BREW GUIDE / Pressure-assisted

AeroPress: upright method

Separate the steep from the press, keep the brewer upright and learn to diagnose resistance without pressing harder.

English edition updated 2026-11-10 · Editorial reference recipe; adjust for your equipment and coffee.

Coffee amount15 g ground coffeeWater / ingredients210 g hot waterTiming referenceAbout 2 minutesGrind starting pointMedium-fine

AeroPress: upright method equipment and finished serving

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Equipment and measurements

AeroPress, matching paper filter, sturdy compatible mug, grinder, scale, timer and paddle.

Amounts marked as brewed espresso describe beverage weight, not dry grounds. Keep water, milk, ice and other additions as separate measurements; final volume varies with the method.

How to make it

Fit the paper filter and secure the filter cap according to the brewer instructions. Set it upright on a sturdy compatible mug and add 15 g medium-fine coffee.
Technique note
The cup must support the filter cap securely. Switching to metal filters or a different cap changes leakage and resistance; do not assume identical behaviour.
Add water at roughly 90–93°C to a cumulative 210 g. Use a smaller recipe if the model cannot safely hold this amount.
Technique note
A small amount dripping before the plunger goes in is not automatically a failed brew. Do not improvise an inverted method simply to prevent every drip.
Stir gently to wet the coffee, insert the plunger to form a seal and wait until about 1:30. Keep the assembly stable throughout.
Technique note
Wet the dry grounds without scraping the paper out of position. Inserting the plunger should create a seal, not start an early press.
Press gently and steadily for roughly 20–30 seconds. Stop increasing force if it becomes difficult. After brewing, add a little water only if you prefer a lighter concentration.
Technique note
More force can compact the grounds and make pressing harder. The manufacturer recommends a slow, gentle press; investigate fines, grind and filter fit instead of leaning your weight on it.

What to adjust first

Difficult press: stop forcing it and check grinding, fines and the filter. A strong but otherwise pleasant cup: adjust dilution separately. Adding water to the cup will not fix mechanical resistance on the next brew.

Concentration and pressing resistance are different problems

A cup can be too strong even when the brewer operates normally. Conversely, a hard press does not prove high concentration. Diagnose the filter and coffee bed independently from how much dilution you enjoy.

Try this comparison next time

Split the brewed coffee and add a little water to one portion. Choose the concentration you prefer before changing the brewing water or steeping time.

What to write down

Record when the plunger was inserted, when pressing began, press duration and any added water. Keep the steep and pressing interval as separate notes.

Further reading: source guidance for this method. Our quantities and troubleshooting notes are editorial starting points, not a claim to reproduce a brand recipe or a first-hand test.

Keep learning

Coffee basics · Flavour troubleshooting

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My AeroPress: upright method notes