Are you a coffee aficionado in search of the perfect brewing method to elevate your coffee experience? Look no further than the Aeropress. This compact and versatile coffee maker has gained a dedicated following among coffee enthusiasts for its ability to produce a rich and flavourful cup of coffee. In this comprehensive brew guide, we’ll explore step-by-step how to use an Aeropress to brew coffee, incorporating Aeropress coffee brewing tips and techniques to help you achieve the best results every time. Delicious coffee awaits…

1. Gathering your Supplies

Before diving into the Aeropress brewing process, make sure you have all the necessary tools at hand. For the Aeropress brew method, you'll need an Aeropress, paper filters, freshly roasted coffee beans, coffee scoop, a grinder, a kettle, a kitchen scale, and a stirring utensil. Investing in a quality coffee grinder will significantly enhance the quality of your brew.

2. Preparing the Aeropress

Start by placing a paper filter in the Aeropress filter cap and rinse it with hot water. This step eliminates any paper taste and warms up the brewer. Attach the filter cap securely to the Aeropress chamber and place it atop a sturdy mug or decanter. Some people prefer the inverted method where you place the Aeropress upside down - this can stop some drip-through of the coffee and larger grinds can be used. But we’re doing it the standard way in this guide as the coffee is just as delicious and it’s easy to make.

3. Grinding the Coffee Beans

For optimal flavour extraction, grind your coffee beans just before brewing instead of buying pre-ground coffee. Aim for a medium-fine grind consistency of your freshly ground coffee, resembling table salt. Use a scale to measure the desired amount of coffee beans, typically 15-18 grams for a single cup.

4. Heating the Water

Fill your kettle with fresh, filtered water and heat it to approximately 93°C. Allow the water to cool for a minute after boiling to achieve the ideal brewing temperature.

5. Blooming the Coffee

Place the Aeropress on a kitchen scale and add the ground coffee to the brew chamber, keeping the perfect coffee ratio. Start a timer and pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee, just enough to wet the grounds. Stir gently for 10-15 seconds to ensure even saturation to let the coffee bloom. The coffee blooming process releases trapped carbon dioxide and enhances flavour extraction.

6. Add Water and Brew

After the coffee blooming phase, pour the remaining water into the brew chamber, making sure to maintain the desired coffee-to-water ratio. Use the provided plunger to create a seal, preventing any drips. Allow the coffee to steep for 1-2 minutes, depending on your taste preference.

7. Stirring and Plunging

Give the coffee a gentle stir to break up any remaining clumps and promote an even extraction. Then, insert the plunger and apply a steady and gentle pressure to push the brewed coffee through the filter, and into your mug or decanter. The entire Aeropress coffee plunging process should take around 20-30 seconds, so keep an eye on your brew time.

8. Cleanup and Enjoy

Unscrew the filter cap, push out the used coffee grounds, and rinse the Aeropress components with water. The filter paper and coffee grounds can be composted. Sit back, relax, and savour the delightful aroma and flavour of your freshly brewed Aeropress coffee.