How to Make Coffee with an AeroPress: A Complete Brewing Guide

The AeroPress has become one of the most versatile and well-loved coffee brewers in the world. Its simplicity, portability, and ability to produce a consistently clean and flavourful cup have made it a staple in homes, cafés, and travel kits alike.

While the traditional AeroPress method is widely known, there are several ways to use this brewer to suit different tastes and styles. In this guide, we’ll walk through four proven AeroPress brewing methods — upright, inverted, filter-style, and using the Prismo attachment — along with clear step-by-step instructions, grind size guidance, water temperature, and practical tips to help you get the best results every time.

Coffee, Grind Size & Water Temperature

Before choosing a brewing method, it’s important to understand the key variables that affect flavour.

Coffee & grind size

The AeroPress works across a wide grind range:

• Medium–fine: ideal for upright and inverted methods

• Medium: better for filter-style brewing

• Fine: best for Prismo or espresso-style brewing

A good reference point is a grind finer than French Press but coarser than espresso. Grinding fresh just before brewing will always improve flavour and clarity.

Water temperature

A reliable starting range for AeroPress is 90–96°C.

• Lower temperatures produce a smoother, softer cup

• Higher temperatures increase extraction and intensity

Avoid using fully boiling water unless you are deliberately chasing sharper flavours.

AeroPress Brewing Methods

1. Upright (Traditional) AeroPress Method

This is the original method recommended by AeroPress inventor Alan Adler. It’s simple, consistent, and a great place to start.

Best for: Clean, balanced coffee
Grind size: Medium–fine
Coffee dose: 18–20g
Water: 90–96°C
Brew time: 1–2 minutes

Step-by-step

1. Insert a paper filter into the filter cap and rinse it with hot water to remove any paper taste. Attach the cap to the chamber.

2. Place the AeroPress on top of a sturdy mug or cup.

3. Add 18–20g of ground coffee to the chamber.

4. Start your timer and pour hot water over the grounds until the chamber is filled to your desired level, making sure all the coffee is saturated.

5. Stir gently for 5–10 seconds.

6. Allow the coffee to steep for 1–2 minutes.

7. Insert the plunger and press slowly and steadily for 20–30 seconds. Stop when you hear a hissing sound.

8. Dilute with hot water if desired, or enjoy as brewed. Milk can be added if you like.

Pros

• Simple and reliable

• Easy cleanup

• Good control over brew time and pressure

Cons

• Shorter immersion time

• Slightly less body than inverted brewing

2. Inverted AeroPress Method

The inverted method flips the AeroPress upside down, allowing full immersion before pressing. This method often produces a fuller-bodied cup.

Best for: Bolder, heavier extraction
Grind size: Medium–fine
Coffee dose: 18–20g
Water: 90–96°C
Brew time: 1–4 minutes

This method can be messy at first, but becomes easy with practice.

Step-by-step

1. Insert the plunger slightly into the chamber to create a seal.

2. Turn the AeroPress upside down so the plunger is on the bottom and the chamber opening faces up.

3. Add 18–20g of ground coffee.

4. Pour hot water over the coffee, fully saturating the grounds.

5. Stir gently to ensure even extraction.

6. Allow the coffee to steep for 1–2 minutes (up to 4 minutes for a stronger brew).

7. Rinse a paper filter, place it in the cap, and attach the cap to the chamber.

8. Place your mug upside down on top of the AeroPress. Holding both firmly, carefully flip everything over in one confident motion.

9. Press slowly and steadily until extraction is complete.

Pros

• Full immersion extraction

• No dripping during brewing

• Highly customisable

Cons

• Requires care when flipping

• Slightly messier cleanup

3. Using the AeroPress as a Filter

This method uses gravity rather than pressure and produces a clean, filter-style cup.

