Aeropress Brew Guide

The Aeropress is a versatile, easy-to-use coffee brewing device that’s loved for its ability to create smooth, flavorful coffee with minimal effort and time. Whether you're brewing a strong espresso-like shot or a lighter, filter-style coffee, the Aeropress offers great flexibility and control over the brewing process. Here’s a detailed guide to help you brew the perfect cup with an Aeropress.

1. What You Need

Equipment:

  • Aeropress Coffee Maker: The standard size is usually sufficient for most uses.
  • Coffee Grinder: A burr grinder is ideal. You’ll need a medium-fine grind, similar to table salt.
  • Kettle: A gooseneck kettle for precise pouring is recommended.
  • Scale: For accurate measurements (optional but recommended).
  • Timer: To control brew time (optional but recommended).
  • Paper or Metal Filter: The Aeropress comes with paper filters, but you can use a reusable metal filter if you prefer.
  • Stirrer or Spoon: To mix the coffee grounds and water.
  • Cup or Mug: To catch your brewed coffee.

2. Coffee-to-Water Ratio

The standard ratio is 1:15 to 1:17 (1g of coffee for every 15-17g of water), but you can adjust depending on how strong or light you want your coffee.

For example:

  • For 15g of coffee (a strong brew), use 225g of water.
  • For 18g of coffee (a lighter brew), use 270g of water.

Adjust the amount based on the size of your Aeropress and your taste preference.

3. Brewing Method

There are two common brewing methods for Aeropress: the Standard (Inverted) Method and the Traditional Method. Both produce great coffee, but the inverted method allows you to control extraction a bit better.

4. Standard (Inverted) Method

This method is generally considered the best for getting a rich, full-bodied brew.

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

  • Assemble your Aeropress upside down (with the plunger at the bottom) so the coffee doesn’t drip out prematurely.
  • Place the Aeropress on your scale and set it to zero.

Step 2: Add Coffee Grounds

  • Weigh out your 15g of coffee (or 1 to 1.5 tablespoons) and add it to the Aeropress.
  • Use a medium-fine grind, similar to table salt, but adjust based on your taste preference.

Step 3: Add Water

  • Boil water and let it cool for about 30 seconds so it’s at 200°F (93°C). You can use a thermometer or just let the water cool slightly after boiling.
  • Pour 225g of hot water (or your desired water amount) into the Aeropress, saturating all the coffee grounds. Stir gently with a spoon or the Aeropress stirrer to ensure all the coffee grounds are fully mixed.

Step 4: Steep

  • Let the coffee steep for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Adjust the steep time based on how strong you want the brew. A longer steep time extracts more flavors but can result in bitterness, while a shorter steep time results in a lighter flavor.

Step 5: Attach the Filter Cap

  • While the coffee is steeping, place a paper filter in the filter cap and rinse it with hot water to remove any papery taste. If you’re using a metal filter, you can skip this step.
  • Attach the filter cap firmly to the Aeropress.

Step 6: Flip and Press

  • After the steep time has passed, carefully flip the Aeropress onto your mug or cup.
  • Slowly press down on the plunger with even pressure. This should take around 20-30 seconds. Pressing too quickly can result in an under-extracted brew, while pressing too slowly may lead to bitterness.

Step 7: Enjoy

  • Once you’ve pressed all the coffee through, remove the Aeropress and discard the coffee grounds. Stir the coffee in your mug and enjoy!

5. Traditional Method

The traditional method is simpler and is often used for a lighter, cleaner cup of coffee.

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

  • Place the Aeropress on top of your mug or cup with the filter cap in place. Ensure the filter is rinsed if using paper.

Step 2: Add Coffee Grounds

  • Add your 15g of coffee to the Aeropress and shake it gently to level the grounds.

Step 3: Add Water

  • Pour 225g of hot water into the Aeropress, just off the boil (about 200°F / 93°C). Stir the coffee and water together to ensure all the grounds are evenly saturated.

Step 4: Steep

  • Let the coffee steep for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your desired strength. You can experiment with the steeping time to adjust the flavor.

Step 5: Press

  • After steeping, press down on the plunger with steady, even pressure for about 20-30 seconds until all the water has passed through the grounds.

Step 6: Enjoy

  • Remove the Aeropress, discard the used coffee grounds, and enjoy your freshly brewed cup.

6. Tips for Perfect Aeropress Coffee

  • Grind Size: For a more intense flavor, use a finer grind (similar to table salt). For a lighter brew, use a coarser grind.
  • Water Temperature: Aim for 200°F (93°C) to avoid over-extraction (which can cause bitterness) or under-extraction (which can lead to weak coffee).
  • Stirring: Stir the coffee grounds thoroughly to ensure even extraction.
  • Pressing: Apply slow, steady pressure when pressing to avoid breaking the filter and to get a consistent extraction.
  • Brew Time: The Aeropress allows for some flexibility with steeping time. A longer steep will produce a stronger, richer brew, while a shorter steep yields a lighter cup.

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Coffee Tastes Bitter:

    • Cause: Over-extraction or too fine a grind.
    • Solution: Try using a coarser grind, shorten the steep time, or reduce the pressure while pressing.

  • Coffee Tastes Weak:

    • Cause: Under-extraction or too coarse a grind.
    • Solution: Use more coffee, a finer grind, or increase the steeping time.

  • Difficult to Press or Sticking Filter:

    • Cause: Over-tightened filter cap or clogging from fine coffee grounds.
    • Solution: Ensure the filter cap is not over-tightened, and make sure the grind is appropriate.

8. Aeropress Variations

  • Inverted Method: The inverted method (described above) is popular for fuller-bodied brews. It prevents coffee from dripping through the filter while steeping and gives you more control over the extraction time.
  • Cold Brew Aeropress: You can also use the Aeropress to brew cold coffee. Use the inverted method and steep the coffee with cold water for 12–24 hours in the fridge. Then press as usual.

9. Conclusion

The Aeropress is an incredibly versatile and convenient coffee maker that produces delicious, rich coffee with minimal effort. Whether you prefer a strong espresso-like brew or a lighter, cleaner cup, the Aeropress allows you to fine-tune the process to suit your taste. Experiment with grind size, brew time, and ratios to discover your perfect cup, and enjoy the simple yet effective brewing method that has captivated coffee lovers around the world. Happy brewing!