The AeroPress is a wonderfully dynamic and portable coffee maker. Whether you’ve had one for ages and want to brush up on your AeroPress knowledge or you just received one as a gift, this guide will offer a brief run down on all-things AeroPress!
Why The AeroPress?
There are many benefits to using an AeroPress, including:
- Lightweight and Portable
- Dynamic and versatile; multiple uses and methods
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
What comes with the AeroPress?
The AeroPress is an eight-piece set. It comes with a chamber, plunger, filter cap, scoop, stirring paddle, funnel, stand/filter holder, and 350 paper filters. Also available for sale are reusable metal filters.
What you need to know about using the AeroPress
One of the best parts about the AeroPress is how versatile it can be! With a quick Google search, you'll discover hundreds of recipes, techniques, gadgets, and methods for using the AeroPress. Some important variables in AeroPress brewing include orientation (upright vs inverted), filter type (paper vs metal), and what type of coffee beverage you're aiming for (American-style drip coffee or espresso-like coffee).
Brewing Orientation: Upright vs Inverted
Filters: Paper vs Metal
Coffee Types: American-Style Drip Coffee vs Strong, Espresso-Like Coffee
How to Use Your AeroPress
There are many recipes out there and we encourage you to get creative and have fun with it! But to get you started, here are two great recipes.
(Keep in mind that most coffee recipes require a kitchen scale, a kettle, and a timer in addition to specifying grind size. For more about coffee gear, check out our blog post.)
Drip Coffee
Materials:
AeroPress
Kettle
Timer
Mug
18g Coffee
Brew Time: 140 seconds
Grind Size: Medium (think sand)
AeroPress Method: Inverted
1) Weigh out and grind 18g of coffee on a medium grind size. Bring water to 185°F (if you don't have a thermometer or temperature-controlled kettle, take the kettle off of the heat and let the water settle for about 2 minutes. Using water that is too hot will result in over-extracted, bitter coffee). Put a filter in the filter cap-- we recommend a paper filter for this brew method-- and set aside.
2) Meanwhile, slightly insert the plunger into the brewing chamber. Pour coffee grinds into the chamber and shake to create a level surface. Place the AeroPress onto a scale and zero out the scale.
3) Start your timer and pour about 30g of water onto the coffee grinds in a circular motion. Once you reach 30g, stop pouring and wait until your timer reads 20 seconds. (This is referred to as the bloom. It helps bring out all of your coffee's flavors and tasting notes. The circular motion helps to ensure that the water is reaching all of the grounds, creating an even extraction.)
4) Once your timer reaches 20 seconds, continue pouring until the scale reaches 240g. Be very careful, as it will come up to the lip of the brewing chamber.
5) Once your timer reaches 140 seconds, attach the filter and filter cap, flip the AeroPress, and plunge!
6) Sit back and enjoy your delicious cup of coffee.
Espresso-Like Coffee
Materials:
AeroPress
Kettle
Timer
Stirring Paddle/Spoon
Mug
17g Coffee
Brew Time: 35 seconds
Grind Size: Fine (think castor sugar)
AeroPress Method: Inverted
1) Grind 17g of coffee on a fine grind size. Bring water to 195°F (if you don't have a thermometer or temperature-controlled kettle, take the kettle off of the heat and let the water settle for about one minute. Using water that is too hot will result in over-extracted, bitter coffee). Put a filter in the filter cap (we recommend a metal filter for the espresso style) and set aside.
2) Meanwhile, insert the plunger about half way into the brewing chamber. Pour coffee grinds into the chamber and shake to create a level surface. Place the AeroPress onto a scale and zero out the scale. Make sure your stirring paddle/spoon, filter cap, and mug are all nearby; this process is quick.
3) Start your timer and pour 50g of water in the first 10 seconds. Stir vigorously with the stirring paddle until your timer reads 25 seconds.
4) Immediately screw on the filter cap, flip, and press as hard as possible.
5) Mix with hot or cold milk to make a latte and with water to make an americano! Enjoy!
If neither of these two recipes tickle your fancy, or if you're just looking to have fun and explore what's out there, check out this random AeroPress recipe generator or the World AeroPress Championship Recipe website!