How to Aeropress Coffee: The Complete Guide
Coffee, the extra boost of fuel we all need to start our morning. The workforce runs on coffee. If you are making your coffee at home, there are several methods to choose from. But Aeropress coffee is the best, according to many. If this is new to you, it might be a game-changer. So, if your curiosity is piqued, here’s how to Aeropress coffee.
There are several ways to Aeropress coffee, but the most efficient way starts by measuring and grinding your coffee. After grinding, prep the Aeropress before adding the coffee and water. Next, you’ll place the plunger and wait a few minutes before stirring the coffee, and then you are all set.
Anyone who Aeropress their coffee will tell you it produces the freshest and best tasting coffee. You will need an Aeropress to brew your coffee, but the steps are easy to follow. In this article, you will get a step-by-step guide on how to properly Aeropress your coffee, as well as a few recommendations of great Aeropress to consider.
What To Know Before You Press
What makes Aeropress coffee so satisfying is how fresh the coffee tastes. Aside from the taste, there is always an added sense of satisfaction when you work and create something from scratch.
The process of Aeropress puts you in control of your coffee from start to finish. Before diving into the process, let’s take a quick look at some of the benefits.
- Rich and smooth taste
- Low acidity
- Brews espresso and American style coffee
- Easy to clean afterward
- Ideal for travel
Aeropress machines offer convenience and incredible health benefits. It can be a process at first, but it’s pretty simple after the first couple of brews.
Most Aeropress machines’ size makes it easy to travel with, giving you the option to brew fresh coffee on the go. The low acidity and rich taste will keep you energized without crashing.
Most people drink coffee during their morning routine before heading off to work. It is understandable if a new method of coffee brewing might seem like a hassle to start your day.
The Aeropress process is more straightforward than it looks. You can brew up to 3 glasses at once without compromising the quality of the coffee.
So, before you turn away and choose to stick to your regular coffee brewing technique, consider the benefits above. Once you’ve understood the benefits of Aeropress coffee, you will be ready to start brewing.
Your morning routine is about to change for the better. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to Aeropress your coffee.
What You’ll Need to Aeropress Your Coffee
The first thing you will want to do is find an Aeropress that efficiently makes the coffee you want. This article will provide a few recommendations later, so let’s focus on the process now.
The Aeropress process might vary based on your machine. Still, the steps are typically standard regardless of the brand you use.
One great thing about Aeropress coffee is that it can be done anywhere. With the proper materials, you can have fresh and rich-tasting coffee at your convenience.
The process will also satisfy you because you are more involved in brewing coffee than you would be with a regular coffee maker. Congratulations, you are a barista!
The process might also vary depending on your preference for coffee. While the process of American coffee and Espresso is essentially the same, the taste and strength of your coffee will depend on how you go about some of the variables in the coffee-making process.
Now that the variables have been considered, start the process.
Prepare the Aeropress and Plunger
The first thing you want to do is make sure your Aeropress is clean. Replace the filter and place it on the detachable cap of the Aeropress. Use hot water to rinse the Aeropress and the filter area.
This will heat up your brewing machine and prepare the filter for the next step in the process. Look for these indicators to make sure your device is clean.
- Leftover residue or grains from the previous brew
- A dirty or used filter on the cap
- Coffee stains
Once your Aeropress is clean and ready to go, dry any wet areas on the presser and then attach the plunger.
Ensuring the machine is dry before assembling it is essential because any wet spots or residual liquid can compromise the Aeropress seal’s security. Once it is securely assembled, place the Aeropress on the scale.
This process is no different from the typical coffee brewing experience you are accustomed to. It is essentially just making sure the pot is clean and the filter is replaced.
Always wash the Aeropress after use. If your Aeropress is always washed, it will speed up the process the next time you brew. Let’s move on to the next step.
Boil Water and Grind Coffee
The next thing you will want to do is take about 7 or 8 ounces of water and boil it. As the water is boiling, measure the gram amount of coffee beans you want in your brew.
The measurement you choose typically depends on your taste and strength preference. Once you measure your beans, it is time to grind them into a thin texture.
The size of your grind will determine the immersion time of the brew. The size is also crucial for determining whether you will brew an Espresso or American coffee. Make sure you do not mix the boiled water with the ground coffee until they are ready to be poured into the Aeropress’s plunger.
Pour Grains and Water Into Plunger
After your water starts to boil, mix the grains with the water and stir everything together. You will want to see your coffee grains blossom before adding the rest of the water.
The water should be boiled to a temperature between 190 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. The amount of water you pour should be twice the amount of the coffee grains.
The coffee should be leveled and evenly saturated inside the plunger. You can use a knife, fork, or any other small kitchen utensil to flatten the grains. This will keep most of the grains at the bottom of the plunger, allowing for optimal brewing and diminishing potential waste of grains.
Let the grains and water sit for about 30 minutes after flattening before pouring the remainder of the water to fill the plunger. After about a minute or two, the water and the grains will combine, and you will want to stir the grains about 10 times or so to agitate them. Once this is done, you are ready for the final step.
