The AeroPress coffee maker is a compact, portable brewer invented by Alan Adler in 2005. Known for producing smooth, low-acid coffee in under two minutes, the AeroPress is a favorite among home brewers and competitors. There's even a World AeroPress Championship.
In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step instructions, brew ratios, and expert tips to master the AeroPress.
What You'll Need
- Aeropress Original, AeroPress Clear or Aeropress Go
- Paper microfilter (or reusable stainless filter)
- Freshly ground coffee (medium-fine grind, ~15–17g)
- Hot water (175–205°F / 80–96°C)
- Stirring stick or spoon
- Mug
Step-by-Step Instructions (Standard Method)
Step 1. Assemble the Brewer
Insert a paper filter into the filter cap, rinse with hot water to remove paper taste and warm up the cap.
Step 2. Add Coffee
Use ~15–17g of freshly ground coffee (about 2–3 tablespoons).
Step 3. Add Hot Water
Pour to the “1” or “2” mark (approx. 220ml). Stir for 10 seconds.
Tip: If you're using a scale, remove the AeroPress from it at this point. You don't want to press while it's still on the scale.
Step 4. Press
Insert the plunger and press gently for 20–30 seconds. Stop when you hear the hiss.
Result: A smooth, concentrated cup that can be enjoyed straight or diluted with water (like an Americano) or milk (more like a latte).
Alternative Method: Inverted AeroPress
Many competitors use the inverted method for more control.
- Flip the AeroPress upside down.
- Add coffee and water.
- Steep for 1–2 minutes.
- Flip onto your cup and press.
Tradeoff: The inverted method gives a stronger, bolder cup but requires careful flipping to avoid spills.
Brewing Ratios and Adjustments
| Style | Coffee | Water | Brew Time | Notes |
| Classic | 15g | 220ml | 1 - 2 min | Balanced cup |
| Stronger | 17g | 200ml | 1 -1.5 min | Espresso-like concentrate |
| Lighter | 14g | 250ml | 2 min | More tea-like clarity |
AeroPress vs Other Brewing Methods
| Brewing Method | Key Differences | Tradeoffs |
| French Press | AeroPress produces a cleaner cup with less sediment. |
French Press yields a heavier body but can taste muddy.
|
| Pour Over (V60, Chemex, etc.) | AeroPress is faster and more forgiving on grind & pour technique. |
Pour Over allows more control, but requires precision.
|
| Espresso Machine | AeroPress is portable, affordable, and easy to use. |
Espresso machines deliver crema & higher pressure but are costly and less portable.
|
Expert Brewing Tips
- Use fresh, filtered water.
- Grind slightly finer than drip coffee but coarser than espresso.
- Try metal filters for more body, or paper filters for clarity.
- Experiment with recipes from the World AeroPress Championship.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
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Coffee Tastes Bitter → Use cooler water (175°F / 80°C) or shorten brew time.
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Coffee Is Too Weak → Increase dose or extend steep time.
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Too Hard to Press → Grind coarser, reduce coffee dose, or stir less.
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Coffee Too Sour → Use hotter water or brew slightly longer.
FAQs: Quick Answers About AeroPress
Q: Can I make cold brew with an AeroPress?
Yes - You can make cold brew with an AeroPress by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12–24 hours, then pressing through the AeroPress with a paper filter. While AeroPress isn't designed for long steeping, it works as a fast filtration tool to finish cold brew made in another container.
Q: Is the AeroPress Go different from the Original?
The main difference between the AeroPress Go and the Original AeroPress is portability. The AeroPress Go is smaller, includes a travel mug, and packs into itself for compact storage. Both brewers make the same quality coffee, but the Original is better suited for home use due to its larger capacity.
Q: How do I clean an AeroPress?
Clean an AeroPress by removing the cap, pushing the coffee puck into the trash, rinsing the plunger and chamber with warm water, and washing all parts with mild soap if needed. For deep cleaning, disassemble and soak parts in warm soapy water, then rinse thoroughly and let air dry.
