AeroPress Coffee Maker Review: Is It Worth It?
Hi, I'm Sam, writing from a busy New York coffee shop. My shop in Midwood is near Di Fara Pizza, and our manual coffee brewers work all day.
The AeroPress is a manual coffee maker that presses hot water through ground coffee and a paper filter into one mug. Alan Adler invented it in 2005. The Original holds 10 ounces (296 ml) and costs $39.95 from the manufacturer. A brew takes about two minutes.
The brewer makes a clean, smooth cup in about two minutes. The paper filter holds back grit and oils. The AeroPress cannot make true espresso, but it makes a strong espresso-style concentrate. Grind size, water temperature and steep time all change the flavor. The light plastic body is shatterproof, so the brewer travels well.
The one-mug batch size and plain looks count against the brewer. The line has seven models, and the Original suits most buyers. Next, I cover brewing steps, grind size and model prices. This review has no sponsor.
What Is the AeroPress Coffee Maker?
The AeroPress coffee maker is a manual brewer that presses hot water and ground coffee through a paper filter into one mug. Alan Adler, who also invented the Aerobie flying ring, designed it in 2005. The plunger supplies the pressure.
The Original holds 10 ounces (296 ml) and has four marked brew sizes. The kit weighs 7.75 ounces (220 g) and measures 5.26 by 4.22 inches (13.4 by 10.7 cm). The body is BPA-free polypropylene.
Adler first sold the brewer through his company Aerobie, Inc., which later became AeroPress, Inc. Tiny Capital bought a controlling stake in August 2021, and Adler remains a minority owner. The Original, Go, Clear and XL models are made in the United States.
A brew takes about 90 seconds to two minutes. The device has a loyal following. The first World AeroPress Championship took place in Oslo, Norway in 2008 with three competitors.
What Comes in the AeroPress Box?
The AeroPress box comes with the brew chamber, plunger, filter cap, scoop, stirrer and paper micro-filters. The Original does not include a mug.
Filter counts have changed over the years. Early units shipped with a pack of 350 circular paper filters, and one recent box held 30.
The box does not include a grinder, a kettle, a scale or a mug. Buyers supply those four items themselves.
In the Box:
- Brew chamber
- Plunger with silicone seal
- Filter cap
- Scoop
- Stirrer
- Paper micro-filters
The scoop is a guide, not a scale. A level scoop holds about 11 to 13 grams (0.4 to 0.46 oz) of coffee, and a heaping scoop holds 16 to 18 grams (0.56 to 0.63 oz).
The manufacturer backs the Original with a one year warranty. The Go adds a 15 ounce (443 ml) travel mug, and the XL adds a carafe and 100 larger filters.
How Does the AeroPress Coffee Maker Work?
The AeroPress coffee maker does the work of steeping coffee, then pressing it through a micro-filter. The press forces the coffee into the mug in roughly 20 to 40 seconds. A hiss signals the end of the press.
Steeping and pressing draw on three older brewing styles. The manufacturer calls the method part French press, part pour-over and part espresso in spirit. Immersion extracts the coffee, and the filter removes grit.
Five variables are in the cook's hands: grind size, water temperature, coffee dose, steep time and filter type. Each change shifts the flavor. That freedom keeps brewers experimenting.
Many brewers flip the unit upside down so the coffee steeps longer. The manufacturer strongly discourages this inverted method because the stack can tip and spill hot liquid.
How Do You Brew Coffee with the AeroPress?
The AeroPress brews a cup in four steps: add coffee, add water, stir, then press. The manufacturer starts with one heaping scoop of medium-fine coffee. A paper filter sits in the cap, and the chamber sits on a sturdy mug.
The manufacturer suggests 175°F (80°C) water for dark roasts and 185°F (85°C) water for medium and light roasts. Stir gently for 3 to 10 seconds.
Insert the plunger about half an inch (1.3 cm) and pull up slightly. Wait about 30 seconds. Press gently for 20 to 40 seconds until the brew hisses.
