How To Brew AeroPress Coffee (The Ultimate Starter Guide)
Last updated on October 31st, 2024 at 12:09 pm
Ever wonder if there’s an easier way to brew a rich and smooth coffee? Well, I know I did! I remember the first time I saw a friend of mine using an AeroPress.
It looked like some kind of coffee science experiment with all its parts and the quick, efficient brewing process. I was fascinated because up until that point, I’d only ever used drip machines and French presses.
After trying it myself, I was hooked—the AeroPress’s flexibility to tweak every detail, from grind size to brew time, instantly won me over.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through everything I’ve learned, from choosing the right coffee and grind size to mastering various AeroPress brewing methods. So let’s start brewing!
What Is An AeroPress?
The AeroPress is a simple yet innovative coffee brewing device that has gained popularity over the years. Invented in 2005 by Alan Adler, a Stanford engineering professor. The AeroPress was designed to offer a fast, portable, and versatile way to brew high-quality coffee.

Adler’s goal was to create a device that could deliver a smooth, flavorful cup of coffee without the bitterness or acidity often associated with traditional brewing methods.
This brewer does that perfectly through a unique combination of air pressure and immersion, resulting in a rich, concentrated coffee in just a few minutes.
AeroPress Components and Differences

- Plunger: Used to push air through the chamber, forcing water through the coffee grounds.
- Chamber: The cylindrical part where the coffee and water are mixed.
- Filter Cap: Holds the paper or metal filter in place and screws onto the bottom of the chamber.
- Stirrer: Helps ensure the coffee grounds are evenly saturated.
- Scoop: Measures out coffee grounds for brewing.
- Filters: Typically small circular paper filters, though reusable metal options are available for a stronger brew.
- Seal: The rubber seal attached to the plunger ensures a tight fit and effective air pressure when pressing down.
Note: Aeropress is great for anyone who enjoys experimenting with their brew, whether you’re at home, on the go, or even camping.
Why Choose AeroPress Over Other Brewers?
Something about the AeroPress has hooked me ever since I tried it for the first time. Whether I want a smooth cup of coffee in under two minutes or feel like experimenting with a concentrated brew that rivals espresso, the AeroPress makes it all possible.

Plus, I love that it’s easy to use and clean—no complicated parts or tricky setups. So here’s why I suggest it:
- Portability: The compact design makes it perfect for travel, camping, or even a quick coffee fix at the office.
- Versatility: It can brew everything from a standard cup of coffee to espresso-like shots and even cold brew.
- Quick Brew Time: No waiting around—brews in under 2 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings.
- Easy Cleanup: Just pop out the coffee puck and give it a rinse—no messy filters or multiple components.
- Less Bitterness: Its immersion brewing method extracts smooth, full flavors without the harsh bitterness of some other methods.
- Consistent Results: Once you find your perfect recipe, it’s easy to

How To Brew AeroPress Coffee (The Ultimate Starter Guide)
Equipment
- AeroPress: obviously!
- Paper or Metal Filter: I prefer paper for a cleaner cup, but metal adds more body.
- Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans: About 15 grams, or a heaping tablespoon
- Burr Grinder: To get a consistent medium-fine grind
- Kettle: Preferably with temperature control.
- Stirrer: The plastic one that comes with the AeroPress works great
- Scale and Timer: Optional, but it helps with precision
Ingredients
- 15 grams of coffee beans
- 240 ml of hot water (around 200°F or 93°C is ideal)
Instructions
- Grind the Coffee Beans: Start by grinding your beans to a medium-fine consistency—think of table salt as a reference. Fresh beans make all the difference; using the right grind size ensures the best extraction. I recommend using a burr grinder for consistency.
- Set Up the AeroPress: Place a paper filter inside the cap, and rinse it with hot water (this removes any papery taste and preheats the AeroPress). Attach the cap and place the AeroPress on your mug. I prefer the standard method (with the AeroPress upright), but feel free to flip it for the inverted method if you're feeling adventurous.
- Add the Coffee Grounds: Pour your freshly ground coffee into the AeroPress chamber. Gently shake it to level the grounds, ensuring even distribution for better extraction.
- Pour the Hot Water: Start your timer and add hot water up to the "1" marking (or until you've reached about 240 ml). Make sure to pour slowly and evenly to saturate all the grounds.
- Stir and Steep: Quickly stir the mixture using the provided stirrer for about 10 seconds to ensure the grounds are fully saturated. Then, place the plunger on top without pressing down (this creates a vacuum seal to prevent water from dripping out).
- Press the Coffee: After about 1 minute of steeping time, begin pressing down slowly and steadily. You want between 20-30-second press—if it feels too hard, adjust your grind to be coarser next time. You should hear a slight hissing sound at the end, which tells you it's done.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the AeroPress, and quickly swirl your coffee. Taste it as is, and if you want a more diluted cup, add some hot water. I personally love the rich, espresso-like concentration, so I rarely dilute mine!
Video
Notes
My Unique Tip:
After experimenting a lot, I’ve found that using a “bloom” phase (pre-wetting the grounds with just 30 ml of water and letting it sit for 30 seconds) can really better the flavors. It helps release carbon dioxide and allows for a more even extraction. Give it a try next time—a small tweak can make a big difference!Favorite Coffee Bean Brands For AeroPress
I’ve tried a variety of beans to see what really complements this unique brewing method, and I’ve found a few favorites that consistently deliver a smooth and rich cup.
1 – Verve Coffee Roasters: Streetlevel Blend
It is one of my top choices for the AeroPress because it brings out vibrant and fruity notes that pair perfectly with the brewing style.

