Inside, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for brewing delicious coffee, along with tips and techniques to help you customize your brew.
Getting the Most from Your AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
Congratulations on owning an AeroPress coffee maker! You've got a simple device that can make the best coffee or espresso you've ever tasted, and it's easy and fun to use.
Brewing a Double-Espresso, a 10 Ounce Mug of American Coffee, or a Latte:
- Remove the plunger and cap from the chamber.
- Put a filter in the cap and twist it onto the chamber.
- Stand the chamber on a sturdy mug.
- Add two AeroPress scoops of fine-drip grind coffee into the chamber.
- Slowly pour hot water into the chamber up to the number 2. We recommend using 175°F (80°C) water for the best taste.
- Mix the water and coffee with the stirrer for about 10 seconds.
- Wet the rubber seal and insert the plunger into the chamber. Gently press down about a quarter of an inch and maintain that pressure for about 20 to 30 seconds until the plunger bottoms on the coffee. Gentle pressure is key for easy AeroPressing.
- You've just made a double espresso! For American coffee, top off the mug with hot water. For a latte, top off the mug with hot milk.
Cleanup and Storage:
- Remove the cap and set it aside.
- Push the plunger to eject the "puck" of spent grounds into the trash (or save for compost or plant food).
- Rinse and/or brush away any grounds left on the rubber seal. The seal has already wiped your chamber clean, so no further cleanup is needed.
- Always eject the puck right after brewing and store your AeroPress with the plunger pushed all the way through or completely removed. Storing the seal uncompressed will keep your seal air-tight for years.
Hints:
You can press using from 1 to 4 scoops of grounds. Each AeroPress scoop makes a single espresso or 5 ounces of American coffee.
Make a full carafe of coffee using your AeroPress in less time than it takes to brew a pot of drip coffee. Two 3-scoop or 4-scoop pressings, topped off with hot water, will fill most vacuum carafes.
If you grind your own beans, use the AeroPress funnel to transfer the coffee from the grinder to the AeroPress chamber. A scoop of beans equals a scoop of grounds.
If pressing is too difficult, try pressing more gently and/or using a coarser grind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grind should I use?
We suggest using a "fine drip" grind. If you use a blade grinder, run it for 20 to 30 seconds. For single-scoop pressings, espresso grind works too. A fine grind helps brew rich flavor.
Why do you recommend brewing with 175°F (80°C) water?
Our tasters, from coffee lovers to professionals, preferred 175°F. It delivers a smooth, rich brew. Hotter water increases bitterness and acidity.
How do I heat water to the right temperature?
- Microwave oven: Experiment to determine the time needed to heat the desired amount of water to 175°F. Then, use the same time in the future.
- Kettle: Heat until the thermometer in the spout reads 175°F.
- Three-quarters of the time to boil: Measure the time it takes to boil the water and heat three-quarters of that time.
- Instant hot water: Adjust the setting to approximately 175°F if necessary.
Some water drips through the coffee and filter before I stir. Is that OK?
It's normal and won't affect the final brew. Use fine-drip grind and pour the water slowly, especially in the first few seconds to wet the grounds.
Am I doing something wrong if it is hard to press?
Pressing hard blocks the flow. Gently press the plunger about a quarter inch and maintain that pressure. If it's still difficult, try a coarser grind.
If I am just making a single cup, can I push all the water for the cup through the press?
Yes, but pushing a full cup of water past the grounds extracts bitterness. Diluting your espresso-sized pressing with hot water makes a smoother brew.
How do I make a latte?
A latte is espresso mixed with hot milk. Add hot milk to the espresso or add cold milk and heat the latte in a microwave oven.
How do I make a cappuccino?
Cappuccino is espresso capped with foamed milk. Battery-powered stirrers do a great job of foaming milk and are easy to use and clean.
Can I clean the AeroPress in the dishwasher?
You can on the top shelf, but a simple rinse is enough because the plunger wipes the chamber clean.
