AeroPress

Table of Content

What is AeroPress

The AeroPress is a manual coffee brewing device that has gained popularity among coffee lovers for its simplicity and versatility. Invented by Alan Adler, the AeroPress uses the concept of immersion and pressure brewing leading to a rich and flavorful cup of coffee with proper extraction.

History of AeroPress

Retired Stanford engineering lecturer Alan Adler is the father of AeroPress. He started making AeroPress in 2004, with the idea of reducing acidity and bitterness in his daily cup of coffee.

Adler experimented by brewing with an espresso machine, pour-over brewer, and French press, but he was not so satisfied with the brewer's limited control over brewing parameters like brew time, water temperature, and grind size, thus he began creating his coffee maker named AeroPress in his garage.

The appliance was made using a translucent cylindrical chamber, and a plunger with an airtight silicone seal, identical to a syringe. A filter cap was attached to hold a small round paper filter at the end of the chamber. The AeroPress also included a funnel for ground coffee beans, a stirring paddle, a tote bag, and a plastic holder for storing the 350 filter papers.

In 2019, AeroPress, Inc. developed the AeroPress Go, a travel-sized version with a reduced chamber capacity, smaller accessories, and a mug with a lid. In 2023, AeroPress, Inc. released the AeroPress Clear. Made with Tritan, it comes with a measuring spoon, stir stick, and just 100 paper filters.

Roast level

Light to Medium Roast

Grind Size

Medium

Water temperature

80°-95°C

Steeping time

1-2 minutes

Best Coffee to water ratio

1:16

AeroPress Parts Explained

How to use a AeroPress

Step 1: Assemble your AeroPress

Attach the piston to the base of the AeroPress. Insert the piston a little inside but make sure you do not insert it completely in the base. Place it as such that the base is facing upwards.

How to Make an AeroPress Coffee Stronger

Step 1: Adjust your coffee-to-water ratio

Try a higher coffee-to-water ratio. Experiment by increasing the amount of coffee grounds while keeping the water volume the same for a more robust flavor.

Step 2: Select a darker roast

Choose a darker roast coffee, as these beans have a more intense and full-bodied flavor profile that can contribute to a stronger cup.

Step 3: Grind finer

A finer grind exposes more surface area of the coffee grounds, leading to a stronger extraction. You can adjust your grinder to achieve a finer consistency.

Step 4: Extend brewing time

Allow the coffee grounds to steep for a longer duration during the brewing process. This extended contact time can result in a richer and stronger coffee.

Step 5: Use hot water

Increase the water temperature slightly. Warmer water can extract more flavor compounds from the coffee, contributing to a stronger brew.

Step 6: Double brewing (Double shot)

Brew a concentrated coffee with a smaller amount of water first, then dilute it to your desired strength. It follows the concept of an espresso shot for added intensity.

Aeropress Cleaning Guide

Achieve a spotless AeroPress and brew flavorful cups by following this comprehensive step-by-step cleaning guide.

1

Discard the coffee grounds

Once you are done brewing, carefully remove the filter cap and discard the coffee remains into the trash or you can even use it for compost.

2

Rinse the plunger and seal

Remove the plunger and rubber seal from the chamber and rinse them well with hot water.

3

Clean the chamber properly

Rinse the brewing chamber using warm water, making sure that all coffee residues are washed away. If needed, you can also use a soft brush to scrub any stubborn grounds.

4

Clean the seal

Remove the rubber seal from the plunger and clean it. Make sure you don't miss any nooks and crannies where coffee oils might linger.

5

Wash the filter cap

Take the filter cap aside and rinse it. Most coffee lovers prefer mild, soapy water from time to time for a deeper clean. You can also use vinegar for cleaning tough stains.

6

Dry the components

Let all the parts air dry thoroughly before reassembling for the next coffee adventure. It prevents any residual moisture that can affect the taste of your next brew.

7

Store it disassembled

For long-term storage, keep your AeroPress disassembled to allow proper air circulation and prevent any potential mold growth.

Why AeroPress

Versatility

AeroPress offers complete flexibility in brewing methods, allowing users to experiment with different factors like grind size, steeping time, and pressure.

Quick and convenient

AeroPress is quick enough. It is best if you need a rapid caffeine fix with the least effort.

Portable & Durable

Coffee lovers don't like to compromise with their coffee and the same goes with AeroPress inventors so they came up with a compact-size coffee maker that can easily be carried anywhere. Its durable design slips off the troubles of breakage catering to travelers, campers, and anyone with an active lifestyle.

Complete extraction

Due to the immersion and pressure brewing technique of the AeroPress, flavors are extracted thoroughly, resulting in a rich and robust cup of coffee.

