AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper

AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper: which is the better manual coffeemaker? The answer depends on your preferences.

The AeroPress is one of the best-selling manual coffeemakers. It’s compact and durable but only brews about eight ounces at a time.

There’s also many different AeroPress accessories available that make it a worthy choice.

The Clever Dripper is also a great way to prepare coffee manually.

It’s a pour-over coffeemaker that can brew about three cups of coffee at a time.

In this article, I’ll cover the following:

  • Features of each coffee maker
  • Pros and cons of each coffee maker
  • What to consider when making a choice

So, which should you choose – AeroPress or Clever Dripper? By the end of this article, you’ll be able to make your decision.

Let’s take a closer look at both options. It’s go time!

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 Is the AeroPress?

The AeroPress is a piston-style coffeemaker. It resembles a large syringe with a cylindrical chamber and a plunger.

It also comes with a pack of paper filters, a filter holder, a scoop, a funnel, and a stirrer.

As with other manual coffeemakers, you need to heat the water separately. The ideal temperature is about 175 degrees Fahrenheit.

You may need a kettle to use with your AeroPress.

There’s several kettles available that are suitable for use with the AeroPress. But read this post if you’re looking for the best kettle for AeroPress.

Add fine coffee grounds to the paper filter inside the chamber.

Then pour the water over the ground and stir or allow the mixture to bloom for about 10 seconds.

You use the plunger to create pressure and force the coffee through the filter and into a cup.

Here’s a simple video explaining how to brew with the AeroPress.

Main Features of the AeroPress

AeroPress Brew Size & Time

The AeroPress can brew about eight ounces of coffee at a time. It’s a single-serving device, which may not be suitable for everyone.

The average brew time is about 2.5 minutes. But the AeroPress makes great-tasting coffee.

AeroPress Filters

The paper filter helps remove oil and sediment. This eliminates the acidic taste you get from cheap drip coffeemakers.

If you prefer a bolder taste with more oils in your coffee, don’t worry. You can purchase a reusable metal filter for the AeroPress.

AeroPress Brewing

The AeroPress is made for immersion brewing. Yet you can also brew espresso-style coffee and cold brew coffee.

The AeroPress can generate about 0.35 to .75 bars of pressure. Espresso requires at least 9 bars of pressure.

Yet, you can use finely ground espresso roast to make espresso-style brews. You should also use a temperature of about 200 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit.

AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper - AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with Tote Bag - Quickly Makes Delicious Coffee Without Bitterness - 1 to 3 Cups Per Press

 

AeroPress Cold Brew

To make a cold brew, you add cold water to the chamber instead of hot water.

You also need to use fine drip grind coffee instead of medium or coarse.

There’s also a few methods to make an AeroPress overnight cold brew.

Pros

  • Durable components
  • Versatile brewing options
  • Portable design

Cons

  • Plunging can be difficult
  • It only brews up to eight ounces of coffee

What Is the Clever Dripper?

The Clever Dripper resembles a small plastic pitcher. It has a wide opening on top, a narrow base, and a large handle.

The base of the device includes a shut-off valve.

You set a paper filter in the bottom of the Clever Dripper, add grounds, and pour water.

For immersion brewing, place the Clever Dripper over a carafe or decanter. Then allow the water to sit for several minutes.

After immersing the grounds in water, you turn the shut-off valve to disperse fresh coffee.

You can also use the Clever Dripper as a pour-over brewer.

You leave the valve on the bottom in the open position and slowly pour hot water over the grounds.

Watch this useful tutorial to learn more about how the Clever Dripper works.

Main Features of the Clever Dripper

Clever Dripper Size

The Clever Dripper measures 6.75 inches in diameter at the widest point and stands 5.75 inches tall.

The handle adds a few more inches to the size.

Clever Dripper Capacity

One of the main advantages of the Clever Dripper is its capacity.

It can hold up to 18 ounces of liquid, which is twice the capacity of the AeroPress.

Clever Dripper Filters

The Clever Dripper comes with 100 paper filters and a lid.

You also get a coaster that you can set the coffeemaker on to avoid staining the counters.

AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper - NEW Clever Coffee Dripper Official, Glass Style Coffee Maker Hassle-Free Ways Make Manual Pour Over Coffee & Cold Brew, 18 Fl Oz.

 

Clever Dripper Durability

The Clever Dripper is relatively durable. It’s made from BPA-free plastic but may scratch when cleaned with scouring pads.

The plastic pitcher-shaped coffeemaker shouldn’t crack easily.

The handle is the part that you need to be careful with. The thin handle could crack if mishandled.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Brews up to 18 ounces of coffee
  • Fewer parts to clean

Cons

  • Not very portable
  • Awkward to store

AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper Comparison

You can easily brew coffee with the AeroPress or the Clever Dripper.

Both options are comparable in price and work great but include different features.

What should you consider when comparing the Clever Coffee Dripper Vs AeroPress?

  • Versatility
  • Ease of use
  • Durability
  • Portability

The AeroPress’ design requires you to press a plunger for immersion brewing.

The Clever Dripper works as an immersion brewer or a pour-over brewer.

The differences in the design lead to separate advantages. Here’s a closer look.

Versatility

The AeroPress and Clever Dripper provide more control compared to other drip brewers.

Both options offer more than one way to brew coffee.

Clever Dripper

You can use immersion-style or pour-over brewing with the Clever Dripper. With the pour-over method, you pour hot water over the grounds.

Instead of allowing the water to sit, it flows through the filter and into your cup or carafe.

Pour-over brewing tends to extract less of the flavor from the coffee grounds. You get less taste, but also less bitterness and acidity.

The pour-over method is more forgiving. If you’re new to manual coffee brewing, it’s an easier way to make great-tasting coffee.

AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper - Clever Coffee Dripper With Bonus Filters Included (Clear)

 

Aeropress

The AeroPress may be a little more versatile.

Along with immersion brewing, you can use the AeroPress to make espresso-style drinks. And cold brews.

The simplicity of the AeroPress also allows for a variety of recipes.

There’s even an annual competition called the World AeroPress Championship. People compete at the WAC with their own AeroPress recipes.

Check out this post for the best World AeroPress Championship recipes.

Instead of pouring water into the chamber, you can add extra steps.

For example, some recipes ask you to add a part of the water to allow the grounds to bloom.

After adding a part of the water, stir or flip the AeroPress and add the remaining water.

Some recipes also ask you to extract a part of the coffee midway through the brewing process.

Ease of Use

Clever Dripper

Using either product involves only a few steps. Yet, the Clever Dripper is easier to use.

You can use the pour-over method, which doesn’t need timing.

Along with allowing you to use the pour-over method, you don’t have to plunge anything.

AeroPress

The AeroPress can sometimes be difficult to plunge.

This is mainly when using fine grind coffee or the espresso-style brewing method.

You can also pour hot water over the coffee grounds and allow the coffee to drip into your cup or carafe.

AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper - Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker - Makes 1-3 Cups of Delicious Coffee Without Bitterness per Press

Durability

AeroPress

The AeroPress is more durable. The compact chamber and plunger are almost indestructible.

Both coffeemakers need cleaning after each use to prevent buildup.

The AeroPress is a little easier to clean. The components come apart, allowing you to reach every crevasse.

Clever Dripper

The Clever Dripper is durable but is more likely to crack when dropped or stored with heavy objects.

The Clever Dripper includes a narrow funnel at the bottom with a shut-off valve.

Cleaning in and around the valve isn’t very easy, especially if you allow sediment to form.

Portability

AeroPress

If you’re looking for a coffeemaker for travel or camping, the AeroPress is likely a better choice.

You can store the AeroPress chamber, plunger, filter holder, and scoop together.

You can also buy storage pouches designed specifically for the AeroPress.

If you want something even more portable, check out the AeroPress Go.

It’s a little more compact and comes with a travel bag.

The AeroPress also requires less storage space in your kitchen.

The compact design measures only 5.26 inches tall and 4.22 inches wide.

Clever Dripper

The Clever Dripper is about half an inch taller and over two inches wider.

It also has a handle that can make it awkward to store.

AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper - NEW Clever Coffee Dripper Official, Glass Style Coffee Maker Hassle-Free Ways Make Manual Pour Over Coffee & Cold Brew, 18 Fl Oz.

Clever Coffee Dripper Vs AeroPress: Which Brews the Best Coffee?

You can brew great-tasting coffee with the AeroPress or the Clever Dripper.

The taste of the coffee depends on the brewing method and the grounds that you choose.

Yet, AeroPress includes access to more recipes.

You can find YouTube videos and online tutorials for brewing coffee to your liking.

AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper – Conclusion

I recommend the AeroPress or Clever Dripper for those who want to try manual brewing.

You don’t need to be a barista to brew a flavorful cup of coffee.

Choosing the right coffeemaker depends on your preferences. Both options allow you to use immersion brewing.

If you want to use the pour-over brewing method, the Clever Dripper is the right choice.

If you want to make espresso-style coffee or overnight cold brew, go with the AeroPress.

For those who want the easiest brewing option, try the Clever Dripper.

You don’t have to use a plunger. You can pour water into the device and either immerse the grounds or allow the coffee to drip.

The Clever Dripper also has a much larger capacity. You can brew three cups of coffee at a time instead of a little over one cup.

The AeroPress is more durable and portable.

If you plan on taking a coffeemaker camping or on a trip, AeroPress is the recommended option.

It’s less likely to break when dropped and takes up less space. You can even find bags designed especially for the AeroPress.

In the end, you can’t go wrong with either option.

The Clever Dripper can brew more coffee. But the AeroPress is more versatile and easier to travel with.

Both make good coffee.

Have you tried either of these coffee makers?

Do you have a go-to recipe that you’d like to share?

Is there another coffee maker that you think wipes the floor with these?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

5 Best AeroPress Stands For Keeping Organized

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.

An AeroPress stand is a perfect accessory for your manual coffeemaker. Without a stand, you have a collection of loose parts and AeroPress accessories.

The right AeroPress caddy makes it easier to keep things organized and tidy. And AeroPress storage options come in a variety of designs and sizes to suit your needs.

There’s also different names that AeroPress stands can go by.

Some people call them an AeroPress caddy, AeroPress stand or AeroPress holder. Others simply refer to them as AeroPress storage.

In this post, we’ll be using all these terms to refer to the same thing.

Each of the AeroPress holders that I mention in this post have different features.

Some have drip mats. Some are for wall mounting. Some are stainless steel.

But they could all be suitable for your kitchen. In the end, it comes down to your individual needs.

By the end of this post, you’ll be able to make a decision about which AeroPress holder is right for you.

For those of you in a hurry, here are five of the best AeroPress stands for keeping your kitchen organized.

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Now it’s time to take a closer look at each of these AeroPress stands. Let’s do it!

5 Best AeroPress Stands

So here they are in no particular order – the 5 best AeroPress stands!

Barista Lab Premium Bamboo AeroPress Caddy Rack Organizer

The Barista Lab AeroPress caddy is a wood organizer with a rectangular shape. It includes space for storing all your AeroPress parts and coffee filters.

The inside of the woodblock has two side-by-side holders. These are for storing the chamber, plunger, and funnel.

The side of the woodblock has holders for the scoop and stirrer.

The caddy measures 11.5” x 4.75” x 7.75”. It’s one of the larger AeroPress stands.

The larger size is useful for allowing your AeroPress parts to dry. But it does need a little more counter space.

Pros

  • It includes drip mats for preventing spills
  • The attractive design looks great in any kitchen
  • The bamboo material is moisture resistant

Cons

  • Is one of the larger AeroPress stands
  • Does not work well with the AeroPress Go
See on Amazon

HEXNUB – Organizer Compatible with AeroPress

HEXNUB offers two styles of AeroPress caddies. These include a compact version and a standard version.

Both versions include silicone rubber drip mats. One mat sits on top of the caddy while the other sits in the bottom part to collect any spills.

You can prepare your drinks on top of the AeroPress holder. No more worrying about drips and spills on the counter!

The compact version includes black drip mats. The standard version is available with black or brown mats.

The caddies are also made from bamboo. Bamboo is technically grass instead of hardwood.

Compared to real wood, bamboo is more water-resistant. It is less likely to rot or grow mold.

Here’s a closer look at both options:

Compact Version

The compact version has storage space for the chamber and plunger inside a wood bamboo block.

The plunger sits inside the chamber, which is then placed in the wood holder.

The sides of the AeroPress stand include holders for the scoop, stirrer, and filters. It doesn’t have a spot for the funnel, but you could set it on top of the stand when not in use.

The bamboo caddy measures 8.75” x 4.75” x 7.8”. It takes up minimal space on your countertop and creates a clean, organized look.

Standard Version

The standard version resembles the previous option. It has side-by-side compartments for holding AeroPress components.

You can place the chamber and plunger together on one side and the filter holder and funnel on the other.

Another option is to store the chamber and plunger side by side, allowing them to dry easily.

The side of the standard caddy has a holder for the stirrer and scoop. It doesn’t have a side holder for the filters.

You can place the AeroPress filter holder inside the caddy when storing the plunger.

The standard version is 7.8” tall, which is the same height as the compact version.

But, it’s a few inches wider. It takes up 10” x 4.6” of counter space.

Pros

  • Includes storage for filters
  • Comes with drip mats to prevent spills
  • Uses moisture-resistant bamboo

Cons

  • The standard version takes up a little more counter space
  • Is not designed for the AeroPress Go
See on Amazon

PROPER AeroPress Companion – Organizer & Display Stand

The PROPER AeroPress Companion is a stylish caddy for holding your AeroPress.

It has a cork base with a plastic holder for storing the chamber and plunger. The top of the holder includes slots for holding the stirrer and scoop.

You also get a small filter holder on the base. It can hold up to 350 paper filters.

You can also use the PROPER caddy with the original AeroPress or AeroPress Go.

Yet, it doesn’t include some of the features found on the previous recommendations. Such as drip mats and wall-mounting options.

Pros

  • It fits the original AeroPress or the AeroPress Go
  • It takes up less counter space compared to other stands
  • The cork and steel materials are easy to keep clean

Cons

  • The design may not appeal to everyone
  • It does not include drip mats for preparing coffee
See on Amazon

Blue Horse Caddy Compatible with AeroPress Coffeemaker

The Blue Horse Caddy stands out for its sleek stainless-steel design.

Instead of bamboo or cork, the base and all other parts are made from solid stainless steel. This removes the risk of rot.

It is a simple, easy-to-clean caddy for holding your original AeroPress.

The middle section can hold the plunger, chamber, funnel, and plastic filter holder. The sides have slots for storing the stirrer and the scoop.

Pros

  • Made from stainless steel, which does not rust or rot
  • Includes rubber feet to protect your counter

Cons

  • The simple design is not as flashy as the bamboo or cork caddies
  • It does not include drip mats
See on Amazon

RUSFOL Space Saving Organizer Wall Mount for AeroPress Set

The RUSFOL AeroPress caddy is designed for mounting on the wall. It’s compatible with the AeroPress or AeroPress Go.

It’s another caddy made from bamboo, but doesn’t have drip mats.

The plunger and chamber hang from the bottom of the caddy. The filter holder and funnel sit in depressions on the top of the caddy.

The top also has slots for inserting the stirrer and the scoop.

Pros

  • Takes up no counter space
  • Holds the AeroPress original or Go
  • Made from bamboo

Cons

  • Does not include drip mats
  • Wall mount only
See on Amazon

How to Choose the Best AeroPress Stand

To choose the best AeroPress caddy for your kitchen, consider the following:

  • Size
  • Material
  • Mounting options
  • Drip mats

You may also want to consider the cost and appearance of the caddy.

Luckily, all the recommendations discussed above are affordable and attractive. All five choices cost less than $50 each.

The RUSFOL stand is the cheapest option but lacks some of the features found on other stands. It lacks a drip mat and requires mounting on the wall.

Size

AeroPress stands are available in various sizes. Yet, all the recommendations above are compact and take up little space.

The largest options include the Barista Lab Bamboo Organizer. And the standard version of the HEXNUB organizer.

The base of the Barista Lab AeroPress stand measures 11.5” x 4.75”.

The HEXNUB caddy measures 10” x 4.6”.

The Proper AeroPress Companion is the most compact option. The base is only a little over 6” wide.

Material

You can also choose from a few different materials.

Many AeroPress caddies are made from bamboo, which is a durable material.

Compared to standard wood products, bamboo is less likely to attract mold and mildew. It rots less easily, as it’s grass instead of hardwood.

Instead of bamboo, you can also find stainless steel designs.

Stainless steel is also used for kitchen appliances and accessories. It’s corrosion-resistant and food-safe.

The PROPER AeroPress companion features stainless steel parts with a cork base.

As with bamboo, cork is resistant to moisture, which helps prevent mold growth.

Mounting Options

While many AeroPress caddies are made for your countertop, there are wall-mounted caddies.

The RUSFOL organizer is made for mounting on the wall.

You can also mount the HEXNUB and Barista Lab bamboo AeroPress stands on a wall.

Drip Mats

Several of the AeroPress stand recommendations include drip mats.

The drip mats are useful for preparing coffee, as the mat collects any spills.

You can find drip mats on the Barista Lab and HEXNUB AeroPress caddies.

The mats are made from silicone, which can withstand high temperatures.

Alternatives to Countertop Caddies for the AeroPress

If you use your AeroPress on the go, you may prefer another storage option instead of a countertop caddy.

The JavaJug2 is a companion product for the AeroPress.

You can use it to store and use your manual coffeemaker. It includes a tall stainless steel cup designed to fit the AeroPress.

The side also has a clip to lock the AeroPress in place when pressing or serving coffee.

Using the JavaJug2 helps you prepare coffee with the AeroPress. The large cup makes it easier to keep the chamber steady as you press coffee.

You can serve directly from the cup. The JavaJug2 also comes with a sleeve for keeping your coffee hot.

There’s many other different AeroPress accessories available too.

Best AeroPress Stand – Conclusion

A caddy is useful for keeping your AeroPress parts and accessories organized.

One of the options discussed should make the perfect addition to your kitchen.

You can choose from stainless steel or bamboo caddies. All options include a spot to hold the chamber and plunger.

You also get storage for the stirrer, scoop, and filters.

To choose the right AeroPress stand, consider where you plan on placing it.

If you have limited space, you may want one of the more compact options or a wall-mounted caddy.

If you often spill coffee, consider getting an AeroPress stand with drip mats.

Have you used one of these AeroPress holders? Do you have another AeroPress Caddy that you’d like to recommend?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

Best Mug For AeroPress – My Top 5

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’s the best mug for AeroPress? The answer depends on your preferences.

You may want a mug that can fit in a cup holder or a mug with a handle. Mugs also come in different sizes, designs, and materials.

Yet, the ability to keep your coffee hot is likely the most important detail.

With more people needing to brew their coffee from home than ever before, a good mug is a must.

To help with your selection, let’s review five options for the best mug for AeroPress to suit any preference.

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Now I’ll take a look at each of these mugs in more detail. It’s go time!

The Best Mug For AeroPress

1. MIIR Insulated Camp Cup for Coffee or Tea

The MIIR Camp Cup is an insulated coffee mug suited for hot or cold drinks. It’s made with stainless steel but won’t leave your coffee with a metallic aftertaste.

The medical-grade stainless steel does not alter the flavor of your drink. The cup includes a spill-proof plastic lid with a little lip for lifting it off.

The MIIR cup has a capacity of 12 ounces. The capacity is more than enough for the eight ounces of coffee you can make with the AeroPress. It’s also lightweight, weighing just under nine ounces.

The exterior is covered in a powder coating. The coating adds grip and shields against nicks and cracks.

You can also choose from a variety of colors. The exterior coating is available in black, blue, red, and eight other colors.

The powder coating helps protect against scratches. Yet, it may start to chip or wear with repeated use. The handle could also break if stored with other items during travel.

Pros

  • Keeps drinks hot or cold for a long time
  • Does not leave a metallic aftertaste
  • Lightweight cup

Cons

  • Not the most durable cup
  • May not fit in cup holders
See on Amazon

2. Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug

The Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug has a stainless-steel exterior and a ceramic interior.

Drinking coffee out of a metal cup often gives your drink a metallic taste. The ceramic interior keeps your coffee pure and fresh.

This travel mug is also vacuum-insulated with a double wall of stainless steel. Vacuum insulation is commonly used on travel mugs to keep the heat in.

According to the manufacturer, the cup retains heat for up to 12 hours and keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours.

The mug also has one of the most distinct looks. The design resembles a large capsule. It’s available in five matte colors, including black, red, green, grey, and white.

The top screws off, as with a standard thermos. It’s also completely leak-proof, which is useful when traveling.

You can choose from two sizes – 12 ounces and 16 ounces. Both sizes are compatible with the AeroPress and the Prismo AeroPress attachment.

If you’re interested, you can see my post about other AeroPress accessories here.

