This effortlessly easy-to-use coffee maker lets you enjoy your favorite brew at home or on a well-deserved vacation by the lake. But what exactly is the AeroPress, and how do you brew coffee with it? Which coffee beans work best? Read on to find out.

 

What is an AeroPress, and what should you know about it?

The AeroPress is a brewing device designed for alternative coffee preparation. It consists of a plunger, a brewing chamber with a filter cap, and either a metal or paper filter. Its popularity has been steadily growing, both in coffee shops and home kitchens. Thanks to its compact size and lightweight design, it’s also the perfect travel companion.

 

What makes the AeroPress so special?

The secret to the AeroPress’ success lies in its simplicity, versatility, and ability to consistently produce great coffee in a way that’s accessible to everyone. It’s more than just a coffee maker—it’s a tool for experimenting and discovering new flavors and textures. Its reliability and adaptability to individual taste preferences have earned it a devoted following among coffee lovers worldwide.

 

What do you need to brew coffee with an AeroPress?

 

Essential equipment

The AeroPress kit includes everything you need to brew a delicious cup of coffee— a brewing chamber, plunger, plastic filter cap, stirrer, funnel, and a coffee scoop.

Additionally, for the best brewing experience, you’ll need:

• A scale with a timer to measure your coffee and water precisely.
• A mug or carafe to press the coffee into.
• A burr grinder to freshly grind your coffee beans.
• A gooseneck kettle for controlled pouring.
• Optionally, a thermometer to monitor water temperature.

Filters

The AeroPress requires round paper filters, which help retain coffee grounds in the chamber, ensuring a clean and sediment-free brew. Most AeroPress kits include a starter pack of filters. These filters allow for the use of finely ground coffee, enhancing the extraction process and resulting in a well-balanced cup.

 

 

 

How to brew delicious coffee with an AeroPress

The AeroPress works similarly to a syringe—ground coffee is steeped in hot water and then pushed through a filter under pressure, leaving behind unwanted coffee grounds. The optimal water temperature for AeroPress brewing ranges from 90°C to 96°C (194°F to 205°F).

Beyond delivering excellent coffee, the AeroPress offers a fun and flexible brewing experience. You can experiment with different techniques and customize your brew to suit your preferences.

 

 

AeroPress brewing methods

The classic method

The classic AeroPress method is simple and effective:

1. Place a paper filter into the filter cap and rinse it with hot water to remove any paper taste.
2. Attach the cap to the brewing chamber and place the AeroPress on top of your cup.
3. Add freshly ground coffee to the chamber (medium-fine grind).
4. Pour a small amount of hot water to bloom the coffee for 30 seconds.
5. Add the remaining water and steep for another 60–120 seconds, stirring gently.
6. Insert the plunger and press down slowly and evenly for about 30 seconds.
7. Once you hear a hissing sound, stop pressing—your coffee is ready.

 

The inverted method

The inverted method differs in that the AeroPress starts upside down:

1. Insert the plunger into the brewing chamber, creating a seal.
2. Add ground coffee into the chamber (before attaching the filter cap).
3. Pour hot water, stir, and let the coffee steep for 60–120 seconds.
4. Attach the filter cap with the rinsed paper filter.
5. Carefully flip the AeroPress onto your cup and press down slowly and evenly.
6. Stop pressing when you hear the hissing sound—your coffee is ready.

 

 

Which AeroPress brewing method is better?

Classic or inverted—which method should you choose? It depends on your personal taste and preferred coffee intensity.

• The classic method offers a slightly stronger and bolder cup since the coffee remains in contact with water for a shorter period. It’s faster and more straightforward, making it a great choice when you're in a hurry.
• The inverted method produces a smoother, well-balanced brew with more control over the extraction time, which allows for better customization of flavor.

If you enjoy experimenting with different coffee profiles, try both methods to see which suits you best!

 

 

The unique appeal of the AeroPress

For espresso lovers who usually shy away from alternative brewing methods, the AeroPress is a game changer. It allows you to brew a rich, full-bodied coffee with a dense texture—similar to an espresso—without needing a machine. It’s the perfect solution for making great coffee anywhere, whether at home, at work, or while traveling.

The AeroPress also offers endless room for experimentation. From grind size to water ratio, temperature, and steeping time—every aspect of the brewing process can be tailored to your taste preferences.

 

How much coffee should you use in an AeroPress?

The standard AeroPress can brew 250 ml (8.5 oz) of coffee, while the AeroPress Go has a capacity of 237 ml (8 oz) and the AeroPress XL can brew up to 600 ml (20 oz).

The recommended coffee-to-water ratio is 6–9 grams per 100 ml of water. For a standard AeroPress, this translates to:

• 15–22 grams of coffee per 250 ml of water.

Of course, you can adjust the ratio to increase or decrease intensity depending on your preferences.

 

 

 

What type of coffee is best for AeroPress?

The AeroPress is a versatile coffee brewer, allowing you to experiment with different beans and roasts. However, light-roasted coffee is particularly well-suited for AeroPress, as it allows for longer extraction and highlights bright, complex flavors.

• If you prefer fruity, tea-like flavors with bright acidity, try Rwanda Muhondo.
• If you enjoy chocolate, caramel, and nutty notes, Costa Rica Hacienda Sonora Milenio is a fantastic choice.

The AeroPress is all about exploration and creativity—so experiment and discover the flavors you love most!