Introduction to the air press
Aeropress is the perfect choice for those who appreciate quality coffee. It allows you to enjoy your favorite drink both at home and on the go.
This compact and stylish device was created in 2005 by American inventor Alan Adler, who wanted to make brewing great coffee simple and affordable. Thanks to a unique combination of pressure and immersion, it allows you to reveal the rich aroma and pure taste of the drink without bitterness. Lightweight, durable and easy to use, the device has become a favorite of coffee lovers around the world.
Air press design and components
The device consists of several main parts: a cylinder, a piston, and a filter holder, and a measuring spoon is included. Brewing takes place by immersing ground beans in hot water and then brewing coffee under pressure. This process allows you to get a rich coffee drink without sediment. The classic AeroPress Original, the compact AeroPress Go for traveling and the new AeroPress Clear made of transparent plastic are available in Ukraine. Useful accessories include reusable metal filters, special grinders, cup adapters and filter holders. They expand the capabilities and usability of the device.
Preparing to make coffee
Preparing to make coffee in an aeropress starts with choosing the right equipment and ingredients. You will need: the device itself, a filter (paper or metal), a measuring spoon, high-quality ground or bean coffee, a coffee grinder, a thermometer, and hot water. It is best to choose freshly roasted 100% Arabica with a medium or light roast, as this method of brewing coffee reveals its fullest flavor.
For even extraction and a delicious coffee flavor, it is optimal to use medium or medium-fine grinds, which have a consistency similar to salt. The correct ratio of beans to liquid is 1:15 or 1:16 (for example, 15 g of ground beans per 225 ml of water). Such proportions allow for a balanced flavor.
The temperature should be between 85-94°C. Too hot will add excessive bitterness, and too cold will add acidity and wateriness.
The main methods of making coffee in an aeropress
There are many ways to brew coffee in an aeropress, so it can be used by people with completely different taste preferences. The most popular methods are classic, inverted, and cold brew.
Here are step-by-step recipes for each of them.
The classic method:
- Place the filter in the lid and rinse it to remove any paper taste from the filter.
- Connect the lid to the cylinder and place it on the cup.
- Pour in the ground grains (15 g), add 200-220 ml of hot water (90-94°C).
- Stir for 10 seconds, attach the piston and press slowly for 20-30 seconds.
It’s important not to rush into the pressing to avoid excessive bitterness.
If you do everything right, you will get a cup of pure coffee with a bright flavor and aroma and minimal sediment.
Inverted or inverted method:
- Assemble the device upside down – piston on the bottom, cylinder on top.
- Add the grind, water, and mix.
- Leave for 1-2 minutes, then close with the filter holder, invert and place on the cup.
- Press slowly.
This method allows for better control of the infusion and gives a richer flavor.
Cold Brew:
Pour cold water over the grinds, cover with a filter and leave to infuse for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator. The time depends on how concentrated you want the drink to be. The cup is soft, with minimal acidity and light chocolate and nutty notes.
Author’s recipes for coffee in an aeropress
The best thing about the air press is the ability to experiment and look for new flavors, which is why the world of connoisseurs of this method is rich in author’s recipes that allow you to get new flavors without even changing the grain.
The inventor of the device advised to make coffee like this:
Take 17 g of coffee beans.
Add 200 ml of liquid at 80 °C.
Extraction time is up to 1 minute.
This was the original recipe of the inventor Alan Adler, who sought to achieve the purest and most balanced taste.
Over time, the basic recipe has received a huge number of interpretations, resulting in the AeroPress Championships for baristas. Professionals from all over the world submit their own recipes, with different proportions of ingredients. They experiment with temperature, grind, infusion time, and pressure intensity. By the way, the winners often use the inverted method and practice several stages of pouring.
Experimental recipes include the addition of spices, orange peel, and tonics. All these nuances open up new flavor horizons. The method encourages creativity, because there is no single right way, only a search for your own ideal taste.
