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Quick answer
A reliable starting AeroPress recipe: 15 g medium-fine coffee, 220 g water at 92–96°C, 1 minute total brew time, inverted or standard method—use a paper filter for clarity or a metal filter for more body. Follow the steps below, then change only one variable at a time (grind, dose, time, or temperature) to tune the cup.
Why use an AeroPress?
The AeroPress is a low-cost, low-fuss brewer that produces clean, low-acidity coffee with a concentrated body. It’s fast (brews in about a minute), portable, and very forgiving of small technique variations. That makes it ideal for home drinkers who want a quality cup without a full espresso setup.
What you’ll need
Equipment
- AeroPress (including cap and plunger)
- Filters: AeroPress paper filters or a compatible metal filter
- Burr grinder (recommended) or preground coffee
- Kitchen scale (highly recommended) and timer
- Gooseneck kettle (optional), mug, and spoon or paddle
Ingredients
- 15 grams freshly roasted coffee (tweak to taste)
- 220 grams water, 92–96°C (197–205°F)
Step-by-step recipe (reliable starting point)
This recipe uses the inverted method to maximize immersion and control. It’s written so you can follow it without a scale if needed, but a scale makes consistency much easier.
- Set up: Assemble the AeroPress in the inverted position (plunger at the bottom, chamber on top). Put the paper filter in the cap and rinse with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the cap.
- Add coffee: Grind 15 g coffee to a medium-fine grind (slightly finer than drip, coarser than espresso). Add the grounds to the chamber.
- Bloom: Start your timer and pour 40 g water evenly over the grounds. Stir gently for 10 seconds to wet all grounds. Let bloom for 20–30 seconds.
- Finish pour: At ~0:30, pour the remaining water up to 220 g total. Stir gently once more if desired.
- Steep: Let the coffee steep until 1:00 total time. If you prefer a longer extraction, extend steep to 1:15–1:30.
- Attach cap and invert: Secure the cap with the rinsed filter, invert the AeroPress over your mug, and press slowly and steadily for about 20–30 seconds until the plunger reaches the grounds.
- Serve: Enjoy as a concentrated cup (similar to Americano strength). Add hot water to taste if you want a larger cup.
How to tune the cup — practical adjustments
Change only one variable at a time and taste the difference.
- Grind size: If the coffee tastes sour/under-extracted, grind finer. If it tastes bitter/over-extracted, grind coarser. Adjust in small increments (one or two clicks on a grinder).
- Dose: More coffee increases strength and body. Try 13–18 g range to find your preferred intensity.
- Water temperature: Higher temperature (94–96°C) extracts more quickly and emphasizes sweetness and body. Lower (90–92°C) can reduce bitterness and preserve bright notes from lighter roasts.
- Steep time: Increase steep time for more extraction; reduce it if the cup is over-extracted. The 1:00–1:30 range is effective for most beans at this dose.
- Filter type: Paper filters give cleaner, brighter cups. Metal filters let more oils and fine particles through for fuller body and mouthfeel.
Common methods and tradeoffs
- Inverted method (described above): Pros — excellent immersion control, less messy, and consistent. Cons — requires inverting the brewer which can feel awkward for beginners.
- Standard method (cap down on mug): Pros — simpler, no inversion. Cons — less immersion control and can be slightly more inconsistent unless you watch pour and agitation carefully.
- Paper vs. metal filter: Paper removes oils and sediment for clarity; metal preserves body and texture. If you like espresso-like thickness, try a metal filter. If you prefer a tea-like, clean cup, use paper.
Troubleshooting quick guide
- Sour or thin: Grind finer, increase dose, raise water temperature, or extend steep time.
- Bitter or astringent: Grind coarser, shorten steep time, lower water temperature, or reduce dose.
- Watery or weak: Add more coffee or reduce water; ensure grind size isn’t too coarse.
- Clogging/slow press: Try a coarser grind or rinse a new paper filter more thoroughly. Very fine grinds and certain roast profiles can slow down pressing.
Cleaning and maintenance
Rinse the cap and chamber after each use and remove spent grounds. For paper filters, toss the filter and grounds into compost. For metal filters, rinse under hot water and use a soft brush occasionally to remove oils. Periodically disassemble the AeroPress and wash all parts with warm soapy water to prevent residue buildup.
Where to go next
If you want more recipes and variations (inverted recipes, espresso-style puck, or cold brew with AeroPress), browse our collection at /blogs/. For more brewing tools and comparable devices, check our brewing collection at /brew/ or look at gear options in /buying-guides/. If you need filters or replacement parts, visit /shop/.
Conclusion
The AeroPress is one of the most user-friendly ways to get great coffee at home. Start with the recipe above, use a scale and timer to lock in consistency, and then tune grind, dose, time, and temperature to match your taste. Choose your preferred method and filter type based on whether you want clarity or body. With just a few minutes of practice you can make a reliable, delicious cup every day.