If you just brought home a brand new AeroPress, the next thing you want to do is assemble it. It’s fairly simple once you get used to it. You simply set up the paper filter inside the filter cap and remove the plunger from the brewing chamber. Then, connect the filter cap to the chamber and proceed to make coffee.
Even though the process is a more detailed than this, it’s the gist of it. The steps below provide an overview for new users of AeroPress. Also, there’s a quick introduction to using the device with the inverted method.
Steps Overview
Standard Use
- Step 1: Open the Box & Remove the Components
- Step 2: Setup the Filters & Filter Cap
- Step 3: Remove the Plunger from the Brewing Chamber
- Step 4: Connect the Filter Cap to the Brewing Chamber
- Step 5: Make the Coffee
- Step 6: Disassemble the AeroPress
Inverted Assembly
- Step 1: Put the Device Upside Down
- Step 2: Fill It with Grounds & Hot Water
- Step 3: Put the Filter in the Filter Cap & Attach It
- Step 4: Grab Your Cup & Flip the AeroPress
Standard Use
The steps indicated below will help guide you from the un-boxing through the coffee making process and disassembly once finished. As you will see, it’s easy to do once you understand what everything is for and how to manage it all.
Step 1: Open the Box & Remove the Components
When you get your new AeroPress, you’ll find a bunch of plastic pieces and rubber parts. There should be a brewing chamber, a plunger, plastic filter cap, bag of filters, a stirring tool, a funnel and a scoop. You should also have a tube with a slit on the side. This is your paper filter holder.
Step 2: Setup the Filters & Filter Cap
Take the bag of paper filters, open it and place them into the holder. Then, take one filter and place it inside the filter cap. If you plan on making coffee right after your assembly, moisten the filter with warm or cold water. Which one you use will depend on if you’re making hot or iced coffee, respectively.
Step 3: Remove the Plunger from the Brewing Chamber
Find the tube with numbers on it, this is the brewing chamber. Inside you’ll find the plunger but you have to remove this. The bottom of the chamber is where you will attach the filter cap loaded with the paper filter. But, this won’t fit at the moment, so you have to remove the plunger.
With both of your hands, hold the brewing chamber at the octagon-shaped lip with your fingers and simultaneously push the plunger out with your thumbs. Then grab the rubber end of the plunger and pull it the rest of the way out. Because the device is new, this might be difficult at first.
Step 4: Connect the Filter Cap to the Brewing Chamber
Hold the brewing chamber in one hand, numbers right side up. Take the filter cap loaded with the moistened paper filter and screw it clockwise onto the bottom of the cylinder. Ensure the paper filter doesn’t shift or slip from its central position. Otherwise, you can ruin your entire cup of Joe, allowing grounds to seep in.
Also, make sure the teeth lock into position on the rubber lip of the chamber. You’ll know you’re successful when they are out of view.
Step 5: Make the Coffee
It’s now at this point where you make the coffee. You use the scoop to pour in the grounds with the funnel. Place the filter-attached brewing chamber over your cup and pour in the water. Stir for up to 10 seconds with the stirring tool.
Place the plunger over the top of the chamber after about 45 to 90 seconds. With even and careful pressure, depress the plunger down while holding the brewing chamber. When you feel resistance, stop for a few seconds before continuing.
Step 6: Disassemble the AeroPress
Once you’ve finished making a cup of coffee, you have to do a bit of immediate cleanup. Push the plunger all the way down and remove the filter cap. Throw away the filter with the grounds inside. Rinse off the plunger still inside the chamber along with the plastic filter cap.
Inverted Assembly
Turning the AeroPress upside down, called the Inverted Method, is an alternative way to brew a cup of java. However, it’s advisable that you master the standard way before attempting inversion. This is because you will have to flip it before pressing down on the plunger. Consider the steps below.
Step 1: Put the Device Upside Down
Set the AeroPress upside down with the plunger inside. Make sure the tip of the plunger is in the middle of the number 4. You want to make sure you set this on a sturdy, flat surface that won’t easily budge if bumped.
Step 2: Fill It with Grounds & Hot Water
Instead of attaching the filter cap with the filter inside for the standard way, you will add the coffee grounds. Use the scoop to pour in the grounds through the funnel. Then pour in the water and do a little stir.
Step 3: Put the Filter in the Filter Cap & Attach It
Moisten the filter with some water and put it into the filter cap and attach it to the bottom of the chamber after about 45 to 90 seconds of brewing time. You can load the filter cap ahead of time if you aren’t confident in your ability to do this quickly.
Step 4: Grab Your Cup & Flip the AeroPress
Steady your cup and grab the AeroPress with both hands, grasping both the chamber and the plunger. Flip the device and place it onto your cup. Gently depress the plunger. Make sure you use even gentle pressure, stop pressing down when you feel resistance and stop altogether when you hear a hissing noise.
Hi, I’m Jen Williams, chief editor and writer for ThirstPerk.com.
I’ve been drinking coffee and tea for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I started working at Thirstperk.com that I became an expert on the subject. I’m a total caffeine addict who has spent hours upon hours reading about and experimenting with the different types of coffees out there in my search to find the perfect cup of joe.
I’ve been a tea lover for as long as I can remember as well. I grew up in a house with a mom who loved to drink herbal tea, and I think that’s where my love for tea first began. These days, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting teas to try, and I love experimenting with different brewing methods and flavoring combinations.