How to make Aeropress coffee

If you’re a coffee nerd who loves to travel, it’s about time you learned how to use an Aeropress. Unlike many coffee brewing devices, the Aeropress only requires ground coffee and hot water (or room temperature water for cold brew), which means it can be used in hotel rooms and campsites alike. No electricity needed! Filters for the Aeropress are also very small, making it a more eco-friendly option, plus it’s one of the quickest ways to make coffee. And while it may look intimidating, it’s pretty simple to use.

How does an Aeropress work?

The Aeropress works similarly to a French press, but uses air pressure to push the coffee through a filter instead of pushing a large filter through coffee. This results in a more compact design, and less clean-up after brewing.

What you’ll need

• An Aeropress: You can purchase the Aeropress on the brand’s website, or other online retailers.
• Microfilters: You’ll need Aeropress-specific microfilters, available for $12.95.
• Gooseneck kettle: The OXO Brew Adjustable Temperature Electric Pour-Over Kettle is the best gooseneck electric kettle we've tested. You could also use a standard electric kettle, although it will be more difficult to be precise, and a stovetop kettle like the highly-rated Hario Gooseneck 1.2-Liter Kettle is best for camping.
• Coffee beans: A medium or dark roast coffee is best for an Aeropress. If you’re looking for recommendations, check out our coffee roast 101.
• Coffee grinder: We recommend a burr grinder like the Baratza Encore for this task, rather than a blade grinder. We have a great list of grinder recommendations, including burr and blade models, but you can also get your coffee ground at your local shop. Grind your coffee super fine, as you would for espresso.
• A coffee mug

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Measure the coffee

Weigh 17 grams of coffee. Grind the beans until desired fineness, which should be between espresso and pour-over (similar to table salt).

Step 2: Heat water and wet filter

Boil water. The ideal temperature for brewing is 175°F, so once water is boiling let it cool for five minutes before making coffee. Place the microfilter into the circular filter basket, and rinse it with water.

Step 3: Set up Aeropress

Twist the basket with filter onto the bottom of the Aeropress chamber. Place the Aeropress basket-side down onto a mug. Add coffee grinds to the chamber—you can use the funnel included with the Aeropress to help you load the grinds. Give the chamber a gentle shake to level the grinds.

Step 4: Start brewing

Add a splash of hot water (or cold, if you’re making cold brew), wetting all the grinds and stir immediately. Spin the chamber to make sure the grinds are fully soaked. After about 30 seconds, fill the chamber with water up to the number 4.

Step 5: Stir

After about one minute, use a spoon or stir stick to stir the coffee and water.

Step 6: Plunge

Insert the plunger into the brew chamber, which creates a seal between the rubber gasket and the chamber walls. Push down on the plunger slowly but consistently until you hear a hissing sound.

Step 7: Serve

Your coffee is ready—enjoy!

Pro tip: The Aeropress website has some helpful videos if you get stuck at any point in the brewing process!

How to clean an Aeropress

Remove the filter cap and discard the filter. Use the plunger to push the used coffee out of the Aeropress. You can wash the Aeropress filter cap, chamber, and plunger with soap and warm water. Once dry, you’re ready to brew another cup.

Get the Aeropress on Amazon for $29.95

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.