How to prepare Aeropress: a complete guide based on my experience

What do you need to make coffee with an Aeropress?

The Aeropress is a very versatile coffee maker. It requires no electricity or expensive equipment, making it ideal for home or travel. Here's what you need:

• Aeropress coffee maker (classic or Aeropress Go)

• Paper filters

• Freshly ground coffee (medium-fine grind)

• Hot water (80 °C to 96 °C)

• Scales (optional but recommended)

• Spoon or spatula for stirring

• Stopwatch or time tracking app

One of the things I love most about it is its portability. When I travel, I take my Aeropress Go and in a matter of minutes I can make excellent coffee anywhere. It's lightweight, compact, and easy to clean.

Water temperature and type of grind

One of the keys to making good coffee with an Aeropress is controlling the water temperature. I usually keep it between 85°C and 92°C. If it's hotter, the coffee can become bitter; if it's colder, it can be bland.

The grind size also makes a huge difference. I use a medium-fine grind, similar to sugar. If it's too fine, it's hard to tamp; if it's too coarse, the coffee is weak. I adjust this depending on the type of coffee I'm using and the brewing method I choose (standard or inverted).

Step by step: standard method

This is the classic method, the one most people use when starting out with the Aeropress. I'll explain how I do it:

1. I place the paper filter in the lid and rinse it with hot water (this removes the paper taste).

2. I assemble the Aeropress on the cup.

3. I add between 14 and 18 grams of ground coffee (depending on the intensity I'm looking for).

4. I pour hot water up to the 3 mark.

5. I stir gently for about 10 seconds.

6. I insert the plunger and press slowly for 20-30 seconds, until I hear the "hiss".

This method is ideal for those seeking speed and consistency. In total, it takes me no more than two minutes, and the result is a clean and balanced coffee.

Step by step: reverse method

When I have more time and want a more intense flavor, I use the reverse method. Here's how I prepare it:

1. I insert the plunger lightly into the chamber and place the Aeropress upside down.

2. I add the ground coffee.

3. I pour the hot water to the top.

4. I stir and let it rest for about 30 seconds.

5. I place the lid with the filter (previously rinsed), turn it over on the cup and press.

This method allows for a longer infusion and reduces the risk of premature dripping. The resulting coffee typically has more body and complexity.

Variables that you can adjust according to your liking

One of the wonderful things about the Aeropress is the ability to personalize your coffee. The settings I adjust most often are:

• Amount of coffee : more grams = more intensity.

• Coffee/water ratio : use 1:12 for mild coffee, 1:10 for more body.

• Extraction time : from 1 to 3 minutes.

• Pressing force : constant and gentle pressure gives better results.

Over time, I've realized there's no single recipe. It all depends on the type of coffee, my mood that day, and even the weather. Experimenting is part of the process.

Flavor profiles: what influences the final result?

• If I use a temperature of 88°C and grind a little finer, I get a cup with more acidity and fruity notes.
• If I lower the grind and use more coffee, the result is a coffee with a dense body and a chocolatey flavor.
• A quick, forceful press often extracts bitterness. That's why I always press slowly, listening for that "hiss" at the end as a sign that all the liquid has passed through.

Practical tips and tricks

Some tips I've learned:

• I always rinse the filter before using it.

• I preheat the Aeropress and the cup to prevent the coffee from cooling down quickly.

• If I let the coffee rest before pressing (about 20-30 seconds), the flavors develop more.

• I never press down hard all the way to the end; I let the air do the work.

And one of the best parts: cleaning it is as easy as pushing in the used filter and rinsing.

Comparison: Aeropress vs other methods

I've used French press, Italian coffee maker, drip coffee... and although each method has its advantages, the Aeropress is my favorite because:

• Quick clean

• Portability

• Control over variables

• Recipe versatility

When I travel or just want to make a quick and tasty cup, I always choose the Aeropress. At home, I combine it with a good manual grinder to ensure freshness.

Conclusion

Learning how to make Aeropress coffee has changed the way I drink it. It's allowed me to understand the process, control the flavor, and enjoy each cup as a unique experience. Both the standard and inverted methods have their charm, and the best part is that you can adjust them to your liking.

Do you already own an Aeropress? I invite you to try these methods, experiment with the different settings, and discover which flavor profile you prefer. If you already use one, tell me about your favorite recipe. I'm always open to new ideas!