How to use an AeroPress
The AeroPress is a popular and
versatile coffee maker that allows you to brew coffee quickly and easily.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:
Ingredients
and Equipment:
AeroPress
coffee maker
AeroPress
filter (usually a paper or metal filter)
Fresh
coffee beans (medium-coarse grind)
Hot
water (temperature around 175°F to 205°F or 80°C to 96°C)
Coffee
grinder (if not using pre-ground coffee)
Stirring
stick (usually included with the AeroPress)
Timer
(your phone)
Mug or
carafe
Step
1: Prepare Your AeroPress:
Assemble
your AeroPress by placing a paper or metal filter in the filter cap and
attaching it securely to the bottom of the AeroPress chamber.
Place
the AeroPress on top of your mug or carafe.
Step
2: Measure Coffee:
Measure
out your coffee beans. A standard AeroPress recipe is 1 to 2 tablespoons
of coffee per 6 ounces (180 ml) of water. Adjust the amount based on your
taste preferences.
Step
3: Heat Water:
Boil
water and allow it to cool slightly. The ideal water temperature is
between 175°F to 205°F (80°C to 96°C). If you don't have a thermometer,
you can let the water sit for about 30 seconds after boiling.
Step
4: Grind Coffee:
If
you're using whole beans, grind them to a medium-coarse consistency, like
table salt. The grind size affects the brewing time and extraction, so
adjust as needed.
Step
5: Add Coffee:
Place
the AeroPress on a scale if you have one, with the filter cap side down.
Add
the ground coffee to the AeroPress chamber.
Step
6: Add Water:
Start
your timer and pour hot water over the coffee grounds. Use a circular
motion to ensure even saturation.
Add
enough water to cover the coffee grounds, creating a "bloom."
Allow it to sit for about 20-30 seconds.
Continue
adding water slowly until you reach your desired coffee-to-water ratio.
Step
7: Stir:
Use
the stirring stick (or any utensil) to gently stir the coffee-water
mixture for about 10 seconds. This ensures even extraction.
Step
8: Attach Plunger and Brew:
Attach
the plunger to the AeroPress chamber and make sure it forms a tight seal.
Wait
for the remaining brewing time. The total brewing time can vary but is
typically between 1 to 2 minutes.
Step
9: Plunge:
Gently
and steadily press down on the plunger with even pressure. This should
take about 20-30 seconds.
Stop
pressing when you hear a hissing sound, indicating that there is no more
liquid to press out.
Step
10: Enjoy:
Remove
the AeroPress from your mug or carafe.
Dilute
the coffee with hot water or milk to your desired strength.
Clean
the AeroPress by removing the filter cap and ejecting the coffee grounds
and filter into the trash or compost. Rinse the AeroPress components for
easy cleaning.
That's it! You've brewed a cup of coffee using the
AeroPress. Experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios, grind sizes, and
brewing times to find your preferred flavour profile.
How much coffee for AeroPress?
The amount of coffee you use in an AeroPress can vary based
on your personal taste preferences and the size of your AeroPress, but a
standard starting point is to use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15 or 1:16. This
means that for every gram of coffee, you'll use 15 to 16 grams of water.
Here's a general guideline for the amount of coffee to use
in an AeroPress:
Single Cup (Inverted Method):
Coffee: 15 to 17 grams (about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons)
Water: 225 to 255 grams (millilitres) or 8 to 9 ounces
Double Cup (Inverted Method):
Coffee: 30 to 34 grams (about 2 to 2.5 tablespoons)
Water: 450 to 510 grams (millilitres) or 16 to 18 ounces
Remember, these are just starting points, and you can adjust
the amount of coffee and water to suit your taste. If you find the coffee too
strong, you can use more water or less coffee. If it's too weak, use less water
or more coffee.
Experiment with different ratios and brewing times to
discover the flavour profile that you enjoy the most. Additionally, factors
like coffee bean freshness, grind size, and water temperature will also affect
the final taste of your AeroPress coffee, so feel free to fine-tune these
variables as well.
What is the AeroPress inverted method?
The
AeroPress inverted method is an alternative way of brewing coffee using the
AeroPress coffee maker. It involves inverting the AeroPress so that the plunger
is at the bottom and the coffee grounds and water are added to the brewing
chamber, allowing for a longer steeping time before plunging. This method can
produce a different flavour profile compared to the standard method and offers
more control over the brewing process. Here's how to do it:
Ingredients
and Equipment:
AeroPress
coffee maker
AeroPress
filter (usually a paper or metal filter)
Fresh
coffee beans (medium-coarse grind)
Hot
water (temperature around 175°F to 205°F or 80°C to 96°C)
Coffee
grinder (if not using pre-ground coffee)
Stirring
stick (usually included with the AeroPress)
Timer
Mug or
carafe
Step-by-Step
Instructions:
Assemble
Your AeroPress:
Assemble
the AeroPress by placing a paper or metal filter in the filter cap and
attaching it securely to the bottom of the AeroPress chamber.
Invert
the AeroPress:
Start
with the plunger fully inserted into the brewing chamber.
Flip
the AeroPress upside down so that the plunger is facing up. The AeroPress
should now be resting on the plunger.
Measure
Coffee and Water:
Measure
out your coffee beans. A standard AeroPress recipe is 1 to 2 tablespoons
of coffee per 6 ounces (180 ml) of water. Adjust the amount based on your
taste preferences.
Boil
water and allow it to cool slightly. The ideal water temperature is
between 175°F to 205°F (80°C to 96°C).
Add
Coffee and Water:
Add
the ground coffee to the AeroPress chamber.
Start
your timer and pour hot water over the coffee grounds. Use a circular
motion to ensure even saturation.
Add
enough water to cover the coffee grounds, creating a "bloom."
Allow it to sit for about 20-30 seconds.
Continue
adding water slowly until you reach your desired coffee-to-water ratio.
Stir:
Use
the stirring stick (or any utensil) to gently stir the coffee-water
mixture for about 10 seconds. This ensures even extraction.
Brewing
Time:
After
stirring, let the coffee steep for the desired amount of time, typically
between 1 to 2 minutes, depending on your taste preferences.
Attach
Filter and Plunge:
Attach
the filter cap to the AeroPress chamber.
Carefully
flip the AeroPress onto your serving mug or carafe.
Gently
and steadily press down on the plunger with even pressure. This should
take about 20-30 seconds.
Stop
pressing when you hear a hissing sound, indicating that there is no more
liquid to press out.
Enjoy:
Remove
the AeroPress from your mug or carafe.
Dilute
the coffee with hot water or milk to your desired strength.
Clean
the AeroPress by removing the filter cap and ejecting the coffee grounds
and filter into the trash or compost. Rinse the AeroPress components for
easy cleaning.
The inverted method allows for a longer contact
time between the coffee and water, potentially resulting in a richer and more
concentrated flavour. Be cautious when flipping the AeroPress to avoid any
spills or burns. Experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios and steeping
times to find your preferred flavour profile.
Why is the AeroPress the perfect travel coffee maker?
The AeroPress is often considered a perfect travel coffee maker
for several reasons:
While the AeroPress has many advantages for travellers, it's
important to note that personal preferences vary. Some travellers may prefer
other methods like pour-over, French press, or portable espresso makers
depending on their taste and circumstances. Nonetheless, the AeroPress's
combination of portability, durability, and versatility makes it an appealing
choice for many coffee-loving travellers.
