AeroPress: the easy recipe and the espresso-style one

The recipe is the one AeroPress gives to get started: one heaped scoop (16-18 g) of medium-fine ground coffee, water up to the 4 mark on the chamber, stir for about 3 seconds, wait 60 seconds and press. On its how-to page it recommends heating the water to 85 °C, or using boiling water if you don’t have a temperature-control kettle.

According to its product page, the AeroPress Clear makes a cup of about 300 ml or up to three short espresso-style coffees by pressure. If you’re torn with the French press, see AeroPress vs French press.

Step by step

1. Heat the water to 85 °C (or boil it if you can’t choose the temperature).
2. Take out the plunger, put a paper filter in the cap and screw it onto the chamber.
3. Put the chamber on a sturdy mug and add 16-18 g of medium-fine ground coffee.
4. Pour water up to the 4 mark.
5. Stir gently for about 3 seconds.
6. Wait 60 seconds.
7. Insert the plunger and press slowly, without forcing it, all the way down.

If it doesn't taste right

• Espresso style: AeroPress suggests 19 g of coffee ground a little coarser than for espresso, 60 g of hot water, a 15-second stir and then press (with its Flow Control cap and metal filter).
• Bitter: grind coarser or lower the temperature.
• Hard to press: the grind is too fine. Don’t force the plunger.
• Cleaning: remove the cap, push the coffee puck into the bin and rinse the rubber seal.