Pros

  • Stylish design with quality insulation
  • Available in two sizes
  • Compatible with AeroPress

Cons

  • Doesn’t have a handle
  • May not fit standard cup holders
See on Amazon

3. KeepCup 12 oz Reusable Coffee Cup

The KeepCup reusable coffee cup features a unique design. The cup is made from durable tempered glass and topped with a splash-proof lid.

The lid easily pops on or off. It also includes a mouthpiece. You can drink with the lid on or off.

Glass preserves the flavor of your coffee better than other materials. Glass also tends to heat and cool quickly. It won’t keep your drink hot for hours.

Yet, the glass may remain too hot to touch for a few minutes after pouring the coffee. Luckily, the exterior includes an insulated sleeve.

The glass is also durable – until you drop it. The glass could shatter if dropped from a counter. But it’s less likely to get scratched or show signs of wear from daily use.

The cup comes in three sizes. You can get an 8-ounce, 12-ounce, or 16-ounce cup.

Pros

  • The tempered glass preserves the flavor
  • You can see how much is left through the glass
  • Includes a lid with a mouthpiece
  • Available in three sizes

Cons

  • May break if dropped
  • Doesn’t keep your drink hot for too long
See on Amazon

4. Hydro Flask 12 oz Travel Coffee Flask

The Hydro Flask is built for travel. It’s made with stainless steel and double-wall vacuum insulation. Your drink stays hot for hours.

The cup is comparable to the MIIR Camp Cup. Both options have a capacity of 12 ounces and a handle.

Instead of a powder coating on the exterior, it has a soft grip material. The rubbery material doesn’t slip in your hands.

The cup also includes a press-on lid. You can’t drink with the lid on, but it offers a secure fit to prevent spills.

The design is durable and attractive. It’s unlikely to break.

The stainless-steel interior is easy to clean, but the exterior requires extra care. Without frequent cleaning, the soft-grip material may grow mold.

You can choose from three different colors – black, olive, or stone. The lid matches the exterior. It also includes an opening, allowing you to sip coffee without taking off the lid.

Pros

  • The soft-grip material reduces the risk of dropping
  • Includes a lid with an opening for drinking
  • The durable design should hold up to repeated use

Cons

  • Not available in different sizes
  • The soft-grip material requires frequent cleaning
See on Amazon

5. THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug

The THERMOS travel mug is one of the larger recommendations, with a capacity of 16 ounces. It has a standard thermo-design, with a screw-on lid and a large handle.

The cup is shaped to fit standard cupholders. The base measures just three inches.

The interior and exterior are made with stainless steel. The double-wall design keeps the exterior cool to the touch and retains heat for hours.

You can also choose from a wide range of colors. The THERMOS Travel Mug is available in 16 different colors with a stainless-steel lid.

The lid includes rubber threads for a tight seal and leak-proof design. A drink-lock knob on the top of the lid also allows you to sip coffee without taking it off.

The bottom of the lid even has a built-in tea hook for holding teabags. If you want to brew a cup of tea and give your AeroPress a rest, you can simply hook the tea bag to the lid.

Pros

  • One of the most durable travel mugs
  • Should fit most cup holders
  • Available in a wide variety of colors
  • Keeps your drink cool for hours

Cons

  • May leave a metallic aftertaste
  • The exterior finish may wear if washed in a dishwasher
See on Amazon

Conclusion – Which is the Best Mug For AeroPress?

Finding the right coffee mug is not always easy, but you now have five great choices. Most of the options are insulated to help keep your coffee hot for hours.

To pick the best mug for AeroPress, you should first decide on the capacity.

The THERMOS travel mug and the Fellow Carter travel mug can hold 16 ounces of coffee. Most of the other recommendations have a 12-ounce capacity.

If you’re worried about the metallic taste of a metal cup, you may prefer the KeepCup coffee cup. It’s made with tempered glass and has a spill-proof lid.

The Fellow Carter mug also protects the flavor of the coffee, thanks to a ceramic interior.

The Hydro Flask and MIIR Camp Cup are perfect for those who want a cup with a handle.

Both options have press-in lids with tight fits. Yet, the Hydro Flask is better suited for travel due to its durable design.

Luckily, cost shouldn’t be a factor. All five mugs are affordable. The next step is to order a mug and test it out with your AeroPress.

Have you tried any of these mugs with your AeroPress? How did it turn out for you? Do you have a different recommendation for the best mug for AeroPress?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

Best World AeroPress Championship Recipes

The World AeroPress Championship (WAC) is definitely a unique event.

It’s a chance for coffee enthusiasts from around the world to compete against each other. And showcase their brewing skills with the AeroPress.

What better way to celebrate the brilliance of the AeroPress than its own event?

When the competition started in 2008, it featured only three competitors.

Norwegian Championship in AeroPress 2014 - tasting a competitor's coffee to see if it's one of the best world aeropress championship recipes.
Norwegian Championship in AeroPress 2014 flickr photo by pkhamre shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

Today, the WAC is a worldwide event. It attracts thousands of AeroPress fans from over 60 different countries.

The event was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. But it’s coming back with a mixture of in-person and virtual festivities.

Watch this brief video from the 2019 WAC to get a feel for what it’s like at the event.

Paying attention to the WAC allows AeroPress owners to discover great-tasting AeroPress recipes.

Want to get the most out of your AeroPress? Then check out the past 12 winners and the best World AeroPress Championship recipes.

It’s brew time!

The Best World AeroPress Championship Recipes – 2008 to 2019

Let’s start with the most recent WAC winning recipe and then work our way backwards.

Norwegian Championship in AeroPress 2014
Norwegian Championship in AeroPress 2014 flickr photo by pkhamre shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

2019 – Wendelien van Bunnik (Netherlands)

The most recent winner of the WAC, Wendelien van Bunnik, used the following steps:

Brewing Method: Inverted

  1. Use 30 grams of coarse coffee grounds and 100 grams of spa water
  2. Setup the AeroPress for the inverted method
  3. Heat the water to 197.6-degrees Fahrenheit
  4. Add the water and stir about 20 times in 10 seconds
  5. Attach the filter cap and gently press out the extra air
  6. After 40 seconds, flip the AeroPress and press the coffee
  7. Add 100 grams of water to the extracted coffee
  8. Taste and add more water until you achieve the desired strength
  9. Cool the brew down to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit and enjoy

Notes:

Bunnik used hotter water compared to most competitors.

Using a higher temperature helps dissolve the compounds. And extract more flavor from the coffee grounds.

She also gradually added water after pressing the coffee to help cool it down.

These simple steps help produce more flavorful coffee with less effort.

2018 – Carolina Ibarra Garay (USA)

For her 2018 winning recipe, Carolina Ibarra Garay used the following recipe:

Brewing Method: Inverted

  1. Use 35 grams of coarse coffee grounds and 100 grams of water
  2. Heat the water to 185 degrees Fahrenheit
  3. Rinse the filter paper with hot water
  4. Pour 100 grams of water for 30 seconds
  5. Stir the water and coffee vigorously using a pair of wooden chopsticks
  6. Add the filter cap, flip the AeroPress, and press into a glass
  7. Do not preheat the coffee cup

Notes:

Garay used a pair of wooden chopsticks for stirring. The slender shape of the chopsticks makes stirring a little more convenient.

The coffee grounds were also very coarse (8/10 on a scale of 1 to 10). Coarse coffee grounds tend to brew weaker coffee.

Depending on your preferences, you may want to use slightly finer grounds.

Norwegian Championship in AeroPress 2014
Norwegian Championship in AeroPress 2014 flickr photo by pkhamre shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

2017 – Paulina Miczka (England)

Paulina Miczka from England won the 2017 WAC, thanks to her simple recipe:

Brewing Method: Inverted

  1. Use 35 grams of coarse coffee grounds and 370 grams of water
  2. Add 150 grams of water for 15 seconds
  3. Stir the water and coffee for about 20 seconds
  4. Add the filter cap and let the AeroPress rest for about 30 seconds
  5. Flip the AeroPress and start pressing
  6. Pour the brew and add 160 to 200 grams of hot water

Notes:

The 2017 WAC winner used more water compared to other competitors.

Most of the water is added after pressing the coffee, which may taste too watery for some people.

You may want to try topping off the coffee with slightly less water.

2016 – Filip Kucharczyk (Poland)

Filip Kucharczyk won the 2016 competition using the following recipe:

Brewing Method: Inverted

  1. Use 35 grams of coarse coffee grounds and at least 250 grams of hot water
  2. Heat the water to about 177 degrees Fahrenheit (81 degrees Celsius)
  3. Pour 150 grams of water over coarse coffee grounds
  4. Stir the water and coffee for about 30 seconds
  5. Add the lid to the AeroPress and wait about one minute
  6. Flip the AeroPress, swirl the contents, and press
  7. Top off the drink with 100 to 120 grams of water

Notes:

Kucharczyk swirled the contents of the AeroPress before plunging.

Swirling the ingredients may help produce a more evenly concentrated brew. It keeps the coffee grounds from clumping.

Adding only 100 to 120 grams of water at the end also keeps the coffee from being too watered down.

Norwegian Championship in AeroPress 2014
Norwegian Championship in AeroPress 2014 flickr photo by pkhamre shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

2015 – Lukas Zahradnik (Slovakia)

Lukas Zahradnik from Slovakia used an interesting approach. Here’s the recipe he used to win the 2015 competition:

Brewing Method: Inverted

  1. Grind the coffee to a medium-fine setting
  2. Heat 230 grams of water to 174.2 degrees Fahrenheit (79 degrees Celsius)
  3. Add 60 grams of water to the coffee
  4. Wiggle the contents of the AeroPress for 15 seconds
  5. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 seconds
  6. Pour the rest of the water in 10 seconds
  7. Flip the AeroPress and press for about 45 seconds

Notes:

Zahradnik used only 60 grams of water at the start.

Most competitors start with at least 100 grams. Using less water makes the coffee more concentrated, resulting in a bolder taste.

He also wiggled the ingredients instead of stirring.

But, wiggling may not properly mix the water with the coffee. Try stirring instead of wiggling if the coffee tastes watered down.

2014 – Shuichi Sasaki (Japan)

Shuichi Sasaki was the first winner from Japan.

He’s also one of the few winners to use the normal brewing method instead of the inverted method. Here’s his recipe:

  1. Brewing Method: Normal
  2. Use 16.5 grams of medium ground coffee and 250 grams of soft mineral water
  3. Heat the water to 172 degrees Fahrenheit (78 degrees Celsius)
  4. Rinse the paper filter with warm water
  5. Add 40 grams of water to the coffee
  6. Allow the ingredients to bloom for 25 seconds
  7. Stir the contents five times
  8. Add the remaining water and stir once
  9. Press very slowly for 75 seconds

Notes:

This recipe is unique, as it involves adding water twice before you start pressing the coffee.

Instead of topping off the water after pressing, you add it all.

Sasaki also left about 45 grams of the concentrated coffee in the AeroPress.

The leftover liquid tends to contain more bitter acids, allowing you to enjoy a less bitter cup of coffee.

Norwegian Championship in AeroPress 2014
Norwegian Championship in AeroPress 2014 flickr photo by pkhamre shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

2013 – Jeff Verellen (Belgium)

Jeff Verellen is a two-time winner of the WAC.

For his second win, Verellen used a slightly different recipe compared to his first win:

Brewing Method: Normal

  1. Use 17 grams of medium-fine coffee grounds and 270 grams of water
  2. Heat the water to 174.2 degrees Fahrenheit (79 degrees Celsius)
  3. Add only 50 milliliters of water and allow to sit for 40 seconds
  4. Add the remaining water
  5. Press slowly for 30 seconds
  6. Leave about 50 grams in the AeroPress

Notes:

As with Sasaki’s 2014 recipe, Verellen left water and coffee in the AeroPress.

This ensures that you end up with less of the bitter acids in your coffee.

Verellen also used a limited amount of coffee grounds, resulting in a lighter coffee.

If you prefer a stronger brew, you could easily double the coffee to about 35 grams.

2012 – Charlene de Buysere (Belgium)

Charlene de Buysere is another winner who used a simple recipe with only a few steps.

Here’s how she prepared her winning cup of coffee:

Brewing Method: Normal

  1. Use 18.3 grams of coarse ground coffee and 250 grams of water
  2. Heat the water to 185 degrees Fahrenheit (85 degrees Celsius)
  3. Wet the filter before placing it in the AeroPress
  4. Add about 40 grams of water to the coffee and let it sit for 30 seconds
  5. Poor the rest of the water into the machine and press

Notes:

De Buysere’s recipe is comparable to the winning recipes from 2013 and 2014.

She used less coffee grounds and poured all the water into the AeroPress before pressing.

If you want to try a variation of this recipe, leave the remaining water out until after you press the coffee.

Use the extra water to top off the coffee and achieve the strength you want.

Norwegian Championship in AeroPress 2014
Norwegian Championship in AeroPress 2014 flickr photo by pkhamre shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

2011 – Jeff Verellen (Belgium)

Jeff Verellen won in 2013 with a much simpler recipe.

His 2011 recipe involved several detailed steps. Here’s a summary:

Brewing Method: Normal

  1. Rinse the paper filter in hot water
  2. Measure out 17 grams of coarsely ground coffee
  3. Heat 270 grams of water to 176 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius)
  4. Add a splash of water to the filter before pouring the coffee grounds
  5. Add about 40 grams of water
  6. Let it sit for about 30 seconds
  7. Slowly add the rest of the water
  8. Let the AeroPress steep for about one minute
  9. Start pressing the AeroPress

Notes:

Verellen also used the normal position instead of the inverted position.

You may not need to follow every step of this recipe to achieve comparable results.

For example, adding a splash of water to the filter may not make much of a difference.

2010 – Marie Hagemeister (Denmark)

Marie Hagemeister offered up a simple recipe in 2010.

This allowed her to beat out the tough competition. Here’s a closer look:

Brewing Method: Inverted

  1. Use 20 grams of coffee and water heated to 176 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius)
  2. Soak the filter paper with hot water
  3. Add the coffee grounds and slowly pour the water over it
  4. Stir for about 10 to 12 seconds
  5. Press the AeroPress and serve

Notes:

Hagemeister used finely ground coffee, which can be hard to press.

If you struggle to press the AeroPress, try using slightly more coarse coffee.

Norwegian Championship in AeroPress 2014
Norwegian Championship in AeroPress 2014 flickr photo by pkhamre shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

2009 – Lukasz Jura (Poland)

Lukasz Jura from Poland provided one of the easiest recipes to follow.

It only includes a few basic steps:

Brewing Method: Inverted

  1. Use 19.5 to 20 grams of coffee
  2. Use slightly coarse than filter grind
  3. Heat 200 milliliters of water to 167 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius)
  4. Add the coffee grounds and water
  5. Stir the ingredients four times
  6. Stop stirring, secure the filter, press, and serve

Notes:

Jura didn’t let the water and coffee sit before pressing.

If you find that the coffee tastes too weak, you may want to try letting it steep for about 30 seconds.

2008 – Anders Valde (Norway)

Unlike the previous world AeroPress championship recipes, the 2008 recipe is not available.

The WAC was still in its infancy, as this was the very first year. I’m certain they weren’t aware of how much of a global event it would become.

Luckily, AeroPress started keeping track of the recipes the following year.

Norwegian Championship in AeroPress 2014
Norwegian Championship in AeroPress 2014 flickr photo by pkhamre shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

Conclusion

So there we have the Best World AeroPress Championship Recipes! Quite a few to get through, but we did it. Together. Go team!

Want to experiment with different ways of brewing using the AeroPress? Pick one of the top competitors from the WAC and try their recipe.

I hope you found these recipes useful and give them a brew.

Have you tried one or more of these recipes? How did it turn out?

Was it worthy of a gold medal (or a gold AeroPress)? Got another recipe to suggest?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

AeroPress Vs Nespresso – Ultimate Comparison

The AeroPress and Nespresso both provide alternatives to traditional espresso.

You can brew rich, creamy coffee with minimal effort using either device. Yet, you may only have room for one new coffeemaker in your kitchen.

So, is the AeroPress better than Nespresso? Or is Nespresso better than the AeroPress?

In this post, I’ll be comparing the AeroPress to Nespresso to help with your selection. I’ll cover:

  • What is a Nespresso?
  • What is an AeroPress?
  • Brewing
  • Taste differences
  • Advantages
  • Cleaning
  • Waste
  • Cost
  • Repairs
  • Control

This should be more than enough to help you decide which one is right for your needs.

It’s AeroPress Vs Nespresso time! Let’s get to it!

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 is a Nespresso?

The Nespresso machines are single-serve coffee machines. As with the Keurig, the machine accepts individual coffee pods containing ground coffee.

The machine also contains a water reservoir and a heating element.

After inserting the pod into the machine, you press a button. The Nespresso pierces the coffee pod and starts brewing. It’s that simple.

A Nespresso machine making a cup of coffee.

The machine mirrors the function of the Keurig, but with more pressure. The high-pressure system produces coffee similar to a creamy espresso.

This is likely the main selling point of the Nespresso machines.

Each coffee pod (capsule) contains about five to seven grams of ground coffee.

The original Nespresso machines only produce two sizes of coffee. You can brew espresso (40 milliliters) and long pour (110 milliliters).

Nespresso Vertuo

In 2014, Nestle released a new line of Nespresso machines called the “Vertuo” line.

The newer machines include two new technologies for better coffee. And more brewing options.

The Nespresso Vertuo machines use “centrifusion” to spin the coffee pod at speeds up to 7,000 rpm. The machine also reads a barcode on the coffee pod.

Each blend of coffee has its own optimal settings for:

  • Temperature
  • Rotational speed
  • Infusion time
  • Water volume
  • Water flow

While the Nespresso is convenient, it is also costly and takes up counter space.

 

 

What is the AeroPress?

If you are looking for something smaller and less wasteful, you may want to check out AeroPress.

The AeroPress was released in 2005 and invented by coffee enthusiast Alan Adler. He was in search of a coffee brewing method with less acidity and bitterness.

Espresso makers and French-presses did not meet his needs. Both options offered limited control over brew time, grind size, and water temperature.

AeroPress solves these issues thanks to its unique design. It features a cylindrical chamber and a plunger that creates an airtight seal.

It resembles a large syringe that sits on top of a container.

An AeroPress chamber with plunger placed on top, sitting on a mug on a kitchen bench.

The bottom of the chamber holds a plastic filter. You add coffee grounds and hot water before stirring and closing the system.

After letting the coffee beans and water steep for up to a minute, you press the plunger to create pressure. The pressure forces the coffee through the bottom and into the cup below.

The pressure creates a concentrated coffee. It can produce about 0.35 to 0.75 bars of pressure while an espresso machine uses at least 9 bars.

It’s not quite the consistency of a true espresso. Yet, it’s more concentrated compared to coffee made using drip brewing or a French press.

 

 

AeroPress vs Nespresso – Brewing Process

The AeroPress and Nespresso machines use different brewing processes. The AeroPress is a manual device while the Nespresso is automated.

If you want a quick shot of espresso in the morning, the Nespresso has you covered. It takes seconds to insert a coffee pod and press the start button.

Depending on the size of the drink, the Nespresso can brew coffee in 30 to 60 seconds.

Here’s a video of one of the more recent Nespresso models, the Vertuo Next, in action.

The AeroPress takes longer to use. You first need to heat water to a temperature of about 200-degrees Fahrenheit.

You may also choose to grind whole coffee beans for fresh coffee, which adds more time.

For optimal results, let the water sit for at least 30 seconds before stirring and plunging.

The whole process can take several minutes to brew a cup of coffee with the AeroPress.

Both systems rely on high pressure to press the hot water through the coffee grounds. Yet, you have almost no input when using the Nespresso machines.

If you want to use a different water temperature, pressure, or brew time, you need a different machine. This is where the AeroPress shines.

AeroPress vs Nespresso – Which Tastes Better?

Both options can produce tasty coffee drinks. Yet, the AeroPress offers more control, which allows you to brew the coffee to your liking.

Fresh Ground Coffee

You may also enjoy fresher coffee with the AeroPress. The Nespresso uses pre-ground coffee contained in pods.

While the pods are sealed for freshness, the coffee grounds may not stay fresh.

AeroPress allows you to add fresh coffee grounds. You can use pre-ground coffee or buy whole coffee beans and grind them yourself.

This isn’t an option with the Nespresso.

Fresh ground coffee almost always produces a better cup of coffee.

Grinding starts the oxidation process. This unlocks the aromas and flavors of the coffee.

Yet, if the coffee grounds sit in a pod, they can start to go stale.

Grinding coffee beans also leads to the loss of oils that contribute to the sweetness of the coffee.

Allowing the coffee grounds to sit exposes the beans to moisture. This increases the loss of oils before you can brew coffee.

Contamination and CO2 depletion are also a concern when using pre-ground coffee beans.

