A Beginner’s Guide to Using an Aeropress for Coffee and Espresso

If you are looking for a quick, simple, and inexpensive way to brew coffee, look no further than the Aeropress. This could easily be your first brewing device because it is cheap, easy to use, and forgiving of mistakes. This beginner’s guide to using an Aeropress will have you brewing impressive coffee in short order. 

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Last Updated: 10-23-2018

Aeropress Basics

The Aeropress brews a clean tasting cup of coffee with minimal bitterness. The device allows for control of several different parameters including water temperature, the ratio of coffee to water, grind consistency, and extraction time. Most other coffee methods do not allow for this level of control. Because of this, the Aeropress can create many different variants of brewed coffee.

The Aeropress works by steeping coffee in hot water and then forcing the mixture through a filter into your cup using air pressure. The device consists of a brewing chamber with a filter attachment and a plunger. Additionally, a scoop, funnel, filter storage base, and extra filters are included. Don’t have an aeropress? I’ll include links below:

• Aeropress with travel Bag and extra filters (check price on Amazon)
• Aeroress (check price on Amazon)

AeroPress Components

This method is also quicker to use than many other brewing methods. The total brewing time is comparable to that of a Keurig. Obviously, a Keurig is easier to use because you literally press a button. However, you get quality about equivalent to that level of effort.

With the Aeropress, you can brew quality coffee in a similar amount of time. Aeropress coffee absolutely destroys anything a Keurig can do, so there is really no competition other than ease of use.

Aeropress Advantages

• Drinkability – Coffee brewed from an Aeropress is incredibly smooth compared to many other methods, thanks to short extraction times and the use of a dense paper filter.
• Variety – The Aeropress is very versatile and can brew a diverse range of coffee drinks.
• Simplicity – The Aeropress is very forgiving of bean and grind type and works well for less experienced home baristas.
• Portability – The Aeropress comes everything you need other than ground coffee and hot water. All the included components stack neatly and fit in a small tote bag for convenient traveling.
• Speed – Compared to other single serving options, the Aeropress brews and cleans up very quickly.
• Serving Size– You can cut down on waste by using a single serving coffee method such as the Aeropress.

Aeropress Disadvantages

• Limited to one serving – The Aeropress is strictly a single serving device. You will have to repeat the brewing cycle to serve additional people.
• Learning Curve – The Aeropress is simple to use, but takes practice to learn at first. The device will work best for you once you make it part of your daily routine.
• Lack of product variety – The Aeropress is only made by one company and comes in only one version.

How to Use an Aeropress

As always, fresh coffee is going to yield the most pleasing result. Always use the freshest possible coffee. If possible, grind it just before brewing.

Begin by setting out your components and a sturdy mug that is wide enough for the aeropress to sit on top. You will need a kettle to heat water, preferably around 180-195 degrees depending on the variation you are going for.

Place a paper filter in the filter assembly and attach it onto the bottom of the brewing chamber by twisting it until tight. Always run hot water through the chamber, filter, and your mug. Doing this will aid in heat retention as well as minimize any paper taste from the filter.

Pour the coffee in.

Pour the water in.

Brew!

There are many variations of Aeropress drink styles, most of them fall into one of two categories: concentrated (for use with espresso based drinks) and full strength. Please note this guide is aimed at beginners who may not be familiar with the basics of brewing coffee by hand. There are many advanced ways to use the Aeropress that are not covered in this article.

In general, you will usually want to correlate grind consistency with extraction time. For example, when using a fine grind, you will want to keep your extraction time short (30 seconds or less). If you are looking for a more full-bodied cup, use a coarser grind and a longer extraction time.

If you look around for guides on using an Aeropress, you may notice that some folks use it upside down (known as the inverted method). Feel free to do this if you like, however, I find the device to be easier to use and more stable in a normal orientation. The coffee is going to taste similar either way.

Full Strength Coffee

Preparation: To make a full-strength cup of coffee, you will need to grind your coffee using a medium setting (slightly coarser than would be used for a drip pot). Use the included scoop to measure your coffee if you do not have a scale. One rounded scoop of ground or whole bean coffee is roughly equivalent to 14-15 grams. You may want to start with just one rounded scoop to assess the strength of the coffee. Follow the steps below once you have your ground coffee ready.

1. Bring 8 ounces of water to around 180F. You can use hotter water, but the coffee may be slightly more bitter.
2. While the water is heating, attach the filter to the brewing chamber and rinse with hot water. Be sure to preheat your mug as well.
3. Add ground coffee to the brewing chamber. The included funnel may make this easier. Gently shake the chamber to even out the grounds.
4. Add enough water to reach the number 4 mark on the side of the chamber. Using the included stirring stick, stir the mixture quickly and then insert the plunger at an angle, straighten, and pull upward slightly. This will create a vacuum seal which will prevent water from leaking into your cup. Let the coffee brew for 1 minute, then slowly push down the plunger until you hear the hissing sound of air escaping.
5. Hold the aeropress over a trash can, unscrew the filter, and press the plunger all the way down. This will dispense the spent coffee and filter into your trash can. Rinse the aeropress and set out to dry.
6. Add remaining water to your cup and stir.

Concentrated Coffee (Espresso)

Preparation: To make concentrated coffee for use with espresso based drinks, you will need to grind your coffee using a very fine setting. Use the included scoop to measure your coffee if you do not have a scale. One rounded scoop of ground or whole bean coffee is roughly equivalent to 14-15 grams. You may want to start with just one rounded scoop to assess the strength of the coffee. Follow the steps below once you have your ground coffee ready.

1. Bring 8 ounces of water to 195F.
2. While the water is heating, attach the filter to the brewing chamber and rinse with hot water. Be sure to preheat your mug as well.
3. Add ground coffee to the brewing chamber. The included funnel may make this easier. Gently shake the chamber to even out the grounds.
4. Add enough water to reach the number 2 mark on the side of the chamber. Using the included stirring stick, stir the mixture quickly and then insert the plunger at an angle, straighten, and pull upward slightly. This will create a vacuum seal which will prevent water from leaking into your cup. Wait about 15 seconds or so, and then slowly push down the plunger, taking another 15 seconds to reach the bottom.
5. Hold the aeropress over a trash can, unscrew the filter, and press the plunger all the way down. This will dispense the spent coffee and filter into your trash can. Rinse the aeropress and set out to dry.
6. You can drink your concentrated coffee as is, add the rest of the water to create a caffé americano, or combine with 6-8 ounces of steamed milk to create a latte.

Read More: How to Make a Latte with an Aeropress

Final Thoughts

Since the Aeropress is so inexpensive and versatile, I would highly recommend you give it a try. This device will find use in just about anyone’s collection of coffee gadgets.

If you decide that you can work this into your daily routine, you will eventually want to invest in some supporting accessories like a quality burr grinder and a kettle.

Read More: 3 Must Have Accessories for Manual Brewing Methods

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Happy brewing!