Can an AeroPress Break a Mug? (Solved & Explained!)

If used correctly, the Aerobie AeroPress shouldn’t damage a reasonably thick and high-quality mug or cup, but it is possible and some people do end up with broken crockery. When this happens, it is usually a result of applying too much force during plunging or using a fragile mug that isn’t strong enough to handle a bit of pressure.

The way that the AeroPress is designed to be used means that it sits on top of a mug or cup and you press down from above, but it is made of lightweight plastic and should be safe on most kitchenware. If you are needing to press down hard, you probably need to change something about your brewing method.

This article will go into detail about how the Aerobie AeroPress coffee maker works, what you should keep in mind while you’re plunging to make sure that accidents are less likely, and what kind of mugs and cups it is best used with.

How Does the Aerobie AeroPress Work?

The AeroPress is made up of a chamber, with a filter attachment on the bottom, and a plunger. You sit the chamber on your mug, put coffee grounds inside, top it up with freshly boiled water then wait for a minute before plunging down to force the water past the grounds and through the filter.

Why Does the AeroPress Need to Be Plunged?

Unlike a French Press coffee maker, the plunge on an AeroPress uses pressure to get more extraction out of the grounds, rather than just to separate the grounds from the water. This is what gives AeroPress coffee its intensity and concentration and what makes this device able to create a brew that is similar to an espresso.

Is the AeroPress a Fragile Device?

The AeroPress is made almost entirely out of plastic and it is practically indestructible, so even if you do have an accident while you are plunging, the AeroPress itself is unlikely to be damaged. It is light as well as durable, so unlike metal, glass or ceramic, it is not likely to cause any chips or cracks either.

What Accidents Can Happen with an AeroPress?

Usually, accidents occur when you are pushing down the plunger because you are applying force to the top of the device. While this should be perfectly safe when done correctly, if you are pressing down too hard, or have not placed your AeroPress securely, it can topple over and fall, or you can cause damage to the mug underneath.

Is the Inverted Method for the AeroPress More Dangerous?

Many coffee enthusiasts prefer to brew their AeroPress coffee upside down, placing the plunger into the chamber and flipping it over so the plunger acts as a base. This method is slightly more involved and you may be more likely to knock it over, or flip and press too quickly, so be careful and always check that it’s secure.

How Hard Should I Press with an AeroPress?

When you are finishing off your brew, the actual plunge should be smooth, steady, and take about 30 seconds to get all the way to the bottom. You should feel some resistance when you are pressing the plunger down, but it shouldn’t take much effort at all to get it moving at a gentle speed.

How Fast Should I Press with an AeroPress?

For the overall plunge to take around 30 seconds, you shouldn’t be rushing or forcing the plunger down too quickly. Perhaps more importantly than the speed, though, is being steady because sudden jerks and shoves are much more likely to cause damage to your mug, or even cause you to knock the device over entirely.

Why is it Hard to Plunge My AeroPress?

If you are having trouble pushing down on the plunger, and you are needing to apply too much force, you are probably using the wrong consistency of grounds. An AeroPress uses quite fine grounds, but if they are too fine, they can block up the filter and create a barrier that is hard for the water to pass through.

Do I Need a Good Grinder for My AeroPress?

If your grinder is not giving you a uniform grind size, you can end up with very small particles in your coffee that will block up the device, so a better grinder may make your AeroPress easier to use. Burr grinders are much better than blade grinders at giving a consistent size to the grounds.

What Type of Mugs Are More Likely to Break?

You want to avoid using mugs that are too thin, particularly ones made from glass – and mugs that have inlaid designs are more likely to have weak points. Often, cracks can occur on the rim of a glass or mug that tapers towards the top, or where different pieces of material have been joined together to create a design.

Will an AeroPress Break My Mug?

The vast majority of porcelain mugs that you might use for your everyday cup of coffee or tea are easily strong enough to be used with an AeroPress. If you are worried about damaging an old favourite, however, you might want to think about using something a bit more sturdy.

What Are the Best Mugs for an AeroPress?

Insulated mugs, like the stainless-steel ones that are used for camping, are often favoured by AeroPress users because they are very hardy and keep your drink warm. One of the main benefits of an AeroPress is that it can be taken anywhere, so it is no surprise that it pairs well with a mug designed for camping.

Can I Use a Glass Cup with an AeroPress?

There are many glass cups that are perfectly safe to be used with an AeroPress, but you definitely want to avoid anything that is too thin or fragile. Toughened glass is probably the safest option, and you might want to opt for a cup that has a heat-resistant band or handle for your hands.

Can I Use a Pitcher or a Decanter for my AeroPress?

Many AeroPress users prefer to make their coffee into a sturdy decanter of some kind before they pour it out into a mug. Making coffee this way means that you can be sure that you’re not going to cause any damage, but you also get to drink your coffee out of any mug that you like.