Before the AeroPress, you had to use a French press for a superior cup of coffee at home.
Both devices keep the tiny bits of coffee grounds out of your coffee. You get a richer, smoother coffee with less bitterness.
Compared to the French press, the AeroPress is easier to use. The only hard part is choosing the right coffee beans.
Want to make the most out of your new device?
Check out my five best coffee beans for AeroPress and a few tips for comparing your options. Let’s get to it!
Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Ethiopian Coffee, Yirgacheffe Region, Organic, Whole Bean, Fresh Roasted, 16-ounce | PrimeEligible | See on Amazon | |
 | Coffee Bros., Colombian Decaf — Whole Bean Coffee — 100% Arabica — 1 Bag (12oz) — Medium Roast — Gourmet and Specialty | PrimeEligible | See on Amazon | |
 | Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee | Breakfast Blend | Coarse Ground Coffee | 1 LB | PrimeEligible | See on Amazon | |
 | Tiny Footprint Coffee Nicaragua Segovia, Dark Roast, Carbon Negative, USDA Organic, Fair Trade Certified, Ground Coffee, Chocolate, 16 Oz | PrimeEligible | See on Amazon | |
 | Lifeboost Coffee Medium Roast Ground Coffee - Low Acid Single Origin USDA Organic Coffee - Non-GMO Ground Coffee Beans Dark Roast Third Party Tested For Mycotoxins & Pesticides - 12 Ounces | PrimeEligible | See on Amazon |
How Do I Choose AeroPress Coffee Beans?
While the AeroPress works well, you need quality coffee beans to brew quality coffee.
Buying whole coffee beans and grinding them yourself produces the best results.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the time to grind beans first thing in the morning.
If you want a quick caffeine fix, use pre-ground coffee beans with the AeroPress. You can make one to three cups in about a minute.
Along with choosing between whole beans and ground coffee, pay attention to:
- Variety of coffee bean
- Grind size
- Type of roast
As with wine, the variety of coffee beans that you choose influences its taste and aroma.
Coffee beans are grown around the world and each region produces distinct characteristics.
Which Coffee Bean Is Better For AeroPress – Arabica Or Robusta?
You’ve got two main options – arabica and robusta coffee beans.
Arabica
Most artisan blends use arabica beans. The low acidity of arabica beans produces a lighter, more delicate flavor.
It is the ideal choice for AeroPress but also tends to cost a little more.
Robusta
Robusta beans are hardy and easy to grow in harsh climates. This makes them less expensive and more common in low-cost coffees.
The name brand, budget coffees at the grocery store typically use robusta beans.
These beans are more acidic, which gives the coffee a distinctive bitter flavor.
If you’re interested to learn more about the differences between Arabica and Robusta, watch this video.
The Right Grind Size For AeroPress
The grind size is important when buying pre-ground coffee.
The AeroPress works best with finely ground coffee. A finer grind gives the coffee a richer flavor.
Coffees with a finer grind may be labeled as “fine drip” coffee.
If you buy whole beans, you can experiment with grind sizes to find the right consistency.
Avoid choosing a coffee that is super fine, such as the espresso grind. The AeroPress struggles to push water through super-fine coffee grounds.
Which Roast For AeroPress?
Coffee beans also come in a variety of roasts, from light roast to dark roast.
A medium roast can be more acidic and bitter compared to darker or lighter roasts.
The darkest roasts are often used for espresso and still contain some bitterness. The lighter roasts have a mild flavor.
If you’re used to using a drip coffee maker, you may want to choose a lighter roast compared to your typical choice.
Using a coffee press makes the coffee a bit stronger and darker. If you prefer a medium-dark roast, try a medium roast.
Should I Use Espresso Beans for AeroPress?
The AeroPress cannot make true espresso shots as it’s not an espresso machine.
Espresso is a brewing method instead of a type of coffee bean. Espresso machines rely on pressure to create the signature espresso flavor.
The typical espresso machine uses 9 bars (about 640 pounds) of pressure.
The AeroPress produces about 0.35 to 0.75 bars (25 to 50 pounds) of pressure.
Espresso machines also use superfine coffee grounds instead of fine drip coffees.
The grind size is called “espresso grind.” Using an espresso grind in the AeroPress is almost impossible.
So, you can’t use “espresso beans” for the AeroPress, but you can make an espresso-like coffee.
Use a fine drip dark roast coffee and plunge the AeroPress rapidly when brewing. You should get a drink that comes close to resembling an espresso shot.
What Are the Best Coffee Beans for AeroPress?
Here are my top five recommendations for the best coffee beans for AeroPress.
1. Volcanica Ethiopian Whole Bean Coffee
- 100% Pure Ethiopian Coffee Beans - Yirgacheffe, Medium-bodied and brilliantly acidy with rough, fruity or winy tones. Thick body and an earthy aroma coupled with lemon, blueberry and blackberry notes.
