AeroPress Coffee Brewing Tutorial

9/5/2020 The Upside Down AeroPress Coffee Brewing Tutorial - I Need Coffee
I Need Coffee
BY COFFEE FANS, FOR COFFEE FANS!
The Upside Down AeroPress

Coffee Brewing Tutorial
N O V E M B E R 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 by Michael Allen Smith
When it comes to brewing co ee with the AeroPress Co ee Maker,

there are two main methods. The rst method is described both in the
directions that ship with the Aerobie AeroPress as well as our
AeroPress Co ee Maker Tutorial (https://ineedco ee.com/aeropress-
co ee-maker-tutorial/). It is the regular top-down straight-forward
brewing method.
The second method is known as the inverted or upside down brewing

method, which I will highlight in this brewing tutorial.
The experts are split on which method is best According to the article
https://ineedcoffee.com/upside-aeropress-coffee-brewing-tutorial/ 1/18
The experts are split on which method is best. According to the article
The Invention of the AeroPress by Zachary Crockett, “about half” the
winners of the AeroPress World Championships use the inverted
method.
(https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001HBCVX0/ineedco e
e-20)
Aeropress Co ee and Espresso Maker (Amazon USA
(https://amzn.to/2rfygNB), Amazon UK
(https://amzn.to/2qRzRcy), Amazon Canada
(https://amzn.to/2qrPE0l), Target.com
(https://goto.target.com/c/1425971/81938/2092?
u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Faeropress-co ee-and-
espresso-maker%2F-%2FA-50486894), eBay.com
(https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?
3=4&toolid=11800&pub=5575258641&campid=5338016321&mpre=h
ttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_odkw%3Dco ee%
2Bgrinder%26_osacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp2045573
.m570.l1312.R1.TR9.TRC1.A0.H0.Xaeropress.TRS1%26_nkw%3Daeropre
ss%26_sacat%3D0))
Upside Down Brewing Results in a Richer Taste

When you brew inverted, all the co ee grounds will make contact with
the water the entire brewing period. This is called full or total
immersion. Full immersion brewing methods are known for having a
richer taste than brewing methods where the co ee begins passing
through the lter immediately. The most popular full immersion
brewing method being the French Press.
When the Standard AeroPress Leaks or Brews Too

Fast
When the rst version of this article was rst published in 2014, my
AeroPress was getting old and the seal wasn’t as strong. The co ee
was leaking too fast through the brewing chamber and the result was a
weaker co ee. So I began using the inverted method.
You can minimize the chance that your standard AeroPress brew will
leak or brew too quickly using the following tips.
1. Wet the paper lter.

2. Make sure the paper lter isn’t folded and is placed evenly in the
lter cap.
3. Con rm the seal is tight.
4. The grind might be too coarse.
5. Use the funnel provided with the AeroPress so loose grounds

don’t nd their way into where the lter is sealed.
6. Some have found using a wider rim mug reduces the chance of
leakage
leakage.
7. If your AeroPress is old and losing its grip, consider buying a new
one. My AeroPress was able to brew over 1,000 times, but
eventually, it did need to be replaced.
Or you could just use the Upside Down method.
At 6 AM, I want my brewing method to be as fool-proof as possible.

Really the only way to mess up the inverted method is to lose control
during the ip. There is still a possibility of leaking with the inverted
method, but it matters far less since it happens at the end of the
brewing period when the co ee is ready to exit the brewing chamber.
Many Variations (Recipes) Work

The AeroPress was invented in 2005, which makes it super young when
it comes to co ee brewing methods. Since then there has been a
tremendous interest by co ee professionals to improve upon the
instructions Aerobie ships with each unit.
Today there are numerous AeroPress competitions around the world.

When you search for winning recipes, you will nd a wide variance in
approaches. Brewing temperature, grind size, brewing time and even
plunge time vary quite a bit.
At rst glance, the complexity of the recipes might seem intimidating,

but they shouldn’t. The fact that people are making amazing co ee
using wildly di erent parameters, tells us that the AeroPress is harder
to mess up than other co ee brewing methods.
For this tutorial, we are going to keep it simple. Once you’ve got the
basics down, venture out and try some award-winning recipes.
Checklist
Checklist
Before we get started, con rm you have everything.
1. The brewing chamber of the AeroPress Co ee Maker.

