[sjy]

> It's not brewing by the pressure you are applying but time + agitation. The press is just removing the grounds.

Is that right? I’ve never understood the purpose of the high pressure air pocket inside the Aeropress. If the pressure has no effect, why does the Aeropress brew more quickly than a French press?

[duncanawoods]

Some effect no doubt but not as much as might be imagined by it's pressure pump like appearance.

I think the main variable affected by pressure is what is forced through the filter. A faster push and more force means more oils which can have positive or negative taste changes depending on the coffee.

You see competitive aeropressers (yeah, I know...) do 60s long presses to reduce pressure.

> If the pressure has no effect, why does the Aeropress brew more quickly than a French press?

Typically a french press has a coarser grind and less agitation.