- Organically grown, Medium/Light Roast whole beans allowing the true flavor characteristic to come through for a remarkable taste.
- Fresh roasted then immediately packed and sealed to assure freshness.
- 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarante
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At the top of the list is a single-origin coffee, which means that the beans come from a single source. The Volcanica Ethiopian Coffee comes only from the Yirgacheffe region.
Overview
- Whole beans
- 100% arabica beans
- Single-origin coffee
- Medium/light roast
The coffee is known for its strong floral notes and citrus flavors. It’s made with 100% arabica beans.
The one drawback is having to grind the coffee beans before brewing a cup. It’s a small price to pay to enjoy fresher coffee.
Volcanica is also a socially responsible company. The beans are organically grown and harvested. They’re also chemical and pesticide-free.
The Volcanica Ethiopian Coffee is recommended for those who enjoy a medium roast. The coffee comes in a medium/light roast, which tastes more like a medium roast with the AeroPress.
The AeroPress helps bring out the subtle flavors in the Volcanica Ethiopian coffee. This gives it a fuller flavor with an earthier aroma.
The aroma contains hints of lemon, blueberry, and blackberry, but it’s not overpowering.
2. Coffee Bros Colombian Decaf Whole Bean Coffee
- OUR COMPANY: A company of 2 strong and launched in May 2019 by brothers Nick and Dan Hunnewell. Their mission, bringing better coffee to Amazon while giving back to coffee growing regions.
- DECAF COFFEE: This coffee hits on all the traditional medium roast flavors yet is roasted slightly lighter to highlight the coffee’s natural flavor notes. Never bitter, with low acidity, all while retaining a smooth flavor.
- ARABICA COFFEE: Our blends are made from 100% Arabica coffee beans. Arabica Coffee has twice the flavor and a better aroma than its counterpart Robusta.
- FLAVOR FIRST: We specifically chose this Decaf Coffee and this roasting technique because the taste notes that were achieved this way were phenomenal; graham cracker, and semi-sweet chocolate with a heavy mouthfeel.
- CUSTOMER SERVICE: We take our Decaf Coffee serious. This is why it is one of our top rated coffees on Amazon. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, give us a shout and well make it righ
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If you’re looking to ditch caffeine, try Coffee Bros Colombian Decaf. The company sells high-quality whole bean decaf coffee made with 100% arabica beans.
Overview
- Whole beans
- 100% arabica beans
- Single-origin coffee
- Decaf roast
Coffee Bros was started by two brothers in 2019. It remains a small operation, which allows them to put more care into their products.
The company’s decaf is made with single-origin coffee beans.
The beans are grown in Colombia and carefully roasted in small batches. The coffee beans are then packaged in minutes to lock in the flavor.
Each package comes with 12 ounces of coffee grounds. It’s also one of the more affordable options, especially if you drink a lot of decaf.
This decaf is a great choice for the morning or afternoon.
The medium roast coffee beans contain flavors of graham crackers and semi-sweet chocolate. It’s a little bit like drinking smores.
3. Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee – Breakfast Blend
- ENGINEERED FOR COLD BREW - Using the first micro-sifted coarse ground coffee optimized for cold brewing for a consistent, extra smooth cold brew
- BREW YOUR WAY - Brew your cold brew how you would like. Add more water for a less strong cold brew or less water for a stronger beverage.
- 100% ORGANIC - USDA Organic, ethically sourced coffee from Guatemala, Peru, and Nicaragua.
- BREAKFAST BLEND - Arabica beans roasted light, and medium, for a fruity, cocoa and sweet toffee finish.
- BIZZY COFFEE FOR BUSY PEOPLE - Mastering the cold brew craft, Bizzy Coffee will give you the highest quality cold brew coffee at the best pr
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Bizzy Organic specializes in cold brew coffee.
The company offers a variety of roasts, including a breakfast blend. The breakfast blend is a medium/light roast.
Overview
- Ground coffee
- 100% arabica beans
- Blended instead of single-origin coffee
- Breakfast Blend (light)
The coffee is coarsely ground instead of finely ground.
The coarse coffee grinds work better when using the AeroPress for cold brewing. It’s more difficult for the device to press finely ground coffee without hot water.
Bizzy uses a special process designed specifically for cold brewing. The coarse coffee grounds are sifted to ensure that you get a more consistent flavor.
Unlike the other choices, the Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee features a blend of beans.
This blend is made with 100% arabica beans sourced from several countries. The coffee beans come from Peru, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
While it’s meant for cold brewing, you could also use this coffee with hot water. The flavor may not be as smooth and rich, but it’s still an enjoyable cup of coffee.
