If you visit our roastery on any morning, you’ll almost certainly hear the distinctive hiss of an AeroPress. It’s our head roaster's go-to method, and it’s the first thing he packs when camping. Why? Because it’s compact and consistently delivers delicious, smooth, balanced cups of coffee with very little fuss.
Best of all, whether you’re brewing a delicate single-origin light roast or a bold, smoky dark blend, this simple tool does a fantastic job of highlighting the flavor differences, making it perfect for beginners and experienced baristas alike.
Why We Love the AeroPress
Out of all the brewing systems, we love the AeroPress because it’s super easy and beginner-friendly. It’s also perfect for using at home, work, or on the go; you can literally use it almost anywhere!
We also enjoy using it when comparing coffees from our cooperative partners like CoSurCa in Colombia and COMSA in Honduras because it highlights the unique character of each origin, allowing us to experiment without changing gear.
What You’ll Need
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A mug
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AeroPress and filter
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200g of water
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12g of medium/fine ground certified organic, Fair Trade coffee
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Kitchen scale (or scoop)
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A spoon
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A way to heat the water
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Timer/stopwatch
Coffee to Water Ratio Explained
The coffee-to-water ratio is how much coffee you use compared to the amount of water.
The standard ratio to start with is 1:16, or 1g of coffee for every 16g of water. However, when we brew with the AeroPress, we use 12g of coffee with 200g of water, which puts the ratio at 1:16.7. Why? Simply because we feel it makes the best cup of coffee.
But that’s the point of the AeroPress: experimenting! If you like it strong, try 1:12. Some people brew it like a concentrate (~1:6) for an espresso-inspired drink. Others dilute the concentrate, allowing them to brew for two since the AeroPress only makes one cup at a time.
Our Favorite AeroPress Recipe (Inverted Method)
This upside-down method is slightly more complex than the standard method, but it’s our favorite!
Step 1: Heat the Water
Heat the water to 205°F by bringing it to a boil and letting it sit for ~30 seconds. Optionally, use a gooseneck kettle that allows you to set precise temperatures.
Step 2: Set the Plunger
Place the plunger on the AeroPress and align it evenly with the #4 mark, creating a good seal.
Step 3: Place it on the Scale
Place the AeroPress on the scale (plunger side down) and zero the scale.
Step 4: Prep the Filter
Rinse the paper filter with hot water and place it in the cap.
Step 5: Add Coffee
Weigh 12g of coffee and add it to the AeroPress chamber. Zero the scale again.
Step 6: Add Water
Start your stopwatch and slowly add hot water until the scale reads 200g. Stir once with a spoon.
Step 7: Time It
After 1 minute, stir 3 more times and screw on the cap.
Step 8: Invert It (Carefully!)
With one hand on the plunger and the other on the AeroPress chamber, flip it over and set it on your mug. But be careful when flipping to avoid a mess of hot water and ground coffee!
Step 9: Press the Plunger
Slowly press the plunger down for around 30 seconds until you hear a hissing sound.
An Easier AeroPress Alternative (No Scale Required)
Step 1: Heat the Water
Heat the water to 205°F.
Step 2: Set up the AeroPress
Place a moistened filter in the cap and attach the cap to the AeroPress chamber.
Step 3: Set up the Mug
Place your mug on the table and set the AeroPress on top.
Step 4: Add Coffee
Use a heaping scoop (the scoop that came with your unit) of ground coffee, and add it to the chamber.
Step 5: Add Water
Pour water into the chamber until it reaches about the #4 mark, then stir.
Step 6: Add the Plunger and Wait
Gently place the plunger onto the chamber to create a vacuum that improves immersion brewing. Set your stopwatch for one minute
Step 7: Take the Plunge!
Pick up the AeroPress and gently swirl it in a circular motion. Wait 30 seconds, then press the plunger down.
6 Tips for Making Better AeroPress Coffee
Using the AeroPress is easy, especially with these tips:
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Start with the standard method to gain experience with the gear before inverting it.
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For a larger cup, brew it stronger, then dilute it.
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Don’t skip wetting the filter. It removes the papery taste and helps it stay in place.
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If your brew is weak, try a finer grind or brew longer.
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If your cup tastes strong, dilute it, try a coarser grind, or shorten the brewing time.
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Using a scale is best for consistency, especially if you like to experiment.
4 Common AeroPress Mistakes to Avoid
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Don’t use boiling water (212°F). Cooling to 205°F helps prevent bitter notes.
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When doing the inverted method, ensure the plunger is properly seated and flip it carefully to avoid a hot mess.
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Don’t lean on the plunger to force it faster, as it can alter the flavor.
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In the standard method, keep the plunger in place while steeping; otherwise, the coffee will drip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Ratio for AeroPress Recipe?
The coffee-to-water ratios for the AeroPress vary with the coffee, the purpose (style, one or two people, etc.), and personal preferences. However, most people use between 1:16 and 1:18 for a standard cup of coffee.
Is Using an AeroPress Really Worth It?
For many coffee drinkers, yes, the AeroPress is easy to use, portable, affordable, and versatile enough to brew a range of coffees at home or on the go. It can also help you refine your recipes to dial in a brew that works for you with any coffee roast or origin.
Discover Coffee That Shines in the AeroPress
The beauty of the AeroPress lies in its versatility. It's compact for use at home or on the road, and it’s beginner-friendly while allowing for experimentation. This means it’s also a great choice for anyone who wants to try new origins, roast profiles, or blends without having to change their gear.
Whether you’re dialing in a fruity Ethiopian light roast on your kitchen counter or a rich Italian espresso roast over a campfire, this method highlights the unique character of each coffee.
If you’re ready to explore new origins and roasts, try our certified organic, Fair Trade, shade grown coffee collection and see what the AeroPress brew system can bring out in each cup. Then sit back, sip, and enjoy!
