Review: AeroPress Coffee Maker
By Coffee Expert
Robin Rosales
6 photos
The Curated Take
4.8/5
The AeroPress Coffee Maker offers quick brew times and versatility for experimenting with various brewing methods. While its small footprint makes it ideal for on-the-go coffee, there's a steep learning curve. Despite not being great for fine-tuning espresso drinks, it produces crema and accommodates different taste preferences with its filter options. Though lacking in temperature stability and pressure control, its durability and versatility make it a staple for coffee enthusiasts willing to invest time in mastering its techniques. Overall, it's a budget-friendly option for those seeking portable, high-quality coffee experiences.
Ideal for
- Quick brew time
- Versatile and fun to experiment with
- Small footprint/packs down easily for coffee on the go
Not ideal for
- Learning curve may be steep
- Not great for fine-tuning or dialing in espresso drinks
Temperature Stability
The barista is the temperature stability monitor because the AeroPress doesn't have a reservoir, boiler, or any other water-delivery system. Coffee is best brewed between 195 and 205°F, so anything...Read more
Boiler Capacity
The AeroPress doesn't have a boiler. Someone can use whatever device they would otherwise use to heat up their water. The AeroPress is less finicky than other pour-over devices, so...Read more
Espresso Extraction
AeroPress is one of the few manual brew devices that can produce actual crema when brewed. But it's a bit tougher if this is on a scale with, say, a...Read more
Ease of Use
As much as I love the AeroPress, new users might find it a bit intimidating. There are a lot of strong opinions on the best way to brew, so it...Read more
Portafilter Size
While not exactly a portafilter, the AeroPress Filter Cap is easy to put on and remove the brewing device and lends itself to reusable and paper filters. My only word...Read more
Pressure Control
As with other brew devices and espresso machines, grind size is everything. What is most impressive about the AeroPress is that I get real-time feedback on whether or not I...Read more
Heat Time
The AeroPress is dissimilar to other espresso brewers in that the water is brewed outside the device and poured over the grounds once the water is at the proper temperature....Read more
Quality
There is a reason that AeroPress hasn't released any new versions, updates, or iterations of its original product for many years. It's timeless. The hard plastic used in the AeroPress...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Robin Rosales
About the espresso equipment
- Model: AeroPress Coffee Maker
Test conditions
- When I bought these: 2013 original version, 2016 AeroPress Go
- Where I’ve used them: Home, high-volume specialty coffee shop, camping
- How many times I've used it: 100
Expert Reviews of the AeroPress Coffee Maker
Robin Rosales The AeroPress can be intimidating at first; there is definitely a learning curve, but once one gets the hang of it, the sky is the limit.
The AeroPress offers a lot of versatility both for taste preference and experimentation. I can use a paper filter or a reusable metal mesh screen, each providing different brew experiences and flavor profiles. The AeroPress can also be used right side up or upside down (called "inverted"), creating different brew environments with varying extraction features.
Before I owned an espresso machine, I used the AeroPress to mimic an Americano-style beverage. It was delicious. Although not a true espresso, a recipe featured on JavaPresse from Garrett Oden (inspired by Michael MacDonald) provided an absolutely delicious coffee experience. And I was able to brew a beverage with crema. My other favorite recipe comes from Heart Coffee Roasters—a solid and consistent brew method.
All in all, it may not be the most beginner-friendly device, but for those willing to devote the time to learning, coffee opportunities (coffortunities?) abound.
Product Specs
Review Ratings
Temperature Stability
5/5
Robin Rosales gave 5 of 5 stars. The barista is the temperature stability monitor because the AeroPress doesn't have a reservoir, boiler, or any other water-delivery system. Coffee is best brewed between 195 and 205°F, so anything they can do to add that level of precision to their brew is advisable. If a barista doesn't have a thermometer handy, boil water, remove it from heat, and pour 30 seconds to one minute later.
