The AeroPress is one of the most versatile and durable coffee brewers ever made. Invented by toy manufacturer Alan Adler, it uses immersion, pressure, and paper filtration to produce a concentrated cup with exceptionally low acidity.

One of the greatest features of the AeroPress is its flexibility. You can brew upright using the Standard Method or flip it upside down for the Inverted Method. In this guide, we will cover both techniques so you can choose the one that fits your morning routine.

Method 1: The Standard Method

The Standard Method is how the AeroPress was originally designed to be used. Water is poured onto the coffee, and gravity allows a small amount to drip through before pressing.

Standard Recipe Overview

• Dose: 15g of coffee
• Water: 200g of water (90°C)
• Grind Size: Medium-fine
• Total Brew Time: 1:30 minutes

Step-by-Step

1. Prep: Insert a paper filter into the cap, rinse it with hot water, and screw it onto the chamber. Place the AeroPress on your mug.
2. Add Coffee: Pour 15g of coffee into the chamber. Shake to level.
3. Pour Water: Start your timer and add 200g of water within 10 seconds.
4. Stir: Stir gently for 10 seconds to make sure all grounds are wet.
5. Plunger Lock: Insert the plunger about 1cm into the chamber to create a vacuum seal. This prevents water from dripping through too early.
6. Press: At 1:00, remove the plunger lock, stir once, and press down steadily for 30 seconds. Stop when you hear a soft "hiss" sound.

Method 2: The Inverted Method

The Inverted Method is a favorite among coffee enthusiasts because it prevents any premature dripping, allowing for full-immersion brewing (similar to a French Press).

Inverted Recipe Overview

• Dose: 15g of coffee
• Water: 200g of water (90°C)
• Grind Size: Medium
• Total Brew Time: 2:15 minutes

Step-by-Step

1. Setup: Insert the plunger into the chamber upside down, positioning it near the "4" mark. Stand the AeroPress upside down on your counter.
2. Add Coffee: Add 15g of medium-ground coffee into the open chamber.
3. Bloom & Fill: Pour 50g of water, stir, and let it bloom for 30 seconds. Then, pour the remaining 150g of water.
4. Steep: Stir gently, then screw the filter cap (with a rinsed paper filter) onto the top. Let it steep until 2:00.
5. The Flip: At 2:00, carefully flip the AeroPress onto your mug in one swift motion.
6. Press: Press down slowly for 30 seconds, stopping at the hiss.

Standard vs. Inverted: Which is Better?

• Standard Method: Produces a cleaner cup with higher acidity and clarity. It is faster and carries zero risk of spilling.
• Inverted Method: Offers fuller body, richer mouthfeel, and deeper extraction because of the complete immersion. Be careful during the flip to avoid spills!