Cooking technique in an aeropress and important nuances
The flavor of a drink depends heavily on attention to detail. The correct pouring technique is to pour the liquid evenly, calmly and in a circular motion to gradually wet the coffee beans and ensure a homogeneous extraction.
The extraction time usually lasts 1-2 minutes, depending on the recipe. If the brewing time is too short, you won’t get a rich flavor and aroma. If it is too long, the taste will be bitter.
The pressure on the piston should be smooth, without sudden movements. Ideally, even pressure should last for 20-30 seconds. Pushing too hard when brewing coffee can disrupt the filtration and even change the taste of the drink.
Among the common mistakes:
- Improper grinding (too fine or coarse),
- sudden movements when pressing the piston,
- liquid temperature is too high
- incorrect proportions
Follow the recommendations, practice more often – avoiding common mistakes and practicing regularly will help you achieve a stable and tasty result.
Advantages and disadvantages of an air press
This simple tool is deservedly popular among coffee lovers. It offers numerous brewing advantages, including ease of use, speed, and the ability to produce a delicious, clean, and rich drink without expensive professional equipment.
One of the main advantages of the device is its portability. It is lightweight, compact, and does not require electricity, making it ideal for traveling, camping, or the office. It is also easy to clean and requires little maintenance.
With it, you do not become a hostage to a certain method with a stable, but monotonous, result. The device comes with ample opportunities for experimentation. Try different grinding options, use liquid of different temperatures, change the infusion time, and don’t forget about different brewing methods – enjoy a wide variety of flavor profiles!
Among the relative disadvantages is the inability to make a large volume of coffee in an aeropress at a time (usually 1-2 servings). There is also a need for additional accessories, such as a coffee grinder and scales, to achieve a consistent result. However, for most connoisseurs, this is not critical. Moreover, they turn the process into a real coffee ritual.
Care and maintenance of the air press
Like anything else, an airbrush needs to be maintained. The quality and durability of the device depends on its cleanliness.
After each use, it is important to properly clean all parts: piston, cylinder and filter holder. It is best to rinse them with warm water and no detergent to remove any remaining grains without damaging the materials of the device. After use, simply throw away the paper filters.
The device should be stored in a dry, clean place, disassembled or assembled, as you prefer, but avoid direct sunlight and high humidity.
Over time, some parts may need to be replaced, such as the rubber seal on the piston. The manufacturer offers a set of spare parts that are easy to replace yourself. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of parts will help keep the device in perfect condition for many years.
Tips for perfect taste
Aeropress coffee goes well with light desserts. Berry tarts, biscuits, nut and chocolate delicacies emphasize its aroma and balance its acidity. A successful combination with dishes will enhance the taste of the drink and leave an even more vivid impression of the drink.
To improve your technique, we recommend keeping a recipe diary. By recording the amount of grind, temperature, infusion time, and results when brewing coffee, you can understand which parameters are right for you. With this simple procedure, you can figure out exactly what effect a particular component or process has on the taste of the final drink. Experiment with the degree of grinding, temperature, ratio of ingredients, and different methods: classic, inverted, or cold. Adding spices, citrus zest, or tonic can lead to the birth of a unique flavor composition in a cup. Don’t be afraid to try new things, because the aeropress is the perfect tool for creative exploration!
Answers to frequently asked questions
When choosing your first air press, consider the AeroPress Original or AeroPress Go models. These models are easy to use and therefore ideal even for beginners.
If you’re just starting out as a barista, don’t rush to experiment. First, study the recommendations and cook strictly according to the recipe. Be sure to pay attention to grinding, which is the most common mistake that spoils the taste of the finished drink, the dosage of ingredients, the temperature of the liquid, and the pressure. It should be even and slow. Regular practice will help you quickly master the basic technique and enjoy consistently high-quality coffee.
In Ukraine, you can buy the device and accessories in specialized coffee shops or online. One of these stores is Kyiv City Roastery. Here you can see the assortment and choose a guaranteed quality product that will give you only positive emotions every time you use it.
