TL;DR: The AeroPress line of coffee makers is a completely unique offering in a world of French presses and pour-overs. AeroPress’ innovative approach to brewing is easy and quick. All models are similar but have some small differences, such as size and aesthetic.

I’m Eric, a Coffee & Espresso Expert here at Curated. I’ve been working in the coffee field since 2010 and love playing with coffee equipment of all shapes and sizes. Since joining Curated, I’ve been lucky enough to share my passion for Java with curious people and help them find the best coffee maker for their needs.

Who is AeroPress?

In 2005, Alan Adler of Stanford University and Aerobie Flying Disc fame invented the AeroPress. His mission was to simplify the brewing process and make flavorful coffee with less effort than a pour-over and less time than a French press. The result was the tube-shaped coffee brewer that we’ve all come to love.

By combining the benefits of total immersion from a French press and the pressure based brewing from espresso, the result is a quick and clean cup of coffee that highlights the unique characteristics of each bean and roast.

What separates Aeropres from other brew methods is its speed and versatility. This little brewer can make coffee similar in flavor and texture to a French press (but without the grit), pour-over, or even espresso. The typical recipe takes about a minute from start to finish. On top of that, it can be tossed into a backpack without fear of breaking it! You can make delicious coffee without the expensive gear.

What to Consider When Buying an AeroPress Coffee Maker

1. How do you like your coffee?

Are you looking for a brewer for on-the-go? Or something capable of making coffee for two? Are you more of an espresso lover, or are you into pour-overs? Is sustainability a part of your lifestyle? All these factors will be important when choosing the best AeroPress and accessories for your needs.

2. Size matters

At first glance, the AeroPress models all look the same. The biggest difference you will encounter is the size of brewers and whether or not they can be used with certain accessories. It is important to consider if you want the ultimate in a compact travel brewer if brewing for two, and also if you want the option to add on accessories like the Flow Control Filter Cap.

3. Will I break it?

If durability is a concern, the AeroPress has you covered. I’ve been throwing mine in my luggage for over 10 years and haven’t ever feared it breaking. Some of my friends take their AeroPress rock climbing with the goal of making some coffee once they reach the top. In terms of toughness, this little brewer can’t be beat.

4. Is it portable?

If you're a traveler, portability is crucial. AeroPress's light weight and durable design make it travel-friendly, perfect for camping, road trips, or vacations. I would be hard pressed to find a better travel companion for a coffee nerd.

5. How much do AeroPress coffee makers typically cost?

With the flagship AeroPress retailing for around $40 and the AeroPress XL going for around $70, budget could be a factor. Rest assured, you’ll get many years out of these little coffee makers and have a lot of fun, too.

What Are the Different Kinds of AeroPress Coffee Makers?

AeroPress Original

The original AeroPress is where it all began. Versatile, fast, and tough, this syringe-looking coffee maker has won a lot of hearts. Depending on your grind size, your coffee can taste close to a pour-over, French press, and even strong like espresso. Just add the coffee, add hot water, stir, and then push down the plunger! Truly a hallmark in simple and efficient coffee brewing.

Benefits:

• Proven, reliable design.
• Versatile brewing options.
• Highly portable and durable.

Keep in mind:

• Limited to single-cup brewing.

AeroPress Clear

Some may remember that the first line of AeroPresses was crystal clear. Over the years, it became difficult for the folks at AeroPress to get their hands on a clear and durable material for production, and the Original AeroPress shifted to gray. However, fans have long missed the original aesthetic. Enter the AeroPress Clear.

The AeroPress Clear is a stylish variant of the classic design, now crafted in clear, shatterproof Tritan™. It's the same great brewer, but with a cool, transparent look. People have tested the durability of this model to see if it loses any of its indestructibility. The results are that even dropping the AeroPress Clear over and over again won’t break it! The clear plastic also resists discoloration, so it will look good for years to come.

Benefits:

• Clear, aesthetic design.
• Versatile brewing options.
• Durable and portable.

Keep in mind:

• It’s just clear. You will get the same results from the original AeroPress for less money.

AeroPress XL

The AeroPress XL is the larger sibling in the AeroPress family, boasting double the capacity of the original. This model includes a 20oz carafe made of crystal-clear, shatterproof Tritan™. Like its counterparts, it combines immersion and pressure for a wide range of coffee styles. It's also compact, durable, and travel-friendly. Ideal for those who need more coffee in one go​​.

I, personally, was nervous that doubling the size of an AeroPress would affect the flavor and brewing performance. After several tests, I am happy to report that is not the case! My coffee was still quick to make and let the unique characteristic of the brew shine through. I also like that it comes with a small carafe to press your coffee into before serving.

Benefits:

• Double the brewing capacity.
• Includes a large 20 oz carafe.
• Still portable despite its larger size.

Keep in mind:

• Slightly bulkier than the original model.

AeroPress Go

The AeroPress Go is the go-to for backpackers and world travelers. It's built a tad smaller for portability and includes a mug and lid that double as a travel case to match an active lifestyle. It remains as versatile as its big brothers but fits into the water bottle holder of your backpack.

