Guide · AeroPress
How to use an AeroPress: the standard and inverted methods
AeroPress's own recipe in plain English, for the Original, Clear, Go and XL: how much coffee, which grind, the 30 to 60-second steep, and why the maker warns against inverting.
Here’s how to use AeroPress coffee makers the way AeroPress itself recommends: a heaped scoop of coffee, water to the number 4, a short stir, a 30 to 60-second wait and a slow, steady press. AeroPress says prep and clean-up take less than two minutes. We’ll also cover the inverted method, which AeroPress strongly discourages, and the differences between the Original, Go and XL. We haven’t tested this in person. This guide is based on AeroPress’s own brewing instructions and help pages, with UK prices from AeroPress UK checked 3 Oct 2026. Read how we compare.
The parts, and which AeroPress you have
Every AeroPress has the same four parts:
- The chamber, where the coffee and water go. It has numbered markings on the side.
- The plunger, with a silicone seal on the end.
- The filter cap, which twists onto the bottom of the chamber.
- Paper micro-filters, which sit inside the cap.
The models differ mostly in size. AeroPress says the Original, Clear, Premium and Go Plus chambers all hold up to 10oz (about 300ml). The XL has twice the Original’s capacity and makes two to four cups at once. The Go is a travel version that packs into its own mug.
- AeroPress Original: up to 10oz. £39.99 at AeroPress UK, checked 3 Oct 2026.
- AeroPress Go: travel size, packs into its own mug. £49.99 at AeroPress UK, checked 3 Oct 2026.
- AeroPress Clear: up to 10oz, in a see-through chamber. £54.99 at AeroPress UK, checked 3 Oct 2026.
- AeroPress XL: two to four cups. £79.99 at AeroPress UK, checked 3 Oct 2026.
- AeroPress Go Plus: up to 10oz. £89.99 at AeroPress UK, checked 3 Oct 2026.
AeroPress UK is the official UK distributor. See the range at AeroPress UK.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who makes coffee for a crowd. Even the XL tops out at about four cups.
What you need
- An AeroPress and a paper filter.
- A sturdy mug, or a carafe for the XL.
- Coffee: one heaped AeroPress scoop, or 16–18g, for a standard mug.
- A kettle.
AeroPress recommends a medium grind if you’re using shop-bought ground coffee, and medium-fine if you grind your own.
How to use AeroPress: the standard method
These steps follow AeroPress’s own recipe for the Original, Clear, Premium and Go Plus, in our own words.
- Heat the water to 85°C. If you don’t have a temperature-control kettle, AeroPress says boiling water is fine.
- Take the plunger out of the chamber completely.
- Fit a paper filter in the filter cap and twist the cap onto the chamber.
- Stand the chamber on a sturdy mug and add one heaped scoop, or 16–18g, of coffee.
- Shake it gently to level the coffee, then pour water up to the 4 on the side. A little coffee will drip through. AeroPress says that’s normal.
- Stir for about 3 seconds.
- Stop the drips. Push the plunger about half an inch into the top of the chamber, then pull it up slightly. This creates a vacuum that holds the coffee in.
- Wait. AeroPress says 60 seconds for shop-bought medium grind, or 30 seconds for medium-fine coffee you’ve ground yourself.
- Press gently and steadily. Don’t push hard. Keep going until you hear a hiss, then stop when the hissing ends. That’s the last of the coffee passing through.
- Pop out the puck. Remove the filter cap, hold the AeroPress over the bin and push the plunger the rest of the way. The used coffee and filter drop out together.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who wants a hands-off brew. You’ll need to stand over it for a minute or two.
The AeroPress Go and XL
The method is the same, but the quantities change:
- AeroPress Go: use a little less than a full scoop (12–14g), fill to the 3 and brew over the Go mug.
- AeroPress XL: use two heaped scoops (32–36g), fill to the 8 and brew over the AeroPress carafe. For one cup, AeroPress says to halve the coffee and fill to the 4.
The inverted method, and why AeroPress warns against it
The inverted method means brewing with the AeroPress upside down: the plunger goes in first, the chamber sits on top, and you flip it onto a mug at the end. AeroPress explains that people do this to stop drip-through, to steep for longer and to use a coarser grind.
AeroPress strongly discourages it. Its help pages say the upside-down set-up is less stable and can tip over, which risks burns from hot liquid.
If you want a longer steep, AeroPress suggests sticking with the standard method and pushing the plunger seal about half an inch into the chamber to stop the drips, as in step 7. It also sells a Flow Control Filter Cap, which it says removes drip-through altogether. That was £27.99 at AeroPress UK, checked 3 Oct 2026. AeroPress says it fits the Original, Clear, Go, Go Plus and Premium, but not the XL.
Who it isn’t for: anyone brewing near children or on a crowded worktop. On safety grounds, the standard method is the one to use.
Espresso-style coffee from an AeroPress
AeroPress says its coffee makers can make espresso-style coffee for lattes and cappuccinos. It’s careful about the wording, though. In its FAQ, it describes the Flow Control cap’s output as an espresso-style concentrate that is similar to espresso, but “not real espresso”.
If you want proper espresso with crema, you’ll need a machine. Our guide on how to make espresso at home covers the options, and our best AeroPress alternatives guide looks at other manual brewers.
Troubleshooting
- Too much drips through before you press. Push the plunger in slightly and pull back to make a vacuum, as AeroPress describes. A Flow Control cap is the other fix.
- It’s very hard to press. AeroPress says to use gentle, constant pressure and not push too hard. If you grind your own coffee, AeroPress’s own advice is medium-fine, so a very fine grind is the first thing to check.
- The paper filter sticks to the cap. AeroPress’s tip is to brush the end of the stirrer across the filter so it curls up and lifts away.
- The coffee tastes weak. Check you’re using a full heaped scoop and the right fill line for your model.
Cleaning your AeroPress
Cleaning is quick. After pushing out the puck, rinse the filter cap and the plunger’s silicone end under the tap. AeroPress suggests a fuller wash with lukewarm water, gentle soap and a soft cloth every week or two. The XL can go in the top rack of a dishwasher, according to AeroPress’s FAQ.
Replacement parts are sold separately. The Original plunger with seal was £18.99, and a pack of standard natural paper filters was £8.99, both at AeroPress UK, checked 3 Oct 2026.
Where to go next
Choosing beans? See the best coffee for AeroPress. If you’re grinding your own, our pick of manual coffee grinders is a good starting point.
FAQ
How much coffee do you put in an AeroPress? AeroPress says one heaped scoop, or 16–18g, for a standard mug in the Original, Clear, Premium or Go Plus.
What temperature water should you use? AeroPress recommends 85°C, but says boiling water is fine if you can’t set the temperature.
Is the inverted method safe? AeroPress strongly discourages it because it’s less stable and can tip over, which risks burns.
Does an AeroPress make espresso? It makes an espresso-style concentrate. AeroPress itself says it’s similar to espresso but not real espresso.