How To Use AeroPress Coffee Maker – Ultimate Guide

Welcome to the ultimate guide on the AeroPress Coffee Maker.

I’ve crafted a guide that’ll show you everything about this well-known coffee brewer. From diving deep into brewing techniques, and showcasing top recipes, to troubleshooting common issues and keeping it clean.

Trust me, by the end of this guide, you’ll be brewing like a pro. Now, let’s kick things off with the original brewing method!

Instructions for the AeroPress Coffee Maker: Original Method

In my opinion, using the AeroPress with the original method is pretty straightforward, but to get it to taste exactly how your taste buds like it might take a couple of tries.

One thing I can’t help but emphasize here: the AeroPress Coffee Maker is all about that press. So, you need to put some muscle into it and ensure you’re on a flat surface. Keep that in mind as you dive into the steps below.

Put a micro-filter over the filter cap of the AeroPress and screw that cap onto the chamber (the thicker tube).
Measure 17 grams of coffee beans by filling the spoon provided to the brink and then grind the beans.
Pour the ground coffee into the chamber and rest it on top of your cup.
Heat water to 190⁰F (or 88⁰C) and pour it slowly into the chamber containing the coffee, stirring the coffee gently with the stirrer or spinning the chamber for a milder stir.
Let the coffee rest for at least a minute.
Take the plunger (the slimmer tube) and place it inside the chamber.
Push the plunger until the coffee enters the cup and stop at the hissing sound, signaling the chamber is empty.

And you’re done! It won’t take you long to go from setup to sipping on your cup.

So, you’ve got the hang of the original method. And now, are you ready to move on to something that is more challenging?

Check out the next method to mix things up a bit.

The AeroPress Inverted: The Upside-Down Method

The inverted method is a bold move for coffee lovers who enjoy a challenge. This technique flips things upside down not once, but twice.

Here’s how you do it:

Find yourself a level surface.
Fit the plunger into the chamber and place the AeroPress Coffee Maker on the level surface so that the plunger is holding the AeroPress up. This is why it’s called the inverted method: the plunger seals the chamber and holds it upside down.
Measure 17 grams of coffee beans by filling the spoon provided to the brink and then grind the beans.
Pour the ground coffee into the upside-down chamber.
Heat up water to 190⁰F (or 88⁰C) and pour it slowly into the chamber containing the coffee, stirring the coffee gently.
Let the coffee rest for at least a minute.
Put a micro-filter over the filter cap and screw it onto the chamber as carefully as possible.
Here comes the tricky part: place your cup upside down on the chamber and holding the chamber in one hand and the cup in the other turn the whole structure right-side up.
Press down on the plunger so that the coffee goes through the filter in the chamber and into the cup. Stop when you hear the hissing sound.

So, why would someone go inverted with those extra steps when the original method already gives a fine cup of coffee? In the following section, I’ll break down the reasons for you.

The Original Method vs The Inverted Method: What’s the Difference?

First things first, the major distinction between these two ways is the clear difference in position. While the original keeps things upright, the inverted method flips the script, quite literally, by turning things upside down.

However, there are subtler reasons to employ one method over the other:

Firstly, have you ever noticed those few extra drops when using the original method? They might seem harmless, but they’re actually a bit of under-brewed coffee. Not the tastiest part, if I’m honest. However small they are, they point to a slight technical flaw in the system.

But here’s the kicker: the inverted method sidesteps this small issue entirely.

Secondly, let’s talk about what coffee lovers call “the bloom”. It’s a thin layer of foam rich in flavor and aroma that can be found on top of coffee grounds as you pour hot water on them. Also, from my experience, it’s basically the tastiest, most aromatic part of your brew.

With the original, sadly, the bloom gets trapped in the used coffee grounds and isn’t really pushed out through the filter into your cup.
Nevertheless, when using the inverted, as you flip the AeroPress, the bloom at the top mixes with the rest of the coffee. This bloom then pours into your cup, giving you a cup of coffee with a richer taste.

Now, let me briefly summarize it! The original method is a quicker and simpler way to press your coffee. Meanwhile, the inverted one is slower and riskier with the added flavor the bloom affords you.

But wait, it’s not over yet! The AeroPress is such a versatile product that there’s yet another technique for you to try.

The Cold Brew Method with AeroPress

There are so many recipes for making a cold brew with an AeroPress, about as many recipes as there are taste buds in your mouth!

I’ve picked out two standout recipes for you. Give them a try, play around, and find the one that hits the spot just right for you.

The first recipe:

Start off with your ground coffee. Place it in a bottle and fill it up with room-temperature water. Let the bottle sit on your counter but keep it away from direct sunlight. Aim for about 5 to 10 hours.
After that, stick the bottle in the fridge and leave it there overnight. Your brew will be ready in the morning.
When you’re set, take the bottle out, pour its contents into an upright AeroPress, and press directly into your cup. If you’re in the mood for an extra chill, press it over some ice cubes. Enjoy!

The second recipe:

It takes a little longer. Remember, rather than a bottle, you’ll be using the AeroPress itself.

