Coffee to water ratio for Aeropress. Learn the amount of cofee to water in Aeropress
The AeroPress has become a beloved brewing method among coffee enthusiasts around the world, especially for those who appreciate specialty coffee. Its versatility, portability, and ability to produce rich, nuanced flavours make it a go-to for home brewers and professionals alike.
However, one of the most frequently asked questions is: What is the ideal coffee to water ratio for AeroPress? Getting this ratio right is crucial to extracting the perfect cup.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best coffee to water ratios for AeroPress, how to adjust them for your taste, and why this simple adjustment can elevate your coffee experience. We’ll also answer some of the most common questions about AeroPress brewing.
Why Coffee to Water Ratio Matters in AeroPress Brewing
The AeroPress manual suggests starting with 1:16 ratio: that is, one gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water. In practical terms, this usually means:
- 15-17 grams of coffee (1 heaping AeroPress scoop)
- 240 grams (240 ml) of water
This ratio is a great starting point for most people, delivering a smooth, balanced cup that highlights the coffee’s complexity without over-extraction.
Recommended AeroPress Ratios for Different Brewing Styles
1. Classic Method (Standard Ratio): Ideal for a balanced cup with pleasant acidity and sweetness. It works well for both light and medium roasts.
- Coffee: 15-17 grams
- Water: 240 ml
- Ratio: 1:16
- Grind: Medium-fine
2. Strong Brew (Espresso-Style AeroPress): Perfect for those who enjoy a strong, concentrated coffee or want to make milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos using the AeroPress.
- Coffee: 18-20 grams
- Water: 120-150 ml
- Ratio: 1:6 to 1:8
- Grind: Fine
3. Inverted Method (Enhanced Flavour Control): The inverted method gives you more control over steeping time and agitation, often resulting in a fuller-bodied cup with more pronounced flavours.
- Coffee: 16-18 grams
- Water: 220-240 ml
- Ratio: 1:13 to 1:15
- Grind: Medium
4. Diluted Brew (American Coffee Style): This method creates a coffee concentrate that you can dilute with hot water to your preferred strength, similar to an Americano.
- Coffee: 14-16 grams
- Water: 120-150 ml (brew) + 100-120 ml (dilution)
- Ratio: Starts at 1:8 then diluted
How to Measure Coffee and Water Accurately
For the best results, you should always use a digital scale. Volume-based measurements like scoops and tablespoons can be inconsistent, especially with different bean sizes and roast levels.
Key Tips:
- Weigh coffee beans before grinding.
- Measure water by weight (grams) instead of volume (ml) for precision.
- The AeroPress scoop holds approximately 15-17 grams of coffee, but weighing is far more reliable.
How to Adjust the Ratio to Your Taste
Every palate is different. Here's how you can tailor your AeroPress ratio:
- Too strong? Increase the water or reduce the coffee slightly.
- Too weak? Add more coffee or reduce the amount of water.
- Bitter taste? Try a coarser grind or slightly lower brew time.
- Sour taste? Consider using a finer grind or hotter water.
Experimentation is key. Keeping a brew journal can help track which ratios, grind sizes, and methods produce your favourite cup.
Factors That Influence Coffee to Water Ratio
While the ratio is essential, other factors can impact the final taste:
- Grind Size: Finer grinds extract faster and can require shorter brew times.
- Water Temperature: Ideal is between 85°C to 96°C. Cooler water can lead to under-extraction.
- Brew Time: AeroPress usually recommends 1-2 minutes. Longer brews can increase strength and body.
- Agitation: Stirring can speed up extraction but can also introduce bitterness if overdone.
Common Mistakes When Measuring AeroPress Coffee to Water Ratios
- Not using a scale: eyeballing it leads to inconsistency.
- Ignoring grind size: a mismatch between grind and ratio can ruin the cup.
- Overfilling the AeroPress: the chamber has a maximum capacity; exceeding it can cause spills or uneven extraction.
- Skipping bloom time: a quick bloom helps release trapped gases for better extraction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best coffee to water ratio for AeroPress beginners?
Start with a 1:16 ratio (15-17 grams of coffee to 240 ml of water). It’s a forgiving ratio that produces a balanced cup.
How much coffee should I use for a strong AeroPress brew?
For a strong, espresso-style brew, use 18-20 grams of coffee to 120-150 ml of water. This gives you a concentrated, bold cup.
Can I use the AeroPress for multiple cups of coffee?
The AeroPress is designed for single servings. However, you can make a strong concentrate and dilute it to produce up to two cups.
Does grind size affect the coffee to water ratio?
Yes. Finer grinds extract faster and often require a shorter brew time or slightly less coffee. Coarser grinds may need more coffee to achieve the same strength.
Is using a digital scale necessary for AeroPress brewing?
While not mandatory, using a digital scale significantly improves consistency and helps you dial in your perfect brew over time.