Steps:
- Place a paper filter in the cap and set the chamber on a sturdy mug.
- Add one heaping scoop of medium-fine coffee.
- Pour in water at 175°F (80°C) to 185°F (85°C).
- Stir gently for 3 to 10 seconds.
- Insert the plunger and wait about 30 seconds.
- Press gently for 20 to 40 seconds until the brew hisses.
A scale gives repeatable results. Published recipes use about 15 grams (0.53 oz) of coffee and 220 grams (7.8 oz) of water. Another recipe uses 18 grams (0.63 oz) of coffee and 9 ounces (266 ml) of 200°F (93°C) water for a one minute steep.
Adler recommended 175°F (80°C) water. That temperature works best for very dark roasts and leaves lighter roasts under-extracted.
What Grind Size Works Best in the AeroPress?
The AeroPress works best with a medium-fine grind, close to table salt. The manufacturer recommends this size for standard hot brewing. The brewer forgives small mistakes when other variables adjust to match.
The plunger shows whether the grind is right. If the plunger sinks with no resistance, the water ran through too fast, so the grind is too coarse. If pressing takes force, the grind is too fine or the grinder makes too much dust.
A small amount of coffee, about 2 to 3 percent, drips through before pressing. That amount is normal. A heavy drip means the grind is too coarse.
The grinder decides how even those particles are. A burr grinder produces more even particles than a blade grinder. A blade grinder needs about 30 seconds of continuous grinding to reach medium-fine.
How Do You Clean the AeroPress?
The AeroPress cleans in seconds, because the used grounds leave as one solid puck. To remove it, unscrew the filter cap, then keep pressing the plunger. The puck drops into the bin.
Only a few parts still need washing after that. Rinse the chamber, plunger and cap with water. The filter cap stays hot after brewing, so cool it under running water first.
The Original is dishwasher safe on the top rack.
What Are the Benefits of the AeroPress Coffee Maker?
The benefits of the AeroPress coffee maker are speed, portability, flexibility and a low price. A cup takes about two minutes from start to finish. The brewer needs no electricity.
The plastic body is light and shatterproof. A small hand grinder fits inside the plunger, so one bag carries a full brew kit.
The brewer forgives beginners. No gooseneck kettle or special pouring skill is needed. A first-time user can make a good cup on the first try.
Main Benefits:
- Brews a cup in about two minutes
- Needs no electricity
- Packs light and resists breaks
- Forgives beginner mistakes
- Costs under $40
The brewer costs under $40. The brewer can last for decades, and a reusable metal filter cuts the cost of paper.
Does the AeroPress Make Good Coffee?
Yes. The AeroPress makes good coffee that tastes sweet, smooth and clean with very little bitterness. The paper filter holds back grit and oils.
A French press brews for about four times as long. The AeroPress extracts faster, so the cup tastes less bitter and leaves no sludge. The body is milder than a French press cup.
The brewer handles every roast level. Lighter roasts need a finer grind and hotter water.
A side-by-side test of the Original and the Premium used the same beans, dose and time. The two cups tasted nearly identical.
Can the AeroPress Make Espresso?
No. The AeroPress cannot make true espresso, which needs about nine bars of pressure. A hand press cannot reach that pressure, and the manufacturer agrees.
What the brewer makes is a strong, espresso-style concentrate. The manufacturer calls the result similar to espresso, not real espresso. The concentrate works well in Americanos and milk drinks.
The Flow Control Filter Cap helps the brewer come closer. It keeps a valve closed until pressing begins. The closed valve stops drip-through, so pressure can build as the user presses. That extra pressure pushes the result nearer to espresso-style.
The taste follows from this. The concentrate tastes like a Moka pot shot, only smoother and less bitter.
What Do AeroPress Coffee Maker Reviews Say?
AeroPress coffee maker reviews are consistently positive across coffee sites and home brewers. Homegrounds scores the Original 4.5 out of 5 and calls it the single-serve brewer it recommends most.
Long-term use is a common theme. The chamber's printed measurement lines wear off after years of use, but the brewer keeps working.
