How to Make Coffee With an AeroPress
To make AeroPress coffee, use 15 g of medium-fine coffee and 230 g of water at about 200°F. Stir, steep for about 1½ minutes, then press gently for 20 to 30 seconds. That makes one clean, full-flavored cup in about two and a half minutes. The AeroPress is cheap, nearly unbreakable and easy to travel with, which is why it's a favorite of home brewers and coffee pros alike.
AeroPress Recipe at a Glance
| Variable | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coffee | 15 g, ground medium-fine (like table salt) |
| Water | 230 g at about 200°F |
| Ratio | About 1:15 |
| Steep | About 1½ minutes |
| Press | 20 to 30 seconds |
| Filter | Paper, rinsed |
What You Need
- An AeroPress and a paper filter
- Fresh coffee, ideally ground right before brewing
- A kettle and a scale
- A stirrer and a timer
- A sturdy mug that fits under the AeroPress
How to Make AeroPress Coffee (Standard Method)
- Heat water to about 200°F, or let boiling water sit for 30 seconds.
- Rinse the filter. Put a paper filter in the cap, rinse it with hot water, and screw the cap onto the chamber.
- Add coffee. Set the AeroPress on your mug and add 15 g of medium-fine coffee.
- Add water and stir. Start a timer, pour in 230 g of water, and stir for about 10 seconds so all the grounds are wet.
- Steep. Put the plunger in about half an inch to stop dripping, and wait until about 1:30.
- Press. Press down slowly and steadily for 20 to 30 seconds. Stop when you hear a hiss.
- Serve. Drink as is, or add hot water or milk to taste.
The Inverted AeroPress Method
Many brewers flip the AeroPress upside down so no coffee drips through during the steep. It gives a slightly fuller cup and more control over steep time.
- Insert the plunger about a centimeter into the chamber and stand the AeroPress upside down on the plunger.
- Add coffee and water, stir, and let it steep for 1½ to 2 minutes.
- Screw on the cap with a rinsed filter.
- Carefully flip it onto your mug in one smooth motion, then press for 20 to 30 seconds.
Be careful: an inverted AeroPress full of hot water can tip over. Keep it on a stable surface and flip slowly.
Photo by Ben Moreland on Unsplash
AeroPress Variations
- Strong concentrate: use 18 g of coffee and about 90 g of water, then top up with hot water for an Americano-style cup or with milk for a latte-style drink. It's strong, but not true espresso, which needs about 9 bars of pressure.
- Iced: brew the concentrate straight onto ice for a quick iced coffee, like our flash brew.
- Lighter and brighter: try slightly cooler water, around 185°F, with fruity, lighter roasts.
AeroPress Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Bitter or harsh | Grind coarser, shorten the steep, or use slightly cooler water |
| Sour or thin | Grind finer, steep longer, or use hotter water |
| Weak | Use more coffee (try 16 to 17 g) |
| Very hard to press | Grind is too fine; go a little coarser and press more gently |
A Quick History
The AeroPress was invented by Alan Adler, the engineer behind the Aerobie flying ring, and released in 2005. He wanted a fast way to make a single, smooth cup without bitterness. Today it has a worldwide following and even its own competition, the World AeroPress Championship.
The Best Coffee for AeroPress
The AeroPress works with almost any coffee. Medium roasts like Loom Blend (nutty, toffee, chocolate) make a rich, comforting cup. Fruity single origins like our Ethiopia Natural Guji shine with slightly cooler water. For a strong, milky concentrate, try Abstract Blend. Fresh beans make the biggest difference; we print the roast date on the bottom of every bag. See more recipes in our brew guide, or compare methods in coffee brewing methods compared.
Quick Answers
What is the AeroPress coffee-to-water ratio?
About 1:15 for a regular cup: 15 g of coffee to 230 g of water.
What grind size is best for AeroPress?
Medium-fine, about like table salt. Go finer for a short steep or coarser if it tastes bitter.
How long should AeroPress coffee steep?
About 1½ minutes, plus a 20 to 30 second press. Longer steeps make a stronger, heavier cup.
Can an AeroPress make espresso?
It can make a strong, espresso-style concentrate, but not true espresso, which requires about 9 bars of pressure.
Is the inverted AeroPress method better?
It's not better, just different. It stops dripping during the steep and gives a slightly fuller cup, but it takes more care to flip safely.
How much caffeine is in AeroPress coffee?
About 80 to 120 mg in an 8 oz cup, depending on how much coffee you use. See how much caffeine is in coffee.
