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How to Use Aeropress: Step by Step Guide

Murat Aktas
To use an Aeropress, grind 15 grams of coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency. Heat 240 ml of water to around 200°F (93.5°C). Prepare the Aeropress by placing a filter in the cap and rinsing it, then add the coffee grounds. Pour the hot water to the number 4 mark, stir for 10 seconds, insert the plunger slightly to create a vacuum, and wait 2 minutes. Press down gently until all the coffee is extracted.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Brewing Time 2 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 2 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 15 gr Coffee Beans
  • 240 ml Hot Water

Instructions
 

  • Grind Your Coffee Beans
    The ideal coffee-to-water ratio for Aeropress is 1:16. You should use 16 grams of water for each unit of coffee grounds.
    However, there is a limit to the Aeropress. It is more suitable for a single serve. Therefore, using 15 grams of coffee beans would be a good option.
    Weigh and grind 15 grams of coffee beans. If you don’t have a scale, you can use the scoop that comes with your Aeropress. It holds approximately 15 grams of coffee when filled. 
    The ideal grind size for Aeropress is medium-fine. This grind size is between that used for espresso and drip coffee. I am aware that this range is quite wide.
    This is one reason why the Aeropress is so customizable. It gives you a wide range of brewing. Experimenting with the grind size lets you find what suits your palate best.
    You can start with a grind as coarse as table salt. Later, you can increase or decrease the grind size according to your palate and your recipe.
  • Heat the Water
    You should use 240 ml (8 oz) of water for 15 grams of coffee. Heat your water considering this amount. Aim for 200 °F (93.5 °C) if you have a thermometer.
    Alan Adler, the inventor of the Aeropress, recommends 175 °F (80 °C). However, this temperature is considered low by many baristas. You can try it, but it will result in a weaker brew.
    In my brews, I get the best results at 200 °F (93.5 °C), as the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) recommended.
    If you don’t have a thermometer or don’t want this much fuss, boil the water and turn off the heat source. Then let the water rest for 1.5-2 minutes. This way, you will achieve the ideal temperature for brewing.
  •  Prepare the Aeropress for Brewing
    To start brewing:
    Don’t forget to rinse your mug with hot water as well. This way, you will get a hotter cup of coffee.
    Rinsing the paper filter is essential for Chemex and Hario V60 because it can affect the taste if the paper filter is not rinsed. However, the paper filter of the Aeropress is quite small, so even if you don’t rinse it, you probably won’t notice its taste in your coffee.
    Pull the plunger to separate it from the chamber. Rinse the chamber of the Aeropress with hot water. Put the filter in the filter cap and twist the filter cap onto the chamber.
  • Add Coffee Grounds
    Position the Aeropress on top of your mug and ensure it is seated properly. Then add the coffee grounds. Then gently shake the Aeropress to level the coffee grounds.
    You can use the funnel with your Aeropress to prevent your coffee grounds from spilling.
  • Pour in the Water
    Pour enough water to reach the number 4 on the Aeropress in one go.
    Aim for 240 ml (8 oz) of water if you’re using a scale. This way, you’ll get a consistent result with every brew.
  • Stir and Wait
    Use the paddle that comes with your Aeropress to stir the mixture for 10 seconds gently. This paddle is designed not to reach the paper filter at the bottom, so you won’t accidentally pierce the paper filter.
    After stirring, insert the plunger about ½ inch (about 1 cm) into the chamber. Then straighten the plunger and pull it slightly outwards. This will create a vacuum effect and prevent leakage from the bottom. Finally, wait 2 minutes for the brew.
  • Press it Down and Serve
    Gently and steadily press down the plunger. Don’t put too much pressure on the plunger. It’s normal to feel some resistance. However, if you feel too much pressure that prevents you from pressing, use a coarser grind next time.
    Continue pressing until you hear a hissing sound. This sound signals that the water inside is gone, and your coffee is now ready. Enjoy your coffee!
    Note: If you are using a scale, remove the Aeropress from the scale before pressing. Pressing on the scale could throw off its calibration.

Notes

Grind Size Matters: Experiment with different grind sizes to find what works best for you. A medium to fine grind is generally recommended for Aeropress.
Inverted Method for Control: Try the inverted method by assembling the Aeropress upside down. This gives you better control over the brewing time and helps prevent premature dripping.
Brew Time: Experiment with the brewing time. A typical brew time is around 1 to 2 minutes, but adjusting it can affect the strength and flavor of your coffee.
Paper or Metal Filters: Try both paper and metal filters to see which one you prefer. Paper filters generally produce a cleaner cup, while metal filters allow more oils to pass through, resulting in a fuller body.

Nutrition

Serving: 240mlCalories: 2kcal
Keyword aeropress, aeropress recipe
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