Easy to clean

As AeroPress has a straightforward design, it can easily be disassembled and cleaned, which makes it a hassle-free choice for daily use.

Cost-effective

As compared to other high-end coffee makers, the AeroPress is a cost-effective option that works effectively without compromising on the quality of the brewed coffee.

Other Uses of AeroPress Coffee Maker

As Cold brew coffee brewer

You can also use AeroPress to make a concentrated cold brew. Just mix your coffee beans with water or milk for a refreshing cold coffee.

Tea infuser

If for a change you want to enjoy tea, you can experiment with loose tea leaves or herbs. The AeroPress is a wonderful tool for brewing a single cup of tea.

Infused water

Do you enjoy fresh fruit-flavored water? Then Aeropress has your back. Just press fruits or herbs with water in the AeroPress and you are done. It's a quick way to enjoy refreshing infused drinks.

Cocktail mixer

Impress your guests by using the AeroPress to mix and strain ingredients for cocktails. AeroPress works amazingly for drinks that require muddled or pressed ingredients.

Broth strainer

You can easily remove the fine particles from homemade broth or stock by using the AeroPress as a quick and effective strainer.

Milk frother

Does that rich and frothy hot chocolate tempt you? Try frothing milk with the AeroPress. Just press hot milk over cocoa for a velvety drink.

Common Mistakes

Using stale coffee beans

The freshness of your coffee beans significantly influences the flavor. Opt for recently roasted beans in smaller batches, and grind only what you need for each cup to enhance the taste.

Low water quality

The quality of water used is crucial. While you can't control tap water hardness, choosing filtered or bottled water can positively impact your coffee's taste.

Plunging is not proper

Proper plunging is vital for a balanced brew. Aim for a plunge lasting between 30 to 45 seconds, but find the timing that suits your taste preferences through experimentation.

Poor coffee quality

The heart of a flavorful cup lies in high-quality coffee beans. No brewing method, including the AeroPress, can compensate for low-quality coffee.

Inconsistant grind size

The consistency of your coffee grind affects flavor, aroma, and consistency. Invest in a quality manual coffee grinder for precise and even coffee grounds.

Accessories to Enhance AeroPress Brewing

AeroPress Flow Control Filter Cap

Simply attach it to your AeroPress Original, AeroPress Go, or AeroPress Clear coffee maker, and it will efficiently halt drip-through, allowing you to enhance the brew time.

HEXNUB – Bamboo Organizer for AeroPress

This AeroPress organizer comes with a custom utensil holder which is designed to accommodate every essential component required for your AeroPress kit.

Dual Pour Accessory by 2 Pour

Dual pour as the name itself says can brew two cups of AeroPress coffee in one go, which makes it perfect for sharing a rich and flavorful brew with a friend while having a wholesome conversation or binge-watching.

glossary

Term	Definition
Immersion Brewing	Immersion brewing is a coffee brewing method where coffee grounds are fully submerged in water during the brewing process. Methods like French press and cold brew use immersion brewing.
Pressure Brewing	The brewing method where pressure is used to extract coffee flavors, a key feature in the AeroPress brewing process.
Bloom	The initial phase where coffee grounds release gasses, resulting in a foamy top.
AeroPress Go	A portable and compact version of the AeroPress designed for on-the-go coffee brewing.
Filter cap	The part of the AeroPress that holds the paper or metal filter in place during brewing.

Learn James Hoffmann AeroPress method

Step 1: Make your Aeropress ready for brewing

Begin by placing a paper filter in the filter cap and securely attaching it to the chamber. Take around 15 to 17 grams of coffee beans and grind them to a medium-coarse consistency, just like sea salt.

Step 2: Heating water and Preheating AeroPress

Heat water to a temperature around 93°C, rinse the paper filter to remove any residual flavor and preheat the Aeropress. Add the ground coffee to the chamber.

Step 3: Start blooming process

Start the timer and pour double the amount of water as coffee grounds (around 30-34 grams) over the grounds. This initial bloom will help release gases from the coffee for a more even extraction. Gently stir the coffee slurry with the Aeropress paddle and let it bloom for about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Pour and stir

After the bloom, pour the remaining water into the chamber, reaching a total of 250-300 grams, based on your desired strength. Stir the coffee and water mixture for about 10 seconds for even saturation of the grounds.

Step 5: Plunge

Attach the plunger and press down gently and steadily, applying a little. The entire plunge should take around 20-30 seconds. Stop plunging once you hear a hissing sound.

Step 6: Enjoy your coffee

Your brewed coffee is now concentrated and ready for dilution. You can also enjoy it as a concentrated espresso-like shot.