Exploring the right ways How to use an AeroPress? Here comes a detailed guide that takes you through the different methods of using an AeroPress brewer. Read on!
If it’s about convenience, affordability, and a good cup of coffee, AeroPress stands as the favorite of millennials. This cute little and strange-looking gizmo can produce wonderful and flavorful cups in minutes. If you are wondering how to use this unique gadget to brew quick and convenient cups, this guide is a must-read. Delve deeper and explore every little detail associated with an AeroPress.
AeroPress – An overview
This manual piston-style brewer was invented by Alan Adler, an engineer, physicist, and lecturer at Stanford University. Adler’s unfathomed love for quick coffee encouraged him to find an alternative to a drip coffee maker and pour-over. His quest gave birth to his brainchild, the well-talked and well-used AeroPress.
This apparently non-sexy tool boasts a cylindrical chamber and a plunger with an airtight silicone seal – almost identical to a syringe. The gadget involves steeping coffee beans and water inside it, and then those steeped beans and water are forced through a filter with the press of the plunger through the chamber.
In simpler words, it’s all about forcing coffee through a paper filter directly to your cup. The inventor was not only astonished by the agility of this gadget but also by its ability to justify delectability. The use of a paper filter ensures a clear cup that is neither bitter nor sludge-stuffed like French press coffee.
Adler was pretty sure that this out-of-the-box tool wouldn’t take much time to become a commercial hit. So, he started manufacturing this kit industrially, and the results were pretty much predictable – AeroPress turned into a cult success.
How to use an Aeropress Coffee Maker
There are two methods of using your AeroPress, and we will take you through each. However, the common coffee to water ratio for brewing with AeroPress is 1:10.
Brewing Coffee with AeroPress – The Original Method
Equipment
- 1 AeroPress
- 1 AeroPress filter and scoop ( They come with the kit )
- 1 A food thermometer
- 1 Coffee grinder
- 1 A kettle
- 1 A glass ( for pouring water )
Ingredients
- 200 ml Water
- 20 grams Coffee ( Freshly and finely ground )
Instructions
- Boil water and let it cool for around 60-70 seconds. You should always aim for a temperature between 175-195 degrees F.
- Grind 2 AeroPress scoops of coffee beans (around 20 grams). The grind size should be fine.
- Now assemble the AeroPress and put the paper filter inside the cap. Then place the gadget on the top of a cup or mug.Sprinkle a little warm water so that the filter gets wet. It helps in eliminating the papery smell of the filter.
- You are done with all sorts of preparation, and it's time to add the coffee. All you need to do is place the funnel on the top of the cup and pour in the coffee. Once done, simply remove the funnel.
- Now pour in water until it touches the top line on the AeroPress. After adding the water, start stirring. You can use the paddle stirrer or a spoon to perform the job briefly.
- It's time to plunge now. Insert the plunger and firmly press it down. Continue to plunge until an enhanced 'hiss' sound.
- Well, your coffee is almost ready. Taste the coffee in your cup and if required, dilute it with water. Since AeroPress produces a concentrated cup of coffee you can split it into two cups and a little hot water to balance the taste and aroma.
Video
The Second Method of Using an Aeropress
Now, let’s take you through the other way of brewing with Aeropress.
The Inverted/Reversed method of using an AeroPress
Equipment
- 1 AeroPress
- 1 food thermometer
- 1 Coffee grinder
- 1 AeroPress filter and scoop
- 1 A kettle
- 1 A glass
Ingredients
- 200 ml Water
- 20 grams coffee
Instructions
- Assemble your AeroPress upside down. Heat up the water (175 – 195-degree-F) and grind coffee beans finely.
- Put the plunger in the chamber of the AeroPress and flip the entire setup upside down. However, don't put the cap or filter on.
- It's time to pour in the coffee. Place the funnel and pour 20 grams (2 AeroPress scoops) of ground beans into the chamber.
- Now is the time to pour the water. Continue adding hot water. Stop when the chamber is almost full. Now stironce. Again, you can use the paddle or simply take a spoon for stirring.
- It's time to steep the blend of the coffee grounds and water. Aim for one minute; however, you can adjust the timing in the future if one minute gives you too bold or too weak coffee.
- Place the cap and put the paper filter in it. Now screw it tightly onto the chamber.
- Carefully and quickly, flip the entire AeroPress setup over and place it on a pitcher or a mug. Keep on pressing. Once your drink comes out, taste it and dilute – just like you've done in the original method.
Video
Notes
- Note: The funnel that comes with the AeroPress gear may look a little goofy. You may skip using it if you are sure about your AeroPress skills. However, when you use the funnel, you ensure that the ground gets into the narrow tube in a neat and clean way.
- Pressing the AeroPress involves plenty of pressure. To be honest, there are chances that you may break your porcelain because it can’t withstand such huge pressure. So, we recommended using a metal pitcher while making AeroPress coffee.
