How Does an AeroPress Work?
The AeroPress has quietly earned cult status among coffee lovers. It brews a cup that’s smooth, full-bodied, and clean, capturing the essence of great coffee in minutes.
Compact enough to travel with and simple enough to master on the first try, it’s become a staple for anyone who enjoys the ritual of brewing by hand.
We will look at how the AeroPress works and why it’s become such a favourite among our own team of baristas at EDGE Tea & Coffee.
From the gentle pressure that drives the brew to the science of immersion that brings out its signature flavour, we’ll unpack every part of the process, so you can make the most of this small but mighty brewer at home.
At EDGE, we believe that good coffee is about balance, not fuss. The AeroPress proves that point beautifully, showing that precision and pleasure can fit in the palm of your hand.
What is an AeroPress?
An AeroPress is a manual coffee maker that uses air pressure to brew coffee quickly and cleanly. It was designed by Alan Adler, the inventor behind the Aerobie flying ring, who wanted to create a better way to brew a single, consistent cup of coffee.
Inside its simple chamber, ground coffee meets hot water in full immersion. After a brief stir and steep, the plunger creates gentle air pressure that pushes the liquid through a paper filter.
This pressure extracts rich flavour without bitterness, leaving behind a clear, silky cup with no trace of grit.
Think of it as sitting between a French press and an espresso machine. Like a French press, it allows the grounds to infuse completely, but the air pressure and paper filter produce a cleaner taste and faster brew. It doesn’t reach espresso-level intensity, yet it captures much of the same depth and aroma.
In short, the AeroPress works by balancing time, temperature, and pressure, transforming simple ingredients into a refined, barista-quality coffee.
How Do I Use an AeroPress?
Brewing with an AeroPress is wonderfully simple, yet it rewards care and curiosity. The more you understand how each step affects flavour, the more control you gain over your cup.
What You’ll Need
- AeroPress (with plunger and filter cap)
- Paper filter
- Freshly ground coffee (medium-fine, similar to table salt)
- Hot water at 92–95°C
- A mug or carafe to brew into
- Stirrer or spoon
- Scales (optional, but helps with consistency)
Step 1: Prepare and Rinse
Place a paper filter into the cap and rinse it with hot water. This removes any papery flavour and preheats the brewer and mug.
(Why it works: Rinsing also helps the filter seal properly, creating even pressure during the press.)
Step 2: Add the Coffee
Use 14–17 grams of freshly ground coffee. The AeroPress is forgiving, but a medium-fine grind gives the best balance between sweetness and clarity.
(Why it works: Finer grinds increase surface area, speeding up extraction and enhancing body.)
Step 3: Pour the Water
Add 230 ml of hot water, just off the boil. Pour slowly, making sure all grounds are saturated, then give the mixture a gentle stir for about ten seconds.
(Why it works: Even saturation prevents dry pockets of coffee that can dull flavour.)
Step 4: Steep
Let the coffee steep for 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes. During this time, pressure begins to build slightly inside the chamber.
(Why it works: Immersion allows the water to draw out soluble flavour compounds evenly before pressing.)
Step 5: Press
Attach the filter cap and place the AeroPress on your mug. Press down slowly and steadily until you hear the soft hiss of air escaping. That’s your signal to stop.
(Why it works: Gentle pressure extracts the last of the flavour without over-extraction or bitterness.)
Step 6: Enjoy
Your coffee should taste smooth, balanced, and remarkably clean. Experiment with ratio, grind, or brew time until it feels like your perfect cup.
How Much Coffee Should You Use in an AeroPress?
Getting the ratio right is where great AeroPress coffee begins. The amount of coffee you use affects everything from sweetness and balance to how full the cup feels on your palate.
Our Head of Coffee Stevie recommends starting with a 1:15 brew ratio. That means 14 grams of coffee to 210 millilitres of water. This balance brings out the AeroPress’s natural clarity while keeping body and aroma in harmony.
For a stronger, espresso-style brew, reduce the water slightly or increase the coffee dose to around 17 grams. For a longer, lighter cup similar to a filter coffee, add more water after pressing to dilute gently without losing depth.
Below is a quick guide to help you find your sweet spot.
| Brew Style | Coffee (g) | Water (ml) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balanced (EDGE Method) | 14–15 | 210–225 | Smooth, bright, and balanced |
| Stronger cup | 16–17 | 200 | Fuller body, espresso-like |
| Lighter brew | 13–14 | 230–250 | Softer flavour, tea-like clarity |
EDGE Tip: Adjusting by even one gram can noticeably shift flavour and mouthfeel. Small tweaks make big differences.)
