GSI Commuter Javapress Review
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As a self-proclaimed coffee nerd I have high expectations for my morning coffee, so I was intrigued and admittedly a little skeptical when I received the GSI Commuter Javapress in the mail. Could it really make good coffee quickly all in an easy to use, no hassle to-go cup? Well, the Commuter Javapress did not disappoint.
GSI Commuter Javapress Design
The Commuter Javapress is a cleverly designed French press to-go mug. Rather than a screen or plunger that you depress into the coffee, the GSI Commuter Javapress utilizes a mug-within-a-mug system. It is essentially a triple layer design in which the innermost layer is a mug with a stainless mesh screen bottom and a screw on lid. The second layer is the outer mug which the inner layer presses into to seal the coffee in. The third layer is an insulated sleeve designed from recycled materials. The outside also features a non-slip foot.
Brewing with the Commuter Javapress
While brewing coffee in the Commuter Javapress is more involved than the press of a button in the morning (or setting a timer the night before) like most are used to, I had no problem adjusting since French Press coffee is a daily ritual in our household. Brewing in the Commuter Javapress is extremely simple.
1.) heat water
2.) add 2-5 tablespoons (to taste) of coarse ground coffee to the outer mug (the one without the mesh bottom). I generally did 2-3 tablespoons of coffee.
3.) pour nearly boiling water onto the grounds, then set the inner mug just inside the outer mug right at the water line
4.) wait four minutes then press the inner mug down slowly.
5.) if you wish to add cream or sugar, just hold the top of the mug, turn the lid, add what you’d like and replace the lid.
The Commuter Javapress made great coffee. I also noticed there was even less grit in the coffee than with a traditional French Press.
Portability
Given the layered design and the lid being attached to the inner layer, I was a bit skeptical that the Commuter Javapress would not be sealed tightly and would leak. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it did not leak one bit from between the layers or from the flip top lid. As I struggled out the door most mornings with a purse, computer bag, gym bag, lunch sack, and more, I never had to be worried that I would spill coffee all over everything even as I held the mug sideways digging for my keys or picking up one more item.
Cleanup
The simple design of the Commuter Javapress also made cleanup a breeze. The grounds were easy to swish out with some water, all of the pieces came apart and could easily been washed with soap and water. Even the insulated layer and rubber foot are removable making it simple to keep every nook and cranny clean.
Overview
Overall, I love the design and simplicity of the GSI Commuter Javapress. It makes great coffee, doesn’t leak, is easy to clean, durable and fits perfectly in the car cupholder and my hand. And don’t worry, from the outside it looks just like a regular travel mug, so you don’t have to reveal our inner coffee nerd to your friends and co-workers. It holds 15 oz. of coffee and is reasonably priced. For more info on this and other GSI products, visit www.rei.com/gsioutdoors or www.amazon.com/gsi.