Some neat accessories included with this travel brewer include a folding stirrer, a filter holder, and a measuring scoop. It is satisfying to fit the accessories and the actual AeroPress into the travel mug and cap it off with the silicone lid. A fun and compact brewer for the coffee lover on the go.

Benefits:

• Extremely compact and travel-friendly.
• Includes a mug and lid for convenience.
• Versatile in brewing styles.

Keep in mind:

• Smaller capacity compared to the XL and original versions.

Each AeroPress coffee maker offers a unique set of features catering to different needs, whether it's portability, capacity, or style. Your choice depends on where and how you plan to use it most. All models are made in the USA.

Features to Look for in an AeroPress Coffee Maker

I’m a devout AeroPress enthusiast and have tested all of their products! I'm excited to guide you through the unique features that make AeroPress special.

• 3-in-1 Brewing Technology: AeroPress combines immersion, aeration, and pressure in one device. This allows you to experiment with various brewing methods, such as espresso-style, a traditional brew, and cold brew, all with one compact tool.
• Fast Immersion: Unlike other presses, AeroPress has a filter, so you can grind fine without letting the grit get into your cup. This results in a quicker brew, reducing unwanted acidity and bitterness.
• Air Pressure System: AeroPress uses a unique plunging method that gently pushes water through the coffee grounds.
• Micro-Filters: AeroPress comes with paper micro-filters that trap even the smallest coffee grounds, ensuring a smooth and clean cup of coffee.
• Easy Cleaning: One of the most user-friendly aspects of AeroPress is its easy clean-up. After brewing, you can simply eject the coffee 'puck' and rinse the parts.
• Versatility in Cup Size: Depending on the model, AeroPress allows brewing of different quantities, from a single espresso shot to up to 20 oz with the XL model.

What are the Different Kinds of AeroPress Accessories?

AeroPress Stainless Steel Reusable Filter

If you are an eco-warrior and want to reduce the amount of waste you produce, AeroPress has you in mind. The Stainless Steel Reusable Filter fits the Aeropress Original, Clear, and Go models. The resulting cup is a tad richer and fuller than with the paper filters. The finely produced metal filter still holds back the grounds from entering your cup.

AeroPress Flow Control Filter Cap

Those looking to make an espresso-style drink but don’t want to invest in an espresso machine will find the Flow Control Filter Cap can get you close. With this, you can add some extra pressure to your extraction and get a full-bodied brew. The pressure is intense enough to even produce crema in your AeroPress espresso. The Flow Control Filter Cap fits the Aeropress Original, Clear, and Go models. It can be used with both the paper Micro-Filters and the Stainless Steel Reusable Filter.

Other Accessories: The Fun Stuff

Making coffee is fun. So why not express that? AeroPress produces a number of cool accessories to jazz up your AeroPress style. The AeroPress Decorative Sleeve will make your Original or Clear AeroPress pop. If you roll with a Go, the Go Decorative Lid will reflect your aesthetic. If you keep your coffee gear out on display, the AeroPress Organizer Stand is a great way to show it off!

How to Brew Coffee Using Your AeroPress

Making an Aeropress is easy once you’ve gotten the basics down. Like all coffee, a freshly roasted and freshly ground coffee will give you the best flavor in your cup. A kitchen or coffee scale will also help you get consistent results, but the included coffee scoops and measurement lines on the AeroPress can work as well.

Here are the basic instructions:

1. With the AeroPress in two pieces, place a filter in the cap and attach it to the AeroPress.
2. Stand the brew chamber with the filter side down over a mug or carafe to brew into.
3. Add 15 grams of medium-fine ground coffee (or one large scoop from the included measuring spoon) to the brew chamber.
4. Add a small amount of freshly boiled water to the brew chamber, just enough to cover the grounds, and let the coffee “bloom.” Let sit for 30 seconds.
5. Add freshly boiled water up to the 4 of the brew chamber.
6. Stir for 10 full seconds with the stirring paddle.
7. Let sit for 30 seconds, and then carefully insert the plunger half of the AeroPress into the brew chamber.
8. Slowly press down until all the coffee is in your mug.
9. Enjoy a smooth cup of coffee.

Note: For espresso-style shots, grind your coffee finer and use half the water. For cold brew-style coffee, use cold water and stir for a full minute before starting to plunge.

Keep in mind that this is a basic recipe. The fun of an AeroPress is trying different methods for brewing!

Find the Best Coffee Maker for You!

The AeroPress brewers are my favorite method for making coffee on the go. Making a quality cup of coffee only takes seconds, so I always bring one with me when traveling. They are simple and easy to use, and the quality of the brew matches any other hand-brewed method. An AeroPress will be a great addition to your coffee arsenal!

If you are chasing that perfect cup of coffee, cappuccino, or espresso, reach out to a Curated Coffee Expert. We are experienced coffee nerds looking to help you get the right home coffee setup for the right price.