AeroPress Brewing Tips & Troubleshooting
Even the most reliable brewer can surprise you now and then. The AeroPress is consistent by design, but small changes in grind, temperature, or pressure can subtly shift flavour. Here are a few tips from us at Edge to help you keep every cup tasting its best, plus a few quick fixes when things don’t go to plan.
Brewing Tips for a Better Cup
1. Use fresh, high-quality coffee.
Freshly roasted beans make all the difference. Look for coffee roasted within the last four weeks and grind just before brewing for maximum aroma.
2. Heat your equipment.
A quick rinse of hot water through the chamber and mug stabilises temperature, helping flavours develop evenly from the first pour.
3. Press slowly and steadily.
A gentle, even plunge should take about 20–30 seconds. Rushing it can cause uneven extraction or unwanted bitterness.
4. Experiment with the inverted method.
Brewing with the AeroPress upside down allows for a longer steep without early dripping, resulting in a fuller-bodied cup. Try it once you’re comfortable with the standard method.
5. Taste, adjust, repeat.
Each coffee reacts differently. Small tweaks to grind size or water temperature are part of the fun. Experiment with them to find your ideal flavour.
Troubleshooting Table
| Issue | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee tastes bitter | Grind too fine, water too hot, or steeping too long | Use a coarser grind, cooler water (92–94°C), or shorten brew time |
| Coffee tastes weak or sour | Grind too coarse or not enough coffee | Try a finer grind or increase coffee dose |
| Hard to press down | Grind too fine or filter blocked | Use slightly coarser grind and press gently |
| Leaks during brewing | Filter cap not tightened or seal misaligned | Check assembly before pouring water |
| No “hiss” at the end | Air seal too loose or not enough pressure | Ensure plunger and chamber are dry before assembling |
EDGE Tip: The soft hiss you hear at the end signals you’ve extracted the perfect amount. It is the sound of balance.)
What Are the Differences Between AeroPress Models?
Since its invention, the AeroPress has evolved into several models, each one designed with the same core principle: great coffee, made simply.
At EDGE, we offer two different models of AeroPress. The table below covers how each one differs, so you can choose the right one for you.
AeroPress Model Comparison
| Model | Best For | Capacity | Material | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AeroPress Original | Everyday home use | 1–3 cups | BPA-free polypropylene | The classic design - durable, easy to clean, endlessly reliable |
| AeroPress GO | Travel and office brewing | 1–2 cups | Compact polypropylene | Packs into its own mug - light, portable, perfect for life on the move |
EDGE Tip: All models use the same filters, making upgrades or replacements effortless.)
What Are Some Essential AeroPress Accessories?
1. Metal and paper filters
Paper AeroPress filters deliver the cleanest cup, while metal filters add texture and a little more body. Having both gives you options for every mood.
2. Hand grinders
A consistent grind changes everything. Pairing your AeroPress with a good hand grinder keeps flavour balanced wherever you brew.
3. Scales and travel kits
Small digital scales help you fine-tune ratios. If you’re brewing on the move, an AeroPress Go Kit keeps everything compact and tidy.
4. Eco-friendly add-ons
Reusable metal filters, compostable paper filters, and long-lasting silicone seals make the AeroPress one of the most sustainable manual brewers available.
Shop Coffee Equipment at EDGE
FAQs for AeroPress Beginners
Is AeroPress coffee stronger than filter coffee?
Not necessarily stronger, but it’s often richer. Because the AeroPress uses gentle pressure and full immersion, it draws out more body than a pour-over, yet still keeps the cup clean and smooth.
Can you make cold brew coffee with an AeroPress?
Use room-temperature water instead of hot, stir for about a minute, then let it steep for 12 to 18 hours in the fridge before pressing. The result is light and crisp cold brew coffee with the same clean finish the AeroPress is known for.
Is AeroPress coffee like espresso?
It’s close in intensity, but not in pressure. Espresso machines brew at around 9 bars of pressure, while the AeroPress uses roughly one. You’ll get a rich, concentrated flavour, but without the dense crema found on espresso.
Are AeroPress filters reusable?
Yes. Paper filters can be rinsed and reused several times, while metal filters are washable and long-lasting. Both options keep waste low and flavour high, another reason we love this brewer.
Is the AeroPress good for travel?
The AeroPress Go was specially made for coffee on the move. The Original model also travels well thanks to its durable and lightweight design. It’s become a must-pack item for our team on coffee festivals and countryside trips alike.
Why EDGE Recommends The AeroPress
We value tools that combine craftsmanship and simplicity, and the AeroPress does exactly that. It gives brewers of all levels the freedom to experiment, learn, and enjoy the process from the first press to the last sip.