The AeroPress Espresso Recipe
Wait, we haven’t lied in the beginning, nor do we mean to get your hopes up. The sad reality is unchanged – AeroPress CAN’T MAKE ORIGINAL ESPRESSOS – Actually, it can’t because producing enough pressure to brew the real gold standard espresso is not the job of AeroPress. However, you can definitely make something very close.
If you are desperately searching for an AeroPress espresso recipe, you can try this out! Indeed, it’s a little odd. Besides, you may need to practice to master it. However, once you get hold of it, you will definitely cheer your victory.
*Note: We wish we could invent this out-of-the-ordinary recipe. However, we believe in crediting where the credit is due. The recipe was first tried and documented by a specialty coffee roaster from South Africa known as Michael Mac Donald. We are specifying the original recipe here. To make it even more convenient and fruitful, you can add your own little skills.
Tools and ingredients
- AeroPress and filter
- Coffee grinder
- Coffee scale
- 20 grams of coffee (2 AeroPress scoops)
- Water filter
- 200 ml water
- Coffee mug/pitcher
- Timer
How to make Espresso with Aeropress
Step 1
Rinse your AeroPress filter well and place it in the filter cap. Once done, set it aside. Now insert the plunger about halfway into the brewing chamber. Grind your coffee beans (fine ground) and take hot (195 degrees F) filtered water.
Step 2
Now pour the grounds into the AeroPress and place the AeroPress onto your scale. Now zero the scale and your timer.
Step 3
Start your timer and start pouring water. Pour slowly till it reaches your target water rate. Once done, hold the AeroPress and vigorously shake it in a circular motion for 15 seconds. You can also spin it with the paddle if you feel it is convenient. After 15-25 seconds, place the filter cap and flip the AeroPress onto a mug.
Step 4
Now comes the most challenging part. You will have to plunge into a way that your life depends on it. Push, push and push until the liquid coffee comes out in your cup (a humble piece of advice – get a soother ready to ease the discomfort that you are going to get in your hands and shoulder after this turbulent plunging😉). Yes, you are done now! Taste your cup, and if you are savoring it, you have won the game. If not, better luck next time.
*Note: Remember, when you are making an AeroPress espresso, you may replace the paper filters with metal filters to produce a bolder and more fuller-bodied cup, which is more akin to espresso. It happens because metal filters are pretty forgiving, and they let a small number of microscopic grounds pass through the mesh, which results in a more aromatic and velvety shot with lower acidity.
Why should you choose AeroPress?
Well, because it gives you tangible benefits, which include-
Absolutely agile
If you need a quick caffeine fix for those long working days, no other maker can act as quickly as the AeroPress. Zero steeping and long pouring, it lets you prepare your cup in 50-60 seconds (indeed with hot water).
Great-tasting cups
The AeroPress produces a great-tasting cup with clear and refreshing nuances. If you are among those coffee buffs who love to explore the differences between various beans and roasts, the AeroPress gives you that freedom. A cup of AeroPress coffee is always crisp, distinct, bold, and flavored.
Unbelievably affordable
The price of AeroPress is indeed surprising. The package includes a full set of AeroPress gear along with a 12-month’s supply of filters.
Utterly convenient
The AeroPress requires absolutely zero special technique to make a cup of coffee; it’s all about pouring and pushing.
Portable and durable
This lightweight coffeemaker is ideal for carrying along in campings, hiking, or anywhere you travel. Besides, it doesn’t contain any glass, so there’s any fear of cracks.
Apart from the advantages mentioned above, the AeroPress is incredibly easy to clean. The caps come off, and all you need to do is press out the compressed grounds in your dustbin. Finely rinse the whole thing, and your job is done. The only drawback of an AeroPress is it can make only 1-2 cups of coffee at a time, making it an odd choice for group brewing.
Wrapping up
So, now that you know how to use AeroPress go ahead and brew your cup now. Enjoy clear and concentrated coffee every morning without investing much of your effort and time.
How often should I replace my AeroPress?
AeroPress is incredibly durable; however, you may need to change it every 3-4 years.
Can I reuse the coffee grounds in AeroPress?
Though it’s not recommended, you can. To make a near to balanced cup of coffee with reused coffee grounds, you should soak the grounds for 30-45 minutes. However, there are high chances of getting over-extracted and bitter cups when you reuse your coffee grounds.
What is the best grind for AeroPress?
A fine grind that is identical to table salt goes best with AeroPress.
How often should I replace my AeroPress plunger?
There is no stipulated timeline for replacing the plunger of your AeroPress. Whenever you see that it’s getting torn, you can go for a replacement.
What is the ideal coffee to water ratio for AeroPress?
The ideal coffee to water ratio for AeroPress is 1:10.