2. The plunger.
3. Stir Paddle. If you lose the one that comes with the AeroPress, use
a spoon.
4. Black lter cap
5. Paper lters (or you can use a reusable metal lter replacement
such as the Able Brewing DISK
(https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00E58P7ME/ineedc
o ee-20)).
6. Kitchen scale or the scoop that comes in the box.
7. Kettle
8. Timer or stopwatch.
9. Mug
10. Co ee.
11 Filtered or Drinking Water
11. Filtered or Drinking Water.

12. (optional and not in photo) AeroPress Funnel.
#1 Grind Coffee and Heat Water

A single AeroPress scoop is equal to 2 tablespoons or about 17 grams.
Measuring co ee by volume will be less precise than by weight. The
article Why You Should Use a Scale to Brew Co ee
(https://drinks.seriouseats.com/2013/03/why-you-should-use-a-
kitchen-scale-to-measure-co ee-co ee-brewing-equipment.html)
makes a good case for tossing your scoop and grabbing the scale.
Although I agree with the article, when it comes to the AeroPress I

found it is very forgiving to a few gram variation in brewing. Don’t think
that not having a scale will keep you from brewing excellent co ee.
Aerobie advises a grind between drip and espresso. I use a drip grind.
Others use a more coarse grind. When it comes to grind size, the
AeroPress is super forgiving. As a general rule the ner you grind, the
shorter your brew time will be.
#2 Setup the AeroPress in an Inverted

Position and Add Coffee
Place the plunger facing up on the counter. Now turn the brewing
chamber upside down and place it securely onto the plunger. You will
want the stopper to rest in the middle of the #4 position.
If you are concerned about messing up the ip, you can push it down
further so the entire #4 is below the stopper. Other recipes say the
entire #4 should be above the stopper, but in my opinion, this is too
unstable. One bump and you have a hot mess to clean up.
Add the ground co ee. Use the AeroPress Funnel if you still have it. I
threw mine away. I kind of wish I hadn’t, because the funnel makes it
easier for all the co ee grounds to get inside the brewing chamber and
not get stuck on the rim of the brewer.
#3 Insert and Rinse the Filter

Place a lter inside the lter cap and rinse with water. Set it aside for
now.
#4 Start the Timer, Add Hot Water and Stir

How hot should the water be for AeroPress brewing? The opinions
here vary quite a bit. Most of the recipes say to use 200-205 F. Aerobie
recommends using 175 F. From the Aeropress FAQ:
“ Books often recommend a brewing temperature of 195° F

to 200° F (91° C to 93° C). This is good for conventional
brewing methods that pass hot water through a bed of
coffee. In this method, the water rapidly cools so the
lower part of the bed is operating at a lower temperature.
However in the AeroPress all of the coffee particles
contact the same water temperature during the stirring
phase.
The top 3 nishers at the 2014 World AeroPress Championships used

brewing temperatures of 174 F (78 C), 197 F (92 C) and 180 F (82 C). In
previous years, you had winning recipes that were just o boiling. The
lesson here is that the AeroPress can be brewed at a wide range of
lesson here is that the AeroPress can be brewed at a wide range of

temperatures.
To keep things simple I bring water to a boil and then let it cool for 20-
30 seconds. If you have a programmable kettle
(https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005YR0F40/ineedco ee
-20), experiment.
Start the timer.
There are two schools of thought on adding hot water and stirring.
1. Add half the water, stir and then add the remaining water.
2. Add all the water and stir.
Although I’ve heard compelling arguments that #1 is better, I have

done it both ways and can not tell a di erence. The important thing
about this step is to make sure all the ground co ee makes contact
with water. Try it both ways for yourself.
Because I use a more snug t, I ll the water up to halfway between the

#1 and #2 circle.
#5 Secure the Filter Cap on the AeroPress

Hold onto the AeroPress where the two chambers meet and with your
other hand, screw the lter onto the brewer.
#6 At 60-90 Seconds, Flip and Press

