AeroPress Vs AeroPress Go – Which is Best?

After taking the coffee-making world by storm, AeroPress Inc. released the AeroPress Go.

The AeroPress is a popular manual coffee brewer used to brew a single serving of coffee at a time.

If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve almost certainly heard of the AeroPress coffee maker. It’s very well known for making great coffee, similar to espresso.

It’s easier to use compared to other press coffee makers. It also produces less bitterness compared to a drip coffee maker.

It’s quite portable. But AeroPress Inc. believed it could be even more portable.

The AeroPress Go is a travel version of the AeroPress. It’s smaller and lighter compared to the original version, but is it worth it?

In this post, I’ll be comparing the AeroPress to the AeroPress Go. I’ll take a look at things such as:

  • what you get with each model,
  • their difference in size,
  • the accessories available,
  • which model is better suited for travel,
  • if the AeroPress Go needs filters.

But before I get into the AeroPress vs AeroPress Go comparison, let’s do a super-quick overview. Let’s go!

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

What Are the AeroPress and the AeroPress Go?

AeroPress

The AeroPress is a piston-style coffee brewer that makes an espresso style coffee.

Although it’s not an espresso machine, don’t be fooled! It’s definitely capable of making a good coffee.

Unlike an espresso maker, it forces hot coffee through a paper filter using air pressure generated by a plunger.

The device consists of a plunger that fits into a brewing chamber. The brewing chamber sits on top of a filter, filter cap, and coffee mug.

 

You add coffee grounds and hot water to the cylinder and stir. You then connect the plunger and allow the coffee to brew for a few seconds before plunging the device.

The pressure from the plunger forces water through the ground coffee beans.

Compared to a standard drip or pour over coffeemaker, the AeroPress brews coffee faster. Brewing at a faster speed helps limit the bitterness associated with coffee.

You get a smooth, great-tasting cup of coffee with minimal effort and no need for electricity. You just need hot water and ground coffee.

It was invented by Alan Adler and released by Aerobie in 2005. It became a hit for those who wanted a travel coffee press that could brew delicious coffee.

It’s become so popular, there’s even an annual World AeroPress Championship.

During this competition, baristas compete to make superb coffee using the AeroPress. The winner is crowned world AeroPress champion.

AeroPress Go

In 2019, the company released the AeroPress Go coffee maker. The AP Go is a travel-sized version that comes with a few different accessories.

 

The AeroPress Go includes the same design as the original device, but in a smaller package.

The company used lighter plastic to create a slimmer chamber. This allowed the interior diameter to stay the same.

AeroPress vs AeroPress Go – What Do You Get?

Both products come with a plunger, chamber, filter cap, and 350 filters. Yet, they come with a different stirrer, filter holder, and scoop.

The AeroPress Go stirrer folds in half, while the filter holder only holds 20 filters.

The scoop has a different shape but includes the same 14-gram capacity.

The AeroPress original includes a funnel. The funnel makes it easier to pour coffee grounds and hot water without spilling. It’s a convenient accessory, but not necessary.

aeropress and all accessories laid out on bench

You can also buy a version of the AeroPress that comes with a travel tote bag. The tote bag fits the entire package, including the AeroPress and filter holder.

The AeroPress Go has more useful accessories, as it comes with a travel mug with a lid. The mug has a 15-ounce capacity, which is almost double the capacity of the chamber.

With the AeroPress Go, you don’t need to worry about finding a compatible mug. It’s made to fit the AeroPress Go with a tight seal.

AeroPress vs AeroPress Go – Size Comparison

Capacity

The AeroPress Go has a smaller design to make it more suited for travel.

The AeroPress has a 10-ounce (296 milliliters) brewing capacity. The AeroPress Go has a brewing capacity of 8 ounces (237 milliliters).

You can make one cup of espresso-style brew with the AeroPress Go, while the AeroPress can brew just over one cup.

Chamber and Plunger

For both versions, the largest parts are the chamber and the plunger. These parts are used for the dimensions of the AeroPress.

The chamber and the plunger for the AeroPress measure 5.4 x 4.2 x 3.8 inches. It’s already a compact device, but the makers decided it could be even smaller.

A birdseye view of inside an AeroPress chamber with coffee grounds inside.

The chamber and plunger together measure 4.6 x 3.6 x 3.6 inches on the AeroPress Go. It’s almost an inch shorter and about half an inch narrower.

While the AeroPress Go is more compact, the inner diameter of the chamber is the same.

Coffee Mugs

At the bottom of the chamber is a flange that provides a secure fit with your coffee mug. The flange is slightly smaller on the AeroPress Go.

The flange on the AeroPress supports larger mugs. 3.75 inches is the largest inside diameter for a mug on the original AeroPress.

A birdseye view of inside an AeroPress with coffee grounds inside.

