The AeroPress has become a beloved tool among coffee enthusiasts for its versatility, ease of use, and ability to produce a rich, flavorful cup of coffee. Whether you're a coffee novice or a seasoned barista, the AeroPress offers a quick and customizable brewing method. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of making coffee with an AeroPress, from selecting your beans to the final sip.
What is an AeroPress?
Invented by Alan Adler in 2005, the AeroPress is a compact, portable brewing device that uses air pressure to push hot water through coffee grounds, creating a rich, espresso-like shot or a cleaner, full-bodied coffee. It consists of three main parts: a cylindrical brewing chamber, a filter cap, and a plunger. The device is favored for its simplicity, ease of cleaning, and the consistency it delivers in brewing.
What You’ll Need
- **AeroPress brewing device**- **Freshly roasted coffee beans** (medium to dark roast works well)
- **Grinder** (preferably a burr grinder for consistent grind size)
- **Hot water** (around 195°F to 205°F or 90°C to 96°C)
- **Coffee filter** (either paper filters or a reusable metal filter)
- **Stirring stick or spoon**
- **Scale** (optional, but recommended for accuracy)
- **Timer** (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Brewing Coffee with an AeroPress
Step 1: Prepare Your EquipmentStart by assembling your AeroPress. If you're using a paper filter, place it in the filter cap and rinse it with hot water. This removes any paper taste and preheats the device. Set the AeroPress on a sturdy mug or carafe.
Step 2: Measure Your Coffee
The standard coffee-to-water ratio for an AeroPress is around 1:15 to 1:17, meaning for every gram of coffee, you'll use about 15 to 17 grams of water. A good starting point is **14–16 grams of coffee** (about one rounded AeroPress scoop) for a 240 ml (8 oz) cup of coffee. If you want to make adjustments based on taste preferences, feel free to experiment with the ratio.
Step 3: Grind Your Coffee
Grind your coffee beans to a **medium-fine grind**, similar to table salt. The grind size is crucial because it impacts the flow rate of water through the coffee grounds and, ultimately, the flavor. If your grind is too fine, the coffee may taste bitter; too coarse, and the brew might be under-extracted.
Step 4: Boil and Cool Your Water
Boil your water and let it cool for about 30 seconds, bringing the temperature to around 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C). If you don't have a thermometer, just let the water come to a boil and then rest for 30 seconds.
Step 5: Add Coffee Grounds to the AeroPress
Place the AeroPress on your scale (if using) and add the ground coffee to the brewing chamber. Give the AeroPress a gentle shake to level out the grounds.
Step 6: Pour in Hot Water
Start your timer and pour hot water into the AeroPress, ensuring that all the coffee grounds are evenly saturated. You can pour in **around 200 ml (6.7 oz)** of water for a typical brew, or adjust according to your preferred strength. If you're using the inverted method (which we’ll cover below), pour the water directly into the chamber up to the top, but don’t put the filter cap on yet.
Step 7: Stir and Steep
Use the stirring stick or spoon to stir the coffee gently for about 10 seconds. This helps ensure even extraction. After stirring, let the coffee steep for around **30 seconds to 1 minute** depending on how strong you want it. The longer the steep, the more intense the flavor will be.
Step 8: Attach the Filter Cap
If you're using the regular (non-inverted) method, carefully attach the filter cap with the pre-rinsed paper filter onto the AeroPress. If you’re using the inverted method, you’ll attach the filter cap once you've completed the next step.
Step 9: Press the Coffee
Now comes the fun part. Place the plunger on the AeroPress and, with steady pressure, begin pressing down. The goal is to apply firm, even pressure to push the water through the coffee grounds. This should take about **20 to 30 seconds**. If it’s taking longer, you may need to adjust your grind size (make it a bit coarser) or check that you're not pressing too hard.
If you’re using the inverted method, once you finish pressing, carefully flip the AeroPress onto your mug or carafe.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Coffee
Once the plunger reaches the bottom, your coffee is ready! Remove the AeroPress, discard the used grounds and filter, and give your coffee a gentle swirl to mix it up.
You can drink your AeroPress coffee as-is or dilute it with a little hot water if it’s too strong. If you prefer milk or cream, now’s the time to add it.
The Inverted Method: A Quick Note
The inverted method is a popular alternative to the standard AeroPress technique. In this method, you brew with the AeroPress upside-down, with the plunger at the bottom and the filter at the top (which remains uncovered until the end). This method gives you more control over steep time and allows you to stir the coffee more easily.
Here’s a quick rundown of the inverted method:
1. Assemble the AeroPress upside down (plunger at the bottom).
2. Add coffee grounds and pour hot water into the chamber.
3. Stir the coffee and let it steep for 1 minute.
4. Attach the filter cap (pre-wet the filter), then carefully flip the AeroPress onto your cup.
5. Press down slowly to extract the coffee.
Many people find the inverted method offers a richer and more intense flavor.
Tips for the Perfect AeroPress Coffee
- **Experiment with brew times**: If your coffee tastes too bitter, try a shorter steep time; if it’s too weak, let it steep a little longer.
- **Use fresh coffee beans**: Freshly roasted coffee beans ground just before brewing will give you the best flavor.
- **Adjust grind size**: If your coffee tastes under-extracted (weak or sour), make the grind finer. If it’s over-extracted (bitter or harsh), try a coarser grind.
- **Clean your AeroPress**: The AeroPress is easy to clean — just remove the used coffee grounds and rinse the device under warm water.
Making coffee with an AeroPress is an enjoyable process that offers flexibility in brewing, allowing you to tailor each cup to your taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick morning brew, a strong espresso-like drink, or a smooth, clean cup, the AeroPress delivers every time. With just a few simple steps and a little practice, you’ll be able to make coffee that rivals your favorite café.