How to Use An AeroPress
It may look like something out of a chemistry lab, but don’t let this little coffee gadget fool you. The AeroPress coffee maker is surprisingly easy to use and produces a consistently smooth and strong cup of coffee. Here’s what you need to know to press a perfect cup every time.
What to Know Before You Brew with an AeroPress:
Grind
If you’ve read our pour over or French press brewing guides, you’ve noticed that we’re always preaching about two things: grind size and temperature. For the AeroPress, you’ll want a medium-fine grind size, similar to what you’d use in a drip coffee maker. If the grinds are about the size of table salt, you’re on the right track.
Temperature
Brew with water that’s just under boiling. If you have a variable temp kettle, set it for 205°F. If not, bring water to a boil and remove it from heat until the water settles.
Brewing Methods
AeroPress instructions are simple, and as long as you’ve got your grind size and coffee to water ratio right, you’re practically guaranteed a good cup of coffee. Still, there is some debate over whether inverting the AeroPress will make a better cup.
Here’s the theory: in the standard brewing method, some coffee may drip into your mug before you can insert the plunger and form a vacuum (which will prevent the coffee from dripping out). Because this small amount of coffee hasn’t had a chance to brew, it might taste under extracted and sour. With the inverted method, no coffee gets into your mug until you flip it over. The inverted method also allows for a longer brew time if you prefer very strong coffee.
To us, both methods produce great coffee, so we’ve provided brewing instructions for both. Just be sure to place the plunger onto the chamber as quickly as possible after you’ve added the water to prevent dripping.
Diluting
The AeroPress produces very concentrated coffee, so you might find that you prefer to drink it Americano-style by adding a little extra hot water. It also makes a great base for homemade lattes and cappuccinos.
Standard AeroPress Recipe
What You'll Need
- 17g medium ground coffee (1 AeroPress scoop or 2 ½ Tbsp)
- 205°F water (or just under boiling)
Watch Video
Directions
- Insert a paper filter into the AeroPress's detachable plastic cap
- Use some of your hot water to wet your filter and cap
- Assemble your AeroPress
- Rest your AeroPress securely on top of your Ember Mug²
- Add your ground coffee to the AeroPress
- Pour water to the No. 4 line on the AeroPress, making sure all of the coffee is saturated
- Stir and place the plunger on the chamber
- Let it brew for 1 minute
- Press down steadily until you hear the hiss
Inverted AeroPress Recipe
What You'll Need
- 17g medium ground coffee (1 AeroPress scoop or 2 ½ Tbsp)
- 205°F water (or just under boiling)
Watch Video
Directions
- Insert a paper filter into the AeroPress's detachable plastic cap, wet it and set aside
- Place the plunger of your AeroPress just inside the chamber and flip the AeroPress over so that the brewing chamber is facing up
- Add your ground coffee too the AeroPress
- Pour 34ml of water (No. 3 line) and let it bloom for 30 seconds
- Top off with water to the No.1 line, and let it brew for 1 minute
- Stir 8-10 times
- Attach the cap, and push down to release excess air
- Place your Ember Mug² upside down on your AeroPress, then carefully flip so that the AeroPress is now on top of the open mug
- Push down steadily on the plunger until you hear the hiss
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