The Fellow Prismo is an attachment for the Aeropress that allows you to brew espresso-like coffee. It has a pressure-actuated valve that generates extra pressure and brews a shorter, stronger shot of coffee.
What is the Fellow Prismo?
The Fellow Prismo is a pressurized valve that connects to the brewing chamber of the Aeropress instead of the plastic filter cap. It works similarly to a double-walled or pressurized portafilter basket by increasing the pressure to create coffee similar to espresso.
Brewing with the Fellow Prismo
When brewing with Fellow Prismo, you grind your coffee finer than usual.
- Add the Fellow Prismo attachment to the bottom of your Aeropress and set it on a scale.
- Grind 20g of coffee ground at a fine setting and add to the Aeropress.
- Start your timer and slowly pour 50 grams of boiling water into the AeroPress over ten seconds.
- Stir the coffee for 20-30 seconds (stirring increases extraction and makes a stronger, more syrupy body).
- Once your timer reaches 60 seconds, place the Aeropress over your cup.
- Position the plunger on top of the Aeropress and press down quickly to pull your shot. It should take 10-20 seconds to pull the shot.
- Enjoy.
What’s to Love About the Fellow Prismo?
Reusable Metal Filter
The Fellow Prismo has several advantages; the first is that it comes with a 70-micron reusable metal filter which eliminates the need for paper filters. A metal filter allows both the coffee oils and fines to make it into the cup, creating a richer and deeper mouthfeel with a more robust flavor. Aeropress coffee brewed with a metal filter resembles coffee from a Moka Pot or French press that is heavier, richer, and almost earthy. For a guide to Aeropress filters, see our article here. You could still use a paper filter with the Fellow Prismo to reduce the grittiness in the final cup.
No Drip Seal
Secondly, the Fellow Prismo has a no-drip seal, which stays sealed until you push down. The seal allows you to brew via a full immersion method without inverting the Aeropress. This let you brew with confidence knowing that you won’t have to worry about leakage during extraction.
The inverted method is where you flip the Aeropress upside down with the plunger sealed into the brewing chamber to prevent leakage. You then add your coffee and water and brew via immersion creating a more balanced flavor profile. When you are ready to press, place the filter cap on, flip the Aeropress onto your cup, and then press.
Taste
So, the most crucial question. What does coffee brewed with the Fellow Prismo taste like?
The coffee is strong and concentrated with a similar taste to Moka Pot. It has a creamy mouthfeel with a bold flavor. It doesn’t have the honey, syrupy texture, or crema you would get with a real espresso shot. And that is because even though the Fellow Prismo increases the pressure, it is nowhere near producing the pressure required for espresso. So while the Fellow Prismo does create stronger coffee, it is not espresso. Nonetheless, the Fellow Prismo can be an excellent addition changing how you use your Aeropress.
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The Final Verdict
If you are looking for an attachment to give you espresso, the Fellow Prismo is not for you! However, if you want to change the way you brew with your Aeropress and brew a stronger coffee, it is worth giving the Fellow Prismo a try. It is affordable, durable, and fun to brew with.
Happy Buying!
