If you’ve ever wanted a portable, almost indestructible way to brew excellent coffee, the AeroPress might be your perfect match.
Whether you’re new to the AeroPress or have seen it in action and wondered what the fuss is about, we’ve put together everything you need to know about this cult classic brewer, including why we love it, how it works, and how to get the most flavour out of it.
What Is an AeroPress?
The AeroPress is a compact, lightweight coffee brewing device that helped kickstart the "alternative brewing" movement through the 2010s.
Shaped a bit like a large plastic syringe, it works by pushing hot water through coffee grounds using gentle pressure - resulting in a smooth, clean cup.
Here’s how it works in a nutshell:
- A paper filter is placed in the base of the brewing chamber.
- Ground coffee (slightly coarser than espresso but finer than filter) is added.
- You pour in hot water, stir, and insert the plunger.
- By pressing the plunger down slowly, the water is pushed through the coffee grounds and filter, straight into your mug.
The pressure component is what sets the AeroPress apart from other filter brewers. It’s somewhere between an immersion brewer and an espresso-style press - delivering a richer cup than a typical pour-over, but without the intensity of espresso.
Why We Love the AeroPress
We love it for lots of reasons, but especially:
Portability: It’s ultra-lightweight, durable, and fits easily in a backpack or glovebox - perfect for camping, caravan trips, or on-the-road brewing.
Simplicity: All you need is boiling water and some coffee. No electricity, no complex gear.
Versatility: You can tweak your grind size, water temperature, brew time and pressure to dial in your perfect cup.
Flavour: The AeroPress delivers a smooth, low-acid brew with less bitterness than many traditional brewing methods. It’s fantastic for showcasing subtle, high-end flavour notes in coffees like our seasonal microlots.
Who Invented It?
The AeroPress was invented in 2004 by Alan Adler, a retired engineering lecturer and inventor of the Aerobie flying disc (yes - the donut-shaped frisbee). In fact, the Aerobie still holds the world record for longest throw: a whopping 406 metres!
With that kind of ingenuity behind it, it’s no surprise the AeroPress became a global hit - and even sparked its own annual competition. Today, over 3,000 people compete in the AeroPress World Championships every year.
AeroPress Brewing Tips
If you’re just getting started, here are a few simple tips:
Grind: Aim for a grind slightly coarser than espresso but finer than regular filter. We can grind your coffee specifically for AeroPress - just let us know.
Water Temp: Around 85-92°C (not boiling) works best.
Ratio: Start with 15g of coffee to 200g of water. Adjust to taste.
Brew Time: Try a 30-second bloom, then press slowly over 1-1.5 minutes.
Experiment: Invert it. Stir it. Add pressure. Skip the stir. The AeroPress is endlessly adaptable - half the fun is finding your perfect method.
Where Can I Get One?
We stock the AeroPress here, and it’s one of our most recommended brewing tools for customers who love flavour clarity and ease of use.
Pair it with something special - like a micro lot or single origin - and you’re in for a beautiful brew.
It’s a travel buddy, a brewing lab, and a coffee lover’s favourite all in one. Once you’ve used an AeroPress, you’ll wonder how you ever brewed without it.