The medium roast highlights sweet flavors of stone fruit and caramel, making it ideal for those who prefer a slightly bright cup.
2 – Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Hair Bender
This blend is bold and complex with a mix of dark chocolate and citrusy notes. It’s a versatile option that works well with both the standard and inverted AeroPress methods. You bring out a rich body and deep flavors, especially when using a finer grind setting.

3 – Intelligentsia: Black Cat Classic Espresso
Though traditionally labeled as an espresso blend. However, it’s a hidden gem. It’s smooth, creamy, and has a rich depth of flavor. I find it perfect for anyone who enjoys a robust, full-bodied cup.

I recommend using a finer grind and a shorter steep time to get the most out of this one. It’s a great option if you want a strong, espresso-like flavor with minimal bitterness.
Inverted Method For AeroPress Coffee Aficionados
I prefer the inverted method when I want to experiment with brew times or want a bolder coffee. It’s also a great way to get a full-bodied flavor without the bitterness that sometimes comes with standard methods. So here’s how you can do it:

Tools and Ingredients Needed:
- AeroPress and filter
- Freshly ground coffee (15-18 grams, medium to coarse grind)
- Hot water (about 200°F, or just off the boil)
- Stirring spoon or paddle
- Coffee scale (optional but recommended)
- Timer
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare the AeroPress: Insert the plunger into the main chamber and place it upside down on a flat surface. The AeroPress should look like a “T” shape.
- Add Coffee Grounds: Measure 15-18 grams of medium-coarse ground coffee and pour it into the inverted chamber. I usually aim for around 16 grams, which provides a nice balance of strength and flavor.
- Pour in Hot Water: Slowly add hot water up to the top of the chamber. Make sure to pour evenly to saturate all the grounds.
- Stir and Steep: Use the spoon or paddle to stir well, ensuring all grounds are fully immersed. Then let it steep for 1-2 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.
- Attach the Filter: Wet the paper filter and secure it to the filter cap. Then, carefully screw the cap onto the AeroPress.
- Flip and Press: This is the tricky part! Carefully flip the AeroPress over your cup and start pressing down slowly and steadily. The resistance should be firm but smooth.
- Enjoy Your Brew: Once you hear a hissing sound, you’ve pressed out most of the liquid. Remove the AeroPress, give your coffee a quick stir, and enjoy a richer, fuller cup!
How To Customize Your AeroPress Brew?
I love Aeropress’s flexibility. You can tweak many things and create something entirely new with just a few small changes. Over time, I’ve developed a few go-to techniques that help me customize my brew based on my mood or what I crave that day. Below are a few tips:

1 – Adjusting the Coffee-to-Water Ratio
For a standard AeroPress recipe, I usually use a 1:15 ratio (about 15 grams of coffee to 225 grams of water). But if I’m in the mood for a bolder, more espresso-like flavor, I reduce the water to get a 1:12 ratio.
On the flip side, if I’m craving something closer to an Americano, I use more water—up to a 1:18 ratio. Play around with this, depending on how strong or light you want your coffee.
2 – Experimenting With Brew Time
I sometimes switch up my brew time to highlight different flavors. A shorter brew time (around 1 minute) usually results in a cleaner and brighter cup. But if I have a bit more time, I extend the steeping to 3-4 minutes.
This allows the coffee to extract more deeply, bringing out complex flavors, especially in single-origin beans. Just remember: the longer you brew, the more intense the flavor, so if you’re new to this, start small and work your way up.
3 – Adding Spices for a Flavor Boost
I sometimes throw a pinch of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or even a dash of cocoa powder into the grounds before brewing. It’s a small trick, but it makes a huge difference.
One of my favorite combinations is adding a bit of cinnamon to Ethiopian beans—together, it creates a sweet, slightly spicy finish that’s perfect for the colder months.
How To Maintain And Care For Your AeroPress?
Taking care of your AeroPress isn’t just about keeping it clean; it’s also about ensuring that each brew tastes as good as the last. Plus, a well-maintained AeroPress will last much longer.

1 – Rinse Thoroughly After Each Use
As soon as you’re done brewing, rinse the plunger, chamber, and filter cap under warm water. Usually, coffee oils and fine grounds can stick to the plastic, which can eventually affect the flavor. I separate all the components and give them a quick rinse to prevent build-up.
2 – Remove and Discard the Used Grounds Right Away
Don’t let the used grounds sit in your AeroPress for too long. After pressing, I push the plunger all the way through to pop out the coffee puck and use a paper filter. Not only does this prevent staining, but it also makes the rinse much easier.
3 – Deep Clean Weekly
Once a week, I take a few extra minutes to do a deep clean. Disassemble the AeroPress completely and soak the parts (except the rubber seal) in warm and soapy water. Use a soft sponge or brush to gently scrub away any remaining coffee residue, especially around the seal and filter cap.
4 – Check and Replace the Rubber Seal as Needed
The rubber seal on the end of the plunger can wear out over time, affecting the pressure and efficiency of your AeroPress. If you notice your seal starting to loosen or coffee leaking during the brew, it’s time to get a replacement.
5 – Store It Properly
When not in use, keep your AeroPress in a dry spot away from direct sunlight. I like to leave the plunger slightly pushed into the chamber, which helps keep the seal from being compressed too much. This small step helps maintain the seal’s elasticity.
Last Thoughts
Experimenting with an AeroPress is all about enjoying the process and finding what works best for your unique coffee preferences.
If you have your own tips or favorite techniques, I’d love to hear them! Consider leaving a comment below and share what’s worked for you, or feel free to ask any questions, and with that voilĂ !
Questions? We Have Answers.
Get answers to a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions.
With regular use and proper care, an AeroPress can easily last several years. The most likely component to wear out is the rubber seal on the plunger, which can lose its elasticity over time.
However, replacement seals are affordable and easy to install, making it a low-maintenance investment for the long haul.