If you’re headed back to campus this September, chances are you’re already planning how to stay awake through 8am classes and all-night study sessions. What better way to stay on top of the grind than coffee?

While it may be every academic’s energy boosting sidekick, a decent cup of coffee (much less a good one) can be hard to come by in those critical hours of need. Dorm rooms are cramped enough without adding a clunky machine, and daily visits to the campus café are certain to drain your budget fast.

To help you stay caffeinated without breaking the bank, we’re here with a crash course (no exams or final paper required) on the AeroPress – a compact brewer that makes a delicious cup whenever, and wherever, you need it most… which is pretty much 24/7 when you’re hitting the books.

Jump ahead

• Why every college student needs an AeroPress
• Our staff-favourite AeroPress recipe
• A classic, reimagined: A comparative guide to AeroPress models

Why every college student needs an AeroPress

If you’re into coffee, you’ve almost certainly heard of the AeroPress.

It’s a cult favourite, beloved by well-travelled coffee enthusiasts, 9-5 commuters, and students seeking a budget-friendly brewer with a small footprint. It’s also durable, easy to clean (just pop the filter into the bin), and brews directly into a mug or travel tumbler in under two minutes.

And, regardless of how simple or complex you want it to be, the AeroPress consistently makes incredible coffee. It's a certified classic, easy enough for everyday brewing while offering enough versatility to also inspire its very own globally recognized competition.

New to AeroPress? Don’t let its peculiar design deter you. This little syringe-shaped brewer is your ticket to making fresh, delicious coffee without leaving the confines of your dorm room. We've even created this quick, surefire recipe to get you inspired:

Our staff-favourite AeroPress recipe: The bypass method

This recipe employs the Bypass Method: brewing with a lower coffee-to-water ratio, essentially a concentrate, followed by adding more water directly to the final cup or carafe.

Why the use Bypass Method? By limiting the amount of hot water that comes into contact with the grounds, it helps prevent over-extraction while highlighting clean, bright, and balanced flavours. Further, it does so while requiring no additional time-consuming steps. You can even do it in that dreary, half-awake state in between getting out of bed and rushing to that a.m. class.

What you'll need:

• AeroPress Coffee Maker
• Electric kettle
• Coffee scale (with a built-in timer)
• 15 grams of your favourite coffee*

*Note:

We recommend freshly ground coffee to keep all those wonderful flavours and aromas in the cup. Hand coffee grinders are excellent accessories for staying caffeinated away from home, since they’re portable, user-friendly, and perfect for any budget. Wondering which is best for you? Check out our guide!

Preparation

1. Heat your brewing water to 95°C (about 60 seconds off the boil).
2. Insert a paper filter into the Filter Cap and twist it onto the Chamber (bottom of the AeroPress).
3. Balance the AeroPress on a mug or travel tumbler and add 15 grams of coffee ground on a medium-fine setting (slightly finer than a standard pour over, but coarser than espresso).
4. Gently shake to distribute and level the coffee grounds.
5. Add 70 grams of water. Let steep for 30 seconds.
6. Add another 30 grams of water. Let steep for an additional 30 seconds.
7. Press!
8. Top off with an additional 100 grams of water. Your total output should be 200 grams of brewed coffee.

A classic, reimagined: A comparative guide to AeroPress models

Born in 2005 from a passion to make a simple and delicious cup of coffee, you can’t get more classic than the AeroPress Original Coffee Maker.

But it’s been over 20 years since the AeroPress Original first hit markets, and while its foundational brewing technology has never changed, there have been some evolutions to the iconic design.

No matter which one you choose, you still get the same rich, smooth coffee in under two minutes. That begs the question: why choose one AeroPress model over another? And which is best-suited for you?

We’ve got the answers.

The AeroPress Original

What it is:

• The genuine O.G. The AeroPress Original is made with BPA-free and lightweight plastic, and its simple design is excellent for quickly brewing single cups of coffee.

Who it's for:

• Anyone seeking a quick, dependable coffee maker they can easily toss into a backpack or suitcase in-between brews.

AeroPress Clear

What it is:

• The AeroPress Original, constructed with copolyester (which has the appearance of glass but none of its fragility) and available in seven translucent colourways.

Who it's for:

• Wandering coffee enthusiasts seeking added durability for the road, and anyone looking to brighten their routine with a little pop of colour.

AeroPress XL & XL Clear

What it is:

• A heavy-duty AeroPress with double the original capacity (20oz), also available in the same extra-durable copolyester used in the AeroPress Clear.

Who it's for:

• Those seeking a compact brewer that can still make either one generous cup or two single cups in one press.

AeroPress Premium

What it is:

• The AeroPress brewer, elevated with a hand-crafted Borosilicate glass chamber and stainless-steel plunger.

Who it's for:

• Lovers of the classic AeroPress technology who value sleek design, a refined experience, and less plastic contact with coffee (note: while portable, the glass chamber should be handled with care).

AeroPress Go Plus Travel System

What is is:

• The iconic 3-in-1 brewer, now part of a complete travel system that includes an insulated travel tumbler.

Who it's for:

• Those in desperate need of coffee with just enough time (around 2 minutes) to brew, toss, and go… all without skipping a beat.

Now you’re equipped with all the requisite know-how to get started with the AeroPress, including our A+ recipe that’s certain to make those study sessions a little more enjoyable and productive. Go forth, and happy brewing.

Class dismissed!

Ready to crush this school year? Shop AeroPress. And in the meantime, get ready for the 2026 Canadian AeroPress Championships, which is officially returning to Eight Ounce Coffee HQ on October 17th! Mark your calendars, and keep an eye on our events page to get all the latest news first!