Basically, fresh coffee tastes better and the AeroPress provides the fresher option.

AeroPress Vs Nespresso – Advantages

Nespresso

The Nespresso involves fewer steps and no manual effort.

You insert a coffee capsule, close the lid, and press a button. The machine is designed to brew a perfect espresso every time.

Nespresso machines are also affordable compared to other automated espresso machines. Traditional household espresso machines tend to cost well over $500.

A Nespresso stand with various Nespresso coffee makers and Nespresso pods on display at a department store.

The various Nespresso machines cost a fraction of the price of an espresso machine. But they still cost more compared to the AeroPress.

In a direct comparison, ease of use and speed are the only advantages of choosing the Nespresso.

AeroPress

Yes, the Nespresso Vertuo and Nespresso Original machines are quick and easy to use. But the AeroPress has many benefits:

  • Compact
  • Portable
  • More affordable
  • Produces less waste
  • Requires less maintenance
  • Less likely to break
  • Provides more control and brewing options
  • Works with almost any type of coffee
  • Has a range of 3rd party accessories available

Cost

The AeroPress is an affordable item. It retails for about 1/5 the price of the cheapest Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine.

Along with the lower upfront costs, the AeroPress may offer long-term savings.

Instead of buying costly coffee pods, you can buy your choice of coffee beans or ground coffee.

Coffee pods are sold in packages containing dozens of pods.

Depending on the size of the package, an individual Nespresso pod may cost you about $0.65 to $0.80.

Waste

The Nespresso also produces more waste. The one-time-use pods are made from aluminum, which is recyclable.

Unfortunately, the pod also contains parts that you cannot recycle.

You need to strip the pods down to recycle them, but they still produce waste.

Most people toss them in the trash (hey, prove me wrong people!), which is not environmentally friendly.

The AeroPress generates almost no waste. You can use metal reusable filters or paper filters. Paper filters are biodegradable and cheap.

Yet, if you use reusable filters, you have nothing to toss after brewing coffee with the AeroPress. Except of course the coffee itself, which you can even use in your compost.

Cleaning

The AeroPress is also easier to clean and requires less maintenance.

All you do is unscrew the components and wash them. The plunger even wipes the chamber clean to remove buildup.

A simple rinse cycle in the dishwasher on the top shelf can clean the AeroPress components, if needed.

Keeping the Nespresso clean requires more work.

You need to rinse the coffee capsule container after each use. You also need to rinse and clean the water tank before refilling.

Over time, the internal parts may accumulate calcium.

At least once per month, you may need to use a descaling liquid to clean the Nespresso machine.

Repairs

The Nespresso Vertuo is also a complex machine. It includes a variety of mechanical and electrical parts.

These parts may wear and break down, requiring you to replace the machine or have it serviced.

The AeroPress does not have any electronic components. It’s made from durable plastic materials.

You don’t have to worry about anything malfunctioning.

The parts of an AeroPress won’t last forever, though. And you could lose the filter cap or the rubber seal on the plunger, for example.

But don’t stress. You can buy individual replacement parts, without having to buy a whole new AeroPress.

Control

As the AeroPress is a manual device, you also have more control over how you want to brew your coffee. You can adjust any of the following:

  • Water temperature
  • Amount of coffee grounds
  • Amount of liquid
  • Steep time
  • Pressure
  • Brew time

You also have the freedom to use almost any type of coffee.

The AeroPress works best with fine drip grounds but can also support the espresso grind size.

Conclusion – Is AeroPress Better Than Nespresso?

The AeroPress and the Nespresso are both quality products. But they come with different features.

The Nespresso is an automated system with a one-touch operation. The AeroPress uses a plunger to manually press fresh coffee.

If you want a quick cup of coffee, the Nespresso is a convenient option.

Brewing a cup of coffee involves almost no effort. All you need to do is insert a coffee pod and press a button.

Unfortunately, keeping it clean requires more effort.

The AeroPress is more durable and easier to clean. It’s also much cheaper, produces less waste, and takes up much less space.

Everyone has different preferences. But the AeroPress stands out as a reliable choice for brewing coffee exactly how you want.

Have you tried the AeroPress and Nespresso machines and prefer one over the other?

Is there something that I missed in my comparison that you think I should add?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

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 travel tote bag.

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 AeroPress Go.

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 original AeroPress 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!

AeroPress Vs Keurig – Which Single Serve is Best?

Keurig launched its first single-cup coffee maker for consumers in 2004. The original AeroPress was released a year later in 2005.

Keurig may be more well known. But AeroPress offers several benefits over the competition, such as the many AeroPress accessories available.

It’s also less expensive and likely to last longer. Before buying a single-cup brewing system, you should compare options.

In this article, I’ll compare the AeroPress and Keurig coffee makers. I’ll compare differences such as:

  • Size & Portability
  • Efficiency
  • Versatility
  • Ease of Use
  • Maintenance & Durability
  • Price & Value, and of course
  • Taste

By the end, you should be able to decide which is right for you.

But before the AeroPress Vs Keurig thing, I’ll do a quick overview of both coffee makers. Let’s get on with it!

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 Is a Keurig?

A “Keurig” is an automatic coffee maker. It was invented in the 1990s by a Massachusetts entrepreneur.

Keurig sold its coffee makers to offices before releasing products for household use.

A Keurig uses small coffee pods called K-Cups that you insert into the machine. Each pod produces one cup of coffee.

It’s for this reason that they’re know as “single serve” coffee machines.

A commercial Keurig coffee maker - K3000

After inserting the K-Cup and starting the machine, it punctures the pod with a needle. Then it heats some water and pumps it through the pod to brew the coffee.

These machines became popular because they are easy to use. It’s a one-touch system.

You insert the K-Cup into the machine and press a button. Your coffee is ready within about 45 to 90 seconds.

One of the most popular models for home use is the Keurig K-Mini.

 

If you haven’t seen how a Keurig works, what rock have you been hiding under?! Watch this quick promo video from the people themselves:

Bear in mind, this is just one of many different models available. But I’m sure you get the idea now.

Now on to the AeroPress!

What Is an AeroPress?

An AeroPress is a simple device used to make great-tasting coffee. It’s comparable to a French press but easier to use.

The AeroPress is a manual press that includes a cylinder-shaped chamber and a plunger.

You place coffee grounds in the bottom of the cylinder on top of a paper filter. Then you pour hot water over the coffee grounds and mixed for several seconds.

The plunger is then inserted into the top of the cylinder. As you plunge, the device presses the hot coffee through the paper filter and into your cup.

An AeroPress that has been pressed sitting on a mug on a kitchen bench.

As with the Keurig, you use the AeroPress to brew a single cup of coffee.

The standard AeroPress can hold 10 ounces of liquid. It has a slightly larger capacity compared to the Keurig.

The AeroPress can brew a cup of coffee in about 30 seconds, which is quicker compared to the Keurig.

It’s quicker, but you still need to heat the water before preparing your coffee.

 

The water needs to reach a temperature of 175 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Heating the water adds a few minutes to the brewing process.

Watch this 20 second video for a quick tutorial. And there’s nothing wrong with your speakers, there’s no sound on this one.

Great! We’ve got the overviews out of the way.

Now, here’s a closer look at AeroPress vs Keurig to help you find the right coffee maker. Let’s get to it!

AeroPress vs Keurig – The Comparison

The AeroPress and Keurig devices brew single cups of coffee. But they’re vastly different products.

Here’s a comparison of how the main features stack up.

Size and Portability

Keurig coffee makers are not portable or designed for travel. The company released the Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker, which is the smallest Keurig yet.

It measures five inches wide and weighs less than six pounds.

Yet, it still requires AC power. You need to plug it into an electrical outlet to brew a cup of coffee.

The original AeroPress has a diameter of 4.22 inches and measures 5.26 inches tall. It is a compact device that you can pack up and take with you.

If you’re looking for a travel coffee maker, check out the AeroPress Go. It has a diameter of 3.6 inches and measures just 4.6 inches tall.

It’s small enough to fit in a standard cup holder, but only holds 8 ounces instead of 10 ounces.

Efficiency

The Keurig is designed to use K-Cup pods. Each pod contains a single serving of coffee.

You can find tricks and hacks for reusing K-Cup pods. Unfortunately, most people toss the pods after each use.

Eight Keurig K-Cups scattered on a flat surface.

K-cups are made with plastic, paper, and organic materials. They’re recyclable, but you need to take the pods apart before throwing them into the recycling bin.

There’s some change in more recent years though, with Keurig releasing their own reusable k-cup. This is a good start to dealing with the waste issue!

 

Make sure you check before you purchase any Keurig reusable coffee filters that they’re compatible with your Keurig Coffee Maker.

To see how to use the My K-Cup Universal Reusable Ground Coffee Filter, watch this short video.

The AeroPress produces less waste. It works with disposable coffee filters designed specifically for the device.

The filters are more environmentally friendly compared to the K-Cup pods. This is because they contain only paper and no throw-away plastic.

AeroPress paper filters are also reusable and biodegradable.

The Keurig is also less energy efficient due to its need for electricity.

The AeroPress is a manual device. You don’t need to plug it in and it won’t increase your electricity bill.

Versatility

The AeroPress stands out as the more versatile option. It’s a manual press, which gives you more control over the brewing process.

You can press the plunger for more than 30 seconds or add more coffee grounds to make the coffee a little stronger.

Using the AeroPress provides greater temperature control as well. You can heat water on the stovetop or in an electric kettle to the temperature that you prefer.

Only a select few Keurig devices include a temperature control option.

The AeroPress also provides more variety when shopping for coffee. You don’t need to buy K-Cups.

You can buy packages of pre-ground coffee or whole coffee beans. You can also likely continue using your favorite coffee brands.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is the one area where Keurig has the AeroPress beat.

You just need to ensure that the water reservoir has enough water, add the K-Cup, and press the start button. Within 90 seconds, you’ll have a fresh, hot cup of coffee.

A Keurig Coffee Maker brewing a cup of coffee from a K-Cup.

The AeroPress involves a little more work.

You first need to heat the water. If you use a stovetop, heating water can take five to ten minutes.

After adding the coffee grounds and water to the AeroPress, you need to press for about 30 seconds.

Pressing a button involves less effort compared to heating water and using a plunger.

If you don’t want to deal with heating water in the morning, the Keurig is the simplest solution.

Maintenance and Durability

If you plan on using your new coffee maker daily, the AeroPress is likely to hold up longer. You don’t need to worry about electrical or mechanical parts failing.

It consists of a plunger and a chamber made from durable BPA-free plastic.

Cleaning the AeroPress is as simple as rinsing the plunger and chamber under the faucet.

You should also occasionally remove the rubber seal from the plunger and wash the parts with warm water and dish soap.

Taking care of a Keurig requires more work.

You need to clean the tray, water basin, lid, and K-Cup holder often.

You also need to dust the surface and soak the water reservoir with a solution of water and baking soda.

Keurig also recommends that you brew a solution of water and vinegar. Do this at least once every few months to cleanse the interior of the system.

While you can operate the Keurig with a single touch of a button, keeping it clean takes more time.

Watch this video for one example of cleaning that is required. Cleaning the needles.

While not difficult, it’s definitely an extra step.

Price and Value

Keurig coffee makers retail for about $80 to $250, as they also have commercial models. Here’s the Keurig K115 Office Pro:

 

An AeroPress costs between $30 and $40.

Along with the price of the product, you should consider the cost of using it.

AeroPress works with almost any coffee grounds and requires some type of filter. You can use disposable paper or re-usable metal filters.

Keurig coffee makers need K-Cup pods. Each pod is a single serving. If you drink one cup per day, you need 30 pods to cover one month.

(But you could always do as suggested about and purchase a reusable coffee filter. I highly recommend doing it this way.)

Depending on the quality of coffee that you buy, AeroPress is likely to be the more affordable choice.

A 32-pack of K-Cup pods retails for between $15 and $20.

A decent 12-ounce bag of ground coffee costs a little under $15 and can make about 62 cups of coffee.

The paper filters for the AeroPress are also inexpensive and come in packs of 350. You may only need to buy filters once or twice per year.

Which One Tastes Better?

You can buy K-Cups filled with premium coffee or use high-end coffee with your AeroPress. You can also buy inexpensive coffee for either product.

If you use paper filters, I think the AeroPress produces better-tasting coffee. The paper filters help remove oils and sediment that add to the bitterness of the coffee.

You get a smoother cup of coffee.

A cup of coffee that has just been brewed with an AeroPress.

AeroPress also has the advantage of letting you brew the coffee stronger or lighter.

The Keurig K-Cups are prefilled, keeping you from adjusting the strength of the coffee. Although, some more recent Keurig models apparently let you adjust the strength of your brew.

So which tastes better?

Personally, I prefer a brew with the AeroPress. You might prefer a brew with the Keurig. Neither is right nor wrong.

They each produce a different brew. Experiment until you find what it is that you prefer.

AeroPress vs Keurig – Which Is the Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker?

Keurig

Keurig coffee makers are reliable devices and easy to use, but they’re not for everyone.

Keurig machines don’t offer flexibility or portability. You put a K-Cup in the Keurig and let it handle the rest.

The K-Cups are also expensive, especially if you’re a heavy coffee drinker. Drinking two cups per day could cost you over $30 per month.

Using single-serving K-Cups produces more waste. While you can recycle the cups, you need to separate the pod components.

Unfortunately, most people are more likely to toss the cups in the trash. Please prove me wrong!

AeroPress

The AeroPress works best with disposable paper filters. The filters are typically biodegradable, which makes them a greener solution.

You can brew your coffee, yet you choose and use almost any coffee grounds.

As it’s a manual press, you can take your AeroPress anywhere. It’s the perfect size to take camping or on a business trip.

In fact, I’ve done this myself several times.

AeroPress Vs Keurig – Conclusion

In the end, the Keurig is easier to operate. Yet the AeroPress provides greater versatility and (in my opinion) a better cup of coffee.

Have you used both coffee makers and prefer one over the other?

Have you found a Keurig coffee maker that you think is better than your AeroPress?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

Best Coffee Beans For AeroPress – My Top 5

Before the AeroPress, you had to use a French press for a superior cup of coffee at home.

Both devices keep the tiny bits of coffee grounds out of your coffee. You get a richer, smoother coffee with less bitterness.

Compared to the French press, the AeroPress is easier to use. The only hard part is choosing the right coffee beans.

Want to make the most out of your new device?

Check out my five best coffee beans for AeroPress and a few tips for comparing your options. Let’s get to it!

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.

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

How Do I Choose AeroPress Coffee Beans?

While the AeroPress works well, you need quality coffee beans to brew quality coffee.

Buying whole coffee beans and grinding them yourself produces the best results.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the time to grind beans first thing in the morning.

If you want a quick caffeine fix, use pre-ground coffee beans with the AeroPress. You can make one to three cups in about a minute.

Along with choosing between whole beans and ground coffee, pay attention to:

  • Variety of coffee bean
  • Grind size
  • Type of roast

As with wine, the variety of coffee beans that you choose influences its taste and aroma.

Coffee beans are grown around the world and each region produces distinct characteristics.

Which Coffee Bean Is Better For AeroPress – Arabica Or Robusta?

You’ve got two main options – arabica and robusta coffee beans.

Arabica

Most artisan blends use arabica beans. The low acidity of arabica beans produces a lighter, more delicate flavor.

It is the ideal choice for AeroPress but also tends to cost a little more.

A hand holding some Arabica beans, generally considered the best coffee beans for AeroPress.

Robusta

Robusta beans are hardy and easy to grow in harsh climates. This makes them less expensive and more common in low-cost coffees.

The name brand, budget coffees at the grocery store typically use robusta beans.

These beans are more acidic, which gives the coffee a distinctive bitter flavor.

If you’re interested to learn more about the differences between Arabica and Robusta, watch this video.

The Right Grind Size For AeroPress

The grind size is important when buying pre-ground coffee.

The AeroPress works best with finely ground coffee. A finer grind gives the coffee a richer flavor.

Coffees with a finer grind may be labeled as “fine drip” coffee.

If you buy whole beans, you can experiment with grind sizes to find the right consistency.

Avoid choosing a coffee that is super fine, such as the espresso grind. The AeroPress struggles to push water through super-fine coffee grounds.

Which Roast For AeroPress?

Coffee beans also come in a variety of roasts, from light roast to dark roast.

A medium roast can be more acidic and bitter compared to darker or lighter roasts.

The darkest roasts are often used for espresso and still contain some bitterness. The lighter roasts have a mild flavor.

If you’re used to using a drip coffee maker, you may want to choose a lighter roast compared to your typical choice.

Using a coffee press makes the coffee a bit stronger and darker. If you prefer a medium-dark roast, try a medium roast.

Should I Use Espresso Beans for AeroPress?

The AeroPress cannot make true espresso shots as it’s not an espresso machine.

Espresso is a brewing method instead of a type of coffee bean. Espresso machines rely on pressure to create the signature espresso flavor.

The typical espresso machine uses 9 bars (about 640 pounds) of pressure.

The AeroPress produces about 0.35 to 0.75 bars (25 to 50 pounds) of pressure.

Espresso machines also use superfine coffee grounds instead of fine drip coffees.

The grind size is called “espresso grind.” Using an espresso grind in the AeroPress is almost impossible.

So, you can’t use “espresso beans” for the AeroPress, but you can make an espresso-like coffee.

Use a fine drip dark roast coffee and plunge the AeroPress rapidly when brewing. You should get a drink that comes close to resembling an espresso shot.

What Are the Best Coffee Beans for AeroPress?

Here are my top five recommendations for the best coffee beans for AeroPress.

1. Volcanica Ethiopian Whole Bean Coffee

 

At the top of the list is a single-origin coffee, which means that the beans come from a single source. The Volcanica Ethiopian Coffee comes only from the Yirgacheffe region.

Overview

  • Whole beans
  • 100% arabica beans
  • Single-origin coffee
  • Medium/light roast

The coffee is known for its strong floral notes and citrus flavors. It’s made with 100% arabica beans.

The one drawback is having to grind the coffee beans before brewing a cup. It’s a small price to pay to enjoy fresher coffee.

Volcanica is also a socially responsible company. The beans are organically grown and harvested. They’re also chemical and pesticide-free.

The Volcanica Ethiopian Coffee is recommended for those who enjoy a medium roast. The coffee comes in a medium/light roast, which tastes more like a medium roast with the AeroPress.

The AeroPress helps bring out the subtle flavors in the Volcanica Ethiopian coffee. This gives it a fuller flavor with an earthier aroma.

The aroma contains hints of lemon, blueberry, and blackberry, but it’s not overpowering.

2. Coffee Bros Colombian Decaf Whole Bean Coffee

 

If you’re looking to ditch caffeine, try Coffee Bros Colombian Decaf. The company sells high-quality whole bean decaf coffee made with 100% arabica beans.

Overview

  • Whole beans
  • 100% arabica beans
  • Single-origin coffee
  • Decaf roast

Coffee Bros was started by two brothers in 2019. It remains a small operation, which allows them to put more care into their products.

The company’s decaf is made with single-origin coffee beans.

The beans are grown in Colombia and carefully roasted in small batches. The coffee beans are then packaged in minutes to lock in the flavor.

Each package comes with 12 ounces of coffee grounds. It’s also one of the more affordable options, especially if you drink a lot of decaf.

This decaf is a great choice for the morning or afternoon.

The medium roast coffee beans contain flavors of graham crackers and semi-sweet chocolate. It’s a little bit like drinking smores.

3. Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee – Breakfast Blend

 

Bizzy Organic specializes in cold brew coffee.

The company offers a variety of roasts, including a breakfast blend. The breakfast blend is a medium/light roast.

Overview

  • Ground coffee
  • 100% arabica beans
  • Blended instead of single-origin coffee
  • Breakfast Blend (light)

The coffee is coarsely ground instead of finely ground.

The coarse coffee grinds work better when using the AeroPress for cold brewing. It’s more difficult for the device to press finely ground coffee without hot water.

Bizzy uses a special process designed specifically for cold brewing. The coarse coffee grounds are sifted to ensure that you get a more consistent flavor.

Unlike the other choices, the Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee features a blend of beans.

This blend is made with 100% arabica beans sourced from several countries. The coffee beans come from Peru, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

While it’s meant for cold brewing, you could also use this coffee with hot water. The flavor may not be as smooth and rich, but it’s still an enjoyable cup of coffee.

4. Tiny Footprint Coffee – Nicaragua Segovia

 

Tiny Footprint Coffee’s Nicaragua Segovia is the best option for making espresso-like drinks with the AeroPress.

It’s a dark roast coffee with a hint of chocolate and other flavors.

Overview

  • Whole beans or ground
  • 100% arabica beans
  • Single-origin coffee
  • Dark roast

You can buy Nicaragua Segovia in whole beans or pre-ground beans. The ground beans cost a little less and work well in the AeroPress.