Best for: Clean, light-bodied coffee
Grind size: Medium
Coffee dose: 18–20g
Water: 90–96°C
Brew time: 2–3 minutes

Step-by-step

1. Insert a rinsed paper filter into the cap and attach it to the chamber.

2. Place the AeroPress on top of a mug or carafe.

3. Add 18–20g of ground coffee.

4. Pour hot water over the grounds, stirring gently to ensure even saturation.

5. Allow the coffee to flow through naturally.

6. If the flow is very slow, the grind is too fine; if it flows too fast and tastes weak, the grind is too coarse.

7. Once brewing is complete, remove the AeroPress and discard the grounds.

Pros

• Very clean cup

• Minimal effort

• Easy cleanup

Cons

• Less control over strength

• Requires grind size adjustment

4. Brewing with the Prismo Attachment

The Prismo is an aftermarket attachment that creates back pressure, allowing for a more concentrated, espresso-style brew.

Best for: Concentrated coffee for milk drinks
Grind size: Fine
Coffee dose: 20g
Water: 94–96°C
Brew time: 30–60 seconds

Step-by-step

1. Attach the Prismo to the AeroPress chamber according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Add 20g of finely ground coffee.

3. Pour hot water over the grounds and stir gently.

4. Insert the plunger to create pressure and allow the coffee to steep for 30 seconds.

5. Press firmly and steadily into your cup.

6. Enjoy as is, or dilute with hot water or milk.

Pros

• Rich, concentrated flavour

• Espresso-style results

• Excellent base for milk drinks

Cons

• Additional cost

• Requires grind and pressure adjustment

Ratios, Measuring & Pressing Technique

• Use 15–20g as a general starting range

• Chamber markings can help adjust strength

• Stir gently — over-agitation increases bitterness

• Press slowly; forcing the plunger leads to harsh flavours

If the AeroPress feels very hard to press, the grind is usually too fine or the dose too high.

Milk Drinks with AeroPress

• Latte: Brew a concentrated coffee and add hot or textured milk

• Cappuccino: Concentrated coffee topped with foamed milk

The AeroPress works best as a strong base rather than pushing a full mug of water through the grounds.

Cleaning, Care & Filter Tips

• Remove the cap and press the plunger to eject the coffee puck

• Rinse the chamber and plunger after each use

• Wipe or rinse the rubber seal to prevent oil buildup

• Store the AeroPress with the plunger fully inserted or removed

• Never place the AeroPress in a dishwasher.

Final Thoughts

The AeroPress rewards curiosity. Small changes in grind size, ratio, temperature, or time can completely transform the cup. Whether you prefer clean and light or rich and intense, there’s a method that suits your taste.

And this is only the beginning; the AeroPress can also be used for cold brew, tea, and even cold drip-style coffee.

AeroPress FAQ

What grind size is best for AeroPress?
AeroPress works best with a medium-fine grind for most brewing methods. Use a finer grind for Prismo or espresso-style brewing, and a slightly coarser grind if the press feels very hard or the coffee tastes bitter.

What water temperature should I use for AeroPress coffee?
A good starting range is 90–96°C. Lower temperatures tend to produce a smoother cup, while higher temperatures extract more intensity.

How much coffee should I use in an AeroPress?
Most AeroPress recipes use 15–20g of coffee for one serving. Adjust the dose based on your strength preference and brewing method.

How long should AeroPress coffee steep?
Most AeroPress brews steep for 1–2 minutes. Inverted methods can be extended up to 4 minutes for a fuller-bodied cup.

Why is my AeroPress hard to press?
A hard press usually means the grind is too fine, too much coffee is being used, or the filter is clogged. Press slowly and adjust grind size if resistance is high.

Can you make espresso with an AeroPress?
An AeroPress can make a strong, concentrated coffee similar to espresso, especially when using accessories like the Prismo. It does not produce true espresso pressure but works very well as a base for milk drinks and long blacks.

How do I clean and care for an AeroPress?
After brewing, eject the coffee puck, rinse the chamber and plunger, and wipe the rubber seal to remove coffee oils. Store the AeroPress with the plunger fully inserted or removed.