There are many di erent brew times you can use. A good starting
range is 60-90 seconds total. When this time has passed, grab the
AeroPress holding both chambers together and ip it so it is over your
mug.
Once the AeroPress is back right-side up and over the mug, proceed
with pressing down the plunger. Use a slow steady press. It should
take about 20 seconds to fully press.
#7 Add Water to Taste

What you have now is a co ee concentrate. Add some hot water to
bring it to the consistency of brewed co ee. Typically this will mean
adding 50% water. If you want an iced co ee, just pour over a cup of
ice cubes.
I should also add that you don’t need to add anything if you want to
have an “espresso like” beverage. Because the AeroPress can not
generate near the pressure of a true espresso machine, I do not
consider it espresso. Nor does home co ee roasting retailer Sweet
Maria’s. From their AeroPress page:
“ Illy’s research shows that espresso is a beverage brewed

at 7-11 bars of pressure, with water temperature between
194 and 203 F (without temperature loss from a cold
coffee handle etc) E en if the AeroPress had the
coffee handle, etc). Even if the AeroPress had the

organoleptic features of espresso, and the appearance of
espresso, I don’t think it is within these parameters.
If you do go the “espresso like” route, you can experiment with using

less water, a ner grind and a shorter brewing time.
The Most Forgiving Brewing Method Ever

I’ve tried many di erent methods for brewing co ee and none of them
are as forgiving as the AeroPress. You can brew using a wide range of
grinds, temperatures, and dosages and still make excellent co ee. You
can even ip it upside down and it excels.
Resources
Aeropress Co ee and Espresso Maker (Amazon USA
(https://amzn.to/2rfygNB), Amazon UK (https://amzn.to/2qRzRcy),
Amazon Canada (https://amzn.to/2qrPE0l), Amazon France
(https://aax-us-east.amazon-
adsystem.com/x/c/QjKPkNzr72FtUsWDqE09fCMAAAFf_o1kiQEAAAFKAV
Wxwlk/http://www.amazon.fr/Cafeti%C3%A8re-AeroPress-machine-
caf%C3%A9-piston/dp/B0018RY8H0/ref=as_at/?
imprToken=YPz5Swl1ix4V8MAZCbqPGA&slotNum=1&ie=UTF8&qid=15
10939607&sr=8-
2&keywords=aeropress&linkCode=sl1&tag=ineedco ee0c-
21&linkId=b901d4bd 7c48051e41e7d132a57d29), Amazon Germany
(https://amzn.to/2j2fFOQ), Amazon Italy (https://aax-us-east.amazon-
adsystem.com/x/c/QqvkndnDhtyB1RTY6zIp2-
UAAAFf_oyOogEAAAFKAat9xTA/http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B00
0GXZ2GS/ref=as_at/?
imprToken=KcHvBTpNxA7iFCD074RF9g&slotNum=1&ie=UTF8&tag=ine
edco ee0d-
21&camp=3414&creative=21718&linkCode=w61&creativeASIN=B000G
21&camp=3414&creative=21718&linkCode=w61&creativeASIN=B000G
XZ2GS&linkId=8fe858a7b4c33e7490c2ab2efe6f4292), Amazon España
(https://aax-us-east.amazon-adsystem.com/x/c/QngqnxEWKeZ2fjqt-
cGq1eIAAAFf_o3KVwEAAAFKAROn25A/http://www.amazon.es/Aerobie-
AeroPress-Cafetera-expresos-cremallera/dp/B0018RY8H0/ref=as_at/?
imprToken=VMFVlnpZhL1Y9BC4UbB2Wg&slotNum=2&ie=UTF8&qid=1
510946274&sr=8-
1&keywords=aeropress&linkCode=sl1&tag=ineedco ee09-
21&linkId=2dddfe2d510045d5da14335a827a507a), Target.com
(https://goto.target.com/c/1425971/81938/2092?
u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Faeropress-co ee-and-
espresso-maker%2F-%2FA-50486894), eBay.com
(https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?
ttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_odkw%3Dco ee%
2Bgrinder%26_osacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp2045573
.m570.l1312.R1.TR9.TRC1.A0.H0.Xaeropress.TRS1%26_nkw%3Daeropre
ss%26_sacat%3D0))
The Invention of the AeroPress (http://priceonomics.com/the-

invention-of-the-aeropress/) – Excellent article by Zachary Crockett.
AeroPress Co ee Maker Tutorial (https://ineedco ee.com/aeropress-

co ee-maker-tutorial/) – Original INeedCo ee tutorial.
World AeroPress Championships