Brewing the dark roast in the AeroPress produces a very dark, bold coffee. It comes close to an espresso flavor and has notes of figs, apricots, and spices.

The 100% arabica coffee beans come from a single source in Nicaragua. The beans are carefully roasted using fuel-efficient burners.

Tiny Footprint Coffee is also a carbon-negative product.

The company donates funds to reforestation efforts in the rainforests. This is one of the only carbon-negative coffees available.

5. Lifeboost Medium Roast Ground Coffee

 

The Lifeboost medium roast coffee is a low-acidity coffee. It’s perfect for those who hate the bitter aftertaste of coffee.

Overview

  • Whole beans or ground
  • 100% arabica beans
  • Single-origin coffee
  • Medium roast

Lifeboost sells whole bean and ground coffee. Yet ground coffee saves time and costs the same.

Lifeboost is committed to socially responsible practices. The coffee beans are tested by a third party for mycotoxins and pesticides.

As with most of the recommendations, Lifeboost sells single-origin coffee. The 100% arabica beans are grown in the mounts of Central America.

The coffee is smooth and rich when brewed with the AeroPress. The low acid content of the coffee also makes it easier on your stomach.

Lifeboost also stands behind the quality of its products. If you’re not completely satisfied, you can return the bag within 30 days for a refund.

Conclusion

You should have no problem brewing the best AeroPress coffee with one of these five choices.

Volcanica stands out as the best overall choice thanks to its rich flavor. Lifeboost and Tiny Footprint Coffee are great choices for pre-ground coffee.

Choose Bizzy Organic Coffee for cold brewing and Coffee Bros for decaf. If you’re looking for something different, try some of the other roasts from these companies.

Have you tried any of these coffee beans and agree/disagree with my opinion? Do you have a favorite coffee bean for the AeroPress that you want to share?

Can you recommend some beans that you know other coffee lovers would love to know about?

Leave a comment below. Stay caffeinated!

AeroPress Inverted Vs Normal – Genuine Results

So you’ve gotten used to your AeroPress. You would’ve noticed that there’s many unique methods for using it. One of those methods is the inverted method.

In this article, I’ll discuss the ins and outs of the AeroPress inverted vs normal method.

I’ll give a brief overview of what the differences between the two methods are and cover the pros (and cons) of each.

Finally, I’ll look at what AeroPress themselves say about the two methods. That way, you can decide for yourself whether AeroPress inverted or normal is right for you.

Please note that the inverted method comes with increased risks. If not done correctly, it can spill and you can burn yourself or others with hot coffee. Please take extra care when using this method.

It’s time for AeroPress Inverted Vs Normal Method! Let’s do this!

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.

AeroPress Inverted Vs Normal: What’s the Difference?

Normal Method

Chances are, you know the steps to normal AeroPress brewing.

  1. Put the filter in the cap and attach the cap to the chamber,
  2. stand the chamber on your mug,
  3. add the grounds evenly,
  4. add hot water and stir,
  5. let it sit,
  6. and then finally press the plunger down.

Inverted Method

The inverted method is only a bit different. True to its name, you make the coffee upside-down, so when you begin, the plunger is on the bottom.

  1. Insert the filter, but don’t attach the cap yet,
  2. insert the plunger into the chamber,
  3. stand the whole thing up with the plunger on the bottom and the chamber balancing on top of it,
  4. add grounds and then add a little bit of water and stir,
  5. wait 30 seconds,
  6. add the rest of the water and then let sit for a couple minutes,
  7. slightly wet the paper filter inside the cap (so that it sticks) and attach the cap,
  8. flip the whole thing over onto your mug so that the cap and chamber are sitting on the mug and the plunger is on top,
  9. press the coffee like normal.

The inverted method typically requires longer brew times. It gives coffee drinkers greater control by extending the brew time.

There are several video and illustrated tutorials for both methods of AeroPress brewing. Check these out to make sure you’re doing everything right!

AeroPress Inverted or Normal: The Difference in Taste

I still haven’t gotten to the issue of taste. Why use the inverted method in the first place, if the coffee doesn’t taste different?

The inverted method does yield a slightly different tasting cup of coffee. Most users report that their coffee has a denser and more full-bodied flavor.

This is mainly due to the fact that the grounds have a longer extraction time with the inverted method. They also achieve full immersion, further enhancing the flavor.

So, if you’re a hardcore coffee drinker who likes that thick, almost bitter taste, inverted might be the way to go.

AeroPress Inverted Vs Normal: Pros & Cons

Now we’re getting into the fun stuff! Here’s the good and the bad. The strengths and weaknesses. The plusses and minuses. Let’s go!

Pros of the AeroPress Inverted Method

  • The standard method can leak or brew too fast. If you want to slow down your brew time to maximize taste extraction, use the inverted method. It will also prevent under-brewed coffee from leaking through the filter.
  • Full immersion. This is one of the reasons why your inverted coffee tastes different. Full immersion means all the grounds touch the water throughout the brewing process.
  • More advanced. It’s more advanced and so harnesses the power of science for a thicker, more bitter, dense cup of coffee.
  • Something different. If you’ve been brewing with AeroPress for a while now, the novelty may have worn off. It doesn’t have to. The inverted method can give you an opportunity to experiment and try something new.
  • Feel like a rebel. If not a rebel, then at least feel like an expert! The AeroPress comes with instructions for the normal method. But the inverted method is something of an insider’s secret. While even the normal method is impressive to behold, the inverted is even more so.

An inverted AeroPress with coffee brewing inside filled all the way to the top.

Pros of the AeroPress Normal Method

  • It’s easier. Even though you likely won’t spill any coffee with the inverted method, the normal method is easier. This is especially important if you’re new to using an AeroPress. When you’re still getting used to it, we recognize it can be a little intimidating.
  • Easier to use with a reusable filter. Not all filters are going to work as well for the inverted method. Especially some reusable filters. Reusable filters are more environmentally friendly than the paper versions. And if you’ve already made this switch, you might not want to go back.
  • You can use the plunger to slow brew time and prevent leakage instead. Insert the plunger a half inch into the chamber while brewing. This allow the grounds to sit in the water for a longer amount of time. You get most of the benefits with less of the fuss.
  • Less risk. There’s more of a risk of burns with the inverted method, so normal is safer.

Inside an AeroPress chamber with coffee brewing inside.

What Does AeroPress Say?

The AeroPress comes with instructions for brewing coffee using the normal method only. But this doesn’t mean that AeroPress hates inversion.

As we discussed above, though, they recommend using the normal method instead.

AeroPress says on their website (in the FAQ section) that a lot of people prefer the inverted method. Yet they only endorse the normal method.

This is because the inverted method makes their product a bit trickier to use. And it increases the risk of spillage or burns.

That said, many brew-masters have won or placed in coffee competitions using the inverted method. So they prefer it, too.

The AeroPress Fellow Prismo attachment lets you brew full immersion coffee without inverting. It was designed to use the AeroPress to brew espresso.

If you like the taste of inverted but not the added hassle, this is a great accessory. Even if you’re not an espresso drinker.

You can read more about it in my review here, or check out some other AeroPress accessories.

Other Ways to Revolutionize Your Brew

There are other ways to brew an amazing cup of coffee with AeroPress besides choosing between AeroPress inverted or normal. Here are a few bonus tips:

  • The daily grind. Your grind size matters. Read up on what grind size means for flavor and brew times.
  • Slow and easy. The amount of time you take to plunge your coffee with AeroPress can also impact the flavor. Slower is better, but not too slow. Whatever your current plunge time, try slowing it down and see what kind of a difference that makes.
  • Dilute your coffee (without diluting flavor). Another change to try is making a small amount of coffee (espresso style) and then adding hot water for a full cup.
  • Try some AeroPress accessories. There’s various AeroPress accessories available that can improve your life with your AeroPress. Check some of them out here.
  • Have fun and make it your own. You have so many options and opportunities to customize with an AeroPress coffeemaker. So, make it a hobby (what an amazing way to start your day!). Experiment with small tweaks as well as big changes, such as inverted versus normal. You might even become a master yourself.

Conclusion – AeroPress Inverted Vs Normal

At the end of the day, the perfect cup of coffee is the one that you enjoy the most. No matter the type, source, coffee beans, grind size, or brew method.

That said, the only way to know for sure what you like best, is to try everything.

So experiment with the AeroPress inverted or normal method. Make an informed decision, and then go with it every day.

Which method do you prefer? Why? Have you created your own unique brewing method with the AeroPress?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

AeroPress Metal Filter Vs Paper – Is There a Big Difference?

The AeroPress doesn’t look much like a traditional coffee maker, and that’s because it’s not. It’s much better.

It was created by a Stanford University engineering lecturer, Alan Adler. He applied his lifetime of learning to solve the dilemma of how to brew coffee quickly. And also decrease bitterness.

Since its creation, many third-party companies have begun selling their own AeroPress accessories. This includes different filters.

In this article, I’m going to be comparing two different filter methods for the AeroPress. You probably already guessed which methods from the title.

That’s right – it’s AeroPress Metal Filter Vs Paper time! Let’s do this!

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.

How To AeroPress

I’ll come back to the AeroPress filters shortly, but first let’s quickly look at how to AeroPress.

The AeroPress includes a BPA-free polypropylene chamber and plunger. Users put a filter in the bottom of the chamber, add fine ground coffee on top, and then pour hot water over the coffee.

They then stir the water and coffee, and push down the plunger to force the brewed coffee through the filter.

It creates about 30 pounds of resistance. It’s this pressure that extracts flavor from the coffee.

This results in a delicious, smooth, strong cup of coffee. It’s roughly the same concentration as traditional espresso.

 

How Is It Different?

AeroPress coffee has a higher pH level than coffee made in a drip coffeemaker. This means it’s less acidic.

It also takes about 30-60 seconds to prepare a cup of coffee the AeroPress way. Talk about fast!

You can use the AeroPress to make American-style, espresso-style, or cold brew coffee. And it’s quick and easy.

Clean-up is as simple as preparation. It’s also durable and cheap, making it a favorite of coffee lovers around the world.

AeroPress Fans

A lot of people who make their coffee in the AeroPress really, really like it. It’s fair to say that this is a coffeemaker with a cult following.

There’s even a World AeroPress Championship that’s held every year since it launched in 2008. 2020 was an exception, for obvious reasons.

Read this recent post to see the best World AeroPress Championship Recipes from previous years.

It started in Oslo, Norway, but has since been held in Australia, the UK, the US, Italy, & Korea. In 2021, the event will be held in many different countries. Check this page for updates.

With any tech or gadgets that have a loyal following, there are strong opinions about it. The AeroPress and AeroPress-brewed coffee are no different.

One of the controversies is between paper and metal filter disks. Which option produces better coffee? Read on to learn more about the best AeroPress filters for your needs and wants.

a close up of an AeroPress paper filter.

Which Is Better – Metal Or Paper?

The very short answer is that AeroPress metal filters let more oils through. This results in coffee with more body (and a few extra grounds).

Paper filters allow higher pressure and a cleaner brew, but also less body.

One of the benefits about the AeroPress, though, is you can swap between paper and metal filters with ease. So if you want to use a particular filter to enhance a particular bean or brew, go right ahead!

AeroPress Metal Filters

To break it down further, there are a few different kinds of metal filters for the AeroPress. They all have their own unique properties and characteristics.

Following is a list of some different metal filters available. These aren’t necessarily the best metal filters for AeroPress, though. Let’s take a quick look at them now.

Kaffeologie S-Filter:

 

This is the original mesh filter made for AeroPress coffee makers.

The filter is manufactured from 316 stainless steel, so it’s corrosion-resistant. It’s made with very fine mesh – 100,000 holes per square inch – so you can use very fine coffee grounds with this filter.

The Kaffeologie filter produces a brew that’s like French press coffee and doesn’t let any grounds through. It’s sturdy and durable.

Fellow Prismo for AeroPress:

 

The Fellow Prismo is actually way more than a filter. This device includes a pressure-activated valve with a screw cap and a metal filter.

The valve remains sealed until you press the plunger on the AeroPress. Once pressed, it increases the pressure in the chamber.

You get a cup of coffee that’s like authentic espresso.

Able Disk/Able Disk Fine:

 

The Able Disks are made from single pieces of photo-etched stainless steel.

The disks have no rims. This means that no coffee grounds get caught in the rims. Also, the rims themselves can’t damage the AeroPress chamber or plunger.

The standard disk produces a full-bodied cup of coffee with a few grounds. The fine disk produces sweet, clean coffee with no grounds.

The fine disk is thinner and more delicate, but both are metal and, so, “more delicate” is a relative term.

CremaCraft Classic Filter:

 

The CremaCraft is a medium-fine filter. It’s made with one-piece stainless steel construction and 250-micron filtration. It was designed to reduce clogging.

It produces a full-bodied cup of coffee with a bit of sediment and a creamy mouthfeel.

Altura The Ultra Filter:

 

Altura The Ultra filter is made of stainless steel ultra-fine mesh fabric (15 microns). So even though it’s metal, it actually produces a cup of coffee that’s like one made with a paper filter.

It also allows for an inverted brew, which most other metal filters don’t.

Although the mesh is ultra-fine, it allows coffee oils through for a creamier, fuller brew.

AeroPress Paper Filters

Paper filters prevent any grounds from making it into your coffee. And they produce a very clean, fresh-tasting brew.

They absorb most of the coffee oils, so coffee brewed with a paper filter is lighter. It’s close to the texture of tea brewed from tea bags, which makes a lot of sense when you think about it.

Let’s take a quick look at your options for paper filters for the AeroPress.

Official AeroPress Paper Filters

 

The AeroPress Micro Filters come in a pack of 350, so one box will last several months. Of course this depends on how many people in your house drink coffee (and how much).

I realise some people may be thinking about the sustainability of AeroPress metal filters vs. paper filters. You should know that the paper filters are biodegradable and compostable.

According to AeroPress UK, you can also rinse and reuse a paper filter. This is something I’ve been doing for some time now without a noticeable difference to my cup.

2Pour Non-Bleached Paper Filters

 

These paper filters are made by the same company that makes the 2Pour accessory for the AeroPress. They’re non-bleached, vegan friendly and suitable for use with the AeroPress and AeroPress Go.

After receiving customer feedback, the good people at 2Pour listened. In September of 2019, they increased the diameter of their paper filters to better fit the AeroPress.

The four-pack shown here is the best value option for the 2Pour paper filters by far.

Aesir Paper Filters

 

Aesir Paper Filters for the AeroPress are definitely premium. They’re thicker than the standard AeroPress paper filters and have smaller pore sizes.

They’re also low-absorbent. This means that more of the natural coffee oils end up where they should be. In your cup.

Coming in a pack of 100, many comments on Amazon mention the price as being a bit steep. But considering they’re regarded as the best paper filters on the market, they’re worth it!

Why not give them a go and see why they’re the choice of so many World AeroPress Champions.

Other Considerations

Does AeroPress Filter Out Cafestol?

The AeroPress paper filters do filter out diterpenes such as cafestol and kahweol. Whether this is a good or bad thing is still up in the air, though.

There’s research that shows that diterpenes in coffee can raise LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and total cholesterol levels.

There’s other research that shows that diterpenes have antioxidant properties and may reduce oxidative stress on the liver.

If you have health concerns, you should think about the effects of cafestol and kahweol. It may impact your decision about which kind of AeroPress filter you want to use.

How Do You Clean an AeroPress Metal Filter?

Cleaning an AeroPress metal filter isn’t difficult. But it’s another step after the brew process.

You’ll need to remove the filter from the AeroPress instead of discarding it with the grounds, as you would do with a paper filter.

Rinse any remaining grounds from the filter, or knock them into the trash or compost.

Most of the metal filters available are made from stainless steel. So they don’t keep oils or odors and it’s not necessary to wash them thoroughly every time. Still, you’ll have to do it at least once in a while.

The best way is to use mild soap and plenty of fresh water to ensure that all traces of soap are completely removed. Air-dry the filter and you’re good to go.

Which Is Cheaper?

Metal Filters

A Fellow Prismo metal filter and filter cap.
A metal filter is one up-front cost of between $10 and $30, depending on which filter you choose.

Ideally, you won’t ever need to buy another one. But in real life, filters get bent, clogged, or tossed in the trash.

Paper Filters

Paper filters are cheaper in the beginning. But you’ll need to buy new filters when you run out, unlike the reusable metal filters.

The filters are cheap enough, though (they’re paper, after all!). It’s mostly a wash, and that the cost will not be a sticking point for most people.

Conclusion: AeroPress Metal Filter Vs Paper

So should you buy an AeroPress metal filter or paper filters?

Our conclusion is that they’re both great in their own ways. It comes down to what type of coffee you prefer.

Metal filters let more of the coffee oils and molecules through. They produce coffee that’s full-flavored, rich, and creamy but may have a little sediment.

Paper filters create a very clean brew. They produce coffee that’s sweet, fruity, and low in acid but may taste a bit thin.

For what it’s worth, AeroPress themselves writes:

“We were originally planning to include a metal filter with each AeroPress but when we conducted blind taste tests comparing paper filtered coffee with metal filtered coffee, the paper filtered coffee always won… That said, while we think that paper filters brew better tasting coffee, taste is certainly personal so people should brew their coffee the way it tastes best to them.”

Since neither the paper filters nor the metal filters are expensive, it makes the most sense to me to have both. Decide which one best suits the character of the coffee beans you’re using at that time.

Just remember this if you switch back and forth between paper filters and metal filters. Be sure not to absent-mindedly dump the metal filter into the trash or compost as you would with a paper one!

What’s your experience been like with metal filters or paper filters for the AeroPress?

Is there one type you prefer over the other? Or do you have a certain brand filter that you love? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!

Best Metal Filter For AeroPress – The Top 5 Popular Choices

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.

If you brew your morning cup of coffee with an AeroPress coffee maker, well done.

You’re already enjoying one of the best homemade cups of coffee in the world. What could make it better?

The answer is a reusable metal filter.

Metal filters allow more of the delicious oils that infuse so much flavor and aroma into the coffee. There are other benefits of using a metal filter, as well.

First, I’ll detail what some of those payoffs are. Then, I’ll review five of the most popular metal filters on the market right now.

If you’re in a hurry, I’ll list them here for you now.

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

 

By the time you’re done on this page, you’ll know exactly how to choose the best metal filter for AeroPress. Lets go!

Why Switch to a Metal Filter?

There are many reasons to switch from using paper filters to a reusable filter.

For an in-depth look at how metal and paper filters differ, read my article here.

Let’s look at some of these reasons now.

Environment

First is, of course, the environmental impact.

Any time you can cut waste, it makes a difference. Little things add up toward making a greener planet.

If everyone reduced their use of single-use paper products, that would make a huge impact.

Chemicals

For your own sake, the paper filters could also contain chemicals that you don’t want in your body.

AeroPress has tested all their products for safety. This is certain.

But there’s still a chance of added substances from dying or manufacturing the paper.

Taste

The other biggest reason to make the switch is because of the taste of the coffee.

The paper filters sometimes don’t allow all the oils from the coffee grounds to go through and into your cup.

These oils contain a ton of flavor, and you want them in your coffee.

It’s so obvious that you’ll notice a difference in the taste as soon as you switch away from paper filters.

One of the best metal filters for AeroPress - close-up of an aeropress metal mesh filter

Portability

One of the best features of the AeroPress in the first place is its portability. You can take it with you anywhere.

With a reusable metal filter, you don’t have to worry about bringing extra items along anymore.

It’s easier than carrying the paper filters.

Money

You can also plan to save money over time by not having to continue buying the disposable filters.

For that to work, though, you need to make sure you buy the best metal filter for AeroPress that you can.

Let’s take a look at five of the best metal filters on the market right now that are compatible with AeroPress.

I’ve given my opinion of what I like best about each particular filter at the end of the section.

Which Is The Best Metal Filter For AeroPress?

1. Able Disk (standard and fine)

The Able Disk is made of stainless steel and manufactured in the United States.

Both models—the standard and the fine—were designed to work with the AeroPress coffee maker.

So there’s no issue with compatibility or fit.

Able Disk allows some of the oils from the coffee bean to come through, which paper filters catch.

This enhances the taste of your coffee.

 

Choosing between the fine and standard models depends on:

  • what kind of grounds you use, and
  • how you like your coffee to taste.

The fine will give you a sweeter, cleaner cup of coffee, while the standard yields a fuller-bodied brew.

The standard is also more durable since it is thicker.

They are available to purchase as a set or separately.

The Able Disk is best for coffee drinkers who want to vary their grind size (buy the set).

It’s also an easy-to-use and cheap option.

2. Altura the Mesh

This coffee filter comes with a 90-day money-back satisfaction guarantee. And a lifetime warranty.

This speaks volumes about the confidence that the company has in its product.

Like the Able Disk, Altura the Mesh lets some of those delicious coffee oils shine through.

