AeroPress Instructions: The Inverted AeroPress Method

The AeroPress was invented by Alan Adler, an engineer who was frustrated with the amount of time it took to make a good cup of coffee in a standard drip coffee machine. If you're like Adler and looking for a quick and easy way to make a great cup of coffee—especially on the go—the AeroPress coffee maker is a fantastic option. Read on for step-by-step AeroPress instructions and other useful tips. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What Is an AeroPress Coffee Maker?
• AeroPress Accessories
• AeroPress Instructions: The Inverted AeroPress Method
• The Best Coffee for an AeroPress
• How to Clean an AeroPress
• AeroPress Comparisons

What Is an AeroPress Coffee Maker?

The AeroPress is a simple brewing method that allows you to quickly press hot water through coffee. While it's not the most stylish of coffee makers, it’s lightweight, very portable, and will brew up a sweet, full-bodied cup of coffee every time. That's why it's often the preferred brew method for camping coffee. 

AeroPress Accessories

To get started, you’ll need a few accessories for your AeroPress; here’s a complete shopping list:  

• AeroPress: The AeroPress goes for about $30 on Amazon.
• Fresh Coffee: Grind to coarse sand consistency (or medium grind). 
• Grinder: We always recommend a quality burr grinder!
• AeroPress Paper Filter: You can find both name-brand filters and generic versions on Amazon.
• Coffee Scale: These are our coffee scale recommendations. 
• Kettle: We prefer an electric gooseneck kettle.

AeroPress Instructions: The Inverted AeroPress Method

We prefer the inverted AeroPress method, as it prevents dripping and allows for better control over brew time. Follow these AeroPress instructions for a great cup of coffee on the go. 

1. Heat the Water

Bring your kettle water to a boil, or if you’re using a temperature-controlled kettle, set it to 205°F. 

2. Prep the Filter

Unscrew the black AeroPress cap before placing the circular paper filter inside of it. Rinse the filter with heated water to remove the paper smell/taste. Shake out the rinse water from your AeroPress cap and set aside. 

3. Measure Your Coffee

Tare your scale and add 15g (or 3 tbsp.) freshly ground coffee into the filter. Give it a gentle shake to level out the grounds. Tare your scale again. 

4. Start the Brew

There will be two pours in total. This is the first. Start your timer and bloom the coffee by pouring 40g of heated water onto the grounds. This first pour should be about double the weight of your coffee. The goal is to saturate all of the grounds. Let bloom for 30 seconds and enjoy the aroma! 

5. Pour Again

Pour your next round of water (another 200g) about 1-inch away from the top of the AeroPress. After your pour, attach the cap with the filter and screw it in place. 

6. Attach the Cap

Secure the cap in place. 

7. Invert the AeroPress

At the 2-minute mark, prepare to invert the AeroPress. We like to hold a mug over the cap before flipping it, but the plunger’s seal should prevent most leaks.  

8. Wait for the Hiss

Slowly push the plunger down until you hear a hissing sound. This step should take about 30 seconds. 

9. Serve

Pour your coffee and enjoy! 

Want to experiment with other recipes? AeroPress publishes recipes from the World AeroPress Champions here.

The Best Coffee for an AeroPress

Light to medium roasts taste especially delicious in the AeroPress, since the quick extraction and paper filter result in a clean and bright cup that allows complex flavor notes to shine. 

How to Clean an AeroPress

Unlike many brew methods, it’s safe to clean the AeroPress in the dishwasher (top rack), though we still recommend hand-washing it with warm water and unscented dish soap. You’ll definitely want to remove the seal from the end of the plunger and give it a good clean from time to time. 

AeroPress Comparisons

AeroPress vs. AeroPress Go

Even though the traditional AeroPress is portable, AeroPress also makes a version specifically for travel, called the AeroPress Go. Here’s how the two compare:

• Size: The AeroPress Go is undeniably smaller and lighter (though the original AeroPress isn’t big and bulky by any means).
  
  
• Storage: The AeroPress Go is stored in a small cup with a silicone lid. The regular AeroPress doesn’t come with any storage.
  
  
• Parts: The original AeroPress comes with a funnel, while the AeroPress Go comes with a folding stick for stirring.
  
  
• Compatibility: Like the AeroPress, the AeroPress Go is compatible with the Fellow Prismo attachment for those wanting to make an espresso-like drink. 

Overall, there’s not much of a difference between the AeroPress and the AeroPress Go, and we’ve always found the original AeroPress to work great for travel. They’re even priced about the same (though the AeroPress Go is actually $2 more on Amazon).  

AeroPress vs. Pour Over

Here’s how the AeroPress differs from a pour over method:

• Serving Size: The AeroPress will yield about 8 ounces of coffee at a time, while the Hario and Chemex can scale up the recipes to serve multiple people at once. 
  
  
• Method: With a pour over method such as the Chemex, you literally pour hot water over ground coffee and through a paper filter. While you essentially do the same with the AeroPress, there’s the added step of pushing a plunger down. 
  
  
• Taste: AeroPress recipes can be extremely versatile, allowing for tons of experimentation. This can result in everything from vibrant, light and refreshing cups to silkier and more concentrated cups.
  
  
• Portability: The AeroPress travels well, while the Chemex does not. (If you’re looking for a pour over brewer that travels well, try the plastic Hario V60.)