How to Brew Coffee with Aeropress Inverted Method

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The Aeropress inverted method makes the brewing process for delicious coffee even easier. Whether you are new to the Aeropress or a pro this inverted Aeropress brewing method is a game changer. 

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What is an Aeropress?

The Aeropress coffee maker is a unique, portable tool or gadget for making amazing coffee.  It operates by steeping the coffee grounds and water in the main cylinder and then forcing the liquid through the paper filter using the included plunger and a little pressure. The Aeropress is similar to a French press coffee maker but better! It was designed by a man named Alan Adler for all coffee lovers and you can get the Aeropress here: Aeropress Coffee Press. 

What Type of Coffee Can I Make with an Aeropress?

The Aeropress is a must-have coffee brewing tool that all coffee aficionados and coffee enthusiasts should own. This one little Aeropress makes a great cup of coffee, lattes, espresso, and cold brew coffee! Once you get the basics down you can make your own specialty coffees too. 

Components of the Aeropress Coffee Press

Now that we have the gist of the Aeropress and all the different things that make it the best choice for every coffee geek let’s do a quick overview of the parts. The Aeropress is quite simple, it has a brewing chamber for the coffee grinds and water. There is a filter cap where you put the filter paper. You can use paper filters or a stainless steel reusable metal filter. Last, is the plunger. 

What Makes the Aeropress Coffee Maker Amazing

What makes the Aeropress better than your standard brew methods and coffee brewing machines?

• Portable: the Aeropress is small and convenient for travel. 
• Fast Coffee: You are able to make your own excellent coffee in around 5 minutes or so.
• Flexible: Whether you are making traditional hot coffee, lattes, or specialty coffee you are able to have a lot of flexibility. You can adjust the grind size, water temperature, and brew strength.
• Easy Clean up: No one like anything that is too complicated to clean. Aeropress is simple and easy to clean. 

The Best Grind Size for Aeropress

This is a common question. We will try to keep it simple. 

Coffee beans: First, start with your favorite coffee. Great coffee often starts with great beans. The kind of coffee beans you choose comes down to personal preference. But you’ll want a good quality medium roast to dark roast coffee. 

Coffee grind: You will get the best results if you grind your own beans for a fresh flavorful cup of coffee.   If you don’t have a grinder you can absolutely use pre-ground coffee. Just be sure to get an extra fine or ‘espresso’ grind. One thing to keep in mind is that a finer grind size will work better than a coarser grind. Typical preground store-bought coffee is medium ground because it is made for a standard drip coffee maker.

This recipe is using Charleston Organic whole coffee beans and the Hamilton Beach coffee grinder. 

Follow this step-by-step guide for the best way to make a really good coffee using the inverted Aeropress method. 

Setting up the Aeropress Upside Down for the Inverted Brewing Method

First, rinse the paper Aeropress filter with water. This will rinse away impurities and eliminate any paper flavor. Next, insert the paper filter into the filter cap and set it aside. Insert the top of the plunger into the brew chamber and stand it on a stable surface upside down.  

Aeropress Inverted Method Brewing Process

Heat up your water to 185 degrees. You can do this by simply heating water on the stove in a tea kettle.

While your water is heating add your desired amount of coffee grinds to the Aeropress chamber, for the sake of this coffee recipe we are using two scoops, which equates to approximately 28 grams of coffee.

Gently shake your Aeropress chamber just a little bit so the coffee levels out.

Just like with the standard method, slowly add freshly boiled, filtered, hot water (185 degrees F) into the brew chamber.

Unlike the traditional way, this time pour the water all the way to the top of the Aeropress.

Coffee Stir and Steep 

The coffee should come to the top of the chamber and look dark and rich already. 

Use the stir stick to stir the coffee within the chamber to make sure that all of the coffee is fully immersed.

Then add the filter cap to the top of the chamber and turn to secure it in place.

The Aeropress does not need a long time to steep, allow it to sit for at least 60 seconds. Longer if you prefer a stronger flavor. That part is up to personal taste. Notice that there is no drip-through like with the regular method.

Flipping the Aeropress 

This next step may take a little practice. When you are ready, carefully turn the Aeropress over to the right side and place it directly onto a coffee mug. 

The rest is pretty much the same as a traditional Aeropress recipe. Firmly depress the plunger to push the coffee into your cup. If you are using enough pressure you will hear a slight hissing sound as you get towards the bottom of the chamber. 

How to Make Traditional Coffee with Aeropress Inverted Method

The amount of coffee from the Aeropress only fills the mug about halfway. If you are in the mood for a strong shot of espresso then you are all set. How much coffee you want to drink is entirely up to you.

But we are making a traditional Americano coffee. Fill the rest of the coffee cup with the rest of the water from your tea kettle. The water should still be hot. 

Finish the coffee however you take it. Black? Cream and sugar? Over ice? Whatever your coffee-loving heart desires. Enjoy!

What is the Reason Behind the Aeropress Inverted Method

You may notice with the normal method that you sometimes get small increments of coffee that drip into your cup during the steep time. This inverted aeropress method eliminates the drip which allows all of the coffee to steep for a longer period of time inside the chamber. You have total and complete control over the coffee steep which allows you to take your perfect cup to the next level.

This is also helpful if you are using pre-ground coffee and have a coarser grind. The coarse grind would certainly drip through the filter if you use the standard method. With the inverted method, you won’t have to worry about that. 

Check out more delicious coffee recipes made with Aeropress here: Aeropress

Make sure to check out The Best Accessories for your Aeropess Coffee Maker to take your coffee making to the next level here: Best Aeropress Accessories.

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