How Do I Use an Aeropress? (Solved & Explained!)

Below are some steps on how to use Aeropress that will set you up for success whenever you brew coffee with your Aeropress:

1. Put the filter in the cap.
2. Twist the cap onto the chamber.
3. Stand the chamber on top of a sturdy mug.
4. Rinse a small amount of hot water through the paper filter.
5. Put one rounded scoop of fine coffee grounds into the Aeropress chamber.
6. Shake Aeropress to the level.
7. Add water that’s heated to 175 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius) to the chamber, filling it to the top while leaving a small gap.
8. Give a gentle agitation by stirring for 10-15 seconds.
9. Place the plunger on the top. 
10. Wait for one to two minutes before starting the plunging process.
11. Place gentle pressure down on the plunger and press all the way to make sure you have gotten all the water out. (Pause it whenever you feel resistance.)
12. Having plunged all the way, remove the Aeropress off the cup.

Coffee made with an Aeropress usually does not take longer than two or three minutes to brew 16 grams into hot water and is an excellent way to brew high-quality coffee fast in the morning.

In this article, we will look at a detailed step-by-step process of using the Aeropress, along with each savvy technique to help you make a thick and rich Aeropress coffee. We will also look at common questions about the Aeropress and answer them in an easy-to-understand format so you can get straight to pouring the good stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmjPjZZRhNQ

What Are Some Savvy Techniques on How to Use Aeropress?

Below is a collection of great techniques and how-to’s to effectively make the most of your Aeropress, such as how to set it up, what the ratio of coffee to water should be, and the grind size.

What Should the Ratio of Coffee Beans to Water Be?

Different people have different choices—most people like lightly roasted coffee with high extraction that produces a strong cup with a lower ratio. 

With this choice of coffee, you can use 55 grams per liter or, in this brew, 11 grams per 200 grams of water. 

With darker roasts, you may not want to extract to the same extent. So, using 60 to 65 grams a liter is generally recommended, and you are not required to extract as much from it.

How to Set Up an Aeropress?

Setting up an Aeropress can be completed in five steps:

• Pull your plunger out.
• Put the paper into the paper holder.
• Rinse a little bit of hot water through the paper. 
• Pop the plunger in and lock it.
• Place it on the top of the mug you will brew your coffee into.

Make sure the mug or carafe is sturdy because you will be applying force to it in the next step.

What should be the Grind size?

You need to fine grind for lightly roasted coffee so it is fine enough that you can brew or pour-over. This grind will be a little closer to the espresso range.

Similarly, if you use medium or darker roasted coffee, go for a larger grind. Grinding fine will undoubtedly increase the strength and extraction of your coffee, making it too strong.

What Are the Steps for Making Coffee in an Aeropress?

With your coffee and Aeropress ready, here are the next steps to make your coffee:

• Load the Coffee into the Aeropress.
• Boil the water.
• Start your timer.
• Add 200 grams of water.
• Move the pot off the scale and wait for one and a half minutes. 
• Start to stir gently.
• Wait for 30 seconds.
• Gently press the Aeropress until you have pressed every drop out of the press and into your mug or carafe. 
• Once you have finished pressing, pull back the plunger slightly. This will help prevent it from dripping.
• Rinse and clean it out to reset it for subsequent use. 

To improve the quality of your coffee, additional notes should be taken, such as the water temperature, learning how to wet the coffee, and giving adequate pressure while pressing.

What Should the Water Temperature Be?

With lighter roasts, you can go all the way up to the boiling water. However, for medium to darker roasts, you are recommended to drop the temperature to the darker the roast is. 

For a dark roast, brew under 194 degrees Fahrenheit (90 degrees Celsius). For a medium roast, go for a temperature between 194 degrees Fahrenheit (90 degrees Celsius) and 185 degrees Fahrenheit (85 degrees Celsius.)

How Do I Wet the Coffee?

Try and wet the coffee as quickly as you can while you pour. 

When it’s all wet, pour in the middle and fill up to 200 grams or your preferred ratio. It will make the coffee evenly saturated.

How Much Pressure Should I Apply While Pressing?

It is highly recommended to be relatively gentle and even when it comes to pressing. 

You should not be leaning into it and be able to do it comfortably with the Aeropress away from your body.

How Much Coffee do I Use to Make One Cup in an Aeropress?

For best results, 16 grams of freshly roasted coffee beans (that’s about the flush with the top of the scoop) grounded from medium to fine coarseness is enough to make one cup of Aeropress.

This quantity will make you 180 grams (6 ounces) of coffee.

How Many Times Can I Use an Aeropress Paper Filter?

You can use the Aeropress filter 2 to 5 times before discarding it.

However, people recommend using the Aeropress filter until you see any coffee slush in your coffee mug. For a longer and better solution, using a metal Aeropress filter as an alternative is your best option.

Should I Use Boiled Water in an Aeropress?

You should not use directly boiled water. Instead, boil the water and use it after waiting for a minute for it to cool before adding it to an Aeropress. The water should be hot, but not boiling. The Aeropress manufacturer recommends even lower temperatures of up to 175 degrees Fahrenheit.