[Video Guide] 9 Common AeroPress Mistakes (and How to Fix Them for a Perfect Cup)

Weak, bitter, or disappointing AeroPress coffee doesn’t mean you’re stuck with bad brews—it usually comes down to a few common mistakes. From grind size to water temperature, small tweaks can make a huge difference in the cup. In this guide, we’ll walk through the nine most frequent AeroPress errors and show you how to fix them so you can enjoy consistently smooth, flavorful coffee at home.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What grind size works best for AeroPress?
Medium-fine is ideal, but adjust finer or coarser depending on whether your coffee tastes too weak or too bitter.

Do I need to use the inverted method?
Not at all. The standard method works perfectly. The inverted method just allows for more steeping time and control.

How hot should the water be for AeroPress coffee?
Aim for 90–95°C (195–204°F). Let water rest for 30 seconds after boiling.

How often should I clean my AeroPress?
Rinse it after each brew and give it a deeper clean weekly to prevent oil buildup.

Is fresh coffee really that important?
Yes—stale coffee loses flavor quickly. Use beans within a few weeks of roasting for the best results.

The AeroPress is one of the most versatile and forgiving coffee brewers, but even small missteps can affect the final taste. If your AeroPress brews don’t taste as good as you’d like, here are nine common mistakes to watch out for—and how to fix them.

1. Using a dry paper filter
If you skip rinsing the filter, your coffee can take on a papery flavor. Always give it a quick rinse with hot water. This also preheats the brewer and sets you up for better extraction.

2. Water dripping too fast
A fast flow often leads to weak, under-extracted coffee. Try stacking two filters to slow it down, or use the inverted method to let the grounds steep before plunging.

3. Pressing too hard or too fast
Rushing the plunge can create bitterness, uneven extraction, and even spills. Aim for steady, gentle pressure over 20–30 seconds.

4. Using the wrong grind size
A grind that’s too coarse will taste sour and weak; too fine can taste bitter. A medium-fine grind is a great starting point. Adjust finer for more intensity, coarser for less bitterness.

5. Not adjusting brew time
Timing has a huge impact on flavor. A short brew (1–1 ½ minutes) is lighter and brighter, while a longer brew (2–2 ½ minutes) delivers more body and richness.

6. Ignoring water temperature and dilution
Boiling water scorches coffee and creates bitterness. Let water cool for 30 seconds after boiling to reach 90–95°C (195–204°F). If your brew feels too intense, dilute it with a splash of room-temperature water.

7. Skipping proper cleaning
Just pushing out the puck isn’t enough. Oils and residue can build up and affect flavor. Rinse daily and give your AeroPress a deeper clean weekly.

8. Not experimenting with recipes
The AeroPress is built for experimentation. Try different brew ratios, times, and filters to discover new flavors. Paper filters produce a clean cup, while metal filters add more body.

9. Using old coffee
No technique can save stale beans. Freshly roasted, freshly ground coffee is the foundation of every great cup.

With these fixes, you’ll avoid the pitfalls and unlock the AeroPress’s full potential.

Full Video Transcript

"If your AeroPress brews taste weak, bitter, or just off, you're probably making one of these common mistakes. But don't worry, I'm here to help. My name is Lizzy, and today I'll show you exactly how to fix these problems so you can start making consistently smooth, rich, and flavorful AeroPress coffee every single time.

Mistake number nine: using a dry paper filter. A dry paper filter can leave a lingering papery taste in your coffee. Before you brew, give your filter a quick rinse with hot water. This small step not only washes away any unwanted flavors, but it also warms up your AeroPress, helping the extraction process go more evenly. It's a simple tweak that can really brighten up your cup.

Mistake number eight: water dripping too fast. When the water rushes through your AeroPress, the coffee ends up weak and under-extracted. One easy fix is to use two paper filters instead of one. The extra layer slows down the flow, giving you a richer, more balanced cup. Another trick is to pour your water quickly and then insert the plunger a bit earlier to create a slight vacuum that stops the drip too soon. Some coffee enthusiasts also try the inverted method. By turning your AeroPress upside down, you let the grounds steep fully before flipping and pressing. This approach can lead to a more uniform extraction, but it does look a bit intimidating. If that upside-down method feels too much, don't worry—you can stick with the standard approach and still achieve great results.

Mistake number seven: pressing too hard or too fast. It might seem like forcing the plunger down quickly would extract more flavor, but pressing too hard or too fast can backfire. Pushing too hard is not going to make it better, and you risk spilling it all over the kitchen and yourself. Instead, aim for a gentle, steady pressure that takes about 20 to 30 seconds. This measured approach not only prevents messy spills and potential burns, but it also helps you achieve a balanced, smooth cup.

Mistake number six: using the wrong grind size. The grind size is crucial to the quality of your extraction. For the best results, grind your coffee fresh before brewing. A grind that's too coarse won't extract enough flavor, leaving your brew weak and sour. Aim for a medium-fine grind and adjust based on your taste—finer if you need more intensity, coarser if it's too bitter. Your roaster should be able to grind it for you if you don't have a grinder. You can pick up a hand burr grinder pretty cheap, and they give great results. But if you have a bit more of a budget, an electric burr grinder can really speed things up.

Mistake number five: not adjusting the brew time. Brew time plays a huge role in the flavor of your coffee. Plunging too early might mean you're missing out on some of those subtle notes, while waiting too long can lead to over-extraction and a harsh taste. Generally, a brew time of 1 to 1 ½ minutes results in a lighter, more vibrant cup, whereas stretching it to 2 or 2 ½ minutes produces a fuller, richer flavor. Try experimenting with your brew times. Using a timer on your phone can help you find that perfect duration that suits your taste.

Mistake number four: ignoring water temperature and dilution tricks. Water temperature is one of those factors that can really make or break your brew. Boiling water can scorch the grounds, leading to bitterness. Instead, let your water sit for about 30 seconds after boiling so it falls within the ideal range of 90–95°C (195–204°F). And don't forget about dilution. Try adding a little room-temperature water to adjust the strength. This can help balance the flavors and ensure your cup isn't too intense.

Mistake number three: only pushing out the coffee puck without cleaning. After each brew, it might be tempting to just push out the coffee puck and move on with your day. But neglecting a proper clean can let oils and residues build up, which can eventually affect the taste of your coffee. A quick rinse or a gentle wipe is usually enough for day-to-day use. If you're using your AeroPress regularly, it's a smart idea to give it a deeper clean about once a week.

Mistake number two: not experimenting with different recipes. It's easy to stick with the same recipe because it feels safe, but that can hold your coffee back from reaching its full potential. The beauty of the AeroPress is its versatility. You can play around with different coffee-to-water ratios, adjust your brew time, or even switch between paper and metal filters to see how the flavors change. For example, metal filters often give you a bit more body and richness, while paper filters usually deliver a cleaner, crisper cup.

Mistake number one: using old coffee. This one's pretty straightforward. If your coffee isn't fresh, nothing else will help. Coffee beans start losing their vibrant flavor soon after roasting, so it's essential to check the roast date. Aim to use your beans within a few weeks of roasting for the best results. Grinding your coffee just before brewing can also lock in those complex aromas and flavors. Fresh coffee really is the cornerstone of a great cup, and it makes all the other tweaks worth it.

By the way, if you want to try some of our coffee, we've got 20% off for you. Just use the code on the screen and the link in the description. Let me know in the comments if you've tried any of these tweaks or if you've discovered a tip that's transformed your coffee experience. If you want to learn more about light roast versus dark roast, click here. And if you want to watch a video with our perfect AeroPress recipe, click here. Thanks for watching, and I'll see you in the next one."