The AeroPress is quick, portable and unusually forgiving. That does not mean every combination of grind, temperature and time will taste good. The easiest route to better AeroPress coffee is to hold most things steady, taste the result, then change just one variable.
- Coffee
- 15g
- Water
- 225g
- Temperature
- 90–92°C
- Grind
- Medium-fine
- Total time
- About 2 min
What you need
- An AeroPress, filter cap and paper filter
- 15g freshly ground coffee
- 225g water, ideally weighed on a small scale
- A sturdy mug and a timer
- A stirrer or spoon
The everyday AeroPress recipe
- Prepare the brewer. Put a paper filter in the cap, rinse it with hot water and attach it to the chamber. Sit the AeroPress securely on a sturdy mug.
- Add 15g of medium-fine coffee. Aim a little finer than typical pour-over coffee but not powdery. Shake the chamber gently to level the grounds.
- Pour to 225g. Start the timer and add water at 90–92°C, making sure all the coffee is wet. Stir gently three or four times.
- Create a seal. Insert the plunger by about a centimetre. This reduces dripping while the coffee brews.
- Wait, then press. At 1 minute 30 seconds, remove the plunger, give the coffee one gentle stir, replace it and press slowly for 20–30 seconds. Stop when you hear a hiss.
- Taste before changing anything. Let the cup cool for a minute. Sweetness and acidity become easier to judge as the temperature drops.
How to fix your AeroPress coffee
| If it tastes... | Try this next |
|---|---|
| Sour or thin | Grind a little finer, use hotter water or extend the steep by 15 seconds. |
| Bitter or drying | Grind a little coarser, lower the water temperature or press more gently. |
| Weak | Use 17g coffee with the same water, or reduce the water to 200g. |
| Muddy | Grind slightly coarser and avoid vigorous stirring. |
| Very hard to press | Your grind is probably too fine. Stop forcing it and go coarser next time. |
Frequently asked questions
Should I use the standard or inverted method?
The standard method is simpler and avoids the risk of spilling hot coffee when flipping the brewer. Inserting the plunger creates enough of a seal for this recipe.
Do I need two paper filters?
No. One filter gives a clean cup. A second can reduce a little more oil and sediment, but it is an optional preference rather than an upgrade.
What coffee works best?
The AeroPress is flexible. Medium and light roasts often suit this recipe well, but the best coffee is one with flavours you enjoy. Use the Roast Matchmaker to find a starting point.