BREW GUIDE: AEROPRESS
The AeroPress is a compact little brewer that punches well above its weight. Invented by a toy designer in 2005, this clever gadget has become a cult favourite among coffee lovers, travellers, campers and baristas alike — thanks to its portability, easy clean-up and the sheer diversity of brews you can make.
Whether you’re brewing at home or out in the Lakes, this method will help you get the most out of your AeroPress, wherever the day takes you.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
• An AeroPress (classic or Go)
• Paper filter (or a reusable metal one if you hate waste)
• Freshly ground coffee
• Hot water
• Stirrer or spoon
• A kettle/flask of hot water
• A mug or sturdy cup
• A scale and timer (optional, but helpful)
METHOD
1. Grind your coffee
We recommend using 14–16g of coffee, depending on how strong you like it. You’re aiming for a medium-fine grind, about halfway between table salt and caster sugar.
2. Boil your water
Bring your kettle to the boil and let it cool slightly — you’re aiming for around 92–95°C (just off the boil).
3. Prep your AeroPress
Insert a paper filter into the cap and give it a quick rinse with hot water to get rid of any papery flavour. Then choose your set-up:
-
Standard method (AeroPress straight on your cup), or
-
Inverted method (upside-down for a longer brew — more on that below!)
Either works beautifully — just play around and work out which you prefer!
4. Add your coffee
Add your ground coffee to the AeroPress chamber and give it a gentle shake to level the bed.
5. Pour & stir
Start your timer and pour in 200–220g of hot water (or up to the “4” mark on the chamber if you’re not using a scale). Give it a gentle stir for around 10 seconds to ensure everything’s evenly saturated.
6. Steep
Let your coffee sit for 1–1:30 minutes, depending on taste.
7. Plunge
Attach the plunger and slowly press down with firm, steady pressure — it should take around 20–30 seconds. You’ll hear a little hiss at the end — that’s your sign to stop.
If you’re using the inverted method, remember to flip it over carefully before plunging!
-
Enjoy
That’s it — your coffee is ready!
You can drink it as-is for a short, punchy espresso like brew, or top it up with hot water for more of an americano or filter style cup.
Want to switch it up? The AeroPress is made for experimenting — why not check out some world class recipes from AeroPress championship leading lights past and present HERE
