The Aeropress coffee maker is a device that combines the functionality of an espresso machine and a French press. Unlike other manual coffee makers, the Aeropress uses air pressure to create a foamy, flavorful cup of coffee. As a fellow coffee connoisseur, I recommend this device because it’s easy to use and creates results that are much better than some other devices on the market.
Today we’re going to look at a few tips on how you can extract the most flavor out of your device using the top AeroPress tips and tricks!
Why use an Aeropress
It only takes 30 seconds to a minute to brew a single cup (or three cups in around 2 minutes). Additionally, there’s no worry about coffee grounds in your cup, as you plunge the device to separate the spent grounds from your coffee.
The Aeropress is also great for traveling and making coffee on-the-go. You can keep it in your suitcase or backpack without worrying too much about breakage and it only weighs a couple ounces (making it a great option for ultralight camping).
Benefits of using an Aeropress
Quick and Easy to Use
Takes anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes to make great coffee
Versatile
Can be used to make coffee for up to four people. Easily make strong, espresso like coffee to be used in Americanos or lattes.
Portable
The AeroPress I small enough to fit into any suitcase or backpack, which makes it great for travel and camping.
Durable
The Aeropress is made of high-quality plastic, making it one of the most durable coffee makers on the market.
Parts of an Aeropress
Plunger – pushes water through the ground beans
Filter Cap – holds coffee grounds steady under pressure
Chamber – where you place ground coffee beans and hot water
Stirrer (optional accessory) – It, well, gently stir your ground coffee beans to allow hot water to quickly extract all the sweet flavors from your beans.
AeroPress Tips and Tricks
Manual coffee brewing can seem intimidating at first. Whether you are trying to make an iced coffee or make sure your brew method maximizes flavor. Brew time and fine ground high quality coffee beans are major factors to consider when using the Aeropress method for brewing coffee. Here are a few tips to remember when brewing with this amazing little device. Some of these I learned the hard way.
Use a Fine Grind Size
When using an Aeropress, it’s important that you use a fine grind, unlike a drip coffee maker or coffee percolator. Go for something a bit coarser than espresso but not so fine that the water isn’t able to easily penetrate through the grounds. Grind coffee with a burr grinder to maintain a consistent size for most AeroPress brew methods.
Use the Right Amount of Coffee
Each serving of coffee in an AeroPress should be about 20 grams. That’s about a heaping scoop and a half. The AeroPress chamber can be hard to fill with coffee grounds, so make sure to use the funnel and prevent making a mess.
Brew at the Right Temperature
While you can brew with boiling water if need be, it’s recommended that you use hot water between 175 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. This is similar to what you’d get out of an espresso machine. The temperature you use will depend on the coffee roast. The lighter the roast the higher the temperature.
For dark roasts, you want to go with about 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Medium roasted coffee should be brewed around 185 degrees Fahrenheit while light roasts are best at 195 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rinse the Filter with Hot Water
To help remove any fibers left over from the manufacturing process, make sure to rinse the paper filter after you set it in the cap. This will help to make sure your coffee doesn’t taste like paper.
Stir the Grounds
Stirring the grounds is essential for any AeroPress recipe. It helps to speed up the brewing process and extract all of those delicious flavors from your beans. If you don’t stir, the coffee bed might not be evenly saturated and ruin that delicious cup of coffee. The stirrer that comes with your AeroPress coffee maker is designed so that it is long enough to reach the bottom, but not so long that it scrapes the paper filters on the bottom near the filter cap.
Don’t Force the Plunger
The plunger will have some resistance (that’s normal). Don’t force it though or it can actually end up taking longer. If you feel like the plunger is stuck, pull up on it slightly and wait a few seconds. Then begin the pushing again.
Use Filtered Water
Coffee enthusiasts will let you know it’s important that great tasting coffee starts with great tasting hot water. Try and use filtered or bottled water if possible for best results. It is also possible to use coffee brewing water for your AeroPress brew. I usually use around 100 grams of water for my brewed coffee shot. I prefer to you a gooseneck kettle to add water because it’s easier to control the amount and the flow of water.
Clean Your Equipment
When you’re done brewing, make sure to clean all of your equipment. This will help prolong the life of your Aeropress and make sure your coffee tastes great every time.
Don’t Tamp Your Coffee Grounds
While you can make espresso like coffee with AeroPress brewing, there are some major differences. The AeroPress filter provides enough resistance that you do not need to actually compact your coffee grounds by tamping. If you were to tamp then when you went to press coffee it would be very hard to do so.
Inverted Method
The Aeropress inverted method is a modification of the standard coffee brewing process. With this modified technique, you place the plunger in the bottom of the brewing chamber and then flip your brewing equipment upside down. Any coffee geek will tell you that coffee brewed using the inverted AeroPress method makes stronger, better coffee. The AeroPress filter will prevent water spilling out when you flip the AeroPress upside down again, but still be careful. The inverted method is also key to making cold brew.
Final Thoughts
Brewing coffee with an Aeropress is a quick and easy way to get great tasting coffee without all the fuss. There are a lot of AeroPress recipes out there, but these tips are pretty universal. These pro tips should help you on your way to becoming an Aeropress master.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AeroPress dishwasher safe?
Yes, the AeroPress is dishwasher safe. If you use a dishwasher to clean your equipment, remove the filter cap and make sure it’s dry before re-attaching it.
Is there any special storage I should know about?
Never store your coffee maker exposed to air or moisture. Also, avoid placing anything on top of the unit as it can damage the exterior.
What is a “fine grind” of coffee?
A fine grind means the coffee is ground to a finer consistency, like that of granulated sugar. This allows the hot water to fully extract all the amazing flavors hidden inside those little beans during the brewing process.
How can you use the AeroPress as a cold brew coffee maker?
To use the AeroPress as a cold brewer, place room temperature water and coarse ground coffee into the brewing chamber and let it steep for 12 hours. Then you’ll want to flip the device upside down so that you can press out all of those delicious flavors. This method produces some seriously tasty coffee.
