The AeroPress is a manual coffee maker that uses gentle air pressure to push hot water through a bed of coffee grounds and a paper filter. AeroPress says its air pressure gives rapid extraction that reduces bitterness and its paper micro-filter removes grit for a smoother cup. The device consists of a plunger, a chamber, and a filter cap, and it can brew a single serving or a larger batch when paired with the AeroPress carafe. If you are new to this brewer, the maker’s own instructions provide a clear starting point, and you can explore more techniques in our AeroPress section.
The maker’s standard method
AeroPress provides two versions of its basic recipe: one for people who use store-bought ground coffee, and one for those who grind their own beans. Both versions share the same core steps, but they differ in grind size and the length of time the coffee steeps before pressing.
Using pre-ground coffee
According to AeroPress, if you do not have a grinder, you should start with a medium grind coffee. The company’s instructions say to heat water to 185°F (85°C). If your kettle does not have a temperature control, you can use boiling water. Pull the plunger completely out of the chamber, then place a paper filter in the filter cap and twist the cap onto the chamber. Stand the chamber on a sturdy mug and add one heaping scoop of coffee, which AeroPress says is equivalent to 16 to 18 grams. Shake the chamber gently to level the grounds, then pour water up to the number 4 mark on the side of the chamber. Some coffee will drip through into the mug at this stage, and AeroPress notes that this is normal.
Stir gently for about 3 seconds, then quickly insert the plunger about half an inch into the chamber and pull up slightly to create a vacuum that stops further dripping. Wait 60 seconds. Then press down on the plunger with gentle, constant pressure. AeroPress advises not to push too hard. Press until you hear a hissing sound begin and end, which signals that the last of the brew has passed through the coffee bed. The filter cap will be hot, so the maker suggests running it under cool water or using a cloth before removing it. After brewing, you can push the plunger the rest of the way through the chamber over a sink or bin to pop out the used coffee puck.
Using freshly ground coffee
If you grind your own beans, AeroPress recommends a medium-fine grind. The water temperature remains 185°F (85°C), and the dose is the same: one heaping scoop or 16 to 18 grams. The steps for assembling the brewer, adding water to the 4 mark, and stirring for 3 seconds are identical. The key difference is the wait time. With a medium-fine grind, AeroPress says to wait only 30 seconds after creating the vacuum, rather than 60 seconds. The pressing technique and cleanup are the same as in the pre-ground version.
Brewing a larger batch with the carafe
AeroPress also publishes a recipe for making more coffee at once using its carafe. For this method, you stand the chamber on the carafe instead of a mug. If you are using store-bought medium ground coffee, the maker instructs you to add two heaping scoops, or 32 to 36 grams, and fill the chamber with water up to the number 8 mark. For a single cup using the carafe, you can halve the amounts and fill to the 4 mark. After stirring for 3 seconds and creating the vacuum, you wait 60 seconds before pressing. When grinding your own beans to a medium-fine size, the dose is the same 32 to 36 grams, but the wait time shortens to 30 seconds. In both cases, AeroPress says to press until you hear the hissing or roaring sound, then remove the filter cap and eject the puck.
Paper filters and what they do
The AeroPress uses a disposable paper filter that sits inside the filter cap. AeroPress’s instructions simply say to insert the paper filter before brewing. The National Coffee Association (NCA) explains that paper filters are the most common choice for many brewing methods because they absorb some of the coffee’s oils, which can lead to a cleaner, lighter taste. The NCA also notes that unbleached paper filters may sometimes leave a papery flavor, but rinsing the filter before brewing can help. While AeroPress does not specify a rinse step in its basic guide, you can choose to rinse the filter if you prefer. For more on filter types, see our coffee filters guide.
Cleaning your AeroPress
AeroPress provides specific cleaning advice to help maintain the brewer. After each use, the company recommends discarding the paper filter and rinsing the filter cap and the coffee press. For the AeroPress Premium model, the instructions say to clean with lukewarm water, gentle soap, and a gentle cloth every week. For other models, such as the one used with the carafe, AeroPress suggests cleaning with gentle soap and a gentle cloth every two weeks. Regular cleaning helps preserve the life of the brewer and prevents old coffee oils from building up. The NCA adds that for any coffee equipment, rinsing or washing parts after each use and drying them thoroughly prevents residue that can make future cups taste bitter.
A note on grinders and grind consistency
The NCA describes two main types of home coffee grinders: burr grinders and blade grinders. A burr grinder crushes beans between a moving wheel and a stationary surface, producing a more consistent grind. This evenness helps the coffee extract uniformly, which is especially important for methods that use shorter contact times. A blade grinder chops beans with a spinning metal blade, similar to a food processor. The NCA notes that blade grinders are less precise and can create a mix of fine and coarse particles, which may affect taste. However, the NCA also says that with practice, you can learn the right grinding time for your preferred cup. AeroPress’s own recipes assume a consistent grind, and when grinding fresh, the company suggests a medium-fine setting on a burr grinder. For more background, visit our burr grinder and blade grinder pages.
Water temperature: AeroPress vs. other methods
AeroPress’s recommended water temperature of 185°F (85°C) is lower than the range often cited for pour-over and French press brewing. The NCA, referencing the Specialty Coffee Association, states that the ideal water temperature for those methods is 93°C plus or minus 3°C, which translates to roughly 195°F to 205°F. AeroPress does not explain why it suggests a lower temperature, but following the maker’s instructions is a reliable way to begin. If you want to experiment, you can adjust the temperature slightly and note how the flavor changes, but starting at 185°F is the company’s baseline. For a broader look at how temperature affects brewing, see our water temperature guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the AeroPress without a paper filter?
AeroPress’s standard instructions call for a paper filter, and the company sells its own filters designed for the brewer. While some users choose reusable metal or cloth filters, the maker’s official guide does not describe those alternatives. The NCA notes that metal filters allow more oils and fine particles into the cup, which can change the body and texture. If you try a different filter type, be sure it fits the AeroPress cap and clean it thoroughly after each use to avoid stale flavors.
How do I know if my grind size is right?
AeroPress suggests a medium grind for pre-ground coffee and a medium-fine grind when you grind your own. If your coffee tastes bitter or harsh, the NCA advises that the grind may be too fine, causing over-extraction. If the brew tastes weak or watery, the grind may be too coarse, leading to under-extraction. You can adjust in small steps until you find the balance that suits your taste. Our brewing ratios and brewing methods compared articles can help you understand how grind and ratio work together.
Do I need a special kettle for the AeroPress?
AeroPress’s instructions say that if you do not have a temperature control kettle, you can use boiling water. Its guide does not call for a gooseneck kettle. The most important factor is reaching the recommended 185°F, but if you cannot measure the temperature precisely, boiling water is an acceptable starting point according to the maker.
For more recipes, tips, and comparisons, visit our AeroPress brewing methods page.