Brewing Your Coffee
- If the pushing is too easy, your grind is probably still coarse
- If the pushing is too difficult, your grind is too fine
- You will feel about 30 pounds of resistance when pushing down
- Your coffee is ready when it starts hissing and pouring smoothly
These are indicators that help you know if your brew is ready or overdone. It might take a few times to get it right, so write down your measurements and your process so that you can be prepared to alter any steps during the next run. If your coffee pours perfectly, you are just about done with the Aeropress process.
When your Aeropress starts to make a hissing sound, it means it has run out of water to press, and your brew is ready. The process’s final step is the same as it would be for a regular coffee machine.
Take the filter and the remaining coffee grains and throw them out. Finally, clean the Aeropress and set yourself up for the next brew.
As you can see, the process is not as difficult or time-consuming as you might have thought. Aside from the initial grinding of the grains and boiling of the water, the Aeropress process is very similar to that of a traditional coffee maker.
Once you have a proper routine for yourself, Aeropress will be like second nature.
Recommended Aeropress Machines
As mentioned earlier, the Aeropress process might vary depending on which Aeropress you purchase. Now that you have Aeropress’ process down to a science, you get to do the easy part – purchasing.
In this section, you will see a few of the top-rated Aeropress on the market. So, research before making any purchase.
Although the name and the process might seem like they’d represent a fancy and expensive product, an Aeropress machine is incredibly affordable.
As you will find out in this section, the price ranges of the 3 best Aeropress on the market range from $30 to $50. With price not being much of a factor, it comes down to personal preference.
Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker
This Aeropress is the most affordable presser in the market, coming in at $30. This Aeropress is excellent for beginners and includes everything from a flat stirrer to 350 paper filters.
Starting the process is easy, but cleaning up is even easier. To clean this presser after use, remove the filter cap and dump the remaining residue and grains in the trash.
The Aeropress coffee maker makes the brewing process simple. The parts are easily detachable and can be hand washed after use. You can take this Aeropress on the go and brew your coffee from anywhere you choose.
No Aeropress is complete without the right tools. Some of the extras included with this Aeropress are listed below.
- 350 paper filters
- Flat stirrer
- Precision coffee measuring scoop
- Funnel for keeping countertops clear of grains
This presser does have a few cons. Along with being a smaller presser that can only produce 1 to 2 cups of coffee per brew, it is susceptible to leakage. This presser’s plastic material is not the best quality, but it will still get the job done.
This is an excellent presser for beginners with a tight schedule that need fresh coffee on the go.
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with Tote Bag
This is the perfect set for an experienced presser that wants to brew their coffee on the go and perhaps even make a cup for someone else. This presser is similar to the previous presser. Still, the most significant difference between the two is that this presser is designed for travel and adventure.
Most coffee drinkers who choose to go with this presser do it because they desire coffee as an energy boost wherever they go. Rather than taking that midday nap or making frequent trips to Starbucks, this Aeropress gives coffee drinkers the option to take their coffee wherever they choose and is excellent for places listed below.
- Hiking trails
- Road trips
- Work
- Homes of friends and family
Its lightweight design makes it easy to pack and does not take up much room in your bag. The price tag is essentially the same as the previous coffee maker. The Aeropress with Tote Bag comes out to about $32.
The cons of this presser are the same as its predecessor. It is small and convenient, but its size makes it only good enough to brew 1-2 cups of coffee per press. It also has leakage issues and, although it is relatively durable, can be damaged easily.
Either way, this is a great choice for a coffee lover that enjoys having their coffee on the go.
AeroPress Value Pack
If you are an avid coffee drinker, the Aeropress value pack might be the best purchase for you. This presser is the same model as the Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker. Still, it comes with a plethora of added tools, as well as a tote bag for travel. This value pack includes some of the items you will get listed below.
- 700 coffee filters
- Plunger
- Brewing Chamber
- Filter cap
- Tote bag
The price of this value pack is about $36. You will essentially be paying $3 to $4 more for the added filters and the tote bag. This is an excellent choice for a coffee lover that drinks frequently and likes to travel. The cons of the value pack are the same as the cons of the Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker.
Final Thoughts
Pressing your coffee is a great way to get great-tasting, rich coffee within a matter of minutes. The process might seem tedious, but once you get a routine going, you will not be able to tell the difference between Aeropress and a traditional coffee maker.
The steps vary depending on what presser you have but are typically consistent.
Remember to clean the Aeropress and replace the filter. Make sure there are no stains or residue from the previous brew. Grind the coffee and boil water to a temperature of close to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pour the grains and the water into the presser and flatten the grains. Let the grains and water sit for a minute before stirring and pressing the coffee.
Most Aeropresses function similarly, but you will want to consider specific pressers based on what kind of coffee drinker you are. There are pressers for the casual coffee drinkers and pressers for the coffee drinkers who cannot survive without it.
The ball is in your court. Start using an Aeropress and experiencing your coffee in a new way!