The flange on the AeroPress Go supports cups with a maximum inside diameter of 3.25 inches.

Both versions support cups with a minimum inner diameter of 2.75 inches.

You can use small cups with either model. Yet, the AeroPress works with larger mugs.

Do AeroPress Accessories Work with AeroPress Go?

Most of the AeroPress and AeroPress Go related products are compatible with each other.

The plunger and chamber are slightly different sizes, but both models use the same filter cap. They also use the same filters.

The travel mug that comes with the AeroPress Go does not fit inside the AeroPress.

Third-party manufacturers sell AeroPress accessories that may only work with one version. So it’s best to double check before buying.

The Fellow Prismo Pressure-Actuated Attachment includes a gasket that fits the original AeroPress. It does not fit and is not compatible with the AeroPress Go.

fellow prismo unwrapped from plastic laid out on paper with filter next to it

The JavaJug2 is another product that only works on the AeroPress. The diameter of the JavaJug2 is too wide for the AeroPress Go.

Luckily, some third-party products work with either model. You can use most third-party filters in the AeroPress or the AeroPress Go.

The Able DISK Reusable Stainless-Steel Coffee filters fit both products. You only need to rinse the filters after each use.

The 2POUR dual-press accessory also works on both products. This dual-press accessory allows you to brew up to eight more ounces of coffee at one time.

Yet, some users have mentioned that it may slip a little when using the AeroPress Go.

The AeroPress and AeroPress Go also come with different stirrers and scoops.

The AeroPress Go stirrer folds in half to take up less space. Both the stirrer and scoop work with either version.

Is AeroPress Go Better for Travel?

Due to the smaller size and travel mug, the AeroPress Go is a more convenient option for travel. The provided travel mug should fit in most standard cupholders.

It also comes with a compact filter holder. The filter holder only holds up to 20 filters. But, 20 filters should be more than enough for your vacation.

The AeroPress Go is better suited for travel but the original AeroPress is still easy to take on a trip. AeroPress offers a version of the coffeemaker that comes with a .

The bag stores the plunger, chamber, filters, funnel, and other components. You’ll need to pack a mug separately.

Does AeroPress Go Need Filters?

Yes, the AeroPress Go needs filters. It uses the same micro-filters used in the original AeroPress.

a close up of an AeroPress paper filter.

Both versions come with 350 disposable micro-filters. The original AeroPress filter holder holds all 350 filters. The AeroPress Go filter holder holds 20 filters.

There’s also AeroPress metal filters available that are reusable.

Is AeroPress Go Too Small?

For a single serve coffee maker, the AeroPress Go is not too small. Like the AeroPress, the AeroPress Go brews a single cup of coffee at a time.

The maximum capacity is two ounces lower compared to the original AeroPress. The original AeroPress may only brew a few more sips of coffee with each serving.

Most people use 8-ounce to 10-ounce coffee mugs at home. Depending on the size of your mug, you may only typically pour about six ounces at a time.

Unless you need a larger cup of coffee, the AeroPress Go should not be too small.

Keep in mind that neither option is convenient when brewing coffee for more than one person. You’ll need to repeat the process to brew a second cup unless you buy an accessory.

Watch this video for a really quick comparison of the AeroPress Vs AeroPress Go:

Is AeroPress Go Worth it?

Yes, the AeroPress Go is a worthwhile product.

The AeroPress coffee is less bitter compared to coffee from a drip coffeemaker. It also involves less work compared to using a French press.

The design relies on manual force from a plunger to press coffee through a filter.

You have more control over the brewing process. You can make almost any type of coffee, including cold brew coffee.

An AeroPress Go sitting on a railing with a house in the background.

The size is the main difference with AeroPress Vs AeroPress Go. But even that is minimal.

The AeroPress Go version produces eight ounces of AeroPress coffee. The original AeroPress model can brew up to 10 ounces of coffee.

Keep in mind that the AeroPress Go also comes with a nifty little travel mug with a lid.

No matter which version you choose, you’re likely to enjoy the quality of the coffee it produces.

AeroPress Vs AeroPress Go – Conclusion

Should I Get an AeroPress or AeroPress Go?

The AeroPress and the AeroPress Go are comparable products. They include the same features and design elements.

Both options produce smoother coffee. Yet, the AeroPress Go is a little smaller compared to the original AeroPress.

If you want a single-serving coffee maker that you can take on trips, you may prefer the .

It comes with a compatible travel mug and a smaller filter holder. You can easily store everything in a small bag.

If you plan on using the device at home, the may make more sense.

You can brew slightly more AeroPress coffee at one time compared to the AeroPress Go.

You may find that the 10-ounce capacity is the right amount for your favorite mug.

Have you tried both models of these coffee makers and prefer one over the other?

