Are you looking for a unique and affordable coffee maker that produces rich and delicious coffee? Look no further than the Aeropress! Invented by Alan Adler in 2005, the Aeropress combines the best of two brewing methods - steeping and pressure - to create a flavorful cup of coffee.

Not only is the Aeropress portable and easy to clean, but it also offers a wide range of recipe options and techniques. In fact, there is even an international competition - the World Aeropress Championships - dedicated to finding the best brewing methods!

While the Aeropress can produce small, strong cups of coffee, it's important to note that it cannot replicate the high pressures used in espresso machines. That being said, the Aeropress is perfect for those who love a good strong cup of coffee without the hassle and expense of an espresso machine.

So, how do you use the Aeropress? There are two main methods: traditional and inverted. By adjusting the grind size, brew time, and amount of brewing water used, you can create a cup of coffee that's perfectly tailored to your preferences.

Achieving the perfect cup of coffee with an Aeropress requires careful consideration of the grind size, brew time, and the amount of water used. The type of coffee you want to brew should be your starting point in determining the right ratio. For a strong and bold flavor, begin with a ratio of 100g/I and a relatively fine grind. If you prefer a faster brew time, coarser grinds are acceptable but will require an extended brewing time. For a more standard cup of coffee, a ratio of 75g/1 is recommended, which is similar to the French press. It is best to adjust the brewing time according to the grind size you choose.

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Traditional method:

This approach enables you to brew a slightly larger volume of coffee compared to the inverted method outlined below. Additionally, it is a bit more straightforward and entails less of a chance for a mess in the kitchen. With so many variables affecting the final cup, it can be tempting to make adjustments to several elements at once. However, it's ideal to modify only one aspect at a time. By doing so, you can observe the effects of each alteration accurately. Experimentation may lead to more exciting coffee discoveries.

1. Weigh the coffee and grind it just before brewing.
2. Insert a filter paper into the filter holder and lock it into the brewer.
3. Heat the brewer and rinse the filter paper by running some hot water through it.
4. Place the brewer on top of a digital scale, put a mug underneath, and add the ground coffee to the Aeropress.
5. Boil fresh water with low mineral content suitable for brewing coffee.
6. Wait for the water to cool down for 10-20 seconds. Turn on the scales, add the desired amount of water to the Aeropress, and start a timer.
7. Give the coffee a quick stir, then put the piston in place, making sure it seals properly without pushing down.
8. After the desired brewing time (one minute is recommended), take the mug and brewer off the scales and slowly press down the plunger until all the liquid has been expelled.
9. Pull the piston back slightly to prevent dripping and discard the spent coffee grounds by pushing the plunger over a waste bin. Immediately rinse and clean the bottom of the piston and brewer.
10. Enjoy your cup of great coffee.

Inverted method:

The main concept behind this method is to invert the Aeropress, ensuring that the brewing liquid remains within the device during the infusion phase. However, flipping a vessel full of hot liquid should be done with caution. Additionally, it's crucial to note that this method has a smaller capacity, with a maximum brew of approximately 200ml of water.

1. Weigh the coffee and grind it just before brewing.
2. Insert a filter paper into the filter holder and lock it into the brewer.
3. Heat the brewer and rinse the filter paper by running some hot water through it.
4. Insert the piston about 2cm (¾in) into the brewer, flip it upside down and place it on the digital scales and add the ground coffee.
5. Boil fresh water with low mineral content suitable for coffee brewing.
6. Wait for 10-20 seconds after boiling and turn on the scales. Add the desired amount of hot water to the Aeropress.
7. Start a timer and stir the coffee and steep for one minute.
8. While steeping, remove the brewer from the scales and place the filter holder with paper on top of the brewer. When upside down, the paper should stick to the holder if rinsed.
9. Pull the top part of the brewer down onto the piston slowly until the liquid is close to the filter. This will stabilize the piston and prevent it from popping off during the flip.
10. At the end of the steep, carefully flip the brewer and mug over so the mug is on top of the brewer.
11. Slowly push down the plunger until all the liquid is expelled into the mug.
12. Empty and rinse the brewer.
13. Enjoy your cup of great coffee.