You might have heard the word ‘AeroPress’ while chatting to your local barista crush, but you might not actually know what it means.
We’ll give you a clue: it’s not an exercise machine.
This is everything you need to know about AeroPress coffee. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
What is an AeroPress?
The AeroPress is a syringe-like device, and while it looks a bit more complicated than your average French Press, don’t be intimidated.
The AeroPress is a compact, sturdy and versatile coffee brewer, making it the perfect travel companion.
There are two main AeroPress techniques: regular and inverted. This recipe down below is for the inverted technique.
The AeroPress comes in two sizes: AeroPress and the AeroPress Go Coffee Maker.
The AeroPress Go is even more compact than its predecessor and comes with a neat little travel cup.
The versatility of this little coffee maker has earned it a cult following. There’s even an Aeropress World Championship, which attracts coffee professionals and amateurs alike.
Why You'll Love An AeroPress
We love it because it’s easy enough for beginners, and about as flexible as a Russian gymnast.
Honestly, with AeroPress, you can explore dozens of flavours from a single roast.
AeroPress falls into the broad category of filter coffee. But unlike a French Press, the AeroPress uses pressure to extract your brew, making it closer to an Espresso.
The key is using a super-fine filter to achieve the pressure buildup, and that filter also delivers a very clean cup.
There are a bunch of choices here, too, with filters made from bleached or unbleached paper, or stainless steel filters with varying levels of fine-ness. These tend to come down to personal preference, but keep in mind that stainless steel filters are reusable and generally better for the environment.
One of the cool things about using an AeroPress is the hands-on and manual nature of the extraction. It harks back to those old-school lever espresso machines that your grandma probably used.
It might just be me, but I find there’s a sort of morning ritual with the preparation of an AeroPress. You get that sense of exploration with adjusting each of the parameters. It means there’s a little excitement every morning.
Now, before we get started, we have to get a few things in order. If you haven’t read our coffee fundamentals blog, scooch yourself over and have a read here.
That’ll give you a few basic brewing tips and best practices to ensure you’re making a solid cup of coffee (not to mention a bit more ammo for your barista crush).
Now let’s get down to the fun part!
How To Make A Great AeroPress Coffee
Tools & Equipment
- AeroPress
- Filter (we suggest the reusable IMS Stainless steel filter or Prismo)
- Coffee Grinder
- Digital Scale
- Timer
- Kettle (Preferably one with adjustable temperature)
- Naked Filter Roast Coffee (lighter roast)
- 200g/ml of filtered water (or 160g/ml if your using the AeroPress Go)
- Your favourite cup
Method
- Boil your kettle to about 94°C.
- Insert your filter into the perforated AeroPress lid and rinse thoroughly with hot water.
- Attach the rubber stopper to the base of your AeroPress. )
- Flip it over with the rubber stopper at the top.
- Preheat the AeroPress with hot water and discard the water.
- Grind 12g of coffee at medium-fine coarseness. Or 10g if you're using the AeroPress Go. Alternatively, add 1 scoop of coffee with the spoon provided.
- Place your AeroPress on scales, adding your ground coffee and tare to 0.
- Reboil the water to 94°C and pour 200g into the AeroPress and start the timer. (Or 160gr for the Aeropress Go.)
- Agitate (stir) the coffee for 10 seconds.
- Screw the lid (with the filter inside) on top of the AeroPress.
- After 2 minutes of brew time, place your cup on top of the AeroPress and flip it over (holding the cup against the AeroPress so it doesn't fly off!). The cup should be sitting with the Aeropress above it.
- Plunge your AeroPress into the cup. You’re aiming for a 15-30 second total time until it’s fully compressed.
- Lift your AeroPress off the cup, remove the cap, and empty your puck into the compost (or a bin if you have to).
Then rinse your AeroPress clean. Voila! Time to enjoy your perfectly brewed AeroPress! (preferably while Naked)