 

It’s also perfect for making coffee with many types of grinds and flavors:

  • fine grind,
  • larger grind,
  • espresso, and
  • Turkish coffee.

Altura the Mesh is easy to clean. You only need to rinse it.

It’s also quite cheap, retailing at under $10.

Altura Mesh is great for coffee fans who want something durable and cheap.

Because of its lifetime warranty, it’s a great first brand.

3. Altura the ULTRA

From the same makers as Altura the Mesh, Altura the ULTRA is a newer model filter for the AeroPress coffee maker. It’s also made of stainless steel.

Like the Mesh, you can use it with all grind sizes and types of coffee. And it also lets through the flavor-enhancing oils that the paper filters block.

The Ultra lets you filter the coffee using AeroPress’s two methods: normal and inverted.

Typically, a reusable filter only allows the inverted method.

 

Altura offers the same satisfaction guarantee and warranty on the Ultra.

It even applies to staining—if your Ultra stains, give them a call to arrange for a new filter.

It’s available for about the same price as the Mesh.

It comes with a free e-book about using the AeroPress, which contains recipes, tips, and more.

Altura the Ultra is great for new AeroPress users as it comes with the free e-book. It’s also great for those who need durability.

4. CAFÉ CONCETTO

You can buy Café Concetto filters for either a fine or super-fine grind.

The finer the filter, the sweeter and smoother the coffee will be.

Café Concetto filters travel well. They fit inside the filter cap for easy portability.

This is helpful if you plan to take your AeroPress with you on camping trips or other excursions.

Or the type of places that you could misplace small pieces.

Like most of the other filters on this list, the Café Concetto models are stainless steel.

But they’re also coated in titanium. This gives them extra protection and likely prolongs their lifespan.

 

Like Altura, Café Concetto offers a lifetime warranty on their filters.

One of the more fun features of the Café Concetto is that it comes in a few different colors.

These include rose gold and even rainbow.

While this won’t enhance the flavor of your coffee, it does make brewing on a dreary morning more fun.

Café Concetto is great for a coffee drinker looking to add some style as well as flavor to their coffee.

5. ameuus 01/02 filters (with drying rack)

With ameuus, you don’t only get filters that yield great coffee.

You also get a unique drying stand that none of the others on the list have.

The dryer solves a common complaint about metal filters.

This is that when they don’t dry completely, they get slimy and gross.

The set is also easier to clean.

All you need to do is rub the two filters together under running water and then stick them in the drying rack.

It comes with a carrying case, making it easy to travel.

 

Both ameuus filters offer many of the same features as the others on this list.

They yield a superior cup of coffee that lets those delicious oils shine.

The set comes with two different filters, so you can customize according to your grind for the day.

ameuus makes its filters with food grade stainless steel.

They also claim to have done extensive testing and research on their product.

These tests show that ameuus beats most of its competition.

Not only because of its mesh design, but also because of the way the edges are designed.

What’s more, you can feel good about your ameuus filter.

It was funded with Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Almost 1,000 supporters helped get the product off the ground.

The downside? The ameuus set is more expensive than the others on this list. But you get more bang for your buck.

We recommend ameuus for coffee addicts who want to customize their coffee. And those who are neat freaks, as well.

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Metal Filter

We love all five of the options above. But some are better than others for specific types of coffee drinkers.

To help you choose one, we’ve compiled a list of questions.

Ask yourself these questions as you read through the choices above one more time.

  • What kind of coffee do you like? If you don’t drink very fine ground coffee, then you don’t need to care as much about grind size compatibility.
  • Do you plan to travel with your AeroPress? If so, where? Depending on if and where you take your filter, you may want something more durable. Or with a lifetime warranty.
  • How much can you spend? While all the options on this list are pretty cheap and don’t vary too much in price, some are cheaper than others.
  • Do looks matter to you? Some of the filters on the list are rather fancy and flashy. That might be your thing (or it might be something you want to avoid).

There’s a few things to consider.

But if you stick to the list above, you can be sure that you’ll choose the best metal filter for AeroPress available.

Conclusion

Have you tried any of these AeroPress metal filters? How was your experience?

Have you tried a different metal filter for AeroPress that you’d like to recommend?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

AeroPress Vs Chemex – Which Is Best For You?

Coffee has evolved. Gone are the days when the countertop coffee machine drips average coffee into the large pot.

Even single-cup machines, the most popular being Keurig, are going out of style.

Now, there are so many options for the expert brewer, and coffee lovers are demanding a better brew.

Two of the most popular machines on the market right now are the AeroPress and the Chemex. But which one is right for you?

In this article, I’ll give you an in-depth comparison and highlight the features of each one.

By the end, I guarantee you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

It’s AeroPress Vs Chemex time. Let’s get to it!

What Is The AeroPress?

Before we can compare and contrast the features of each, let’s look at how each of these coffeemakers work.

The AeroPress is quite an ingenious little invention. It’s the brainchild of Alan Adler, a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University.

The AeroPress works by simplifying the science of espresso.

You make espresso by exerting lots of pressure on water as it passes through grounds.

Of course, this is an oversimplification. But who wants an advanced physics lesson right now?

In contrast, a variety of electric coffee makers use gravity to pass hot water through grounds.

The AeroPress uses hand pressure by using a plunger to force the hot water through the grounds.

The process couldn’t be simpler:

  1. you put the filter in the cap,
  2. twist the cap onto the chamber (a cylindrical tube),
  3. put the chamber over your mug or cup,
  4. add your ground coffee,
  5. add your water,
  6. stir,
  7. put the plunger on top through the chamber and press gently.

It only requires the pressure of one hand, and voila! Your perfect cup of coffee is ready in about a minute.

 

What’s So Special About Chemex? Is it Hard to Use?

The Chemex has been around a lot longer than the AeroPress, since 1941. This advanced coffee maker is made out of glass.

It has a sleek hourglass shape with a wood collar that you can leave out on the countertop.

It’s so beautiful, in fact, that it has a home in the Corning Museum of Glass in New York.

The hourglass design isn’t about looks, though. It’s part of the science behind the amazing coffee it produces.

It’s also why some other modern coffee makers have copied the Chemex design.

To make coffee with the Chemex:

  1. insert a filter (according to instructions) into the Chemex,
  2. add grounds to the filter,
  3. pour the appropriate amount of water over the grounds,
  4. toss out the filter, and
  5. enjoy your perfect cup of coffee.

To get a more in-depth look at how to use a Chemex, watch this video:

It takes a bit longer than the AeroPress because of the slow pour. But we’re talking a difference of seconds, not minutes.

The main thing that makes Chemex unique, besides its method (which is essentially drip coffee with more control and care), is its filter.

It’s 30% thicker than normal coffee filters. That means that it filters out even more of the “stuff” that adversely impacts the taste of coffee.

That said, buying the right filters is going to be very important to getting the most out of your Chemex.

 

AeroPress Vs Chemex – What Kind of Coffee Can They Make?

AeroPress

The AeroPress is very versatile. It can make regular hot coffee (drip), cold brew, and espresso-style.

Chemex

The Chemex can also make iced coffee. Although you’ll still need hot water for the brewing and actual ice in the body of the Chemex.

You can also make espresso-style. You use an espresso grind and less water.

What Do You Need to Work Them?

This is an important question if you plan to take your beloved coffee maker on the go.

Particularly if you plan to take it camping. Lots of outdoors-men and women like their coffee models to come with them on the trail.

AeroPress

The AeroPress doesn’t need electricity.

If you want to make hot coffee or espresso-style, you’ll need a way to heat your water.

But if cold brew is fine with you, you don’t need anything but a mug or cup.

 

A close-up of making coffee in a Chemex coffee maker.

Chemex

The Chemex is like the AeroPress in that you don’t need anything but hot water and a filter to work it.

But, given that it’s made of glass, it doesn’t travel well (even though it is thick, durable glass).

That said, the Chemex is much more visually appealing, so storing it in plain sight is more palatable.

Its glass might also be more durable in the long-term than the plastic AeroPress.

AeroPress Vs Chemex – Environmental Concerns

What kind of impact do these coffee makers have on the environment?

Great question! A lot of us are trying to reduce the footprint we make on the earth.

AeroPress

The AeroPress requires disposable, one-time-use filters.

That said, you can buy a metal filter that you can use over and over instead. Though good ones cost almost as much as the AeroPress itself.

Which Chemex filter is best?

The Chemex uses paper filters, but you can also buy a reusable Chemex filter.

Although you want to make sure it has the same filtering degree as the disposable ones. That’s part of what makes Chemex unique.

In the end, it’s best to buy your filters from Chemex because the filters are such an important part of the process.

Another added environmental bonus of the Chemex is that it’s plastic-free.

Many people work hard to reduce plastic in their lives, even reusable plastic. If that’s your thing, Chemex fits the bill.

 

Some of the things you need to complete one fo the Fellow Prismo recipes - an AeroPress with Fellow Prismo, coffee cup and coffee scoop sitting on a kitchen bench.

Maintenance

No matter where or when you’ll use your new coffeemaker, I doubt you’re looking to do a lot of clean-up.

AeroPress

The AeroPress is very easy to clean.

You only need to rinse each of the parts. No soap required.

Sometimes, you may want to take the end of the plunger off and clean it.

And the chamber may need a deeper clean every once in a while. But other than that, it needs minimal maintenance.

Chemex

In some ways, the Chemex is easier to clean, since it’s only one piece after you discard the filter.

Remove the wooden collar and wash with soap and water, or you can put it in the dishwasher.

 

A Chemex coffee maker with coffee dripping through the paper filter.

How Much Will They Set Me Back?

AeroPress

The AeroPress retails for about $30. But they can run a bit more depending on if you buy a model that comes with accessories or a carry case.

Also, you’ll need to keep buying disposable filters, which aren’t that expensive. When bought from AeroPress, they cost about $5 for 250 filters.

Chemex

The Chemex isn’t much more expensive. The standard three-cup model retails for just under $40.

The filters are pricier, though. Most retail for just under $10 for 100 filters.

Neither AeroPress or Chemex sell reusable filters on their websites. But they are available from other retailers, including Amazon.

For the AeroPress, they start at around $10. But given that this isn’t an item you want to skimp on, the better models run around $20 to $25.

A good reusable filter for Chemex is more expensive, around $30.

 

AeroPress and all accessories laid out on bench

AeroPress Vs Chemex – Which One Makes the Better Cup of Coffee?

This is what you came here for in the first place, isn’t it?

With the AeroPress, you get a delicious, smooth cup of coffee. It boasts low acidity and guarantees no grit (a common complaint among French press users).

The Chemex isn’t much different in those regards, actually.

Chemex coffee is also free from grit and has low acidity, due to its extra-thick filter.

The filter also removes other properties such as oils, giving the coffee a pure taste.

 

A view of the top a Chemex coffee maker with wet coffee grounds sitting in filter.

That said, some people like the depth those oils provide, in which case, the Chemex may not be their best choice.

As an added flavor bonus, you can refrigerate leftover coffee and drink it later. Either cold or reheated, it will keep its flavor.

Some people might notice a flavor difference because of the materials used.

Plastic does have the chance to impart added flavors to the coffee, making it less pure.

The AeroPress is made from plastic that’s completely BPA- and phthalate-free.

But some will still insist that nothing but glass can impart a clean, pure taste.

AeroPress Vs Chemex – Which One Should You Buy?

So which will it be? As you may have anticipated, the right coffee maker comes down to your needs.

Do you have an active lifestyle and want to take your coffee maker on the go with you?

Then AeroPress is the obvious choice.

It might also be better for coffee addicts in more chaotic settings, such as a house with kids or a college dorm.

Since it’s made of plastic, it won’t break as easily.

Homeowners who prefer elegance and a simple-looking design may favor the Chemex.

It makes a beautiful addition to any kitchen and is sure to impress guests.

If lifestyle isn’t enough to help you make up your mind, consider personality!

Are you an innovative, cutting edge individual who always knows about new technologies?

Do you impress your friends with the latest gadget?

If so, AeroPress may fit the bill better.

Or, do you prefer classic design and tried and true methods?

Would some call you a purist?

Is your home inviting yet elegant?

If so, then the Chemex would make a perfect addition to your sleek kitchen, not to mention lifestyle.

Have you tried both of these coffee makers? Did you have a different opinion about either of them?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

Best Coffee Makers For Camping – My Memorable Top 5

There’s no reason to skip your morning cup of coffee when camping. In fact, the smell of coffee brewing out in the wild is one of the best parts of a morning in nature.

But what’s the best way to make coffee at your campsite? There are so many options for making coffee when camping.

Let’s look at some of the best coffee makers for camping available right now.

I’ll break down some of the pros and cons of five of the top options and finish off with my recommendation.

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 Best Coffee Makers For Camping?

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

 

AeroPress

The AeroPress is a favorite among campers for many reasons. It’s very small, compact, and lightweight, weighing less than a pound.

This makes it a perfect option for backpacking, as well. It’s easy to use and makes delicious coffee.

So you don’t have to be an expert on how to make coffee when camping to get your morning (or afternoon or evening!) caffeine fix.

The grounds don’t sit in the water for long (as they do with a French press), so the coffee generally tastes less bitter.

Users also rave about the flavor of AeroPress coffee.

The AeroPress makes coffee by the cup, so you don’t have to worry about making too much.

And everyone can make their own custom brew to their taste and strength preferences.

It’s versatile, too, since you can also use it to make espresso-style coffee besides regular coffee.

While made out of plastic, it’s BPA free, and very durable. It stands up to dents and does not break easily, perfect for a long hike or a lot of use.

It’s easy to clean: the used grounds are compacted into a disk that you can usually discard at your site. And just need to rinse the AeroPress.

The AeroPress comes with paper filters. But there are also reusable metal filters available that are better for camping. This is because you don’t have to worry about producing waste.

You’ll need something to boil water in to use the AeroPress. But in some ways this makes it even more versatile.

This is because you can use any cooking vessel that you’re already bringing with you. And don’t have to worry about carrying heavy or bulky equipment.

Pros:

  • Lightweight, durable and compact
  • Easy to clean
  • Can use a reusable metal filter

Cons:

  • Not most suitable for large groups
  • Need to boil water separately

Hario V60

The Hario V60 is a consistent favorite camping coffee maker for many reasons.

First is the taste of the coffee it makes—many campers love the smooth flavor.

And the manufacturer describes it as “umami,”. This is that elusive element of flavor best described in English as savory.

It’s also easy to customize your cup of coffee. You can pour the water over the grounds quickly for a lighter taste, or more slowly for a deeper, stronger brew.

That way, everyone in your party can have a customized cup of coffee.

It’s also one of the most inexpensive options on this list. And it’s very lightweight, weighing less than a pound.

It’s small, although its shape is a bit awkward for carrying. Like the AeroPress, the Hario V60 requires a filter. And some users note that they have to be specially ordered.

That said, you can buy a reusable cloth filter, though that won’t be the easiest item to clean while camping.

Like the AeroPress, you need a separate contraption in which to heat the water. It’ll also need to be something that is easy to pour from.

This is because the rate at which you add water to the Hario V60 has a great deal to do with the flavor of the coffee. This makes it a bit less easy to use compared to the AeroPress.

Pros:

  • More control over the brewing process
  • One of the cheapest options
  • Small and lightweight

Cons:

  • Need to carry filters
  • Need to boil water separately
  • Need some knowledge of correct technique

Bialetti Moka Pot

Newer isn’t always better, and the Bialetti Moka Pot is testament to that fact, on and off the trail.

The Bialetti Moka Pot is a great option for campers. And it’s an especially versatile item, since you can use it every day, at home and at the campsite.

It’s available in a variety of sizes, from one cup all the way up to 12 cups, perfect if you have to supply a crowd. But the smaller model is usually better for camping since it’s easy to carry.

This is especially important if you’re camping somewhere that isn’t accessible by vehicle.

As a camping coffee maker, the ease of use is especially important. It doesn’t need any measuring, and it’s fast.

If taste is important to you, the Bialetti might be your best option. It’s great for preserving the flavor notes of the coffee beans you use.

Its simple cleaning process also makes it good for camping.

All byproducts are completely biodegradable and earth-friendly. This is something the Bialetti company prides itself on.

What’s more, it only requires water to clean. In fact, you’re not supposed to clean your Bialetti with soap.

The more you use it, the better it tastes, and that makes it a simple camp coffee maker.

You’ll need some kind of heat source for the Bialetti. But it’ll work on whatever stove or cooktop you use for anything else while camping.

While it makes espresso, you can use fewer grounds for regular coffee.

Pros:

  • Good option for small or large groups
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Easy to clean

Cons:

  • Larger models aren’t compact
  • Takes longer compared to other options

GSI Percolator

Want a classic camping coffee percolator? The GSI is a great option.

One of the best things about this product is actually the way it looks.

It’s blue with white speckles. And you might recognize it from countless movies and classic shots of campers.

It isn’t only the look that makes this a great option for campers. The GSI is hardy.

It’s made of steel and the enamel finish is kiln-fired, making it resistant to chips and scratches.

At the same time, it’s lightweight, weighing only about a pound. Although it’s much less compact than other models on this list.

How’s the coffee? Pretty darn good, actually. One of the best things about the GSI is the even heating, for a consistent, delicious cup of coffee.

Because of the even heating, you can use the GSI on many heating sources, from camp stoves to a grate on an open flame.

It’s also fast, so you can get your day started quickly.

Pros:

  • Iconic style and appearance
  • Chip and scratch resistant
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • Bulky and not very compact
  • Takes longer compared to other options

Wacaco Nanopresso

The Wacaco Nanopresso is a unique little gadget used to make espresso on the go.

Don’t let its size deceive you. This camp coffee maker produces divine espresso, complete with perfect crema. Every single time.

If taste matters more to you than anything else, the Wacaco Nanopresso might be your best bet.

It’s so delicious that you may even replace your home espresso maker.

One of the best features of this product is its size and shape. It’s tiny, only about six inches long; it fits into the palm of your hand.

Unlike some of the other options on this list, its compact shape makes it easy to stick in your backpack. It weighs less than a pound, too.

One of the neat things about this model is that it’s hand-operated, so you don’t need batteries or a power source.

It does need a little muscle, although newer models are easier to use than in the past.

One of the downsides of the Wacaco Nanopresso, though, is that it has a lot of little parts that you have to clean.

Needless to say, this is less than ideal at camping grounds, and they can be easily lost.

It’s also one of the most expensive options on this list. So you’ll want to do your research and make sure it meets your needs before purchasing.

Pros:

  • Claims to create enough pressure to make genuine espresso
  • Very compact and lightweight
  • No electricity needed

Cons:

  • Need to clean many little parts
  • Expensive compared to other options
  • Needs strength for creating pressure

What About A Coffee Grinder For Camping?

The easiest solution here is to travel with coffee that’s already ground, either in the store or at home.

But for those of us that need fresh-ground coffee, there are portable options.

There’s several on the market. But for the best hand coffee grinder for camping, look for something lightweight and durable.

You don’t want anything with a lot of little parts or that’s too bulky or large. You also may want to consider whether you have control over the grind itself.

Take a look at my post on the best hand coffee grinder for camping here.

Conclusion

So, which is the best coffee maker for camping?

In large part, that depends on your needs. Consider how often you camp, how many people you’re brewing for, and other personal factors.

All in all, though, the AeroPress is one of the most popular and is the favorite on this list.

A man in the wilderness pressing an AeroPress, one of the best coffee makers for camping.
It checks so many boxes, since it’s lightweight, compact, durable, and travels well.

You can use it to make coffee for a crowd or only for one. Most importantly, it makes a mean cup of coffee.

Whichever camp coffee maker or camping coffee percolator you choose, don’t forget the most important thing.

Enjoy your time in the great outdoors!

As always, use extreme care and caution whenever you use fire or a heat source.

Have you tried any of these camp coffee makers when you’ve gone camping? Do you have a different suggestion for the best coffee maker for camping?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

How To Make Coffee When Camping – Simple And Painless

There’s nothing like a warm cup of coffee in the morning. It doesn’t matter where you are; if you’re a coffee drinker, you have to have it.

That includes when you’re on a camping trip, of course.

Coffee may even be more essential in this setting, as sleeping on the ground isn’t too comfortable.

Person lying down on the ground with mountains in the background.

So in this post, I’m going to look at how to make coffee when camping. I’ll cover:

  • how to boil water while camping,
  • how to make coffee on a camp stove,
  • how to make coffee without a campfire,
  • cowboy coffee, and
  • some products to help you make coffee while camping.

Even when roughing it in the wilderness, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or even ease when it comes to your coffee.

There are many methods and tools to use to make a delicious cup of coffee, no matter where you’re waking up.

The most rugged, back-to-nature method of making camping coffee is cowboy coffee.

And I describe how to go about that process in this post (keep reading).

But I’ve have also included some more practical methods for the modern camper.

And recommend some tried-and-true camping tools for the perfect cup.

