It's not a huge deal in practice in my experience. You could always buy a press that uses filters, such as the aeropress.

I love the AeroPress. Bought one a week ago and it makes pretty amazing coffee. No need for an expensive espresso machine to make super-smooth americano... PS: I don't work for AeroPress :)

I too share your passion for the AeroPress, and might I add, that using the upside down brewing method[1] it makes excellent americano. Best I've ever had actually.

Coffee is not supposed to be bitter, and it's a shame that so many people think "Oh, well, that's just the way coffee tastes I guess.".

I recently got my parents one, and they went "Ohh, it can taste like that? That's really good!"

[1]: http://coffeecollective.blogspot.com/2010/01/updated-aeropre...

I've never heard of the upside-down method. That makes a ton of sense.

I often wish I was on commission for Aeropress, such is my apparent ability to sell the things.

They are excellent though - practically sell themselves.

One does indeed get sludge using a blade grinder, but it's not nearly as unpleasant an experience if the coffee is good. That said, Kitchenaid makes a great burr grinder for drip or press use. Low-end burr grinders are also pretty cheap. There are of course many very expensive espresso grinders, but they are best at making an espresso grind (very fine) and may not be good at medium or coarse settings, or may not have them at all.

Not a big deal. Just don't pour the whole contents of the french press into your cup, and don't drink the sludge at the bottom.