How to Brew with an AeroPress

Direct answer. Use 15 grams of medium-fine coffee and 225 grams of water at about 185 to 200°F (1:15). Stir, steep for about a minute and a half, then press gently for 20 to 30 seconds. The whole brew takes around 2 minutes. The AeroPress is forgiving, which is why it is a good travel and camping brewer.

Recipe card

Dose	15 g
Water	225 g
Ratio	1:15
Grind	Medium-fine, between drip and espresso
Temperature	About 185 to 200°F (85 to 93°C). Cooler works too; the AeroPress's own instructions run lower.
Time	About 2:00 total

Steps

1. Place a paper filter in the cap and rinse it with hot water. Attach the cap to the chamber on top of a mug.
2. Add the coffee and tap it level.
3. Start a timer and pour all the water in. Stir for 10 seconds.
4. Insert the plunger a little to stop dripping, and wait until 1:30.
5. Press slowly with steady pressure for 20 to 30 seconds. Stop when you hear the hiss.
6. Taste it. The result is concentrated. Add hot water if you like an Americano-style cup.

Troubleshooting

• Hard to press. The grind is too fine or too much coffee was used.
• Sour or thin. Steep longer or grind finer.
• Bitter. Grind coarser or shorten the steep.
• Flat. Water is too cool or coffee is old.

The upright method above is the simplest. The inverted method (plunger down, device flipped) avoids dripping but takes practice and care with hot water.

FAQ

What grind for an AeroPress?

Medium-fine, finer than drip and coarser than espresso. Adjust from there.

Is AeroPress coffee espresso?

No. It makes a strong concentrated cup, but it does not reach the pressure of an espresso machine.

Paper or metal filter?

Paper gives a cleaner cup. Metal gives more body and oil.

How long does it take?

About two minutes, plus time to heat the water.

Can I make iced coffee with it?

Yes. Brew a concentrate with half the water, then add the rest as ice.

Next: read the grind and water guide, or try Colombia Single Origin, which is easy to brew well. Shipping is free on every website order.