Boiler Capacity
5/5
Robin Rosales gave 5 of 5 stars. The AeroPress doesn't have a boiler. Someone can use whatever device they would otherwise use to heat up their water. The AeroPress is less finicky than other pour-over devices, so precision is not necessarily required when it comes to pouring water. A lovely goose-neck kettle or grandma's old stovetop kettle will do the job.
Espresso Extraction
4/5
Robin Rosales gave 4 of 5 stars. AeroPress is one of the few manual brew devices that can produce actual crema when brewed. But it's a bit tougher if this is on a scale with, say, a Breville or Rancilio machine. It is not as consistent (because the user is the primary variant, and consistency can vary from day to day), but it is still very delicious.
Ease of Use
4/5
Robin Rosales gave 4 of 5 stars. As much as I love the AeroPress, new users might find it a bit intimidating. There are a lot of strong opinions on the best way to brew, so it can be a little overwhelming to sift through recipes and methods. Also, the AeroPress dialing-in process is somewhat unlike other brew methods. It lands somewhere in between an immersion brewer and a true espresso machine. But the payoff is immense. Once plunging, cap-screwing, and inverting become habit, the sky is the limit.
Pro tip: Start with Heart Coffee Roasters' and James Hoffman's recipes. They're great.
Portafilter Size
5/5
Robin Rosales gave 5 of 5 stars. While not exactly a portafilter, the AeroPress Filter Cap is easy to put on and remove the brewing device and lends itself to reusable and paper filters. My only word of caution is to check that the filter cap fits securely in one's cup or mug before trying to invert the AeroPress on top of it.
Pressure Control
5/5
Robin Rosales gave 5 of 5 stars. As with other brew devices and espresso machines, grind size is everything. What is most impressive about the AeroPress is that I get real-time feedback on whether or not I have a good grind size because of the resistance the plunger offers when I extract my coffee. Although somewhat imprecise, because my arm applies the pressure to extract the espresso-adjacent coffee, I can adjust my pressure in real-time and make notes on whether or not to refine my grind size based on the device resistance.
Heat Time
5/5
Robin Rosales gave 5 of 5 stars. The AeroPress is dissimilar to other espresso brewers in that the water is brewed outside the device and poured over the grounds once the water is at the proper temperature. So, while the "heat time" is basically the water coming to temperature, the brew time falls somewhere in between a traditional espresso machine and other manual brew devices such as the French Press or Clever.
Quality
5/5
Robin Rosales gave 5 of 5 stars. There is a reason that AeroPress hasn't released any new versions, updates, or iterations of its original product for many years. It's timeless. The hard plastic used in the AeroPress makes it durable and strong against even more-than-usual wear and tear. The press is well made, the rubber plunger holding the seal has held up over the years, and the fun of trying new recipes and methods keeps me coming back.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Robin Rosales My favorite thing about the AeroPress is its versatility—accommodating a wide range of taste preferences and fun and creative brew recipes. The different filter options lend themselves to different flavor profiles, and the seemingly limitless number of creative brew recipes online offers an opportunity for creativity and experimentation not as readily available in other brew devices.
Why did you choose this product?
Robin Rosales I first picked up the AeroPress merely to add it to my menagerie of brew devices to complete my collection. It wasn’t until later that I recognized how unique it was and how perfectly it filled a gap in my coffee-making lineup. Now, I greatly respect the AeroPress and don't go camping without it. My little Porlex hand grinder and Jetboil complete the camping coffee trifecta, and I can have specialty coffee on the go—try doing that with a Chemex.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Robin Rosales The AeroPress is the best espresso-adjacent brew device for around $300. It's difficult to get shop-quality 'spro from an at-home machine without the right tools, but the AeroPress is an excellent stopgap for the espresso enthusiast. Although the price tag, at first, might seem a little steep for a plastic tube, the durability and longevity of the AeroPress are unmatched. I still have my first AeroPress from over 10 years ago and bought the AeroPress Go when it came out to keep him company on the shelf. For an at-home versatile brew device that can actually produce crema for under $50, it's a great value.
