AeroPress
A one-of-a-kind brewer that travels well, brews fast and makes a cup richer than filter, lighter than espresso.
Where it comes from
The AeroPress was invented in 2005 by Stanford engineering instructor Alan Adler — the same mind behind the Aerobie flying ring.
The story goes that Adler's sales manager's wife complained that single-cup drip machines made watery coffee. Adler set to work, and the AeroPress was the result.
It's plastic, near-indestructible, brews in under two minutes, and produces a cup that sits between filter and espresso. Perfect for the kitchen, the office, or a tent.
Watch the brew · Common Coffee on Vimeo
What you'll need
- AeroPress
- AeroPress paper filter
- Kettle (no gooseneck needed)
- Scales
- Mug
Step by step
- 01
Set up
PrepSet the AeroPress upright on a sturdy mug. Drop a paper filter in the cap and rinse with hot water. Screw the cap on.
- 02
Add coffee & bloom
0:00Add 15g of medium-fine coffee. Pour 50g of 85°C water, stir twice, and let it sit for 30 seconds.
- 03
Top up
0:30Pour to 220g. Insert the plunger just enough to create a seal — this stops the coffee dripping through.
- 04
Press
1:00Press down slowly and evenly over 30 seconds. Stop when you hear a hiss.
- 05
Serve
1:30Top up with hot water if you want it longer, or drink it as is. Bin the puck — it pops out clean.
Small things, big difference
Cooler water (around 85°C) keeps brightness without burning the coffee.
The inverted method has its fans — but the standard method is faster, tidier, and just as good.
