The AeroPress is a favorite among coffee lovers because of its speed, flexibility, and ability to brew both strong and clean coffee. Invented in 2005 by Alan Adler, the AeroPress has gained a cult following thanks to its lightweight design and ability to brew anywhere—at home, while traveling, or even camping.
What makes it so unique? Unlike traditional methods, the AeroPress uses pressure and immersion to extract bold flavors in under 2 minutes. It can make a coffee similar to espresso, a smooth cup like a pour-over, or even a cold brew!
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✅ How the AeroPress works (and why it’s different)
✅ The two main brewing methods: Standard vs. Inverted
✅ How to adjust grind size, time, and pressure for different flavors
✅ Bonus AeroPress recipes for espresso-style and cold brew coffee
Let’s get pressing! ☕🚀
Why Choose the AeroPress?
✔ Fast & Easy – Brews in under 2 minutes
✔ Smooth & Low Acidity – Pressure extraction reduces bitterness
✔ Portable & Travel-Friendly – Lightweight and unbreakable
✔ Versatile – Makes espresso-like coffee, Americanos, and cold brew
✔ Easy to Clean – Just eject the coffee puck and rinse
Unlike the French Press, the AeroPress uses a paper filter, resulting in a cleaner, grit-free cup of coffee.
What You Need to Brew with an AeroPress
✅ AeroPress + Paper Filters
✅ Freshly ground coffee (medium-fine)
✅ Burr Grinder (for consistent grind size)
✅ Kettle (preferably gooseneck for precision)
✅ Digital Scale & Timer (for accuracy)
💡 Best Coffee-to-Water Ratio:
- 1:15 for a balanced cup (e.g., 15g coffee : 225g water)
- 1:12 for a stronger cup (e.g., 18g coffee : 220g water)
AeroPress Brewing Methods: Standard vs. Inverted
There are two main ways to use an AeroPress:
1️⃣ Standard Method (Easier, Cleaner, Faster)
✅ Ideal for clean and balanced coffee
✅ Less contact time = brighter flavors
🔹 Grind: Medium-fine (like table salt)
🔹 Brew Time: 1:30 – 2:00 minutes
How to Brew (Standard Method):
1️⃣ Place the filter in the AeroPress cap and rinse with hot water.
2️⃣ Add coffee (15-18g) into the chamber.
3️⃣ Start timer and pour water (220-250g) over the coffee.
4️⃣ Stir gently for 10 seconds, then insert the plunger.
5️⃣ Press down slowly for 30 seconds until all coffee is extracted.
6️⃣ Serve and enjoy!
2️⃣ Inverted Method (More Control, Stronger Cup)
✅ Ideal for full-bodied and stronger coffee
✅ Longer steeping = deeper flavors
🔹 Grind: Medium-fine (like table salt)
🔹 Brew Time: 2:00 – 2:30 minutes
How to Brew (Inverted Method):
1️⃣ Flip the AeroPress upside down (plunger at the bottom).
2️⃣ Add coffee (15-18g) into the chamber.
3️⃣ Pour hot water (220-250g), stir for 10 seconds.
4️⃣ Let it steep for 1:30 minutes.
5️⃣ Attach the cap with a filter, flip onto a cup.
6️⃣ Press slowly over 30 seconds.
7️⃣ Enjoy a bolder, richer cup!
💡 Pro Tip: The inverted method allows for longer extraction, bringing out more sweetness and body.
How to Make Espresso-Style Coffee with AeroPress
Want something closer to an espresso shot? Try this strong AeroPress method:
🔹 Grind: Fine (slightly coarser than espresso)
🔹 Coffee-to-Water Ratio: 1:7 (e.g., 18g coffee : 120g water)
🔹 Method: Use inverted AeroPress, steep for 30 seconds, then press hard.
🔹 Result: A bold, concentrated coffee, great for making lattes and cappuccinos.
How to Make Cold Brew with an AeroPress
Yes, you can make cold brew in just 2 minutes with an AeroPress!
🔹 Grind: Medium-fine
🔹 Coffee-to-Water Ratio: 1:10 (e.g., 20g coffee : 200g cold water)
🔹 Brew Time: Stir for 1 minute, steep for 2 minutes
🔹 Press slowly over 30 seconds, serve over ice
💡 Cold brew usually takes 12+ hours, but AeroPress pressure extracts smooth, low-acid coffee in minutes!
Common AeroPress Mistakes & How to Fix Them
❌ Coffee tastes sour or weak → Under-extracted → Use finer grind or increase brew time
❌ Coffee tastes bitter or muddy → Over-extracted → Use coarser grind or reduce brew time
❌ Plunger too hard to press → Grind too fine → Use a slightly coarser grind
❌ Leaks during inverted method → Insert plunger a little deeper before flipping
💡 Remember: AeroPress is all about experimentation—adjust your grind, time, and ratios to find your perfect cup!
Why the AeroPress is Worth It
If you want a fast, portable, and versatile coffee maker, the AeroPress is an unbeatable choice.
✔ Brews a great cup in under 2 minutes
✔ Lightweight and nearly indestructible
✔ Perfect for home, office, or travel
✔ Makes espresso-style, cold brew, and regular coffee
Whether you like a bright, clean cup or a strong, bold brew, the AeroPress lets you customize every aspect of your coffee.
So grab your AeroPress, start experimenting, and discover your perfect brew! ☕🚀