(http://worldaeropresschampionship.com/) – Site lists winners of the
annual competition going back to 2008. Also on the site are award-
winning recipes.
AeroPress FAQ (https://aeropress.com/faqs/) – Page by Aerobie.
Aero Press Brew Instructions

(https://web archive org/web/20140815175005/http://www sweetmaria
(https://web.archive.org/web/20140815175005/http://www.sweetmaria
s.com/aeropress/aeropress_instructions.php) – Article by Sweet Maria’s
with comments about why he doesn’t feel the brewer quali es as an
espresso maker at the end.
Brewing photos by Joseph Robertson of Extracted Magazine

(https://ineedco ee.com/go/co eeloversmagazine/), a digital co ee
magazine published for iOS and Android. He also teaches Co ee: The
Basics of Mastering Your Brew
(https://ineedco ee.com/go/udemyco ee/) on Udemy.
Author Recent Posts
Michael Allen Smith

(Https://Ineedco ee.Com/By/Michael-Allen-Smith/)
Michael Allen Smith is both a co ee fanatic and a web developer. In April
1999, he combined these two interests and started the co ee website
INeedCo ee.com. His personal blog, which covers a wide range of
topics, is Critical MAS (https://criticalmas.org).
(https://i
needco
ee.com/b
y/michae
l-allen-
smith/)
(ht
tp
s:/
/t
wi
tte
r.c
o)e
m/
IN
ee
dC
o
e
Copyright © 1999-2020 INeedCo ee (https://ineedco ee.com) is a project by co ee fanatic Michael

Allen Smith. User Sitemap (https://ineedco ee.com/user-sitemap/) | Privacy Policy
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9/5/2020 The Upside Down AeroPress Coffee Brewing Tutorial - I Need Coffee

The Upside Down AeroPress

When it comes to brewing co ee with the AeroPress Co ee Maker,

The second method is known as the inverted or upside down brewing

Upside Down Brewing Results in a Richer Taste

When the Standard AeroPress Leaks or Brews Too

1. Wet the paper lter.

5. Use the funnel provided with the AeroPress so loose grounds

Or you could just use the Upside Down method.

At 6 AM, I want my brewing method to be as fool-proof as possible.

Many Variations (Recipes) Work

Today there are numerous AeroPress competitions around the world.

At rst glance, the complexity of the recipes might seem intimidating,

1. The brewing chamber of the AeroPress Co ee Maker.

11. Filtered or Drinking Water.

#1 Grind Coffee and Heat Water

Although I agree with the article, when it comes to the AeroPress I

#2 Setup the AeroPress in an Inverted

#3 Insert and Rinse the Filter

#4 Start the Timer, Add Hot Water and Stir

“ Books often recommend a brewing temperature of 195° F

The top 3 nishers at the 2014 World AeroPress Championships used

lesson here is that the AeroPress can be brewed at a wide range of

Start the timer.

Although I’ve heard compelling arguments that #1 is better, I have

Because I use a more snug t, I ll the water up to halfway between the

#5 Secure the Filter Cap on the AeroPress

#6 At 60-90 Seconds, Flip and Press

#7 Add Water to Taste

“ Illy’s research shows that espresso is a beverage brewed

coffee handle, etc). Even if the AeroPress had the

If you do go the “espresso like” route, you can experiment with using

The Most Forgiving Brewing Method Ever

The Invention of the AeroPress (http://priceonomics.com/the-

AeroPress Co ee Maker Tutorial (https://ineedco ee.com/aeropress-

World AeroPress Championships

AeroPress FAQ (https://aeropress.com/faqs/) – Page by Aerobie.

Aero Press Brew Instructions

Brewing photos by Joseph Robertson of Extracted Magazine

Author Recent Posts

Michael Allen Smith

Copyright © 1999-2020 INeedCo ee (https://ineedco ee.com) is a project by co ee fanatic Michael

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