Buying an AeroPress was once simple; for years, there was just one mannequin. Thanks to its ingenious design—a syringe-like plunger that pushes espresso within the brewing chamber by means of a small paper filter—it made incredible espresso, supplied all kinds of room for experimentation, and was simple to scrub. In 2019, some 14 years after the debut of the primary AeroPress, the corporate launched the travel-friendly Go. This minimally miniaturized model of the unique design was significantly good for utilizing on journeys, because it meant an finish to counting on crummy Ok-Cups in lodge rooms.
For some time, it was simply these two. Then, this yr, the dam broke—the results of each a 2021 funding in AeroPress by Tiny Capital and followers’ insistent clamoring for extra AeroPresses—and the corporate launched a number of new variations of its brewer. Unfortunately, whereas the Original and Go had a “lightning strikes twice” vibe, the brand new crop is extra of a combined bag. Somehow, in spite of everything this time, what’s come out nonetheless feels rushed. We’ve been utilizing the Original and Go for years and began testing the brand new gear as quickly because it got here out. While it is not as universally interesting, there are options that followers could wish to take into account and a few to keep away from. If you have already got an AeroPress, that is virtually actually every part you want. But should you’re shopping for a brand new one, here is some recommendation on which model to get.
Be certain to take a look at our different espresso guides, together with the Best Coffee Grinders, Best Portable Coffee Makers, Best Coffee Bean Subscriptions, and Best Espresso Machines.
Best for Home or Office
If you are a longtime AeroPress proprietor, chances are high that is the one you’ve got acquired. Not a lot of a looker in its cloudy grey coloration, however it’s an exceedingly excessive performer and has been a favourite of baristas and residential brewers because it got here out. Part of the reason being that it permits you to management so most of the brewing variables: water temperature, quantity of espresso, grind measurement, and bloom and brew instances. Even when you do not make an ideal cup, it is often nonetheless fairly good. The compact measurement means it barely takes up more room than a mug in your kitchen, and it is pretty simple to tackle a visit. Plasticky? Yes, but in addition sturdy sufficient that I now not keep in mind how lengthy I’ve owned mine. I’ve an Original and a Go, and I have a tendency to make use of the previous at residence and take the Go on the highway. If I labored in an workplace, I’d maintain an Original there. Compared to the opposite fashions, it is most likely probably the most versatile, able to accommodate your inside nerd once you wish to take a deep dive. Even if this had been nonetheless the one one in existence, we might be simply as fanatical about it.
Best for Frequent Fliers
It by no means actually dawned on me that the Original could possibly be improved, and in a method the Go is only a barely smaller model, but the modifications are ingenious, permitting for it to nestle inside a mug, together with a scoop, stirrer, and little compact-like clamshell that holds filters. Pack all of it up and toss it within the backside of your suitcase in your subsequent flight, or put it in your backpack and head for the hills. (Campers love these.) You can, after all, deliver entire beans and a hand grinder, however that looks as if overkill to me. Grind what your want earlier than heading for the good outdoor or, in case your journey is extra city, discover a espresso store at your vacation spot, meet some locals, purchase a bag, ask them to “grind it for AeroPress,” and ask if they’ve any brewing ideas—I wager they are going to. Before you skip city, purchase a bag of beans to grind at residence and name it each a memento and self-care reward. The 8-ounce Go is clearly for the vacationers on the market, however should you’re not too finicky, it is shut sufficient to the 10-ounce Original that proudly owning each feels redundant. I journey so much, so if I needed to pare it down, this could be The One.
We’re Cloudy on the Clear
I assumed this could be the one to dethrone the unique. It’s dearer, however it’s notably higher wanting and options the flexibility to see into the brewing chamber, components that make the bump in value price it. It appeared utterly believable that the corporate would quietly sundown the Original within the Clear’s favor, however I’m undecided anymore. Aside from this one being manufactured from Tritan plastic, the 2 fashions seem like bodily equivalent, but after I began testing in depth, issues felt the wrong way up. AeroPress nerds love to make use of the “inverted method” the place the barrel is about on high of the plunger and the espresso brewed earlier than attaching the lid and filter, flipping the rig onto a mug, then miserable like regular. Inverting means no dripping together with a bit extra precision and management. It’s my default technique, however on the Clear, inverting felt a bit of dicey. If the plunger or inside of the barrel are damp from washing or a fast rinse between cups, the barrel, which you may keep in mind will get crammed with scalding sizzling water and low grounds, is not as steady as it’s on the Original; the match is not fairly as cosy, one thing that for individuals who like—or suppose they could sometime like—going inverted ought to take into account a nonstarter.
I’ll be aware that regardless of testing with a full-production mannequin, I have not seen a lot in the way in which of others experiencing this downside. If you really need the Clear, possibly wait a yr, watch opinions, and see if this turns into an issue.