Who knows, you may even end up adopting your camping coffee practices at home.

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.

How To Boil Water While Camping

One essential element to coffee is hot water: there’s no way around it. Luckily, there are lots of ways to boil water while camping.

The most obvious method is the old-fashioned way. Light a good, classic campfire and boil your water over that.

A campfire burning surrounded by stones.

It’s how humans have done it for millennia. So it’s great for connecting to your distant ancestors, if that’s something you’re seeking.

Also, it reduces the amount of stuff that you need to carry to your campsite.

Almost everything you need for a good campfire can be found along the trail.

What Do You Need?

The one item you need to make sure that you bring is some kind of receptacle for your water, some kind of pot or pan.

If you have to walk to your campsite, you can use the same pot or pan that you use to cook your food. This will cut your packing list.

Before you light your fire, make sure that you have something that your pot can rest upon. You can find a few larger rocks to create a stable base.

Make sure that you have also collected plenty of fuel and kindling to keep the fire going.

Also, review important fire safety advisories before lighting a fire at your campsite. Have a method to put the fire out quickly, should the need arise.

You can even gather your water from a lake or river. You’ll need to filter it through something to remove the large sediments.

And make sure that you bring it to a rolling boil for at least three minutes. Talk about getting back to nature!

There are other methods to boil water while out in nature that don’t involve a fire, as well.

I discuss those below in the section, “How To Make Coffee Without A Campfire,” so keep reading!

How To Make Coffee When Camping – On A Camp Stove

A camp stove is a great alternative to a fire. It might even be essential.

Black and white image of a gooseneck kettle on a portable gas camping stove, which is one way how to make coffee when camping.

Sometimes, when it is very dry or windy in your region, park officials will ban campfires.

This is because of the risk that the fire will catch and become a forest fire.

Or, sometimes campers don’t want to go to the trouble of building a fire every time they need some heat.

Many regular campers swear by their camp stoves as an essential tool.

What Do You Need?

To make coffee on a camping stove, you’ll need some kind of kettle or other receptacle in which to boil your water.

Once the water is boiling, you add it to the grounds. You can use a French press to do this or try making cowboy coffee (described below).

You can also use a camping percolator, which is a specific tool for making coffee.

You could also use a percolator over an open flame, as long as it’s designed for it.

A bonus to using a percolator, you can still buy the classic blue with white speckles model that’s so iconic.

A coffee percolator that's blue with white speckles sitting on a portable camping stove.

There are many propane-powered camping stoves and cooking systems available. And some of them are quite lightweight.

Check out product reviews and talk to fellow camping enthusiasts to find the right one for you.

How To Make Coffee Without A Campfire

Any experienced camper will tell you that a campfire is no simple undertaking.

  1. It takes careful management.
  2. It’s one of the most important things you’ll do to be a good steward of the environment where you’re camping.
  3. It also takes time to build the kind of heat needed to boil water or cook food.

Taking all that into consideration, you mightn’t want to light a fire first thing when you wake up.

Especially if you don’t need it to cook and are planning to be away from your site for most of the morning.

One other simple method for how to make coffee when camping is to use a kettle on a camping stove. This was touched on above.

If you’re not planning on using the stove for anything but coffee, you can also get a propane-powered kettle.

These are smaller and more compact, making it much easier to bring to your campsite.

The Ghillie Camping Kettle

Another popular option is the Ghillie Camping Kettle. This is especially great if you don’t want to carry propane with you.

All you need to do is:

  1. add some water to the kettle,
  2. add some kindling to the base of the kettle,
  3. light a fire inside the kettle itself, and
  4. use anything you can find (leaves, twigs, paper, and other similar items) to fuel the flame.

To see exactly how the Ghillie Camping Kettle works, watch this video (it’s also got some of the best commentary heard in a YouTube video ever):

Finally, if your car can go with you to your site, you can use your car’s power. Some kettles are designed to plug into your car’s outlet.

Some people might consider this cheating. But necessity is the mother of invention, after all.

If none of the options I’ve covered so far interest you, there’s always cowboy coffee.

What Is Cowboy Coffee?

Many aspects of the rugged cowboy have become the stuff of legend. This includes their morning drink of choice.

A cowboy holding a cup of coffee.

As all coffee is made by distilling coffee beans into a liquid, what makes cowboy coffee unique?

It boils down to the method of preparation.

Cowboy coffee is made over an open flame without:

  • fancy equipment,
  • electricity, or
  • a filter.

You can also add either salt or eggshells, but these ingredients aren’t necessary.

Eggshells In Coffee?

Hang on a sec… eggshells?! Yes, you read right. Eggshells!

A close-up of several cracked and empty eggshells.

I can hear you asking right now “What on earth would adding eggshells to coffee achieve”?

Well according to cowboys, it helps neutralize the acid in coffee. This improves the taste and helps get rid of the bitterness.

Them cowboys are pretty smart fellas!

How To Make Cowboy Coffee

To make it, boil your water over your campfire. Once boiled, pour it over your coffee grounds and add either a little bit of salt or crushed eggshells.

For the best extraction, the grounds should be coarse.

You can use whatever (reasonable) water-to-grounds ratio you want. Of course, this depends on the desired strength of your coffee.

Let it sit for a couple minutes, then give it a stir. Then, let it sit for a couple more.

If the grounds aren’t settling to the bottom, pour a little cold water over them.

Then pour out the liquid slowly to cut the amount of grounds in your cup. Enjoy!

To see exactly how cowboy Kent Rollins makes cowboy coffee, watch this:

Some Helpful Tools And Products For Camping Coffee

Okay, it’s time to admit that very few of us are actual cowboys.

And as rugged as cowboy coffee may make you feel, there are also easier ways to go about getting your brew in the wild.

I discussed a couple of options above. But let’s take a look next at some of the other products available for camping coffee.

The Aeropress:

Black and white image of person showing how to make coffee when cmaping with an AeroPress coffee maker.

The Aeropress coffee maker is a great option for how to make coffee when camping.

It’s very highly rated and recommended by experienced campers and camping organizations.

It’s easy to use at all steps of the process, from preparation to clean-up.

It’s even easy to discard the coffee grounds, which can be a process while camping.

The Aeropress is very lightweight, so it’s very convenient if you have to walk to your campsite.

It’s also durable, something that all campers have to keep in mind. It’s also very affordable.

Moka Pot:

A Bialetti moka pot sitting on a portable gas burner.

The Aeropress can make espresso-style coffee. But moka pots are designed for this purpose.

Moka pots are popular products in Europe, but have become more common in other parts of the world, too.

Their small, portable nature makes them great for camping.

Many well-known and well-trusted brands, such as Bialetti, make moka pots. The GSI is made for campers, as is EuroLux.

Hario V60:

Pouring hot water from a Hario Buono kettle into a Hario V60, sitting on a coffee mug. This is another way how to make coffee when camping.

The Hario V60 is the last model that I’ll talk about in this section.

The V60 is one of the least expensive options. But nonetheless users report that the coffee is high quality and tastes great.

It’s a coffee dripper. A filter is placed over a receptacle (often the cup itself) with grounds in it, and hot water is slowly poured over it.

As the water makes its way through the grounds, it’s flavored by the coffee bean grounds.

This results in a delicious cup of coffee. While delicious, the slow pour and setup need a bit more work than other options on this list.

Conclusion

In this post, I’ve covered various ways that show you how to make coffee when camping. I hope that you’ve learnt a thing or two.

Make sure you tell your friends about the eggshells.

If you have a different way you like to make coffee or something that I could improve with my suggested methods, let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!

AeroPress Vs Espresso – An Intriguing Comparison

There are so many ways to make amazing coffee. For example, you can use a traditional drip pot, a single-cup brewer, a Moka Pot, or an AeroPress.

But there’s only one true way to get authentic espresso, and that’s with an espresso machine. Or is there?

In this post, I’m going to cover how AeroPress coffee stacks up against espresso coffee.

That’s right. It’s time for another almighty battle royale: AeroPress Vs Espresso. Keep reading to see how they compare!

How Does an Espresso Machine Work?

If you’ve ever been to a coffee shop, you know what an espresso machine looks like. The espresso machine was built around 1884.

Since it was dreamt of and brought to life in Italy, espresso is a very common drink in many Italian cities.

A commercial espresso machine inside a coffee shop.

 

Thankfully, Italy didn’t keep this beautiful creation all to themselves.

In an espresso machine, hot water’s forced through the portafilter containing the espresso puck. The water’s pushed through the coffee grounds by a mechanical lever.

The person making the coffee presses this down. It can also be done through steam, pistons, pumps, or air.

Espresso machines also heat the water for your beverage for you. They can have a tank where cool water is stored or they can connect to a cold water line.

The cold water line connection is the most common in commercial operations.

Could you imagine if the barista had to get a pitcher of water to refill the machine after every few shots? People would be rioting, and I’d be one of them!

To see a short but in-depth video of how an espresso machine works, watch this video:

What Are The Differences Between AeroPress And Espresso?

The main difference between the AeroPress and the espresso machine is how the coffee’s prepared.

Espresso

Firstly, the coffee beans have to be ground shortly before they’re used. Using pre-ground beans often results in a milder, or even bitter, flavor.

The ground coffee is inserted into the portafilter. Then you have to take a tamp to compress the grounds.

I’m not talking about a few taps to make sure that it’s even. You’ve got to put some elbow grease into tamping down the grounds.

Close up of a man using a coffee tamper to tamp espresso grounds in an espresso machine portafilter.

Why Do You Need To Tamp Coffee?

Tamping is important in the production of espresso.

When grounds are well compressed, it slows down the rate that the water flows through the grounds.

A slower flow will result in more oils and flavor being pulled from the grounds and landing in your glass.

If you don’t tamp down the coffee grounds, the water could flow through the grounds too fast. This doesn’t extract as much flavor and caffeine from the grounds.

This would result in a “dead shot,” which is an amusing way to say subpar espresso.

Espresso machines also tend to come with a steaming wand.

A steaming wand is essential for steaming milk for drinks such as lattes and flat whites.

AeroPress

Now that I’ve mentioned how an espresso machine works, I’m realizing that the two machines work in a similar manner.

An AeroPress is a handy coffee maker that utilizes your brute strength to produce a hot cup of coffee.

With an AeroPress, there’s one chamber. This chamber contains a filter, usually made of paper, and a plunger.

To use it, it’s very simple:

  1. put your coffee grounds in the AeroPress after inserting the filter.
  2. fill the chamber up with hot water and give it a stir.
  3. once the hot water is in there, insert the plunger into the chamber.
  4. with the plunger inserted, press down on the plunger.

This forces the hot water to pass through the coffee grounds. After a short push on the plunger, you’ve got a nice, hot cup of coffee.

Close up of a latte glass with some coffee with a bit of crema inside.

 

Lovers of the AeroPress enjoy that the coffee has a smoother taste than if they used a drip or single-cup brewer.

I agree, but I also love that I can have a cup of coffee in no time.

A lot of the “fancier” pour-over coffee methods take so much time to set up and get right. I can’t deal with that.

When I wake up in the morning, I need my caffeine coursing through my veins as soon as possible.

Does AeroPress Taste Like Espresso?

No, but that’s because of a couple of different reasons.

The recommended coffee beans used in each method are different.

Coffee beans meant for espresso are roasted longer. This gives the brewed coffee a strong flavor.

Traditional coffee beans aren’t roasted as long. This results in a smoother and milder flavor compared to espresso.

But what if we brewed with each method using the same beans?

They’re also very different brewing methods. So their methods of coffee extraction are quite different.

Espresso uses far more pressure than you can typically get with an AeroPress.

While there’s likely more than these, these differences alone are enough to produce a variance in taste.

Can I Use One In Place Of The Other?

So the AeroPress and espresso machine have similar methods to create hot coffee.

But can you use an AeroPress to make espresso? Or use an espresso machine to make traditional coffee?

To make the battle of AeroPress Vs Espresso complete, I’ll need to investigate this further.

If you’ve already got an espresso machine, you might be wondering if you can make traditional coffee with it.

A standard espresso machine makes two one-ounce espresso glasses worth of espresso.

If you were trying to make regular coffee with an espresso machine, you’d have to run the machine about four times. This would fill an eight-ounce mug.

On the flip side, you could use your AeroPress to make espresso if you did it right.

Using Your AeroPress For Espresso

Is AeroPress good for espresso? While that’s not its intended use, a lot of AeroPress users say that their coffee tastes like a cross between brewed coffee and espresso.

Espresso Beans

One of the most important parts of making espresso is to get the beans right.

Some people say: “If you use standard coffee beans, you’re making coffee. If you use espresso beans, you’re making espresso.”

But it’s not actually that simple. Espresso is a brewing method, so you can’t just buy “espresso beans” to brew espresso coffee.

We want to make espresso-style in our AeroPressSo let’s use an espresso grind. This will make it taste as close as possible to espresso.

The grind size is very fine for espresso. If you don’t own your own grinder, you can try buying pre-ground at the local grocery store.

If you can’t find any at the grocery store, stop by a local coffee shop. They often have bags of espresso-grind coffee beans for sale.

Grinding Your Beans

As mentioned earlier, you shouldn’t grind coffee beans until they’re ready for use.

This keeps all the beautiful flavor and aroma inside of the bean and streamlines it into your cup.

Ideally, you will grind the beans at home right before you use them.

If your coffee grinder is adjustable, use the finest setting possible. You want to turn your beans into dust.

If you don’t have your own coffee grinder yet, I highly recommend investing in one.

I reviewed several hand coffee grinders that work best with the AeroPress recently. You can read my post about it here.

If you don’t have a grinder available and it isn’t in your budget to buy one, you can buy pre-ground beans.

Don’t worry; the coffee gods won’t strike you down if you use pre-ground coffee! But you won’t have as rich of a flavor to your espresso.

Brewing With Your AeroPress

Now, take your espresso grind and pour it into your AeroPress.

You’re going to need one AeroPress scoop (18 grams) of fine ground coffee beans.

Before adding any water at all, insert the plunger. Force the plunger down until it makes contact with the coffee grounds.

Give the plunger a few firm pushes to tamp down the coffee grounds.

Once you’ve tamped down the coffee grounds, pull the plunger out of the chamber. It’s time to add the water now.

Since you’re making espresso, you won’t need as much water as you would if you were brewing a cup of coffee.

Close up of a coffee cup with some coffee with a slight crema present, after following one of the Fellow Prismo recipes.

 

The Final Step

Pour two to four ounces of almost boiling water into the AeroPress. With the hot water in place, insert the plunger into the AeroPress.

Now, this is usually where we put all our strength and might into forcing the plunger down. Today, we’re taking a different procedure.

Allow the hot water to sit on the grounds for about a minute.

I know that when you’re craving caffeine, a minute feels like a lifetime. But I promise you that you can hold out for 60 seconds.

Once the minute is up, begin pressing your plunger downwards. You want to use steady pressure, but you don’t have to slam the plunger down.

You may notice the liquid coming out of your AeroPress is more syrupy than usual. And that’s great.

After you’ve pushed all the water through your ground coffee, you now have espresso-style coffee made at home.

Can you make espresso without a machine? Technically no… but you just proved you can get pretty darn close!

AeroPress Vs Espresso – The Verdict

So you’ve proven that you can make espresso-style without an espresso machine. Now I bet you’re thinking that you can live without one, right?

But there is one thing that an espresso machine has that no other coffee maker does: a steaming wand.

If you want your home-made lattes to taste anything like you get in a coffee shop, you’re going to need a steaming wand.

Close up of an espresso machine steaming wand.

 

Steamed milk isn’t just hot milk.

When you add steam to the equation, it makes the warm milk lighter and more airy. This is how you make foam or froth when steaming milk.

Close up of an espresso machine steam wand being used to heat up milk in a metal milk frothing jug.

 

If you’re crazy about lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites, I say go with the espresso machine.

The price point is higher than an AeroPress, but you’re getting that invaluable steaming wand.

And let’s face it. Nothing’s going to make better espresso than an espresso machine, right?

If you’re more of a straight espresso or Americano drinker, go with the AeroPress.

The AeroPress makes top-notch espresso-style coffee if you follow the procedure above.

Or if you love coffee any way it’s made, why not splurge and get both?!

How do you find the AeroPress compares with the espresso machine? Do you prefer one over the other?

Let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!

AeroPress Vs Moka Pot – Which Is Best For You?

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.

Are you looking to make mind-blowing coffee from home? Have you found that your home coffee is mediocre at best?

Now imagine brewing the most delicious tasting coffee with all the delightful aromas. All from the comfort of your own home.

I assure you that it’s not only possible, it’s almost effortless.

On my coffee-making journey, I’ve been experimenting with different coffee brewing methods.

Recently, I’ve fallen in love with the AeroPress. But there may be a new contender for the best way to make coffee: the Moka Pot.

Keep reading to find which coffee maker will win in the battle of AeroPress Vs Moka Pot.

Text: AeroPress Vs Moka Pot. Image: A moka pot sitting on a kitchen gas stove with a jar of ground coffee behind it.

AeroPress

If you haven’t heard all the buzz surrounding the AeroPress, allow me to clue you in.

The AeroPress produces delicious coffee through the science of manual pressure. It’s pretty simple.

All you need to do is:

  1. place a metal or paper filter in the filter cap,
  2. attach the filter cap to the AeroPress chamber,
  3. place coffee grounds in the body of the press,
  4. fill it up with hot water to the desired level,
  5. give it a stir,
  6. put the plunger in, and
  7. apply pressure downward on the plunger.

The plunger forces the water to pass through the coffee grounds and into your desired cup. The result is a quick and delicious cup of coffee.

 

 

Now what about the Moka Pot?

Moka Pot

The Moka Pot is a tad more complicated than the AeroPress.

Instead of applying pressure by hand, the water boils upward through the grounds. This produces coffee that is similar in taste and color to a brew from a commercial coffee machine.

The pot has two chambers. One for the water and one for the brewed coffee. There’s also a filter that holds the ground coffee which sits inside the bottom water chamber.

Let me give you a quick rundown of how to use a Moka Pot:

  1. pour water into the bottom chamber up to the fill line,
  2. heat the water up on the stove,
  3. one the water is just boiling, remove it from the heat and place the small filter with your ground coffee on top of it,
  4. screw the top chamber on,
  5. place the Moka Pot on the stove over medium heat,
  6. remove from the heat when you hear the hissing sound,
  7. pour your coffee and enjoy!

As the water heats up and boils, it will propel the water upward through the coffee grounds. This water then bubbles up into the storage chamber.

Watch this video for a more detailed brew guide for the Moka Pot:

This process takes a little less than 10 minutes. The result is a heavenly and flavorful coffee with a light layer of crema on top.

What Is Crema?

 

Close-up of a ceramic cup with coffee inside with crema on top.

Come on, you’re telling me you’ve never heard of crema? Crema is the aromatic froth that rests on the top of an espresso shot.

The reddish brown foam forms when water filters through fine ground coffee beans. Crema is seen by most as an indicator of quality coffee.

Can You Get Crema From A Moka Pot?

Yes, you can get crema from a Moka Pot. The Moka Pot produces crema every single time it brews.

The crema makes the coffee so smooth. It’s enough to get you addicted to the Moka Pot.

Can You Get Crema From An AeroPress?

Unfortunately, the AeroPress does not produce crema every time.

To make crema with the AeroPress, you have to follow a very specific technique. Let me tell you how:

  1. First things first, you need the right coffee beans. Dark roasted beans are more capable of producing crema than light or blonde roasts.
  2. Now that you’ve got your chosen beans, you need to grind them. To make crema, you want a fine grind. Fresh ground beans are the best contender for making crema. The super fine grind makes the water pass through the grounds slower. Coffee ground for drip brewers is often of a coarser grind. This is part of the reason why drip brewers can make you a whole pot of coffee in under 10 minutes.
  3. The correct water temperature is key for making crema as well. Water for your coffee should be around 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius). Water that is too cold will not produce crema. And water that is boiling or hotter will produce bitter, burnt coffee.
  4. Part of producing crema is the speed at which the coffee passes through the grounds. To slow down this process, use extra paper filters, an Aesir filter, or a fine metal filter. This will slow down the rate at which the water passes through the coffee.
  5. Finally, you have to apply a lot of force to the plunger. Get in there and apply that elbow grease if you want to produce some crema.

If you’re still struggling to get the results you’re after, don’t panic. You could try some different methods found here or watch this short video.

 

How Much Coffee Does Each Need?

AeroPress

aeropress sitting on top of cup

To make coffee in the AeroPress, you’re going to need about 17 grams of ground coffee.

That equals about 1½ tablespoons if you don’t use the scoop that comes with the AeroPress.

Moka Pot

When you’re using a Moka Pot, the amount of coffee you need depends on the size of your Moka Pot.

Each different sized model comes with a different sized filter. You’ll want to fill the filter to the top with coffee grounds.

