Discovering the perfect espresso concentrate can be a game-changer for caffeine enthusiasts, especially those juggling busy mornings and sleepless nights. For many adults, a quick caffeine boost is essential, and while traditional espresso brewing offers rich flavor and depth, it often demands significant time and effort. Over the years, I’ve tested numerous espresso concentrates-more than a dozen-to evaluate their convenience, taste, and value. Although these concentrates provide a quick jolt, they rarely match the complexity of a freshly brewed shot, and they tend to be costly.
Creating my own espresso concentrate, particularly a chilled version, usually requires a considerable amount of time-something I often lack during hectic mornings. When I first learned about a recent, budget-friendly kitchen gadget capable of producing espresso concentrate in just minutes, I was highly skeptical. However, after six months of using the OXO Quick Brewer, I’ve become a firm advocate for its ability to deliver robust, full-bodied espresso in a mere five minutes.
EMILY WAY FOR TASTE OF HOME
EMILY WAY FOR TASTE OF HOME
Introducing the OXO Quick Brewer: A Rapid Solution for Espresso Concentrates
The OXO Quick Brewer is a compact, user-friendly device designed to produce hot or iced espresso concentrates in just a few minutes. Unlike traditional methods that can take hours or even days to develop a rich flavor profile, this machine streamlines the process, making it possible to enjoy fresh, cafe-quality espresso at home or on the go. The entire operation-from grinding beans to pouring the final shot-takes approximately two to five minutes, offering a significant time-saving advantage.
The true appeal of the Quick Brewer lies in its dual benefits. First, it drastically reduces the wait time for a flavorful espresso extract. Second, it offers extensive customization options, allowing users to select their preferred beans, adjust the strength, and decide on hot or cold preparations. This flexibility opens up a world of possibilities-from crafting sophisticated espresso martinis and enhancing baked goods with deep coffee notes to making classic drinks like lattes and iced frappes.
How I Put the OXO Quick Brewer to the Test
Initially, I found the assembly of the OXO Quick Brewer somewhat intricate, as it disassembles into five components: a tamp, pump, drip cup, water chamber, and grounds basket. However, each piece screws easily onto the next, making setup and cleaning straightforward. Both hot and cold concentrate preparations follow a similar process, with the main differences being the amount of grounds and water used, as well as the water temperature. Once familiar with the steps, I found it comparable to making a pour-over or French press-simple and intuitive.
Choosing the Right Grind Size
The grind size of your coffee beans plays a crucial role in the quality of the concentrate. Whether using Arabica, Robusta, or specialty beans, the grind should be slightly coarser than espresso but finer than drip coffee. I used my Cuisinart grinder, experimenting with settings one through three, to find the optimal grind for extraction. The goal is to ensure the grounds are packed tightly enough to prevent water from bypassing but loose enough to allow proper flow during brewing. Medium to dark roasts, such as Lavazza Crema e Gusto or Illy Classico, tend to produce the most balanced and flavorful concentrates, though lighter roasts can work with adjustments.
Preparing the Grounds and Assembly
Once your grounds are ready, add approximately 1/4 cup for hot espresso or 1/2 cup for iced concentrate into the grounds basket. Use the tamper to press the grounds firmly and evenly, aligning with the markings inside the basket to ensure proper compression. Attach the grounds basket to the bottom of the water chamber, then place the assembly on the drip cup. Fill the water chamber with hot (up to 212°F) or room temperature water up to the indicated line. Secure the pump onto the water chamber, creating a vacuum seal by pulling upward on the pump handle.
Brewing and Steeping
Set a timer for two minutes if you’re making hot espresso, or five minutes for a chilled version. During this period, the machine extracts the coffee’s rich flavors. When the time is up, repeatedly press the pump to push hot or cold water through the grounds, extracting the concentrated coffee essence. You’ll notice some foam forming-while it’s not true crema, it indicates a successful extraction. The result is a potent, full-bodied espresso concentrate that’s ready for dilution and enjoyment.
Important: Remember, this is a highly concentrated brew. It’s essential to dilute it with hot water, milk, or ice before drinking to avoid overwhelming intensity.
Enjoying Hot and Cold Coffee Creations
One of the most delightful aspects of the Quick Brewer is its versatility. For a classic hot latte, pour half of the concentrate into a mug, microwave some milk or plant-based alternative until steaming, then froth it using a handheld whisk or even a fork. Pour the frothed milk over the concentrate, spoon on some foam, and enjoy a café-quality beverage in minutes.