Best for (Really) Big Boys
AeroPress followers have been clamoring for a much bigger model of the traditional brewer for years, principally as a result of the Original’s 10-ounce capability means making espresso for a couple of particular person is usually a ache within the butt. Those followers acquired their want with a mannequin that is twice the scale of the unique. But larger doesn’t appear to be higher. In reality, larger appears a bit of extra harmful. While the Original, Clear, and Go all use the identical measurement cap and filter, every bit of the XL is bigger. It has its personal filters, and also you brew into the carafe it comes with, as a result of the XL’s bigger diameter makes it too huge to brew instantly into most mugs. It additionally features a number of peak. With the plunger prolonged and linked to the barrel, and all of that sitting on the carafe, it is 19 inches excessive. In our testing, 5’3″ Seattle barista Reyna Callejo from Olympia Coffee Roasting Company stood on a stool to get it to work, a balancing act involving sizzling liquids you seemingly is not going to wish to be doing earlier than your morning espresso, or ever, actually. Using the inverted technique additionally feels extra perilous—that is half a liter of sizzling water you are perching excessive above your countertop, legs, and non-public elements. If you actually love AeroPress, need an additional cup’s price each time you brew, and are not delay by the potential perils, go for it, however most of us who crave extra espresso would seemingly be higher off with a distinct form of brewer.
Put a Lid on It?
This accent—which attaches to all AeroPress fashions besides the XL—is designed to maintain your brewing dripless, which it does if issues are working proper. A ketchup-bottle type pressure-actuated valve permits the inverted-averse to experiment with grind sizes and brewing instances with no drip. Your espresso will not go anyplace till you press the plunger. It additionally is meant to create an “espresso-style crema” with darkish roast, which seems to be vaguely sudsy bubbles, not the scrumptious, dense, caffeinated foamy goodness you would possibly hope for. It’s form of just like the peach fuzz on a teenage boy’s higher lip in comparison with a legit bushy mustache. In reality, I didn’t discover a lot in the way in which of constructive change that the cap had on the espresso it made. That movement management works nice, although. Good luck cleanly ejecting the puck into the compost bin; with out some peculiar futzing that I—and lots of people on-line—by no means discovered, the filter and a layer of grounds are inclined to detach from the remainder of the puck and get caught within the cap. I had enjoyable wanting by means of the Amazon opinions, a lot of which complained about leaking, however laughed out loud on the one which hit residence probably the most: “I don’t think it does anything.”
Filtered Results
This reusable stainless filter permits AeroPress customers to keep away from utilizing and pitching the paper filters. Cutting down on paper waste is a noble intention, however I used to be pretty unimpressed with the outcomes. Most notably, the tip product is far sludgier than what AeroPress customers are used to. Even for me, a French-press fan who does not thoughts some sediment within the backside of my cup, this appeared like so much. Unless you utilize a Flow Control cap, the stainless filter additionally lets espresso drip by means of a lot quicker than a paper filter does. Amazingly, water poured from a faucet by means of an empty (no grounds) AeroPress with the stainless filter and inventory cap will fill then overfill the vessel beneath it, not the brewing chamber. With a paper filter and the identical cap, the brewing chamber fills, then takes nicely over a minute to empty out. Similarly, once you’re brewing espresso and depress the plunger, it sinks so quick and simply that maintaining regular stress on it’s tough. Finally, amongst all of our every day environmental sins, pitching a compostable 2.5-inch broad paper disc (which can be utilized for a number of brewings) barely makes a blip in contrast with, say, that plastic or plastic-lined bag your espresso is available in. As with the Flow Control cap, there’s most likely a tiny area of interest of people that will make common use of this, however I believe most of us will drop 15 bucks on it, wrestle with it a number of instances, then overlook about it within the utensil drawer.
My Own AeroPress Setup
Most of us will probably be utterly proud of only one AeroPress. Through work, I occur to personal two, which is usually redundant. If I needed to whittle it right down to only one, I’d take the Go. If I traveled much less, I’d be fantastic with the Original and simply take that on journeys—it does simply fantastic.
The remainder of my residence setup contains an Oxo scale for weighing espresso beans by the gram. The present model of the dimensions is that this Stainless Steel Food Scale ($56), a fantastic all-rounder within the kitchen. WIRED editor Michael Calore likes Oxo’s Precision Scale ($45) that encompasses a built-in timer, which is helpful with extra sophisticated AeroPress or pour-over brews.
My grinder is a Baratza Encore ($150), which I really like for the standard of the grind, general worth, and sturdiness. It’s additionally repairable, a spot the place many different producers fall quick.
While I really like the look of gooseneck kettles, I discover them finicky and slow-pouring when I’m not utilizing them for espresso. Instead, I’ve been utilizing the Cuisinart CPK-17 ($99) for 4 years, and it is nonetheless chugging away fantastic. It’s a reviewers’ darling, with six preset temperatures and a “maintain heat” button to carry it it at that temperature for half-hour.
One little factor I’ve come to understand is engaged on a silicone mat whereas I brew. AeroPress fails are rites of passage, principally as a result of they’ll make a spectacular mess. I take advantage of a Silpat mat from my baking drawer, which offers a strong, nonslip base and helps maintain catastrophe at bay.