Start by steeping the grounds directly in an inverted AeroPress.
Instead of moving it to the fridge after 5 to 10 hours, let this setup sit on your counter. I’m talking a full day here, so let it be for 24 hours.
Once the time’s up, it’s pressing time. Attach the paper filter to the filter cap, screw it onto the chamber, then flip the AeroPress. Press your coffee over some ice, take a sip, and relish the flavors.

There are even more ways you could be enjoying your cup of coffee. But don’t take it from me, take it from the pros themselves!

The Best Brews: Recipes from World AeroPress Championship Winners

Every year, after 60 nations host their individual tournaments, the champions converge at the World AeroPress Championship to compete for the top spot. Let’s think of it: the best coffee minds judging, passionate competitors, and a crowd sipping their favorite brews. It’s a pretty serious affair, but it also has the informal feel of a friendly gathering.

Now, I’ve got winning recipes for you to try at home:

2022 World AeroPress Championship winner

The latest (2022) World AeroPress Championship winner, Jibbi Little from Australia used:

Coffee: Quietly Coffee x Cafe Imports Colombia Finca Juan Martin, Natural, Striped Red Bourbon
Dose: 18.0g
Brewing Method: Inverted
Water: Perfect Coffee Water, 92°C (198°F)
Filter: 1 AeroPress Classic Filter, Rinsed
Grinder: Two Grinders
Total brew time: 2:10

She created her outstanding coffee by:

Pour coffee into the chamber
Pour 94ml of water and stir 35 times gently
At 1:20 screw on the cap and press out the remaining air
At 1:30 flip and press for 30 seconds from 1:40 – 2:10
You will have about 58-64g of concentrate
Bypass 90°C (194°F) water to 150g
Aim for TDS of 1.3 – 1.35 (it is amazing at this strength)
Enjoy!

Optional: Use extract chilled ice balls (3 at the bottom and 1 on top). It will give you a smooth mouthfeel.

2021 World AeroPress Championship winner

Let’s have a look at one more recipe, this time coming from the 2021 World Aero Champion Tuomas Merikanto from Finland. He used:

Dose: 18.0g
Brewing Method: Inverted
Third Wave Water Formula: Formula 2: 100% Espresso
Water Temperature: 80°C (176°F)
Filter: 2 AeroPress Classic Filter, Rinsed
Grind: 7.0 on the Macap Labo 70D

Here is what he made:

Add coffee: Add 18.0g coffee in the inverted AeroPress
Pour water: Start the timer when water hits the coffee. 0.00-0.10 add 50g water at 80°C (176°F).
Stir: 0.10-0.15 stir very gently 3 times back and forth.
Pour water: At 0.15-0.30 pour water from 50g to 200g at 80°C (176°F).
Stir 0.30-0.50 allow to brew, at 0.50 stir very gently 3 more times.
Allow to brew: At 1.00 push excess air out, attach the filter cap, and let it brew till 1.40.
Flip brewer: At 1.35 put the pitcher on, at 1.40 flip the brewer so coffee doesn’t spill.
Press: When flipped, press right away at 1.40-2.00.
Swirl to cool: At 2.00-2.30 and finally, pour from altitude to another pitcher.
Enjoy!

Best Coffee for AeroPress

So, what beans make the perfect cup with your AeroPress? While the AeroPress is pretty versatile, some beans just shine a little brighter in it.

In my experience, the best AeroPress brew starts with choosing high-quality, specialty-grade beans. Moreover, medium roast beans with a slightly coarser grind than espresso, but finer than drip, work wonders.

Think of beans with vibrant acidity and pronounced flavors, they get a real boost from the AeroPress. African beans, like those from Ethiopia, often hit the mark. But don’t just take my word for it. Experiment a bit! After all, taste is personal.

Now, if you’re aiming for a bolder and fuller-bodied brew, South American beans, especially from Colombia or Brazil, might be right up your alley. They bring out a rich, chocolatey profile that’s hard to resist.

Anyhow, I can’t stress enough that the key is to start with fresh beans. Always! It makes a world of difference. So, grind them just before brewing, and you’re on your way to AeroPress magic.

Common Brewing Problems

Looking to nail that ideal AeroPress grind? Let me walk you through a problem-solving manual that’ll clear up how to grind your coffee just right for that perfect AeroPress brew.

A too-fine grind can make your coffee taste overly bitter, and you’ll feel like you’re pushing too hard on your AeroPress. However, if your grind’s too coarse, you’ll miss out on those rich flavors you crave due to under-extraction.

The AeroPress gives you a clear reference point for the right coffee grind. But how? Based on my experience, if you feel a bit of pushback while pressing, yet you can still see it’s moving down, that’s when you know you’ve nailed the perfect grind setting.

How To Clean The AeroPress Coffee Maker

The good news is that cleaning the AeroPress is a piece of cake.

It’s built for quick and easy cleaning, whether you’re at home or on the move. After making your coffee, just give it a rinse with warm water to wash away any leftover bits.

And a little tip from me: Every now and then, give it a thorough wash with soap. This will help get rid of any old flavors or smells hanging around.

In conclusion, I’ve covered everything about the AeroPress coffee maker, from mastering the basics to diving into champion-approved recipes. Whether you’re at home or out and about, the AeroPress is your buddy. Keep trying new things and enjoy every cup!