Individual brewing with an aeropress

How To Brew With An Aeropress:

What is an AeroPress?

The AeroPress is a versatile manual coffee maker that uses air pressure to brew coffee quickly and efficiently. Invented in 2005 by Alan Adler, this compact device produces smooth, rich coffee with low acidity and minimal bitterness.

Perfect for: All roast levels, travel brewing, quick single cups, and anyone who wants consistent, smooth coffee.

What you'll need

  • AeroPress coffee maker (Original or Go model)
  • AeroPress paper filters (microfilters for clean extraction)

  • Freshly roasted coffee beans
  • Coffee grinder (preferably burr grinder)
  • Digital kitchen scale (accurate to 1g)
  • Timer (smartphone works fine)
  • Stirring paddle (included with AeroPress)
  • Sturdy mug or carafe (to catch the brewed coffee)
individual adding water brewiing with an aeropress

Step-by-Step AeroPress Brewing Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Setup

  1. Heat water to 200°F (just off boiling)
  2. Insert paper filter into AeroPress cap
  3. Rinse filter with hot water to remove paper taste
  4. Assemble AeroPress on sturdy mug or carafe
  5. Grind coffee to medium-fine consistency

Step 2: Add Coffee and Water

  1. Place AeroPress on scale with mug underneath
  2. Add 15g ground coffee to chamber
  3. Zero/tare your scale
  4. Start timer and pour 220g hot water
  5. Stir gently for 10 seconds to saturate all grounds

coffee blooming in an aeropress

Step 3: Steep and Plunge

  1. Insert plunger and pull up slightly to create seal
  2. Steep for 1 minute 15 seconds total
  3. Press plunger down slowly for 30 seconds
  4. Stop when you hear hissing (all coffee extracted)
  5. Remove AeroPress and serve immediately
brewing with an aeropress

AeroPress vs Inverted Method

Standard Method (Recommended for Beginners):

  • Easier setup - less chance of spills
  • Consistent results - follows manufacturer design
  • Faster brewing - coffee drips while steeping

Inverted Method:

  • More control over steep time
  • No dripping during steeping
  • Requires careful flipping - risk of spills
Text overlay on a white background promoting a step-by-step guide for brewing coffee with an AeroPress.

Troubleshooting Your AeroPress Coffee

  • Use coarser grind
  • Reduce steep time (try 45 seconds)
  • Lower water temperature (195°F)
  • Use less coffee (try 13g instead of 15g)
  • Use finer grind
  • Increase steep time (try 1:45)
  • Raise water temperature (205°F)
  • Add more coffee (try 17g instead of 15g)
  • Use coarser grind
  • Don't press too hard - let pressure do the work
  • Check filter placement - ensure it's properly seated
  • Check filter - ensure it's not damaged
  • Use coarser grind
  • Don't over-press - stop when hissing starts

Best Coffee Beans for AeroPress

Great for All Roasts

AeroPress vs Other Brew Methods

Method Body Clarity Time Best For
AeroPress Medium-Full Medium 2 min Quick, smooth coffee
French Press Full Low 4 min Bold, rich coffee
V60 Light-Medium High 3 min Bright, clean coffee
Aeropress coffee maker with coffee being poured into it

AeroPress Brewing Variations

Concentrated Method (Coffee "Espresso"):

  • Coffee: 20g
  • Water: 60g
  • Steep: 30 seconds
  • Dilute with hot water or milk to taste

Iced AeroPress Coffee:

  • Use double coffee (30g coffee, 120g water)
  • Brew over ice (100g ice in serving glass)
  • Stir and enjoy immediately

Cold Brew AeroPress:

  • Coffee: 30g
  • Cold water: 220g
  • Steep: 2 minutes
  • Press and serve over ice
AeroPress coffee maker with a clear chamber and handle, filled with coffee on a neutral background.

Tips for AeroPress Brewing:

Grinding:

  • Use burr grinder for consistent particle size
  • Grind just before brewing for freshness
  • Medium-fine works best - like table salt
  • Adjust grind if brew time feels wrong

Water Quality:

  • Use filtered water if tap water tastes off
  • 200°F is ideal - not boiling hot
  • Consistent temperature improves extraction

Technique Tips:

  • Gentle stirring prevents over-extraction
  • Steady pressure when plunging
  • Don't rush the press - 30 seconds is ideal
  • Clean immediately for easy maintenance
Person assembling an AeroPress coffee maker on a white surface.

Cleaning Your AeroPress

After Each Use:

  1. Remove cap and push out filter with coffee puck
  2. Rinse all parts with hot water
  3. Quick scrub if any residue remains
  4. Air dry completely before storing

Deep Cleaning:

  • Weekly: Wash with mild soap and warm water
  • Check rubber seal for wear and coffee oils
  • Replace filters when running low

Why Choose AeroPress?

The AeroPress offers the perfect balance of convenience and quality. Unlike complex pour-over methods, it's nearly foolproof while still producing excellent coffee. The pressure brewing creates a unique cup with fuller body than pour-over but cleaner taste than French Press.

Key benefits:

  • Fast brewing (under 3 minutes total)
  • Consistent results every time
  • Easy cleanup with paper filters
  • Portable design perfect for travel
  • Versatile - works with any roast level

Ready to Start Brewing?

Begin with our basic recipe: 15g coffee, 220g water, medium-fine grind, and 200°F water. Focus on gentle stirring and steady pressure when plunging.

Remember: The AeroPress is forgiving, so don't worry about perfection. Start with our recipe, then adjust grind size, coffee amount, or steeping time to match your taste preferences.

Pro tip: Try the inverted method once you're comfortable with the standard technique - many coffee enthusiasts prefer the extra control it provides.