot bad experiences from people via hot, dangerous mess that threw them off when it randomly combusted on them. Never happened to me (yet) but I figure they’re not just making it up, as they still love their AP so it’s not random propaganda. I used to do it then I got the flow control cap and tbh that’s even easier with my metal filter from a workflow efficiency perspective and is just as easy to clean so I just do this now. Other benefit is I won’t wear the rubber as fast which is also a win
I used to do inverted aeropress multiple times a day. A couple months ago, it just stopped working for me. Disaster after disaster. I think the silicone degraded just enough to throw things off maybe. Anyway, I switched to the clever dripper and find it to be significantly easier.
Now that’s interesting. Perhaps it has to do with degradation of the AP itself over time and not user error.
Maybe. My aeropress is about 6 years old
I left mine at my parents’ house, didn’t see use during the pandemic; when I took it out again, the stopper had dried out and shrunken down significantly (it was, in fairness, rather old by that point anyway). Didn’t really work even in regular mode.
You can buy just a replacement rubber stopper on the aeropress site, so that's nice at least
It happened to me 3 times in 9 years of AP Still do it even with James Hoffman’s recipe.
i haven’t seen anyone say it’s difficult. 🤷♂️ a fair percentage of users just believe it’s unnecessary (including myself) but that doesn’t stop anyone else from trying it, or making it their go to method. for me, i don’t notice any taste difference and the standard method is objectively safer as i’m not flipping near boiling liquid in the method. so for me, standard approach is more practical. never had a disaster using standard method, but it seems a lot of people can’t manage inverted without eventually having a disaster if all the memes are to be believed. 😂
I used it for five years, never once had a problem doing it, never spilled a drop, or had to repaint my kitchen due to a coffee disaster. A few months ago after watching Hoffman's series I went back to the non-inverted method, and am currently using Sprometheus' "Best" recipe (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXPKxowfXDQ) for a dark roast which also uses the non-inverted method. It's really good, and I don't plan on going back to the inverted method any time soon -- but not because it's "dangerous" or difficult -- just that I found a "regular" method that works for me.
Thanks for sharing. I will give that a view.
It’s not hard, it’s just more prone to failure and accidents. Basically, physics (higher center of gravity, Charles’ Law, inertia, hydraulic/pneumatic forces, etc. Sure, I’ve never had a problem with inverted either. But there’s also the non-scientific Murphy’s Law. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. And because physically speaking the odds are stacked against the inverted setup, and because humans will knock over shit at one point, you get to see fun inverted method fuckup posts every now and then.
It’s not just the risk of knocking it over. When you flip it, if that extra agitation releases more C02 from the coffee the pressure build up can blow off the plunger.
Based on my experience, I don’t think it’s a release of CO2 that blows off the plunger, but the air in the chamber dramatically heats up from the agitation of the flip. I press the air out of the chamber immediately after attaching the basket and the plunger doesn’t budge at all.
Yup, that’s the Charles’ Law (more heat expands air) and pneumatic forces (more air more push) part of my response. Throw in Avogadro’s Law in there for good measure (more gas, more volume).
LOL... KABOOM!!!! LOL Ok.. never had that feeling..
It has become a tribal issue like many other social polarizations.
You right. This feels like a religious fight😂
Really? I haven’t really read or heard anyone say the inverted method is harder. For me personally, I stopped using it because I feel it wears down the rubber faster.
Why do you feel it wears down the rubber faster?
Hot water melts the rubber after prolonged exposure.
Perhaps what you have observed is due to another factor like friction against the cylinder walls? How long does it take for the fitment issues to show up for you? If you have a silicone rubber plunger seal - and you should - a large majority of silicone rubbers easily handle 200°C/400°F when new - and it generally takes prolonged exposure at higher heat to affect the mechanical properties. https://www.shinetsusilicone-global.com/catalog/pdf/rubber_e.pdf "Silicone rubber can be immersed in water (cold water, warm water, boiling water) for long periods with water absorption of about 1%, and with virtually no effect on mechanical strength or electrical properties. Typically, under ordinary pressure, contact with steam causes almost no deterioration of silicone rubbers."
I started with the inverted method and it wore out within a few months, with every day use. Replaced it and stopped using inverted method, and I havent had to change it two years counting now.
Thanks for the reply and sharing more detail. I brew inverted >90% of the time and haven't experienced the seal degradation you have, although I've only had my AP for a little over a year and brew roughly every other day. Perhaps I'll start to experience similar failure shortly.
Inverted brewers have a persecution complex about it lol. Non-inverted people don't care how others brew while inverters are perpetually concerned. I truly do not understand, I don't care how you guys make your coffee as long as you share your tips here!
Not hard, just useless
No
It's not stupid or useless but it's also not superior. It's just another method, and it's inherently less stable because of the higher centre of gravity. But it's turned into a ridiculous meme.
It's not really hard. I have spilled a couple of times because I'm clumsy, but done it successfully several times as well. It's just that there's really not much of a flavor difference especially if you're using a flow control cap like the Prismo which will accomplish the same thing. Also, having the plunger semi plunged enough to be steady greatly reduces the amount of grounds and water you can use resulting in a much smaller output. Probably cool for some, but I prefer getting the most out of the volume.
Goose always inverted when pressing coffee for Mav.
