The AeroPress, a compact and versatile brewing device, has gained immense popularity among coffee enthusiasts. Its ability to produce exceptional coffee at home has made it a favorite choice for many. But how do you take your AeroPress brewing to the next level and create a cup that could win awards, like the winners of the AeroPress Championship?
Increase the Dose: To avoid over-extraction, consider increasing the amount of coffee grounds you use to 30 and 35 grams. This can help ensure a balanced flavor profile.
Grind Coarse: A coarser grind can improve extraction by reducing fines and allowing water to flow more evenly through the grounds. Aim for 700-1000 microns (It should be coarse, like sea salt).
Inverted Method for Precision: The inverted method, where the AeroPress is inverted with the filter on the bottom, offers greater control over all variables in the brewing process. If it were upright, water would start pouring through straight away, meaning the process isn’t under your control.
Stir for Even Extraction: Gently stirring the coffee grounds after adding hot water can help ensure a more even extraction, preventing under-extracted areas.
Paper Filters for Optimal Results: While metal and cloth filters have their proponents, paper filters are generally considered the best option for achieving a clean, flavorful cup of coffee. They stop fine grains from ruining your extraction.
Dilute the Final Brew: The “bypass" method involves diluting the final brew with hot water to achieve complete control over strength and clarity. This can result in a cleaner, more refined cup of coffee. If you always end up with a brew that's too strong, consider this method to reign the final result in more.
Prep and Grind: Rinse the AeroPress filter with hot water. Weigh out your desired amount of coffee grounds (30-34 grams, as coarse as sea salt).
Inverted Method: Place the filter in the AeroPress cap and pre-wet it. Place the plunger in the chamber and invert the AeroPress (filter cap on the bottom) on your scale.
Bloom and Stir: Add the coffee grounds to the inverted AeroPress. Pour hot water just off the boil over the grounds. Gently stir for 10-15 seconds to ensure even saturation and release CO2.
Steep and Press: Let the coffee steep for your desired time (experiment to find your preference). Slowly press the plunger down at a steady pace, avoiding forcing it. Ideally, plunging should take 30 seconds in total.
Water Quality: Use filtered or bottled water for optimal taste. You can read more about the importance of the coffee water chemistry here.
Freshly Roasted Beans: Opt for freshly roasted, specialty-grade coffee beans for the best flavor.
Experiment and Refine: Brewing coffee is a personal journey. Experiment with different techniques, grind sizes, and steep times to find your perfect cup. Keep track of what measurements you used for the coffee and the water, so that your experiments are consistent.