While technically you could fill the filter with less grounds, it’s not recommended.

You should consider which size Moka Pot would best suit you and your needs before you buy.

How Much Coffee Do They Make?

Moka Pot

Moka Pots come in a variety of sizes. They can make one, three, four, six, nine or twelve cups of coffee.

That’s up to 22.7 ounces of freshly brewed, rich coffee. That’s definitely enough to caffeinate your guests when you’re hosting a get together.

Or you can spice up your life by drinking the whole pot’s worth yourself!

AeroPress

The AeroPress has a small brewing chamber, and it can produce up to eight ounces of coffee at a time.

When you’re looking to make a bulk serving of coffee, the AeroPress is not your friend.

Of course, the AeroPress produces coffee quickly, so you can make another cup in no time.

Playing host to guests is exhausting enough. I’m not sure you’d want to also hand press each person a cup of coffee.

Which One Is Better – Moka Pot Or AeroPress?

Like anything else in life, coffee is personal.

What you like, what you dislike, how much work you’re willing to put in for a cup of black gold varies from person to person.

But we’re talking about AeroPress Vs Moka Pot. There are a few qualities between the two that will help you decide which is best for you.

Effort

In the category of effort, AeroPress definitely wins. This is because it requires the least amount of effort and time.

But, the coffee brewer might not be able to effectively push down on the AeroPress. This could be because of missing limbs or arthritis, for example.

This wouldn’t make it a practical option.

Heat

Both methods of brewing coffee need hot water to produce the beverage.

Your kitchen space may be limited, or you mightn’t have a stove because you’re on the road.

AeroPress

The AeroPress can make your coffee without the use of a stove. But you would need to use an electric kettle or microwave (no! no! no!) to heat up your water.

Moka Pot

A side-view of a Moka Pot with a hand holding it up and some trees in the background.

The Moka Pot requires that you place the pot over a heat source to heat the water in the lower chamber.

The easiest way to do this would be to heat the pot on your stove or stove top cooker.

There’s also induction stove-top Moka Pots, which also come in a variety of sizes.

You can also heat up your Moka Pot over a campfire if you’re the outdoorsy type. Then you could create something close to Cowboy Coffee, which is actually pleasant to drink.

Both options are more portable than a plug-in coffee maker, so that’s a huge plus no matter which method you choose.

Time

I know I’ve already mentioned how the Moka Pot takes more time to brew coffee than an AeroPress. This is because it’s a critical factor.

Fast coffee is like fast food, it’s quick and convenient, but it doesn’t taste as good as the real thing.

If you have the time to spare, the Moka Pot can produce an exquisite and flavorful cup of coffee.

It will gently caress your taste buds as you sip it.

The Moka Pot may not be suitable for the hustle and bustle of your morning routine.

But imagine waking up late on a Sunday morning. All you want to do is unwind and savor the weekend.

I highly suggest you carve out the time to brew a cup worth savoring.

Cost

The most important factor for many consumers is the cost. How much does each cost? Will you save any money investing in this?

I can tell you that brewing your own coffee at home will save you money.

If you stop by your local coffee shop on your way to work every morning, you could be spending around $30 a week for coffee.

The average AeroPress and Moka Pot are only $30 each. So it’s a no-brainer!

Is Brewing Coffee At Home Cheaper?

You’ll save money brewing your own coffee at home. Guaranteed.

There are fancy versions of the Moka Pot that can run a little higher.

But the price difference is minimal when you realize that it’s around the cost of your coffee per week.

In one month, you’ll have saved $120 by not going to the coffee shop.

Twenty dollars of that can go toward one bag of premium ground coffee. Or you can buy some of the inexpensive stuff at around $5 a can.

The money you save brewing your own coffee will more than make up for the initial investment.

AeroPress Vs Moka Pot – The Verdict

As someone who has tried both methods of brewing coffee, the decision is yours.

There’s pros and cons to both brewing methods, but you’ll have to make the call now.

AeroPress

I can say that the AeroPress is best suited for people who look to coffee for the caffeine.

People with busy lives that don’t have the time or the patience to brew their coffee on the stove should go with the AeroPress.

It’s quick, affordable, and the upkeep is as simple as giving the press a quick wash after each use.

Moka Pot

The Moka Pot is the obvious choice for anyone who enjoys coffee for its flavor.

By a landslide, the Moka Pot produces a more flavorful cup of coffee. The science behind this brewing method makes it so.

The effort is definitely worth the reward for anyone who wants a smooth cup of coffee that is worthy of their favorite mug.

Have you tried the Moka Pot and the AeroPress? How did you find they compared? Which do you prefer? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay caffeinated!

AeroPress Vs V60 – A Surprising And Legendary Showdown

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.

There’s nothing I enjoy more than a delicious cup of coffee. It warms the body and gives me energy to tackle the day.

Recently, I’ve been trying to liven up my coffee drinking experience. I experimented with different flavored syrups, different roasts of coffee. They were all fine.

I still felt kind of stuck in my ways, though. Next, I decided to completely change the way I brew my coffee to see if that could jazz up my morning routine.

In this post, I’ll be comparing the AeroPress to the Hario V60. It’s a legendary showdown: AeroPress Vs V60!

infographic of aeropress vs v60 - explaining some of the differences between to two brewing methods.

All the Ways to Brew

It feels like there are a million different incredible ways to brew coffee.

In my younger years, I used a simple old coffee maker left to our family by my grandmother. You load up the back of the pot with water, put some ground coffee beans in the filter, and turn it on.

I felt so fancy and established when I purchased a single cup brewer. Now, I could have a delicious single cup of whatever flavor coffee I wanted without brewing an entire pot.

Recently, I’ve been thinking I need to go back to my roots and use a more traditional form of brewing coffee.

A Hario Buono gooseneck kettle pouring water into an AeroPress, sitting on top of a coffee cup, with the text "AeroPress Vs V60" and "See more tips, tricks and reviews on our website!"

 

So many options

French press coffee makers have been around since the 1800’s. I was amazed to learn that! While the technology is so simple, it feels far too sophisticated to not be a recent invention.

In an AeroPress coffee maker, you insert a filter and your desired coffee grounds. Pour in hot water, and press the plunger down.

The force of the air in the vessel makes the water pass through the coffee grounds. This takes all its delightful flavor and much needed caffeine with it.

The pour-over method feels much more traditional than the scientific French press. But it was actually invented after the press came into the world.

In the pour-over method, you pour hot water over grounds situated in a filter. Gravity drags the water down as it passes through the coffee grounds. This makes a delightful and warm cup of coffee.

For either method, you should definitely buy a gooseneck kettle. It makes pouring much easier and is ideal for the slow pour needed for pour over coffee.

I couldn’t decide which to turn to, so I bought both an AeroPress and Hario V60.

AeroPress

It isn’t hard at all to find an AeroPress. Many stores that sell cookware have them on their shelves.

And online retailers make it so easy to buy a new way to brew your coffee without ever leaving your couch.

They’re inexpensive as well, costing around $30. With a price tag that low, I didn’t have to wait until a major sale or clearance event to buy one.

Not like with a single serve brewer.

 

AeroPress Functionality

The AeroPress doesn’t need a particular brand of coffee or shape of K-cup to function. That was a huge plus for me.

There’s one major difference between the AeroPress and a traditional French press. An AeroPress isn’t designed for full immersion.

Full immersion means every single coffee ground gets wet. This allows for an even brew and no wasted coffee grounds.

You can of course use the inverted method or an attachment like the Fellow Prismo. You can learn more about the Fellow Prismo here.

Using the AeroPress

I was a bit worried that the AeroPress would be complicated to use. I’d never pressed my own coffee.

Forget about completing a difficult task before getting your daily dose of caffeine. The results would be disastrous.

I was shocked at how stupid-simple it was to use the AeroPress.

  1. Add a metal or paper filter and screw the filter cap onto the body.
  2. Add your ground coffee into the extraction chamber.
  3. Pour in hot water that you’ve prepared in your kettle.
  4. Give the water and grounds a good stir to make sure all your coffee grounds are taking a nice hot bath.
  5. Insert the plunger and press.

With my AeroPress resting on top of my favorite mug, I applied an even pressure to the plunger. Rather quickly, coffee came trickling into my cup.

AeroPress Results

The smell was heavenly. I felt like I was at a fancy little coffee shop but in my pajamas.

The amount of coffee produced didn’t fill up my whole mug. I decided to have a taste of what I created.

The strength of that brewed cup was out of this world. I should’ve been sitting down, because it almost knocked me over. As strong as it was, there was no bitterness to the drink.

I was tempted to sip on this black gold, but I figured I didn’t need to be bouncing off the walls at 7 am.

I poured in some of the hot water that was left in my kettle, and I had my very own pressed cup of coffee.

aeropress and all accessories laid out on bench

 

Cleaning an AeroPress

After I’d finished sipping on my delightful cup of coffee, I figured a clean-up was in order.

I was preparing myself for some ghastly ritual. Something like taking the appliance apart and scrubbing each tiny part of it.

You cannot imagine the shock I felt when I read the user manual. I realized all I had to do was take the plunger out and rinse the press.

I paid extra attention to the bottom of the machine where the coffee came out. But the aftercare couldn’t be any less complicated.

Even though I was excited about the new brewing method I’d found, I still felt like there was more to discover.

V60

Pour-over coffee feels so traditional to me. I’m sure many people would agree it’s a lost art. It’s not completely lost, though.

A recent resurgence in coffee has made many people shy away from their single serve cup brewers. They’re returning to older methods of brewing their brew.

When I researched pour over coffee methods, I was a little intimidated.

So many articles described so many variations and things that can go wrong with your coffee. I’m sure you’ve found the same thing.

 

V60 Functionality

I was completely discouraged until I found the Hario V60. This wonderful piece of ceramic resembles a teacup sitting on a saucer.

Looking at it from an aerial view, you can see it’s definitely not suited for sipping tea out of.

The sides of the vessel have swirling ridges that empty out into a hole in the bottom of the cup.

The swirly bits help the coffee travel down the sides, ensuring an even brew. The coffee drains out of the ceramic body and into your coffee server pot.

The saucer-like edges at the bottom help the brewer remain stable while resting on top of your coffee pot.

Hario V60 Ceramic, Glass or Copper

The Hario V60 ceramic brewer is cheap on its own. If you’re looking for a bargain, here it is.

This brewer does need special filters. But with the money you saved on the apparatus, you can fit the filters into your budget.

I went with the Hario filters to keep things on an even playing field.

If you enjoy watching the magic of coffee brewing, the V60 also comes in glass form. Glass manufacturing is what Hario is known for, but I like the look of ceramic myself.

A glass Hario V60 sitting on a glass Hario coffee server with coffee inside.

 

It gives a cozy, inviting feeling to the process. It reminds me of holidays where family members all brought a variety of ceramic cookware.

There’s also the option of a copper Hario V60. It’s a bit pricier, but it looks quite glamorous.

It has improved thermal conductivity compared to the other options, so you can expect a warmer coffee. Also, its less likely to break compared to the glass or ceramic options.

Using The V60

The set up for this brewing process was more than easy.

  1. Switch on your kettle to boil your water.
  2. Put the V60 brewer on top of your coffee pot.
  3. Place your filter inside the V60.
  4. When your water gets boiling hot, lightly pour the water around the filter. This makes sure it sticks to the inside of the brewer.
  5. Add your medium-fine coffee grounds. A few tablespoons will do the trick.
  6. Slowly pour the hot water over your coffee grounds in circles, making sure to get every single ground wet.
  7. Stop when you’ve reached the desired amount of coffee in your pot.

For a more detailed brew guide for the Hario V60, watch this video:

This brewing process wasn’t as simple as the AeroPress or turning the coffee pot on. But it was far from difficult. In about three minutes, I had a nice, hot cup of coffee ready for me.

This brewing process yielded a cup that was mild, but beyond delicious. I could detect subtle notes of other flavors in the coffee that I hadn’t noticed before.

A Hario V60 sitting on a coffee pourer with a Fellow Stagg gooseneck kettle pouring in water, with the text "AeroPress Vs V60" and "See more tips, tricks and reviews on our website!"

AeroPress Vs V60 – How Do They Compare?

In a cage match of AeroPress vs V60, there’s no clear winner. At least not in my opinion. The biggest difference between the two was the coffee produced.

If you need a cup of coffee that will put some hair on your chest in the morning, you should go with the AeroPress.

The press is also a great option if you enjoy lattes and Americanos over a traditional cup of coffee.

You can make espresso-style coffee with the press. Yet without investing thousands of dollars in an espresso machine.

The Hario V60 produces coffee that people who truly enjoy coffee will like.

Much like tea, a nice mild cup allows you to enjoy and savor the flavors of your coffee. While strong brews tend to annihilate your taste buds.

The slower extraction time of the V60 also allows more flavor to be extracted from the ground coffee. This is different compared to the speedy process of the press.

Both methods of brewing are travel friendly, even the V60 with its glass model. You can place it in your weekend bag and take it wherever. The same for the press.

Conclusion

The method you choose to go with is up to you, your tastes and your preferences.

If you think of coffee as your fuel, go with the AeroPress. You’ll be able to produce robust cups in less time.

If you think of coffee as a delightful beverage to savor, go with the Hario V60. You won’t be disappointed.

How have you found the AeroPress to compare with the V60? Have you had a different experience? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!

Best Kettle for AeroPress – The Top 5 Results

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.

Kettles are an essential part of coffee making. This is because it’s essential you have the best kettle for your chosen brewing method.

Not using the best kettle can give you mediocre results. Worse still, it can make you look clueless in front of your coffee buddies.

Imagine your friends’ reactions when you brew coffee for them with microwaved water. Yes, people actually do this! (Don’t do this!)

Now imagine your friends’ faces when they see you’ve done your research. You’ve chosen the best kettle for your needs and are now immediately part of the coffee elite.

There’s a wide variety of brewing methods and kettles. But for this article, I’ll be focusing on the best kettle for AeroPress.

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Why AeroPress?

The AeroPress is a popular coffee maker among coffee lovers. Over time, it’s become an essential part of mainstream coffee culture.

The goal? To make a super quick and easy cup of coffee while still being delicious. Because of this, it’s appreciated by hardcore coffee enthusiasts and beginners alike.

So, choosing the right kettle for using with an AeroPress is an important decision.

With so many choices available, it’s hard to know which kettle is the best. This is why I created this list for you to get a taste of the best kettle for AeroPress in the market.

The Fellow Stag EKG - top pick for best kettle for AeroPress.

Best Kettle for AeroPress – The Top 5

These kettles are the top options that are available for using with the AeroPress.

For each kettle, I’ve provided an in-depth review. I also show how they can help you to brew the best cup of coffee.

My top choice is the Fellow Stagg EKG. You can find out the best one for yourself by taking a short look at each of the products.

Let’s get started and look at each of the kettles!

1. Fellow Stagg EKG

Whether you’re a barista or a beginner, there’s no denying that the Fellow Stagg is an exquisite kettle.

For your kitchen, it’s a very worthy investment engineering-wise, ergonomically, and visually. Coffee lovers everywhere have praised its design and creation.

But aesthetics alone aren’t enough to make it the best kettle for AeroPress. The Fellow Stag is surprising and rich in features that are worth a closer look.

You need a kettle that will give the greatest results. A product that will boil the right amount of water, avoid mess, while giving you the best brew.

The Fellow Stagg is a well-balanced design. It’s built well, modest, and pleasing to look at as well.

The gooseneck pours a steady stream of hot water. The shape of the product, the handle, and the size is spot on to avoid mess.

All these features combine to provide one of the best kettles for AeroPress.

 

What Makes It Unique?

1. Ergonomics

The Stagg kettle offers beautiful design and technological advancements, with a designer touch.

It has a very ergonomic shape. The counterbalanced handle design makes it possible to use it with one hand.

So you won’t need to worry about spilling your hot water with this kettle.

2. Materials Technology

Every part is well thought out. It’s made with stainless steel, an alloy with high resistance to rust. It’s also resistant to scratches, so will stay looking beautiful.

The inside of the kettle is mirror finished, and the outside is coated with black enameling. This gives it the perfect touch of aesthetics and will impress anyone who sees it.

3. Temperature Control

The Stagg EKG comes with a wide-range temperature selection feature as well. Use the temperature dial on the base to set the exact temperature you want.

You can also switch the temperature display from Fahrenheit to Celsius, if needed. This could be helpful when your friends from overseas visit.

The Stagg can maintain the water at a particular temperature for up to 60 minutes. This function is helpful when needing to make many cups of coffee.

To do this, toggle the “hold” switch at the back of the base.

4. Models

Fellow understand that customers have different needs. That’s why they designed 3 different versions of the Stagg kettle.

There’s the Electric, Stovetop, and Fellow Corvo Electric Kettles — way to cover all bases at one go!

Electric and Corvo models heat with the provided base. Stovetop heats on the stove.

The Corvo comes with all the features of the Stagg EKG, but with one important difference. A quick-pouring spout.

The stovetop model comes with a built-in thermometer which displays on the lid.

Pros

  • Unrivaled aesthetics,
  • Variable temperature control,
  • Balanced, stainless steel body,
  • Efficient design.

Cons

  • The price tag may be a deterrent to some,
  • Some customers have complained of faults.
See on Amazon

2. Bonavita 1l Variable Temperature Electric – Gooseneck

The Bonavita signals a new era in digital pour-over kettle aesthetics. There’s beauty in its clean, straightforward ergonomic design.

Many people believe aesthetics is important to the success of a gooseneck kettle. The more attractive, the better.

But others believe that what counts is accuracy. In that regard, the Bonavita performed well.

It had the easiest to read temperature display of any of the kettles we reviewed. The Bonavita impresses with temperature readings without sacrificing aesthetics.

Operating at 1000 W, it can take as long as 7-minutes to heat water from cold to 205F. Yet it’s well above average at holding heat.

This is helpful when you want to heat pre-boiled water or water after the steep cycle. It was the most convenient kettle we reviewed.

Small things can make a big difference, and this goes for the Bonavita’s handling as well. It stays grounded by the base.

Style bonus points for the Bonavita also come from the “lean” of the base.

 

What Makes It Unique?

1. Design

The team at Bonavita have addressed the lack of aesthetically pleasing gooseneck kettles with this model.

Its handle is well-weighted and balances the kettle. You can press the buttons without spilling water (which can happen with some kettles).

This is thanks in most part to the handle design. I’m not sure if the Bonavita has the best handle position in the world or not, but it does well.

Its handle position is very comfortable to hold. And the Bonavita is also quite easy to clean along with the polished surface.

2. Smart Design

The Bonavita 1l variable temperature kettle comes with a simple digital temperature display. This can be set to any temperature range from 140 F (60 C) to 212 F (100 C).

It has excellent heat retention and the “keep warm” feature some of the competition does.

3. Power

Working at 1000 W, the Bonavita is not the most powerful model we reviewed. This means you’ll get a reasonable boiling time as a result.

It comes with a temperature display. This is great for temperature accuracy and consistency, which is another plus point.

Pros

  • Precise temperature display,
  • Comfortable,
  • Fast.

Cons

  • Some users found it wore out sooner than expected,
  • Unable to get replacement parts from Bonavita.
See on Amazon

3. Hario Gooseneck Coffee Kettle ‘Buono,’ Stovetop, 1.2L

There’s not much to the Hario Buono stovetop kettle, but what it does, it does well.

On gas stovetops, it boils 1200ml of water to its target temperature of 212°F using a single burner with ease. This shows it’s quite good at holding heat.

It’s got a sturdy and simple metal all-around design that’s easy to grip and use. Its spout pours with a straight-line flow when the kettle is level.

The design of the handle allows you to manage its weight well.

Because it’s a stovetop model, this kettle requires some supervision. It isn’t capable of automated, programmed heating, so you can’t leave it unattended.

As such, it’s not the best choice for those who want the convenience of an automated option.

But, for a simple pour-over kettle, the Hario Buono is a great, affordable option for your kitchen.

If you must have an electric kettle, there is an electric model of the Hario Buono available. Although not the same price, it is still very affordable.

 

What Makes It Unique?

1. Simplicity

The Buono is all about simple. It’s matte-silver, pear-shaped, has a pour spout and handle, and little else.

But, this minimal design is all it needs to make it one of the most efficient and highly-rated kettles on the market.

Made with premium materials and durable hardware, it offers an elegant, functional design. The Buono is an easy choice for anyone looking for a stupid-simple gooseneck kettle.

2. Versatility

The Hario Buono gives you a wide variety of operating choices. You can use it on a ceramic, gas or induction stovetop, or even a gas burner.

It’s no wonder it’s been one of the best sellers on Amazon for what seems like ages!

3. No Electronics, No-Nonsense – Easy to Use

The Hario Buono boasts a minimalist design and is one of the more simple kettles. It’s easy to operate, doesn’t need special features, and is well-designed to deliver hot water.

