AeroPress Flow Control

The AeroPress Flow Control filter cap is a replacement cap for the AeroPress with a pressure-actuated valve built in. The valve stays shut until you press, so no coffee drips through while it steeps. That lets you steep for longer, use coarser grinds and brew upright instead of turning the AeroPress upside down. AeroPress launched it in April 2023. Here’s how it works, what it fits and how to use it.

The short version

• A filter cap with a valve that opens only when you press.
• Stops drip-through, so you can steep longer and grind coarser.
• Fits the standard-size AeroPress models: Original, Go, Clear, Premium and Go Plus.
• Not the XL. The XL and Clear XL have their own Variable Flow Control Cap XL.
• Takes paper or metal filters, or both together.

How does the Flow Control cap work?

A standard filter cap is open, so once you add water some coffee starts dripping through into the mug before you press. The Flow Control cap has a pressure-actuated valve that stays closed while the coffee steeps. It only opens when you press the plunger and build pressure. Everything stays in the chamber until you’re ready.

Which AeroPress does it fit?

AeroPress model	Standard Flow Control cap
Original	Fits
Go	Fits
Clear	Fits
Premium	Fits
Go Plus	Fits
XL and Clear XL	Doesn’t fit: use the Variable Flow Control Cap XL

What about the XL?

The standard cap is too small for the AeroPress XL and Clear XL. For those, AeroPress sells a separate Variable Flow Control Cap XL. Instead of a pressure valve, it uses an open and close tab: close it while the coffee steeps, open it when you’re ready to press.

Which filters can you use?

It takes standard-size filters. You can use a paper filter, a metal filter, or both together. AeroPress names its Stainless Steel Filter and Gold Tone Super Fine Filter as options.

Is it an alternative to the inverted method?

Yes. People turn the AeroPress upside down, the inverted method, to stop coffee dripping through while it steeps. The Flow Control cap does that with the AeroPress the right way up, and AeroPress suggests it as an alternative to brewing upside down.

What grind size should I use?

Start around medium-fine, like any AeroPress. Because nothing drips through, AeroPress says the cap lets you use coarser grinds with a longer steep. Grind finer if it’s sour and thin, coarser if it’s bitter or hard to press.

How do you use the Flow Control cap, step by step?

1. Fit a standard-size filter in the Flow Control cap and screw it onto the chamber.
2. Stand the AeroPress upright on a sturdy mug.
3. Add the coffee, measured with your AeroPress scoop.
4. Pour in hot water and stir. Let it steep as long as your recipe says. Nothing drips through.
5. Press. The pressure opens the valve and the coffee flows into the mug.

For recipes, see the main AeroPress guide.

How do you clean it?

Push out the used coffee and filter as usual, then rinse the cap. AeroPress says it can be cleaned with a quick rinse or on the top rack of a dishwasher.

General guidance only. Always follow the instructions that come with your AeroPress and Flow Control cap.

When did it come out?

AeroPress announced the official launch of the Flow Control Filter Cap on 6 April 2023, describing it as a way to stop drip-through, brew for longer and use coarser coffee.

Should I buy one?

• Get one if you’d like longer steeps or coarser grinds, or you’ve been using the inverted method to stop drips.
• Skip it if you’re happy with your usual AeroPress recipe and don’t mind a little drip-through.
• For the XL, look for the Variable Flow Control Cap XL instead.

More on choosing in the AeroPress kit guide.

Flow Control vs other ways to brew

• Inverted AeroPress: stops drips by turning the AeroPress upside down, which AeroPress advises against.
• AeroPress Original: the standard cap, with a little drip-through while it steeps.
• Iced AeroPress: an AeroPress brewed over ice.

Explore every hybrid brewer in the hybrid chapter.