Review of Every AeroPress Coffee Maker
The AeroPress lineup offers a variety of coffee makers with distinct features, catering to different preferences and needs. Having tested every AeroPress coffee model, including the Original, Clear, Go, Go Plus, Premium, XLs, and the brand-new Steel, this review highlights what each model does well and where they fall short.
The Original AeroPress: Budget-Friendly and Reliable
The Original AeroPress remains a favorite for beginners and long-time users alike. It is the most budget-friendly model and has set the standard for great-tasting coffee. Its design resembles a large needle-less syringe that pushes brewed coffee through a filter directly into a mug.
- Ease of use: Simple to operate and clean, with parts that are dishwasher safe.
- Durability: Practically indestructible, with replacement parts readily available.
- Portability: Lightweight and well-balanced, making it travel-friendly.
- Coffee quality: Produces coffee that balances drip coffee’s reliability and French press richness.
Overall, the Original AeroPress is highly recommended for those seeking a dependable and affordable coffee maker that lasts for years.
The Clear AeroPress: Enhanced Brewing Visibility
Released in 2023, the Clear AeroPress offers the same brewing performance as the Original but with a transparent Tritan plastic chamber. This allows users to observe the brewing process, including the release of carbon dioxide from the coffee grounds, which can affect flavor and brewing timing.
- Visual feedback: Transparency helps users optimize stirring and brewing time.
- Durability: Made of durable Tritan plastic, it withstands daily use well.
- Appearance: Available in various colors, though the uncolored version offers the clearest view.
The Clear AeroPress is a worthwhile upgrade for those interested in a more interactive brewing experience without sacrificing durability or coffee quality.
The AeroPress Go: Travel-Friendly Convenience
The AeroPress Go is designed for coffee lovers on the move. It brews slightly smaller cups (8oz) compared to the Original and Clear (10oz) but includes a compact design with a mug, lid, scoop, and stirrer that all pack neatly together.
- Portability: Compact and lightweight, ideal for travel and camping.
- Durability: Proven to withstand years of frequent travel use.
- Functionality: Easy to use with just hot water and ground coffee.
This model is highly recommended for travelers who want to avoid poor coffee quality on the road.
The Go Plus: A Misstep in Design
The Go Plus attempts to build on the Go’s portability by including a larger insulated travel mug. However, its design introduces practical issues:
- Brewing into the mug complicates handling spent grounds and cleaning.
- The magnetic slider on the lid impedes comfortable sipping.
- Overall, it is less convenient than brewing with a regular AeroPress and using a separate travel mug.
The Go Plus is generally not recommended due to these usability drawbacks.
The Premium AeroPress: Stylish but Impractical
The Premium model features a sleek design with borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and aluminum, aiming to elevate the AeroPress aesthetic. However, this comes with trade-offs:
- Fragility due to glass components increases the risk of breakage.
- Narrow brewing chamber requires more stirring.
- Not dishwasher safe, complicating cleaning.
- High price point (~$200) compared to other models.
While visually impressive, the Premium AeroPress is less practical for everyday use and is not recommended for most users.
The Steel AeroPress: Durable and Minimal Plastic
The Steel AeroPress is the latest model, designed to minimize plastic use while maximizing durability. It features stainless steel construction with only a silicone seal and collar as non-metal parts.
- Durability: Highly resistant to damage; unlikely to break if dropped.
- Capacity: Brews 12oz of coffee, more than the Original and Clear.
- Cleaning: Fully dishwasher safe.
- Coffee taste: No metallic flavor detected; preferred by a professional roaster in blind testing.
- Weight: Heavier than other models, less suited for lightweight travel.
- Brewing chamber: Slightly narrower, requiring more stirring.
The Steel AeroPress is recommended for those seeking a robust, low-plastic coffee maker and who do not mind the extra weight.