While it doesn’t have as many frills as the other products that we reviewed, it doesn’t need any. It’s simple and elegant. That’s enough.

Pros

  • Ease of use makes it a great make for beginners,
  • Wide range of use: works on gas, ceramic or induction stovetops,
  • Very easy to control the pour.
  • Electric model also available.

Cons

  • No temperature gauge,
  • Some customers have had problems with models made in China compared to models made in Japan.
See on Amazon

4. Cuisinart CPK-17 Perfectemp 1.7l

If you need a good reliable kettle, the Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp kettle has all you need.

At 1500watts, this was one of the fastest models we reviewed. This means less waiting time for your morning coffee before you rush off to work.

Aside from speed, the Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp also has great versatility and performance.

The cord of this kettle is removable, which means that you can hide it with relative ease. It also has an easy-grip handle, making it easy to use.

 

What Makes It Unique?

1. Capacity

The Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp comes with a large 1.7-liter capacity. This is more than enough for a whole day’s worth of hot beverages.

When filled, you can be sure that there will be enough water for you and your partner’s hot drink. This saves you time by not needing to fill the kettle up as often.

2. Temperature

The Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp is a high-performance product. This is because it can boil water in a matter of minutes.

Also, the 160, 175, 185, 190, and 200 degrees preset options let you choose the most suitable temperature. This can be super helpful, as some AeroPress recipes call for specific temperatures.

It also has a boil option, which, unsuprisingly, heats the water until boiling.

3. Performance

The Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp makes sure you have piping-hot water with the push of a button.

It comes with a corded electric base, which means that you can move it from one room to another.

One thing that the Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp doesn’t have is a temperature gauge. But, if you don’t care about that, this product is a safe bet.

Pros

  • Large 1.7-liter capacity,
  • A great kettle for daily use,
  • Made for versatility and performance.

Cons

  • Expensive in comparison to others,
  • No temperature gauge.
See on Amazon

5. Breville BKE720BSS The Temp Select Electric Kettle

The Breville BKE720BSS is like the Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp, but with some differences.

They have similar features, like what Breville calls its “variable temperature settings”. This is a single-button interface to change water temperature.

To keep the water at the heated temperature, press the “keep warm” button. This will keep your water warm for 20 minutes.

The Breville BKE720BSS also has other important features like:

  • auto shut-off,
  • boil dry protection, and
  • a slow-release soft-top lid.

 

What Makes It Unique?

1. Variable Temperature Control

The Breville BKE720BSS is one of the best kettles for AeroPress because of this very feature.

If you want to boil at 212°F for instance, you hit the “select temp” button on the base till the light moves to that option. Once it heats the water to the selected temperature, it turns off.

Different recipes use different water temperatures. Controlling the temperature of the water in this way helps you follow your recipe.

With this feature, your coffee is always the perfect temperature. The kettle works the same no matter which temperature you choose, and the interface is easy to use.

2. Protection

The Breville BKE720BSS kettle is also well known for its protection system.

Anytime the water comes close to boiling over, it shuts off. This safety feature could save you from injury or damage to your property.

3. Quality

Besides the above-listed features, the device is top quality. When you buy a product from a company like Breville, you know it’s going to be well-made.

Its super-simple interface, quality construction, and intuitiveness are great features. These features make a kettle that is so much more than other companies have to offer.

Pros

  • Precise digital settings that are easy to use,
  • Keeps water hot for long periods of time,
  • A top quality product.

Cons

  • It’s a little pricey, and some customers believe it isn’t worth the price,
  • Some parts of the kettle are plastic,
  • The kettle beeps and some customers find it noisy.
See on Amazon

Do You Need a Gooseneck Kettle for Aeropress?

No, you definitely don’t need a gooseneck kettle to use with your AeroPress.

Gooseneck kettles are designed for use with pour-over coffee makers.

The spout of a gooseneck kettle is much smaller than a standard kettle. So, when you pour your hot water, you’ll get a steady stream.

This means you’ll have a controlled pour, which you need for pour-over coffee. Also, you’ll be less likely to spill hot water all over your kitchen bench or yourself.

But, even though its useful, you don’t have to buy a gooseneck kettle to brew a decent cup of coffee with an AeroPress.

While you don’t have to, they’re still great to use with an AeroPress. This is because the opening of the AeroPress is small and a gooseneck offers great control and a focused stream.

There’s no cons to using a gooseneck kettle for AeroPress. But if you have or are thinking to buy a pour-over coffee maker in the future, you’ll need one.

Conclusion

These are some of the best kettles for AeroPress. Our top recommendation is the Fellow Stagg EKG.

It is an excellent choice for any situation and works with every brew method.

Depending on your needs and preference, you can also go for the Bonavita.

Which kettle do you think is the best kettle for AeroPress? Do you have a different kettle to recommend? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!

What Grind For AeroPress? 5 Grinds For 5 Simple Methods

Have you been brewing mediocre AeroPress coffee? Does something seem a little off but you can’t quite figure it out?

Now imagine having a friend visit you and how awkward you’d feel serving them a sub-par coffee. Not exactly what you want, is it!

It could be the grind that you’re using. Making sure you use the right grind for the right brewing method isn’t important. It’s essential.

In this post, we’re going to look at:

  • What grind for AeroPress Fellow Prismo method
  • What grind for AeroPress Prismo maximum crema method
  • What grind for AeroPress PuckPuck method
  • What grind for AeroPress standard method
  • What grind for AeroPress inverted method

We’ll also then look at some different brewing methods you can use with the AeroPress.

Let’s get to it!

What Grind for AeroPress Fellow Prismo Method?

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

Do you struggle with the inverted method? You may have the fear of spilling it everywhere and I don’t blame you. It’s not very safe.

If you’ve struggled at all with the inverted method, this method’s for you. Why not give your AeroPress superpowers using a little-known attachment for the AeroPress?

Introducing the Fellow Prismo.

Features of the Fellow Prismo

One feature of the Prismo, is that you can make amazing full-immersion coffee without using the inverted method. Learn all about the Fellow Prismo and why you should own it here.

If you want to get a delicious crema with the Prismo, you’ll need to use an ultra-fine grind. This helps to build up pressure when pressing the coffee through the Prismo metal filter. This also helps to produce a crema.

Instructions

Here’s the step-by-step method:

  1. Insert the metal filter into your Fellow Prismo.
  2. Screw the Prismo onto your AeroPress chamber.
  3. Pour 1 scoop of ultra-fine grind into your AeroPress chamber.
  4. Pour 50mls of boiling water into your AeroPress chamber.
  5. Stir your coffee for 20 seconds.
  6. Leave your coffee to steep for 1 minute.
  7. Place your AeroPress onto your coffee cup.
  8. Insert your plunger into the AeroPress chamber.
  9. Press HARD until you reach the ground coffee beans.
  10. Be amazed at the crema you have produced!
  11. Drink as is, or add hot milk and sugar to taste.
  12. Enjoy your coffee!

Now you’re familiar with the incredible Fellow Prismo and the basic recipe. Fantastic! Next, let’s look at the Maximum Crema method.

What Grind for AeroPress Prismo Maximum Crema Method?

A close up of a latte glass with some coffee with lots of crema inside.

If you want to get maximum crema from your AeroPress and Fellow Prismo, a fine grind will do. I’ve explained this method in full detail on my post “How To Get Crema From An AeroPress – 3 Secret Methods”.

If you’re looking to achieve jaw-dropping results like this, read it now!

What Grind for AeroPress PuckPuck Method?

Close-up of the AeroPress with the PuckPuck on top with the water vessel attached with 100 grams of ice and 400 mls of water inside, with the lid on the water vessel.

Cold brew is delicious and one of the best ways to enjoy coffee. The only thing is that it takes several hours to brew, which isn’t always practical.

Have you often found yourself wishing it would brew faster? Have you experienced remembering that you meant to make some cold brew the day before but forgot?

Luckily for you, there’s the PuckPuck! The PuckPuck is an innovative AeroPress cold brew attachment that makes slow-drip cold brew coffee. But in about 3 ½ hours. Super fast!

For brewing with the PuckPuck, you’ll need a medium grind.

Instructions

Let’s take a look at the step-by-step process:

  1. Place a paper filter into your AeroPress filter cap and screw it onto the AeroPress chamber.
  2. Sit your AeroPress on a jug or suitable container. It needs to be large enough to hold at least 400ml.
  3. Pour 38g of medium grind into your AeroPress chamber, then give a gentle shake or a tap to level the grounds.
  4. Gently drop your PuckPuck splash filter into your AeroPress chamber. Make sure it’s sitting flat on top of the grounds.
  5. Attach your PuckPuck water vessel onto the PuckPuck. Place the PuckPuck onto your AeroPress. If you didn’t buy the water vessel with the PuckPuck, you can use a compatible water bottle instead.
  6. Place your PuckPuck and water vessel onto your AeroPress chamber.
  7. Pour 100g of ice into your PuckPuck water vessel. Pour 400ml of water into your PuckPuck water vessel.
  8. Slowly adjust the drip rate of your PuckPuck to about 50 drips per minute. Do this by holding the bottom section of the PuckPuck and turning the top section anti-clockwise. This can be a bit tricky to get the hang of, but you’ll get it. Start very slow until you see drips coming out of your PuckPuck.
  9. Check your PuckPuck from time to time, making sure the drip rate isn’t speeding up or slowing down.
  10. Wait until all the water has dripped through the water vessel. Remove the AeroPress and PuckPuck combo from your jug or container and place in your kitchen sink for cleaning.
  11. Pour some of your delicious cold brew into a large glass or mug with ice.
  12. Add sugar or milk to taste.
  13. Enjoy your delicious cold brew coffee!

If you’d rather make the guaranteed and reliable coffee that the AeroPress instructions recommend, take a look at this next method.

What Grind for AeroPress Standard Method?

top view of aeropress with water added and stirring with spoon

This is the proven method that you started with when you first got your AeroPress. It’s the standard method that you’re provided in the AeroPress instructions. For this method, you’ll want to use a fine grind.

This is because brewing with this method has a minimal brewing time. If you were to use a coarser grind, you wouldn’t extract enough of the goodness.

Instructions

The step-by-step method is:

  1. Insert a paper filter into your AeroPress cap.
  2. Screw your AeroPress cap onto the AeroPress chamber.
  3. Place your AeroPress onto your cup. Pour in one scoop of your fine grind coffee into the AeroPress chamber.
  4. Pour hot water into the AeroPress chamber up to the number 1 on the chamber.
  5. Using the included stirring paddle, stir the coffee for about 10 seconds.
  6. Insert your AeroPress plunger into the chamber and lightly press, until all the coffee is in your cup.
  7. Add milk or sugar to taste.
  8. Enjoy your coffee!

Now we’ve covered the standard method, let’s take a look at a different popular method.

What Grind for AeroPress Inverted Method?

The inverted method is a popular brewing method with the AeroPress. Brewing with this method makes a full-immersion brew, which you can leave to steep as long as you like.

Think of it as more like a french press brew.

I should warn you though, this method is not recommended by Aerobie. It does have the potential to leak or spill if not done correctly, so be careful!

Unlike the standard method above, you’ll want a fine-to-medium grind for this method. If you use a too fine grind, it could lead to over-extraction because of the longer steeping time.

The setup for this method is a little different, too. Insert the AeroPress plunger into the chamber up to the number 4. Now turn the AeroPress upside down and use the AeroPress plunger as a stand for the AeroPress.

The AeroPress is now ready to add your fine-to-medium grind and hot water.

Instructions

Let’s take a look at the step-by-step instructions:

  1. Insert your AeroPress plunger into the AeroPress chamber up to the number four.
  2. Turn your AeroPress upside-down, using the AeroPress plunger as a stand.
  3. Pour in one scoop of fine-to-medium grind into the AeroPress chamber.
  4. Pour hot water into your AeroPress chamber up to the number one and stir for 20 seconds.
  5. Leave your coffee to steep for 30 seconds.
  6. Pour hot water to the top of your AeroPress and then leave for a further 60 seconds.
  7. Place a paper filter into your AeroPress cap and wet the filter so it sticks to the cap.
  8. Screw the cap onto the AeroPress chamber.
  9. Turn your coffee cup upside-down and place it on top of the AeroPress.
  10. Holding both your cup and the AeroPress, turn them both the right-side up in one smooth motion.
  11. Gently press your AeroPress plunger into the chamber until all the coffee is in your cup.
  12. Add water, milk or sugar to taste.
  13. Enjoy your coffee!

So how did you go with that one? I’m sure you nailed it without any struggle!

Conclusion

So there you have 5 different grinds for 5 different AeroPress methods. Now you’re armed with some powerful info to get out there and make the best brew that you can!!

Have you got another AeroPress brewing method to suggest? Have you tried one of these methods and not achieved the results you were hoping for?

Let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!

The 12 Best AeroPress Accessories Of The Coffee Elite

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.

Are you looking for the best AeroPress accessories? Do you want to be the envy of all your coffee buddies? Looking like a mediocre AeroPresser in front of your friends can be awkward!

In this post, I’m going to cover the 12 best AeroPress accessories that you must have to get the absolute most out of your AeroPress.

By using even 2 or 3 of these AeroPress accessories, you can instantly transform your appearance from cringeworthy to legendary.

There’s some pretty handy add-ons and accessories for the AeroPress. These can not only make your life easier, but can also help to produce some different styles of coffee.

Each accessory helps you achieve AeroPress greatness in a different way. helping with things such as:

  • The brewing process
  • Travelling with an AeroPress
  • Storing your AeroPress
  • Preparing your coffee for use with the AeroPress

You may find that some of them will even benefit you in more than one category, such as travelling and storage.

For those readers in a hurry, here’s the list of the best AeroPress attachments:

 

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

I should mention that these are all 3rd party accessories. They’re not made or endorsed by Aerobie, the makers of the AeroPress.

Let’s go!

The AeroPress package on a kitchen bench with the text "12 Best AeroPress Accessories"

Best AeroPress Accessories for Brewing

Fellow Prismo

 

The Fellow Prismo is made by Fellow Industries. With the Prismo, you can make a full-immersion espresso-style brew without needing to use the inverted method.

It replaces the standard filter cap that comes with the AeroPress with a cap that has a pressure-actuated valve.

This stops the flow of coffee from the AeroPress until you apply pressure, giving you greater control. It also comes with a 150 micron reusable metal filter.

Because it creates an air-tight seal, you can also use it to make AeroPress cold brew overnight.

It also creates mind-blowing crema (if you use the right secret method). Learn more about that here.

PuckPuck

 

If you ever wanted to be able to make quick cold brew with your AeroPress, meet the PuckPuck.

The PuckPuck is a puck sized AeroPress cold brew attachment that sits on top of your AeroPress chamber. It drips ice-cold water into your AeroPress from an attached water vessel.

It enables the AeroPress to produce Kyoto style slow-drip cold brew coffee in about 2.5 – 3 hours time. That’s quick!

You can buy it with or without the PuckPuck water vessel, as it has the capability of using a compatible water bottle instead. See their website for a list of compatible bottles.

Aesir Paper Filters

 

Huh? Doesn’t the AeroPress come with its own paper filters? Yes, but Aesir paper filters are different.

The Aesir Paper Filters are premium filters made from high quality paper. They are twice as thick as the standard AeroPress paper filters.

Having smaller pores means that you transfer more vibrance, clarity and juiciness to your cup. They also reduce the sediment.

They’re low absorbent, so you won’t lose any of the natural coffee oils, either.

There must be a reason why several World AeroPress Champions use these paper filters.

Able Disk Filter

 

If you want the option of a reusable metal filter instead of paper filters, you should check out the Able Disk Filter. There’s two different types of Able Disk Filters available.

The standard stainless steel filter produces a fuller-bodied cup. This is because some of the coffee fines are able to pass into your cup when you press.

The fine filter option allows less coffee fines to enter your cup. So, it produces a lighter, cleaner cup of coffee.

Be aware that the fine filter is thinner than the standard filter, so it’s possible to bend if you apply too much pressure.

They’re made 100% in the USA and used by AeroPress professionals. Able also sponsored the World AeroPress Championships in 2019.

Related article – AeroPress metal filter Vs paper & Best Metal Filter For AeroPress

Porlex Mini Coffee Grinder

 

The Porlex Mini Coffee Grinder is a ceramic burr hand grinder that compliments the features of the AeroPress well. It’s

  • portable,
  • durable,
  • fast,
  • lightweight, and
  • compact.

If you travel with your AeroPress and need a coffee grinder that can travel with you, definitely consider the Porlex Mini.

It’s perfect for travelling with the AeroPress, as due to its small size, it can fit inside the AeroPress itself.

Not only that, it also produces a good grind and is made in Japan.

Related Article – Best Hand Coffee Grinders For AeroPress

2Pour

 

The 2Pour is an AeroPress accessory that saves you time by pressing your coffee into two cups at once.

This means you don’t need to:

  • switch cups half-way,
  • press it all into one large cup or jug and then transfer it to your drinking cups, or
  • make two separate brews all together.

The concept is easy enough. Place two coffee cups under the 2Pour spouts, place your AeroPress on top of the 2Pour and then press.

Make sure you have some smaller coffee cups than a standard mug in the house, as the 2Pour isn’t that tall.

Best AeroPress Accessories for Traveling

JavaJug / JavaJug 2

 

The JavaJug (or JavaJug 2) is a stainless steel jug for pressing your AeroPress coffee into. It’s also great for storing your AeroPress.

You may find that when travelling it can be difficult to find a cup that your AeroPress can fit.

It’s wide enough to fit the AeroPress cap so you can press your coffee without spilling a drop. If you’re making many cups, you can serve from the JavaJug.

You can also follow the markings on the inside that show how much hot water to add before serving.

It comes with a JavaJacket that wraps around the JavaJug to insulate it and keep it either cool or hot. The JavaJacket is available in six different colours.

When you’re all done making coffee, remove the filter cap and place it in the JavaJug. Then, put in your AeroPress upside down.

Push the AeroPress plunger all the way through the chamber, so it doesn’t compress the plunger gasket. If left compressed, your AeroPress gasket can wear out faster.

Able travel cap

 

Planning to bring some coffee beans with you to grind fresh while you travel? Unless you’ve got loads of storage, you’ll enjoy using the Able Travel Cap.

It’s a cap that fits on the open end of the AeroPress plunger. This lets you use the empty space inside the plunger as a storage compartment.

This is perfect for storing some coffee beans or even some filter papers. Although it doesn’t hold heaps of beans, it may be enough until you can buy some more while you travel.

It also provides better stability for the AeroPress when you’re brewing using the inverted method. Finally, it’s made in the USA.

Eagle Creek Pack It Tube Cube


When you travel, having a travel case makes sure that all your parts and pieces stay together.

This avoids anything getting damaged in your luggage. It also helps you locate your parts and pieces much faster.

The Eagle Creek Pack It Tube Cube is a travel case that will fit everything you need to keep you brewing fresh coffee.

The zip is accessible on both ends, meaning easy access to either side of the case.

It’s also backed by a lifetime “no matter what” warranty! That’s pretty amazing.

Ondamota Herb Container

 

You can use the Ondamota Herb Container to store your ground coffee. It makes a perfect little accessory for travelling with your AeroPress.

It’s 2.1 inches high, 1 inch wide, so small enough to fit in your pocket. It’s made from lightweight, durable aluminium and comes in a variety of colors.

When sealed, it’s air-tight and locks in the freshness and aroma of your ground coffee.

Best AeroPress Accessories for Storage

Hexnub Organizer


Everything needs a home. If that’s true for you, whether you’re at home or the office, you’ll enjoy owning a Hexnub Organizer for your AeroPress.

It looks great wherever you are and has space for all your AeroPress parts, including:

  • the chamber,
  • the plunger,
  • the scoop,
  • the stirring paddle,
  • the funnel, and
  • the filter papers (with holder)

You can also store your coffee mugs on top of it, with the top shelf including a heat-proof silicone rubber drip mat.

You should also be happy to hear that it’s made from 100% recyclable bamboo, so environmentally friendly, too.

If you have even less space and need something more compact, Hexnub also offer a compact version of the Hexnub Organizer.

Blue Horse Caddy


Don’t leave your AeroPress anywhere. You can now organize your countertop with the help of the Blue Horse Caddy.

It holds your AeroPress and all the parts with a place for everything. It even allows you to have somewhere to dry your AeroPress after use.

The Blue Horse Caddy:

  • is made from stainless steel,
  • is durable, and
  • has non-slip rubber feet, which keep the caddy secure and also protect whatever surface you use it on.

If that wasn’t enough, it’s also made in the USA, so expect good quality.

Related Article – Best AeroPress Stands

Conclusion

There you have it, my list of the best AeroPress accessories. I hope you found it useful and that you’re now able to get more out of your AeroPress than before!

Was there anything I missed that you think should be on the list? Or something you’ve used that you think shouldn’t be on the list?

Let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!