Are you an AeroPress fan and bought both models?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

How To Travel With An AeroPress Like A Pro

If you’re getting ready for a trip but find yourself wondering how to travel with an AeroPress, you’re not alone.

One of the things that was immediately obvious when I first saw my friend’s AeroPress, was its portability. I could see the huge benefit in owning a coffee maker that you could bring with you pretty much anywhere.

My friend spoke about just that. He would bring it with him when he went camping, when he visited his parents, when he went to the office and when he went for cycling trips.

It was one of the things he loved the most about it, aside from making great coffee. Since owning my own, it’s also become one of the things that I love the most about it, too.

If you want to travel with an AeroPress, you could purchase an AeroPress travel kit or case, or the AeroPress Go which neatly packs away into a travel mug which you press your coffee into, or even the JavaJug.

There’s many options and there’s no right or wrong way of doing it. As with most things, it comes down to what your needs are.

Before you rush off to buy your travel setup, there’s a few factors to consider that will help determine which option will suit you best:

  • What items you need to bring
  • How much space you have
  • How much weight you can carry
  • How long your trip is

Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.

How to Travel With an AeroPress – Factors You Should Consider

Useful items

Your travel situation will greatly impact what you need to bring with you. Here’s a list of items that may be useful for you when you travel with your AeroPress:

You’re not going to need all of these things every single time you travel with your AeroPress, but some of them will help you greatly.

If you’re just visiting your parents locally, for instance, the AeroPress, a suitable hand grinder and a travel cap for storing beans would be enough.

You could even make it simpler by grinding the coffee beans before you go and bringing them in a herb pot. I’m sure you get the idea here.

One of the options for how to travel with an AeroPress, a container with some ground coffee inside with a plastic scoop.

Storage space

If you’re traveling in a way that restricts how much storage space you have, take a minute to think about what you really need to bring with you and why.

If you’re only going for a day or two, you might be better off bringing pre-ground coffee. If anything, you’ll appreciate your freshly ground coffee that much more when you return.

When storage is a real deal-breaker, you should seriously consider getting an AeroPress Go.

If you’ve already got an AeroPress, I don’t need to convince you about the benefits, such as it’s:

  • Compact,
  • Durable,
  • Fast,
  • Portable, and
  • Lightweight

Obviously, the AeroPress Go is all these things and more. It comes complete with its very own travel mug that you can press your coffee directly into, so that’s one less thing you need to bring.

Not only that, but it’s even more compact, as it can be packed away entirely into the travel mug, drastically decreasing the amount of storage space needed.

But if that doesn’t persuade you and you already own an AeroPress, you could instead look at the option of grabbing a JavaJug.

It’s a big coffee jug that you can press your AeroPress coffee into and also store your AeroPress inside of when you’re all done.

It’s not as compact as the AeroPress Go, but if you don’t need to be that compact, it’s a suitable option.

Another option is a travel kit. There’s plenty of kits available, each with a different style and size.

Think carefully about exactly how you plan to use it, making sure it can accommodate your AeroPress and other essentials.

Weight

Man sitting in an airport departure area with feet up resting on his luggage, looking out the window at a departing aeroplane.If you’re traveling internationally, the weight of individual items in your luggage can begin to really add up. The last thing you need is another heavy item to add to your list.

AeroPress to the rescue! As I stated earlier, being lightweight is one of the key benefits of the AeroPress. You should have no hesitation about bringing it with you overseas whatsoever.

You’ll want to use some sort of travel kit to avoid your coffee gear getting damaged or moving around in transit.

And if you’re going on more of a backpacking adventure, the AeroPress Go would be a clear winner here, taking up the least amount of space, but also providing a travel mug.

You should also have your own coffee hand grinder that compliments the AeroPress, as no pre-ground coffee will last a long trip. To find out which hand grinder is most suitable, see my recent article.

Length of trip

Every trip you take is different. Are you going for several days or longer? If so, will you need to bring a grinder that matches the benefits of the AeroPress?

If the freshness of ground coffee is less important to you, can you instead pre-grind your beans before you go and bring them in a compact storage container?

For some people, they can sacrifice their desire for freshly ground coffee in exchange for the extra space they will have. For others, it’s not an option.

If you really can’t go without freshly ground coffee, you can maximise the space you have by bringing a hand grinder that can fit inside your AeroPress.

You could also use a travel cap that seals over the end of the plunger tube to hold your coffee beans.

It won’t hold enough for a long trip, but it’s something. Perhaps it’s enough to keep you going until you can purchase some more coffee beans on your travels.

Conclusion

I hope you’ve got a clearer idea about what you may or may not need to bring with you when you travel and that I’ve provided some insight about how to travel with an AeroPress.

Have you tried out any of my suggestions? How did they work for you? Do you have something to recommend that I missed? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!