AeroPress: Portable brewing method for specialty coffee
What is an AeroPress?
An AeroPress is a manual coffee brewer that uses air pressure. You place ground coffee in the chamber, add hot water and press the plunger down slowly. The result is a full, rounded cup of coffee with minimal bitterness.
The AeroPress sits among the slow coffee methods. It needs no electricity and the device is light and compact. That makes it a popular choice for at home, when travelling and on camping trips.
What do you need for AeroPress coffee?
- An AeroPress with filters and stirrer (included as standard)
- An electric kettle, preferably with a narrow spout
- Freshly ground coffee beans, ground to a medium-fine setting
- A coffee grinder
- A mug or measuring jug
- Optional: a precision scale
The AeroPress makes one to four cups per brew, depending on the model. You can drink the coffee straight or dilute it with hot water for a longer cup.
AeroPress models compared
AeroPress offers several models. Each one suits a different situation. Below you'll find the main differences at a glance.
AeroPress Original
The AeroPress Original is the classic model. It is made from BPA-free plastic and holds enough for one to three cups of coffee. This model is ideal for daily home use and for beginners who want to try the AeroPress brewing method.
AeroPress Clear
The AeroPress Clear has the same dimensions as the Original, but is made from transparent Tritan plastic. You can watch the brewing process from the outside. The material is also BPA-free and heat resistant. A good choice if you want to see the brew without switching to glass.
AeroPress Go
The AeroPress Go is designed for life on the move. It is more compact than the Original and comes with a travel cup that doubles as a storage case. Ideal for travellers and campers with limited bag space.
AeroPress XL
The AeroPress XL is the largest model and makes up to four cups per brew. Handy when making coffee for several people. The model has the same simple operation as the other versions, but with a larger chamber.
AeroPress Steel
The AeroPress Steel is made from stainless steel. This model contains no plastic parts in the brewing section. It is more durable than the plastic versions and suitable for anyone looking for an AeroPress without plastic.
AeroPress versus other brewing methods
- AeroPress vs French Press: the AeroPress filters finer and leaves less sediment in the cup
- AeroPress vs Moka Pot: the AeroPress works without a heat source and is easier to take with you
- AeroPress vs other slow coffee methods: shorter brew time and more control over flavour
How to use an AeroPress
Brewing with an AeroPress is fast and requires little experience. The standard method takes under two minutes. A few tweaks to grind size, water temperature or brew time will change the flavour of your coffee.
Standard brewing method step by step
- Place a paper filter in the filter cap and rinse it briefly with hot water
- Screw the filter cap onto the chamber and set the AeroPress on a sturdy mug
- Add 17 grams of medium-fine ground coffee
- Pour 230 ml of water at about 80–90 °C
- Stir briefly and let it steep for 30 to 60 seconds
- Press the plunger down slowly and evenly over 20 to 30 seconds
- Remove the filter cap, eject the spent grounds and rinse the AeroPress
Which coffee should you use in an AeroPress?
Specialty coffee beans work well in the AeroPress. Choose a medium-fine grind, similar to table salt. A lighter roast brings fruity and floral notes. A darker roast gives more body and chocolatey flavours. Grind the beans just before brewing for the best flavour.
Cleaning the AeroPress
After brewing, press out the puck with one push of the plunger. Rinse the parts with warm water. The AeroPress is also dishwasher safe. Thanks to the smooth material, coffee residue hardly sticks to the walls.
AeroPress Filters & Accessories
The AeroPress is supplied with 100 paper filters as standard. In addition to the included filters, there are extra accessories that extend your brewing options. With the right accessories you get more from your AeroPress.
Paper AeroPress filters
Paper filters keep fine grounds and coffee oils out of the cup. The result is a clear, clean cup of coffee. You can buy refill packs with 350 pieces. Each filter is single use.
Metal reusable filters
A metal filter lets more coffee oils through than paper. That gives the coffee more body and a richer flavour. A metal filter is reusable and only needs rinsing after use.
Other handy AeroPress accessories
- Measuring scoop for a consistent dose per brew
- Stirrer for even mixing of coffee and water
- Travel cup (included with the AeroPress Go)
- Precision scale for accurate dosing
- Gooseneck kettle for controlled pouring
Buying an AeroPress at Café du Jour
At Café du Jour you will find the complete AeroPress range. From the compact AeroPress Go for travel to the larger AeroPress XL for multiple cups at once. All models are available for immediate delivery.
Alongside the AeroPress brewer you'll also find AeroPress filters, accessories and specialty coffee beans that work well with this brewing method. That way you have everything you need to start straight away.
- AeroPress Original – the classic model for home
- AeroPress Clear – transparent and compact
- AeroPress Go – ideal for travel and camping
- AeroPress XL – for several cups per brew
- AeroPress Steel – stainless steel, without plastic
- AeroPress filters and accessories – refill packs and metal filters
Not sure which model suits you best? Check the product pages for specifications and choose the model that fits your way of brewing.