Can you make espresso with the AeroPress?
Real espresso with 9 bars of pressure and crema — no. But espresso-like, concentrated shots with lots of body are possible. It works surprisingly well for Americanos or as a base for milk drinks.
Why that is
Espresso has a technical definition: 9 bars of pressure, 25–30 seconds brew time, 92–96 °C water temperature, fine grind. Under these conditions, coffee oils emulsify with CO₂ and form the typical crema. The AeroPress, operated by hand, only generates about 0.3–0.5 bars of pressure — far off the 9 bars of an espresso machine.
What the AeroPress can do:
- Produce a concentrated, intense coffee with less water and a finer grind size.
- Achieve a flavor profile close to espresso — strong, with body and chocolate/caramel notes.
- Serve as a base for a latte, cappuccino, or Americano if you don't have access to an espresso machine.
What it cannot do:
- Create crema. It lacks the pressure for that.
- Achieve the same concentration as a real espresso. A 25 ml espresso has about 8–10% dissolved solids (TDS). An AeroPress shot is around 3–5%.
- Replicate the specific texture of an espresso — the silky, almost syrupy mouthfeel created by the high-pressure emulsion.
Recipe for an espresso-like AeroPress shot:
- 17 g of coffee, finely ground (finer than table salt, but not as fine as for an espresso machine).
- 50–60 ml of water at 90 °C.
- Let steep for 30 seconds, then push through with firm pressure in 15–20 seconds.
- Dilute the result with 100–150 ml of hot water for an Americano.
For people who don't have the space or budget for an espresso machine at home, the AeroPress is a good alternative for concentrated coffee. It costs €35 instead of €300–1,500.
In practice at Green Wall Coffee
For guests at Sophienstraße 27 who want a latte alternative at home without an espresso machine, I recommend the AeroPress shot with frothed milk. Not a real latte, but close to it — and for a €35 investment, very good value for money.
You'll find us at Sophienstraße 27 in Berlin-Lichtenberg, Monday to Friday 8am–5pm and Saturday 10am–5pm.
Further reading
In-depth article: Pour-Over Guide (V60)
Related questions:
- Is the AeroPress really good for traveling?
- How does the AeroPress work?
- What is the difference between the classic and inverted method?
Also relevant:
- Does the Moka pot really make espresso? — Moka Pot
- What grind size do I need for AeroPress? — Grinding & Grind Size
All questions in this topic: AeroPress