AeroPress coffee is a versatile brewing method that combines the best of immersion and pressure brewing. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about AeroPress coffee, from choosing the right equipment to mastering the perfect technique.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced coffee enthusiast, this guide will help you achieve consistently delicious AeroPress coffee every time.
AeroPress coffee is a brewing method that uses air pressure to extract coffee. It combines immersion brewing (like French press) with pressure (like espresso) to create a smooth, rich cup of coffee with low acidity and full flavor.
To make great AeroPress coffee, you'll need the following equipment:
The main brewing device with a plastic chamber, plunger, and filter cap. Available in original and Go versions.
$30-40
View on AmazonEssential for consistent fine to medium-fine grind size. Burr grinders provide uniform particle size for optimal extraction.
$80-200
View on AmazonPrecise measurement of coffee and water is crucial for consistent results and proper ratios.
$20-150
View on AmazonFor heating water to the optimal temperature. Gooseneck kettles offer better control for pouring.
$15-80
View on AmazonPrecise timing is crucial for proper extraction. Use our free brewing timer for perfect results.
Free
Use Our TimerHigh-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans are essential for the best AeroPress experience.
$15-30
View on AmazonThe coffee-to-water ratio is crucial for AeroPress coffee. The standard ratio is 1:15 (1 gram of coffee to 15 grams of water). Here are some common ratios:
| Ratio | Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1:12 | Very Strong | Dark roasts, bold flavors |
| 1:15 | Strong | Most coffee types |
| 1:17 | Medium | Light roasts, delicate flavors |
Ensure your AeroPress is clean and dry. Insert a paper filter into the filter cap and rinse with hot water to remove any paper taste.
Heat water to 175-185°F (80-85°C). AeroPress works best with slightly cooler water than other brewing methods.
Grind 15-18 grams of coffee to a fine consistency (similar to table salt). The grind should be finer than pour over but coarser than espresso.
Place the ground coffee in the AeroPress chamber. Gently shake to level the coffee bed.
Pour 30-40 grams of hot water over the coffee, ensuring all grounds are saturated. Stir gently with the paddle. Allow to bloom for 30 seconds.
Slowly pour the remaining water (200-250 grams total) over the coffee. Stir gently to ensure even extraction.
Insert the plunger and let the coffee steep for 1-2 minutes. The pressure from the plunger helps maintain temperature.
Slowly press the plunger down with steady pressure. The entire press should take 20-30 seconds. Pour the coffee immediately.
Timing is crucial for AeroPress coffee. Here's the ideal timing breakdown:
| Method | Flavor Profile | Difficulty | Brew Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| AeroPress | Smooth, rich, low acidity | Easy | 2-3 minutes |
| Pour Over | Clean, bright, complex | Medium | 3-4 minutes |
| French Press | Full-bodied, rich, oily | Easy | 4-5 minutes |
| Espresso | Concentrated, intense | Hard | 25-30 seconds |
Solution: Use coarser grind, reduce steeping time to 1-1.5 minutes, or use cooler water (170-180°F).
Solution: Use finer grind, increase steeping time to 2-2.5 minutes, or use hotter water (180-185°F).
Solution: Use coarser grind, reduce coffee amount, or check if filter is clogged.
Solution: Insert plunger immediately after adding water, or use inverted method.
Solution: Use a scale for precise measurements, maintain consistent water temperature, and follow the same timing every time.
For AeroPress coffee, look for beans with these characteristics:
Proper maintenance ensures your AeroPress lasts for years and produces consistently great coffee:
AeroPress coffee is a versatile and forgiving brewing method that produces smooth, rich coffee with distinctive character. With practice and the right equipment, you can consistently brew exceptional coffee that highlights the natural flavors of your beans.
Remember, the key to great AeroPress coffee is consistency. Use our free brewing timer to ensure perfect timing every time, and don't be afraid to experiment with different ratios, grind sizes, and steeping times to find what works best for your taste preferences.
Start Brewing with Our Free AeroPress Timer →Affiliate Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links to Amazon. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This helps support our free coffee brewing timer and guides.