The Original costs under $40, and reviews often rate its coffee above machines that cost many times more.
Reviewers praise the Premium's build and its heat retention. They call the Premium expensive for coffee that tastes the same as the Original's.
What Does the AeroPress Do Well?
The AeroPress does ease of use, travel and experimentation well. The brewer makes a good cup on the first attempt and cleans up fast.
The brewer is light, durable and free of glass parts, so it packs into a suitcase or camping bag. Travel is its strongest point.
The plastic body is close to indestructible. Daily use over many years leaves it working.
The brewer also rewards tinkering. Grind, water temperature, steep time and filters all change the cup. That range of choices feeds the championship scene.
What Are the Common AeroPress Complaints?
The common AeroPress complaints are small batch size, plain looks and extra fiddling. The Original brews one mug at a time. Realistic output tops out near three cups.
The gray plastic body suits function over form. Brewers who want a counter showpiece look elsewhere.
A brew uses a little more coffee per cup than drip brewing. Paper filters also need restocking.
The inverted method can tip over and spill hot liquid. The standard upright method avoids that risk.
Common Complaints:
- Brews one mug at a time
- Plain gray plastic looks
- Uses a little more coffee per cup than drip
- Needs paper filters restocked
- Inverted method can spill hot liquid
Which AeroPress Coffee Maker Model Is Best?
The AeroPress Original is the best AeroPress coffee maker model for most buyers. It holds 10 ounces (296 ml), costs $39.95 and makes the same coffee as every other model.
The AeroPress models are:
- Original: The Original holds 10 ounces (296 ml) and costs $39.95.
- Clear: The Clear holds 10 ounces (296 ml) and costs $49.95. Its Tritan chamber lets the brewer watch the coffee bed. The coffee itself does not change.
- Go: The Go packs inside a 15 ounce (443 ml) travel mug and costs $49.95.
- Go Plus: The Go Plus costs $89.95 and adds an insulated 16 ounce (473 ml) tumbler.
- XL: The XL holds 20 ounces (591 ml) and costs $79.95. The XL ships with a carafe. Its filters and parts do not fit the standard models.
- Steel: The Steel holds 12 ounces (360 ml) in a vacuum-insulated 304 stainless steel chamber. The Steel costs $169.95.
- Premium: The Premium uses double-wall borosilicate glass and costs $199.95. The Premium is hand-wash only and poor for travel.
Model Comparison:
| Model | Price | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Original | $39.95 | 10 oz (296 ml), best for most buyers |
| Clear | $49.95 | See-through Tritan chamber |
| Go | $49.95 | Packs inside a 15 oz (443 ml) mug |
| Go Plus | $89.95 | Insulated 16 oz (473 ml) tumbler |
| XL | $79.95 | 20 oz (591 ml) with a carafe |
| Steel | $169.95 | 12 oz (360 ml) vacuum-insulated steel |
| Premium | $199.95 | Borosilicate glass, hand-wash only |
How Does the AeroPress Compare to a French Press?
The AeroPress can compare to a French press as a faster, cleaner brewer, but a French press brews more. A French press takes about four times as long. The AeroPress leaves less sludge.
The French press metal filter keeps coffee oils in the cup. That gives a fuller body. The AeroPress paper filter removes the oils and produces a cleaner, milder cup.
The same oils matter for health. One of them is cafestol, which raises LDL cholesterol. The paper filter holds cafestol back. French press coffee keeps the most cafestol of any common method.
Batch size is where the French press wins. French presses come in sizes up to 51 ounces (1.5 L), which serves a crowd. The AeroPress makes one mug at a time and cannot do this. The glass Bodum Chambord is a well-known example, and it breaks more easily than the AeroPress.
Cleanup also differs. The AeroPress cleans faster, because the grounds leave as one puck.
AeroPress vs French Press:
| Feature | AeroPress | French Press |
|---|---|---|
| Brew time | About 2 minutes | About four times as long |
| Filter | Paper | Metal |
| Body | Cleaner and milder | Fuller |
| Batch size | One mug | Up to 51 oz (1.5 L) |
| Cafestol | Held back | Kept in the cup |
Is the AeroPress Coffee Maker Safe?
