The AeroPress is one of those tools that looks like it shouldn’t work. It’s all plastic and plunger, somewhere between a French press and a syringe. But it’s fast, portable, and consistently good, especially if you’re brewing for one and want something low-effort that still tastes intentional.
It also happens to be a favorite among people who care about gear. Maybe because it doesn’t need much space. Maybe because it feels like a little design object. Either way, if you're building a home coffee setup that’s flexible and compact, this one's worth having on hand.
What You’ll Need
- AeroPress
- AeroPress paper filter (or metal if you prefer)
- Fresh whole beans
- Burr grinder
- Kettle
- Scale
- Timer
- Sturdy mug
Basic Recipe (Standard Method)
- Coffee: 15g
- Water: 225g
- Grind: Medium-fine (like table salt)
- Time: ~2:00 total
This makes one 6–8oz cup. You can dilute it afterward if you want something closer to an Americano.
The Method
1. Prep
Insert a paper filter into the cap and rinse it with hot water. Twist the cap onto the AeroPress chamber and place it over your mug.
2. Add Coffee
Grind 15g of coffee and pour it into the chamber. Tap gently to level the bed.
3. Pour Water
Start your timer. Pour 225g of hot water (just off boil) into the chamber, saturating all the grounds. Give it a quick stir to ensure even contact.
4. Steep
Let it sit for about 1:00 to 1:15. Don’t overthink it.
5. Press
Insert the plunger and press slowly and steadily. You should feel resistance, but it shouldn’t be a struggle. Aim to finish around the 2:00 mark.
Why It Works
The AeroPress brews under gentle pressure, which gives it a cleaner cup than French press, but more body than a pour-over. The result is a sweet, full-flavored coffee that’s low in bitterness and brewed in a fraction of the time.
You can tweak almost every variable (grind, water temp, ratio, steep time) and it’ll still turn out pretty good. That’s part of its charm. It doesn’t demand perfection, but it rewards tinkering.
Inverted vs Standard
This guide covers the standard method (brewing right-side up), but a lot of people flip it. The inverted method gives you more control over steep time and can lead to a richer cup, but it’s also a little messier. Try both and see what works for you.
A Few Notes
- If your brew tastes too sharp, try shortening the steep time or using cooler water.
- If it’s flat or weak, grind finer or stir a little more.
- AeroPress is ideal for travel. Light, durable, and doesn’t need anything fancy to work.
Gear Links
- AeroPress Original
- AeroPress Filters
- Burr Grinder
- Compact Kettle
It’s not the most beautiful piece of gear. But the AeroPress earns its spot on almost any coffee station, especially if you like coffee that’s fast, strong, and a little fun to mess with. No frills, no display shelf needed. Just a small, reliable tool that keeps surprising you.