4. Tiny Footprint Coffee – Nicaragua Segovia
- FLAVOR PROFILE: Sultry, bold dark roast tones with notes of chocolate craft roasted leaving traditional Nicaraguan flavors of bright apricot, fig, and spice
- ORGANIC: 100% Organic Shade-Grown Arabica Coffee
- FAIR TRADE & SINGLE ORIGIN: PRODECOOP uses its proceeds to bring improved living standards to its growing membership and fund programs in medical care, education and environmental sustainability
- CRAFT ROASTED in our vintage 90 kilo German-built Probat drum roaster retrofitted with modern fuel-efficient ribbon burners, delivering perfectly roasted coffee every time
- CARBON NEGATIVE: Tiny Footprint Coffee is the world’s first carbon negative coffee. For every pound that’s sold, we donate a portion of the proceeds to fund reforestation in Ecuador’s Mindo Cloud Fore
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Tiny Footprint Coffee’s Nicaragua Segovia is the best option for making espresso-like drinks with the AeroPress.
It’s a dark roast coffee with a hint of chocolate and other flavors.
Overview
- Whole beans or ground
- 100% arabica beans
- Single-origin coffee
- Dark roast
You can buy Nicaragua Segovia in whole beans or pre-ground beans. The ground beans cost a little less and work well in the AeroPress.
Brewing the dark roast in the AeroPress produces a very dark, bold coffee. It comes close to an espresso flavor and has notes of figs, apricots, and spices.
The 100% arabica coffee beans come from a single source in Nicaragua. The beans are carefully roasted using fuel-efficient burners.
Tiny Footprint Coffee is also a carbon-negative product.
The company donates funds to reforestation efforts in the rainforests. This is one of the only carbon-negative coffees available.
5. Lifeboost Medium Roast Ground Coffee
- Delicious, Ethically Sourced Coffee: Youve tried the rest, now buy the best ground coffee on the market; This Non-Gmo organic low acid coffee is high in flavor.
- Grown In The Mountains Of Central America: Lifeboost Single Origin Acid Free Coffee is shade grown at a high elevation in the mountains of Central America.
- Low Acid Medium Roast Ground Coffee: Your standard cup of coffee is very acidic; Thats why some feel stomach discomfort or deal with teeth issues from drinking coffee; The solution is our low acid coffee beans.
- Certified Organic & 3rd Party Tested: Lifeboost Organic Coffee Ground Beans are Usda Certified Organic, and 3rd Party Tested for mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, and 400 other toxins.
- Love It Or You Dont Owe Us A Dime: Nothing makes us happier than hearing how much our customers love our award winning coffee; Were confident youll be another that agrees that we have the best coffee beans; Try a bag out for 30 days, and if you dont love this coffee (we doubt it), well give you your money b
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Lifeboost medium roast coffee is a low-acidity coffee. It’s perfect for those who hate the bitter aftertaste of coffee.
Overview
- Whole beans or ground
- 100% arabica beans
- Single-origin coffee
- Medium roast
Lifeboost sells whole bean and ground coffee. Yet ground coffee saves time and costs the same.
Lifeboost is committed to socially responsible practices. The coffee beans are tested by a third party for mycotoxins and pesticides.
As with most of the recommendations, Lifeboost sells single-origin coffee. The 100% arabica beans are grown in the mounts of Central America.
The coffee is smooth and rich when brewed with the AeroPress. The low acid content of the coffee also makes it easier on your stomach.
Lifeboost also stands behind the quality of its products. If you’re not completely satisfied, you can return the bag within 30 days for a refund.
Conclusion
You should have no problem brewing the best AeroPress coffee with one of these five choices.
Volcanica stands out as the best overall choice thanks to its rich flavor. Lifeboost and Tiny Footprint Coffee are great choices for pre-ground coffee.
Choose Bizzy Organic Coffee for cold brewing and Coffee Bros for decaf. If you’re looking for something different, try some of the other roasts from these companies.
Have you tried any of these coffee beans and agree/disagree with my opinion? Do you have a favorite coffee bean for the AeroPress that you want to share?
Can you recommend some beans that you know other coffee lovers would love to know about?
Leave a comment below. Stay caffeinated!
Marty,
Good article. Anything to promote the AeroPress is good by me. The AeroPress not only produces incredibly smooth coffee, but it also allows a lot of taste variety just in changing up the grind. Try fine grind one day and course the next. Try boiling water one day and 120 degree water the next. Let the grounds sit in the AeroPress for 30 seconds one day and 5 minutes the next.
Each of these variables will change the coffee flavor. Once you find the combination of what you really like, then change up the bean or the roast. In my humble opinion, the AeroPress will even make dirt taste good.
Hi Russell, thanks for your comment. Experimenting with the grind, temperature and steep time can definitely change the flavor of the coffee. Right now I’m pretty comfortable with two filter papers, medium-fine grind, near boiling water and steeping for about 1 minute. What’s your go-to settings for AeroPress success?