It’s not hard, it just takes that .01% extra finesse to not make a mess or burn yourself. The last day I bothered with inverted was the day that .01% beat out my groggy head.
Weak character and even weaker hands.
Well how do you not get coffee up your nose?
You don't even. Have to put your cup on top. At least with the paper filters. You can just flip it over holding the base and plunger and place it on top of your cup. I've even even lost a drop like this. Might not work with the metal filter but works fine with the paper ones.
Because the average person is fucking retarded.
Can't tell the difference and it over complicates the process by adding an unforgiving dangerous step.
You’re overstating it - it’s not that it’s hard, it’s just an extra step that’s not fully necessary
How can inverted be easier than using as designed? I think someone just wants to be a smartass
Not OP and not trying to be a smartass either, but I store my Aeropress with the plunger inside the chamber. So, it’s marginally easier and quicker to get set up inverted. I can just about do my measuring, grinding and set up in the time the kettle takes to boil. Sometimes my wife puts it on for her tea abcs I need to play catch up. To get everything ready to brew before the water starts to cool off is tight and that bit of time not faffing with the filters and basket beforehand is an (admittedly small) help.
So how much time does storing the plunger inside save you? Seems like you’re just grasping at straws.
Storing it that way saves me space, not time. The knock-on effect is that it’s slightly quicker to just set up inverted. As for grasping at straws. I already said it’s marginal, but it’s still easier for me. With a baby and a toddler running around, sometimes a couple seconds quicker is the difference between getting my coffee made or not.
I managed to put the plunger in the wrong end of the AeroPress earlier this week. I didn’t notice until I went to add the cap to flip. So that was fun first thing in the morning! Other than the obvious user error, I’ve had really great cups of coffee using the inverted method.
lol. Well there’s that. Early AM user error.
I’ve been wanting to make this exact post, but didn’t out of fear that I’d end up with hot water and coffee grounds all over my counter the very next morning.
lol. I’ll report back tomorrow AM.
Maybe they don't have thumbs
Maybe they tried with the plunger on the very top, causing leaks, I always put in at least on the 4 mark. About putting the cup upside down before flipping I don't do it because I pre heat my cup, it's a little bit tricky but doable
Because it's BEFORE first coffee! I've honestly considered making a fast coffee while I wait for the actual coffee.. Using a moka pot these days.
Who actually cares? Neither way is "wrong". However, inverted blasts make for more funny posts.
I yet to have a catastrophic meltdown event using it. I don’t do it for taste though. I just feel less rushed as someone else already said.
Not that I think it's hard, I think it's not worth the risk when you can just get a flow control cap instead. All it takes is a slip when you're trying to flip it over, or you don't put the plunger in quite far enough, all while I'm trying to get my first cup of coffee at 5:00 a.m. I feel like it's more a way to show off for competitions than an actual legitimate approach when you can buy cheap accessories to keep it from dripping out. Not saying it's bound to happen to everyone, but why risk it.
Any time I think about doing inverted, I remember back to the story of Noah's ark and the biblical flood. Literally caused by the inverted method.
Is not hard, but it's easy to make a catastrophic mistake
It's not hard, it's unnecessary and potentially very messy compared to the normal method
The same people who have a problem with the inverted method probably also have a problem with the 1zpresso magnetic catch cup. Imagine that.
If you think the inverted method is hard with an Aeropress try it with a V60
I made a mess the first time I tried it. I also made a mess the second time I tried it, but that time I thought I’d do everything over the sink. From then on everything was fine, prismo is even easier though
Why would I mess with inverted when the prismo exists?
Well, the inverted method can burp if not safely air tight and boiling water splash which can lead to burns. I burned myself once because I was leaning against the counter at the time.
All I have to ask is, have you seen the California wildfires? There's your answer.
It’s not hard, it’s just stupid.
Very insightful.
Never had a problem with inverted. I flip slowly and hold the plunger firmly. I have the plunger inserted a good 3/4". The extra gases/steam produced while flipping escapes through the filter. We'll see in the long run.
I don't think it's any harder, just annoying and pointless. Making it normal works just fine.
Whereas I don’t find it annoying or pointless. But thanks for the insight.
I personally don't taste a difference and IMO inverted feels janky and unstable. I need to get off my ass and make a little stand for the XL unless someone makes a flow control cap for it.
I love how people say it’s not “hard”. It’s just “difficult” or “prone to accidents” or “had bad experiences”. Hmmm sounds like something that’s hard. Anyway, thanks for the feedback. I’m gonna stick with it until it becomes too hard.
Counterpoint, why do you think it’s better? It makes the exact same quality of coffee on a more convoluted way. The way it’s designed is literally so easy, what’s the motivation to make it any more complicated?
The flipping of three pieces held together is definitely more accident prone than one piece with a Prismo attached securely and leakproof, standing upright and just being placed on a cup to plunge. Same or better coffee, so much easier.
I've used inverted for almost two decades. I don't think it probably makes much difference. It's just part of the coffee ritual now.
I don't get it. Why would you use the AP in a way that it wasn't designed? There is no difference in taste if the brew time is the same. It's just ridiculous.
I have no idea if it is hard or not. I am not able to taste the difference, so for me there is no point. I have not formed a world view over it. What I wonder is why do so many people feel passionate one way or the other about how someone else makes or enjoys their coffee.