Brew Reaper

How to make AeroPress coffee

By , café venue manager and barista · Updated

The AeroPress is quick, light and very forgiving, which makes it great for one cup at home, at work or when you are travelling. You steep the coffee for a short time, then press it through a paper filter for a smooth, clean cup.

The quick recipe

For one cup (200ml):

  • Coffee: 14g, about 3 level tablespoons
  • Water: 200ml at 80 to 92°C
  • Grind: medium-fine, like table salt
  • Time: 2 minutes, including the press

That is a ratio of 1:14. Want a bigger or stronger cup? The AeroPress calculator works it out for you.

What you need

  • An AeroPress with a paper filter
  • A sturdy mug
  • A kettle
  • Kitchen scales, a spoon and a timer

Step by step

  1. Heat the water. Boil the kettle and let it cool for a minute or two. The AeroPress works well with water a little cooler than other methods.
  2. Rinse the filter. Put a paper filter in the cap, rinse it with hot water, then screw the cap on.
  3. Set it on your mug. Stand the AeroPress on a sturdy mug.
  4. Add coffee and water. Add the coffee, start the timer and pour in all the water.
  5. Stir. Stir 3 times, then put the plunger in just a little. This seals the top so it does not drip through too early.
  6. Wait. Leave it until 1 minute 30.
  7. Press gently. Push down slowly and steadily for about 30 seconds.
  8. Stop at the hiss. When you hear a hiss, stop pressing. That is air coming through, and the last drops can taste bitter.

The AeroPress calculator has a built-in timer for these steps.

How strong should it be?

For one small cup (200ml of water):

Strength Ratio For 200ml
Mild 1:16 13g coffee
Balanced 1:14 14g coffee
Strong 1:12 17g coffee

If you like milk in it, go strong.

Fixing an AeroPress that tastes off

  • Sour or thin: grind a little finer, use hotter water, or wait a little longer before pressing.
  • Bitter or harsh: grind a little coarser, use cooler water, or press sooner.
  • Very hard to press: the grind is too fine. Go coarser and press more gently.
  • Weak but not sour: use more coffee for the same water.

Change one thing at a time, so you know what made the difference.

Good to know

  • Do not force the press. Gentle and steady gives a better cup, and is easier on the AeroPress.
  • Clean up is easy. Take off the cap and push the puck of grounds straight into the bin or compost.
  • Use fresh beans. Try one of Perth’s local roasters.