Yes. The AeroPress coffee maker is safe, made from BPA-free and phthalate-free materials approved for food contact in the US and EU. The Original uses polypropylene. The Clear uses Tritan copolyester.
Polypropylene softens near 320°F (160°C), far above any brewing temperature. The manufacturer suggests water at 175 to 185°F (80 to 85°C). That range sits below boiling, so the plastic stays well under the point where it softens.
Every model has a silicone plunger seal. The seal is not plastic in the strict sense.
Buyers who worry about microplastics can pick a model with less plastic.
Which AeroPress Model Is Plastic-Free?
No AeroPress model is fully plastic-free, but the AeroPress Steel comes closest with stainless steel parts. The chamber, plunger, cap, scoop and stirrer are steel. Only the seal is silicone.
The Premium takes a different route to cut plastic. It uses double-wall borosilicate glass, an anodized aluminum plunger and a stainless steel filter cap. Its seal is silicone too, so it also falls short of plastic-free.
The Premium weighs about 1 pound 13 ounces (820 g), against 7.75 ounces (220 g) for the Original. That weight makes it poor for travel.
The Steel is heavier than the plastic models and can dent. Its filter cap also gets hot after brewing.
How Much Does the AeroPress Coffee Maker Cost?
The AeroPress Original coffee maker costs $39.95 on the manufacturer site. Target lists it at $39.99.
The other models are listed below:
- Clear: The Clear costs $49.95.
- XL: The XL costs $79.95. The XL needs its own larger filters.
- Steel: The Steel costs $169.95.
- Premium: The Premium costs $199.95.
Paper micro-filters are cheap. A pack of 350 costs about $9.95, and brewers can rinse and reuse them to stretch the supply.
A reusable stainless steel filter is another choice. It lets more oil into the cup. A metal filter also cuts paper waste.
The plunger seal wears first, and a replacement costs $9.95.
The Flow Control Filter Cap, a metal filter and a burr grinder are all optional. A good burr grinder changes the cup more than any model upgrade.
Optional Extras:
- Flow Control Filter Cap: $24.95
- Plunger seal replacement: $9.95
- Pack of 350 paper filters: about $9.95
- Reusable stainless steel filter
- Burr grinder
Is the AeroPress Worth the Price?
Yes. The AeroPress is worth the price at under $40 for years of daily use. The cost sits near a Kalita Wave and below a Chemex or a drip machine.
The brewer is made in the United States and carries a one year warranty. Its silicone seal wears down over time. Ejecting the puck right after brewing slows the wear. A $9.95 replacement renews the seal when it finally gives out.
The price has also held steady. The Original cost $30 in 2005. Adjusted for inflation, that equals nearly $50 today, so the real price has not risen.
The Premium costs five times as much as the Original and makes nearly identical coffee. The extra money buys better materials, not better flavor.
Is the AeroPress Coffee Maker Worth It?
Yes. The AeroPress coffee maker is worth it for anyone who brews one cup at home, at work or on the road. The brewer is fast, forgiving, durable, cheap and flexible.
The same design that makes it simple also sets its limits. The brewer makes one mug at a time, so it does not suit a group. The body looks plain, and the brewer cannot make true espresso.
Because of those limits and strengths, the Original is the right first buy. A burr grinder is a better second purchase than a pricier model.
Who Should Skip the AeroPress Coffee Maker?
Brewers serving several people should skip the AeroPress coffee maker for a French press or the XL. One press fills one mug.
Buyers who want a countertop showpiece should look at other brewers. The plastic body is plain.
The AeroPress is not a travel mug. Brewers still need a separate cup to drink from.
Buyers who want real espresso need an espresso machine. The AeroPress makes only an espresso-style concentrate.
Skip the AeroPress If You:
- Brew for several people
- Want a countertop showpiece
- Want a brewer you can drink from
- Want real espresso
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