Is an AeroPress coffee maker worth it? I tested every model – here’s the good and surprisingly bad. The AeroPress lineup has big hits and wild misses. I reviewed all of them: the Original, Clear, Go, Go Plus, Premium, XLs and brand-new Steel.
The best AeroPress coffee makers at a glance
- Most budget-friendly: The Original $34.95
- Best upgrade: Clear and Clear Colors $49.95
- Most travel-friendly: Go $49.95
- Least plastic: Steel $169.95
How exactly does an AeroPress work?
In 2005, Alan Adler, inventor of the Aerobie flying ring, created the AeroPress – a syringe-like coffee maker that pushes brewed coffee through a filter into a mug. More than 20 years later, it remains a cult classic for its ease of use, easy cleaning, and coffee that balances drip reliability with French press richness. You can also make espresso-like shots or iced coffee.
For years, there was just the Original, still near perfect. Recently, the lineup expanded with hits and misses. I tested every one. Crucially, any AeroPress lets you control grind size, amount, water volume and temperature, and brew time. Coffee expert James Hoffmann has praised its versatility. Here is my ultimate rundown.
Most budget-friendly: AeroPress The Original
What’s it best for? A beginner’s first AeroPress. This is the most budget-friendly model.
The review: If AeroPress only ever made this model, we’d all still be fans. Quality and ease of use are top-notch. You can shoot the spent grounds into compost with a satisfying thwap, and all parts go in the dishwasher. It is lighter and better balanced than fancier siblings, making it easier to handle, especially for the inverted method. It travels well and is practically indestructible. Replacement parts are available online.
Worth it or skip it? If you want the cheapest AeroPress that performs just as well (if not better), start here with no regrets. It will last a very long time.
- Dimensions: 4.2 in x 5.25 in
- Weight: 7.7 oz
- Capacity: 10 oz
- Materials: Polypropylene, silicone
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes (top rack only)
The upgrade: AeroPress Clear and Clear Colors
What’s it best for? Getting the most out of your brewing and nerding out to your heart’s content.
The review: Since 2023, my Clear has seen near-daily use. It is identical to the Original but made of durable Tritan plastic, letting you see the brewing process. You can watch grounds release carbon dioxide and swell, helping you decide when to stir. It comes in colors like blue, green, and pink, though these are less transparent than the clear version. All Clears look better than the smoky-gray Original.
Worth it or skip it? Worth it. Being able to see into the brewing chamber gives it a slight edge over the Original, and it is just as durable and good-looking.
- Dimensions: 4.2 in x 5.2 in
- Weight: 8.1 oz
- Capacity: 12.8 oz
- Materials: Tritan plastic, silicone, polypropylene
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Most travel-friendly: AeroPress Go
What’s it best for? Hitting the road knowing you won’t have to suffer crappy coffee.
The review: As a food and travel writer, I keep my AeroPress Go on every trip. It brews 8 oz, slightly less than the Original, but packs a stirrer, scoop, and filter holder into a plastic mug with a red silicone lid. Mine has lasted over five years and thousands of miles. I keep it ready in my kitchen and toss it in my bag. Bad coffee ruins a trip; with the Go, I always have great coffee.
Worth it or skip it? Totally worth it, especially for travel. You can use it at home too.
- Dimensions: 3.6 in x 4.5 in
- Weight: 11.5 oz
- Capacity: 8 oz
- Materials: Polypropylene, silicone
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes (top rack only)
Perfect for no one? AeroPress Go Plus
What’s it best for? Commuting, at least that’s the idea.
The review: The Go Plus is the Go’s bigger sibling, brewing into a large insulated travel mug for cup holders. But you brew into the mug and then carry the spent brewer? Or leave it at home? The magnetic slider lid has a raised AeroPress image that makes sipping awkward.
Worth it or skip it? Hard skip! This one’s a dud. Use a regular AeroPress into your own travel mug.
- Dimensions: 4.2 in x 7.3 in
- Weight: 1.13 lbs
- Capacity: 10 oz
- Materials: Tritan plastic, silicone, polypropylene, stainless steel, neodymium magnet
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Too big, too fragile: AeroPress Premium
What’s it best for? Classing up your countertop as a statement piece.
The review: The Premium has sleek borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and aluminum. It looks like aircraft parts and would look great in a museum shop. But it is unwieldy, not dishwasher safe, has a narrower brewing chamber requiring more stirring, and the glass is fragile. I cannot imagine not breaking it once a year for $200.
Worth it or skip it? Skip it. It is harder to handle, more fragile, and exponentially more expensive.
- Dimensions: 4.5 in x 7.1 in
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- Capacity: 10 oz
- Materials: Borosilicate glass, anodized aluminum, stainless steel, silicone, ABS plastic
- Dishwasher Safe: No
Least plastic: AeroPress Steel
What’s it best for? Providing the best AeroPress experience with the least amount of plastic.
The review: After the Premium disappointment, the Steel is a relief. It is incredibly durable – if you drop it, you might dent the floor. The only non-metal parts are the silicone seal and a collar. Everything is dishwasher safe. It makes 12 oz of coffee, more than the Clear and Original. In a blind tasting, there was no metallic taste, and the Steel-brewed cup was preferred. However, it is much heavier (almost three times the Clear) and has a slightly narrower chamber requiring more stirring.
Worth it or skip it? If you want an incredibly durable AeroPress with minimal plastic, this is it.
- Dimensions: 4.4 in x 6.75 in
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Capacity: 12 oz
- Materials: Stainless steel, silicone
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Extra awkward: AeroPress XL and Clear XL
What’s it best for? Making larger batches. The XL and Clear XL are same shape and size, but the Clear XL uses Tritan plastic.
The review: With the plunger extended and carafe, the whole thing rises about 19 inches. A barista had to climb on a stool to operate it, with a lot of hot liquid in an awkward position. That was enough for me.
Worth it or skip it? Skip. The XL is hard to control. AeroPress is great for single cups; for a pot, buy a nice coffee maker for the same cost.
- Dimensions: 4.6 in x 7.6 in
- Weight: 1.1 lbs (XL), 1.3 lbs (Clear XL)
- Capacity: 20 oz
- Materials: Polypropylene, silicone (XL); plus Tritan plastic (Clear XL)
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes (top rack only)
