Shopping for an AeroPress was once straightforward; for years, there was just one mannequin. Due to its ingenious design—a syringe-like plunger that pushes espresso within the brewing chamber via a small paper filter—it made unbelievable espresso, supplied all types of room for experimentation, and was straightforward to wash. 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 resort rooms.
For some time, it was simply these two. Then, this 12 months, 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 couple of new variations of its brewer. Sadly, whereas the Unique and Go had a “lightning strikes twice” vibe, the brand new crop is extra of a blended bag. Someway, in any case this time, what’s come out nonetheless feels rushed. We have been utilizing the Unique and Go for years and began testing the brand new gear as quickly because it got here out. Whereas it is not as universally interesting, there are options that followers might wish to take into account and a few to keep away from. If you have already got an AeroPress, that is nearly actually the whole lot you want. However in the event you’re shopping for a brand new one, here is some recommendation on which model to get.
Remember 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.
Finest for Dwelling or Workplace
When you’re a longtime AeroPress proprietor, likelihood is that is the one you’ve got acquired. Not a lot of a looker in its cloudy grey shade, however it’s an exceedingly excessive performer and has been a favourite of baristas and residential brewers because it got here out. A part of the reason being that it lets you management so lots of the brewing variables: water temperature, quantity of espresso, grind measurement, and bloom and brew occasions. Even when you do not make an ideal cup, it is normally nonetheless fairly good. The compact measurement means it barely takes up extra space than a mug in your kitchen, and it is pretty straightforward to tackle a visit. Plasticky? Sure, but in addition sturdy sufficient that I now not bear in mind how lengthy I’ve owned mine. I’ve an Unique and a Go, and I have a tendency to make use of the previous at dwelling and take the Go on the street. If I labored in an workplace, I might hold an Unique there. In comparison with the opposite fashions, it is in all probability probably the most versatile, able to accommodate your inside nerd while you wish to take a deep dive. Even when this have been nonetheless the one one in existence, we would be simply as fanatical about it.
Finest for Frequent Fliers
It by no means actually dawned on me that the Unique might be improved, and in a means 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 on your subsequent flight, or put it in your backpack and head for the hills. (Campers love these.) You’ll be able to, in fact, convey complete beans and a hand grinder, however that looks like overkill to me. Grind what your want earlier than heading for the nice 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’ll. Earlier than you skip city, purchase a bag of beans to grind at dwelling and name it each a memento and self-care reward. The 8-ounce Go is clearly for the vacationers on the market, however in the event you’re not too finicky, it is shut sufficient to the 10-ounce Unique that proudly owning each feels redundant. I journey lots, so if I needed to pare it down, this may be The One.
We’re Cloudy on the Clear
I assumed this may be the one to dethrone the unique. It is costlier, however it’s notably higher trying and options the power to see into the brewing chamber, components that make the bump in worth value it. It appeared utterly believable that the corporate would quietly sundown the Unique within the Clear’s favor, however I am unsure anymore. Other than this one being product of Tritan plastic, the 2 fashions seem like bodily equivalent, but once I began testing in depth, issues felt the other way up. AeroPress nerds love to make use of the “inverted method” the place the barrel is ready on prime 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 is my default methodology, however on the Clear, inverting felt slightly dicey. If the plunger or inside of the barrel are damp from washing or a fast rinse between cups, the barrel, which you will bear in mind will get crammed with scalding scorching water and occasional grounds, is not as steady as it’s on the Unique; the match is not fairly as cosy, one thing that for individuals who like—or assume they could sometime like—going inverted ought to take into account a nonstarter.
I’ll word that regardless of testing with a full-production mannequin, I have never seen a lot in the best way of others experiencing this drawback. When you actually need the Clear, possibly wait a 12 months, watch evaluations, and see if this turns into an issue.
Finest for (Actually) Massive Boys
AeroPress followers have been clamoring for an even bigger model of the basic brewer for years, principally as a result of the Unique’s 10-ounce capability means making espresso for multiple particular person could be a ache within the butt. These followers acquired their want with a mannequin that is twice the dimensions of the unique. However greater doesn’t appear to be higher. Actually, greater appears slightly extra harmful. Whereas the Unique, Clear, and Go all use the identical measurement cap and filter, each 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 good points 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 Espresso Roasting Firm stood on a stool to get it to work, a balancing act involving scorching liquids you probably won’t wish to be doing earlier than your morning espresso, or ever, actually. Utilizing the inverted methodology additionally feels extra perilous—that is half a liter of scorching water you are perching excessive above your countertop, legs, and non-public components. When you actually love AeroPress, need an additional cup’s value each time you brew, and are not postpone by the potential perils, go for it, however most of us who crave extra espresso would probably be higher off with a unique type 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 fashion pressure-actuated valve permits the inverted-averse to experiment with grind sizes and brewing occasions 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 may hope for. It is type of just like the peach fuzz on a teenage boy’s higher lip in comparison with a legit bushy mustache. Actually, I didn’t discover a lot in the best way of constructive change that the cap had on the espresso it made. That move 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 likely to detach from the remainder of the puck and get caught within the cap. I had enjoyable trying via the Amazon evaluations, a lot of which complained about leaking, however laughed out loud on the one which hit dwelling probably the most: “I do not assume it does something.”
Filtered Outcomes
This reusable stainless filter permits AeroPress customers to keep away from utilizing and pitching the paper filters. Reducing 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 lots. Except you utilize a Move Management cap, the stainless filter additionally lets espresso drip via a lot sooner than a paper filter does. Amazingly, water poured from a faucet via 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 properly over a minute to empty out. Equally, while you’re brewing espresso and depress the plunger, it sinks so quick and simply that preserving regular strain on it’s difficult. Lastly, amongst all of our each 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 Move Management cap, there’s in all probability a tiny area of interest of people that will make common use of this, however I feel most of us will drop 15 bucks on it, wrestle with it a couple of occasions, then overlook about it within the utensil drawer.
My Personal AeroPress Setup
Most of us will probably be utterly proud of only one AeroPress. By work, I occur to personal two, which is generally redundant. If I needed to whittle it all the way down to only one, I would take the Go. If I traveled much less, I would be advantageous with the Unique and simply take that on journeys—it does simply advantageous.
The remainder of my dwelling setup contains an Oxo scale for weighing espresso beans by the gram. The present model of the dimensions is this Stainless Steel Food Scale ($56), an incredible all-rounder within the kitchen. WIRED editor Michael Calore likes Oxo’s Precision Scale ($45) that contains a built-in timer, which is beneficial 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, total worth, and sturdiness. It is also repairable, a spot the place many different producers fall brief.
Whereas I really like the look of gooseneck kettles, I discover them finicky and slow-pouring once I’m not utilizing them for espresso. As a substitute, I have been utilizing the Cuisinart CPK-17 ($99) for 4 years, and it is nonetheless chugging away advantageous. It is a reviewers’ darling, with six preset temperatures and a “hold 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 exploit a Silpat mat from my baking drawer, which supplies a stable, nonslip base and helps hold catastrophe at bay.