For iced coffee, simply pour the concentrate over a glass filled with ice, then add milk or water to taste. The concentrate also lends itself well to creative recipes-think coffee-infused baked goods, smoothies, or even adding a splash to chili or chocolate batter for a deeper flavor profile. Additionally, frozen coffee pucks made with the concentrate can be stored in the freezer and used to quickly prepare iced drinks or hot water infusions.
Easy Cleanup and Maintenance
Unlike traditional espresso machines, which often require complex descaling routines, the OXO Quick Brewer is remarkably simple to clean. Discard the used grounds into compost or trash, rinse all removable parts under running water, and give them a gentle scrub with dish soap if needed. The only caution is to avoid submerging the pump in water-simply wipe it clean. Most components are dishwasher safe, making maintenance hassle-free and ensuring your device remains in top condition.
Advantages and Limitations
- Quickly produces rich, flavorful espresso concentrate in minutes
- Suitable for both hot and iced beverages
- Extremely user-friendly and easy to operate
- Durable construction for long-term use
- Portable and travel-friendly design
- Eliminates the need for paper filters
- Requires some trial and error to perfect the grind and tamping
- Best suited for medium to dark roasts; lighter roasts may need adjustments
Comparing the OXO Quick Brewer to the Aeropress
The Aeropress has long been a favorite among coffee aficionados for its portability and quick brewing time. I’ve owned three over the past seven years-one at home, one at my workplace, and one in my car for travel emergencies. Unlike the pressurized OXO Quick Brewer, the Aeropress operates more like a traditional French press, relying on manual pressure to extract flavor.
So, which is better? The answer depends on your priorities. The Aeropress excels in portability and the ability to produce a clean, rich brew with minimal equipment. However, the OXO Quick Brewer offers the advantage of no paper filters, which can sometimes alter the taste, and produces a more concentrated shot with a single push. For those seeking a straightforward, quick, and versatile device, the Quick Brewer often becomes my go-to, especially for its ability to deliver a full-bodied espresso in just minutes.
Final Thoughts: Is the OXO Quick Brewer Worth It?
Overall, I find the OXO Quick Brewer to be an exceptionally convenient, affordable, and effective tool for making high-quality espresso concentrates. Its ability to generate over one bar of pressure during extraction surpasses typical drip coffee, bringing it closer to traditional espresso in richness and body. While it may not match the pressure of commercial machines or portable options like the Minipresso-which can reach up to eight bars-the Quick Brewer strikes an excellent balance between ease of use and quality.
For those who love premade concentrates but crave more control and customization, this device offers a compelling alternative. It pays for itself quickly-often after just a couple of uses-and opens up endless possibilities for personalized coffee drinks. Whether you’re a busy professional, a home barista, or a traveler, the OXO Quick Brewer can elevate your caffeine routine without adding complexity or cost.
Where to Purchase the OXO Quick Brewer
EMILY WAY FOR TASTE OF HOME
EMILY WAY FOR TASTE OF HOME
Interested in trying out the OXO Quick Brewer? It’s available at major retailers such as Amazon, Macy’s, Target, and directly through OXO’s website. Priced around $40, it’s an accessible investment for anyone looking to streamline their coffee routine. Some versions come with a sleek red finish or a stylish carrying case, making it an excellent gift or travel companion. Save time, enjoy fresh espresso, and start your mornings with a new level of convenience-no special skills or equipment required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean the OXO Quick Brewer?
Cleaning is straightforward: simply discard the used grounds into compost or trash, rinse all removable parts under running water, and give them a gentle scrub with dish soap if necessary. The pump should never be submerged in water-just wipe it clean. Most components are dishwasher safe, making maintenance quick and easy.
How do I use the OXO Quick Brewer effectively?
Start by grinding your beans to a coarser consistency than espresso but finer than drip coffee. Unscrew the device’s parts, add the grounds to the basket-about 1/4 cup for hot concentrate or 1/2 cup for iced-then tamp firmly. Attach the grounds basket to the water chamber, fill with hot or room temperature water up to the indicated line, and secure the pump. Pull the pump handle to create a vacuum, then set a timer for two minutes (hot) or five minutes (cold). After steeping, pump repeatedly to extract the concentrate, which can then be diluted and enjoyed.
