The world of coffee accessories is extensive and seemingly ever-growing. From intricate siphons to ultra-light drippers, there’s something for everyone.
But in this universe of niche tools, the AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker is one of the few that will appeal to a wide range of coffee lovers. The AeroPress is as quick as a Nespresso machine, as straightforward to operate as a French press, and it makes coffee that tastes almost as good as carefully prepared drip coffee.
Plus, it comes in sturdy, portable packaging.
Our choice
Lithe and compact AeroPress is the easiest way to prepare delicious coffee in one cup, without using electricity.
The clear version works exactly the same as the original AeroPress, but costs a little more. Only buy it if you value that immaculate, crisp look.
The AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker’s sterile look and clunky learning curve might get you a few confused looks in the office kitchen the first time you operate it. But it’s straightforward to master, and we quickly grew to love this odd-looking beverage syringe. (If looks matter to you, the clear version looks a bit more contemporary.)
Wherever you have ground coffee and warm water, the AeroPress can make a great cup of coffee in under two minutes. If you buy one, you’ll join a enormous community of coffee enthusiasts who love the AeroPress.
Also great
The AeroPress Go has a slightly smaller capacity than the original, but has improved accessories and can be easily folded into a travel mug.
While the original AeroPress is fairly portable, the AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press makes it straightforward to take all the accessories (stirrer, spoon, and filters) with you. It comes in a cute, compact container that doubles as a cup, and the updated accessories are better designed than the originals. But what you gain in convenience, you lose in capacity: The Go holds only 8 ounces, while the original AeroPress holds 10. You can still make original recipe for AeroPress for 4 ounces of concentrated coffee (which can be diluted), but some other recipes to make a standard cup of coffee will require modification.
And if you don’t care about using all the accessories, you can travel just as conveniently with the original AeroPress, which has a storage compartment for a supply of ground beans. If you’re a camping enthusiast or looking for an ultralight machine, keep in mind that the Go may not be an improvement on the original AeroPress. The Go is about 3½ ounces heavier, not counting the grinder or other coffee accessories you might pack.
Ultimately, both AeroPress devices are great for travel, but the Go is the model for those who value a coffee-making set that can be packed into a standalone package that also contains a cup.
