Alan Adler invented the AeroPress in 2005. He was an engineer and inventor (also responsible for the Aerobie flying disc) who wanted a better cup of coffee. What he created accidentally launched one of the most passionate and creative communities in coffee: the World AeroPress Championship, where competitors develop wildly different recipes using the same device.
What Is the AeroPress?
The AeroPress is a plastic cylinder-and-plunger brewing device. Coffee grounds and hot water go into the chamber, steep briefly, then you press the plunger down through a paper (or metal) filter. The resulting coffee is concentrated, smooth, and can be adjusted dramatically by changing grind size, water temperature, steep time, and the amount of water used.
The Verdict
The AeroPress remains one of the best brewing devices ever made. At around €35, nothing else offers this combination of versatility, portability, durability, and cup quality.
What We Love
- Versatility: Make it like espresso (concentrated, short), like filter (diluted with hot water), or anything between. No other single device covers this range.
- Forgiving: Unlike the V60, the AeroPress is hard to ruin. The steep-and-press approach is more tolerant of grind inconsistency and temperature variation.
- Fast: 1–3 minutes total brew time, including cleanup. Rinsing the AeroPress takes 10 seconds.
- Durable: Plastic construction survives drops, travel, bags, and years of daily use. It doesn't break.
- Portable: Fits in any bag. The AeroPress Go model fits inside itself with a cup. Perfect for travel.
What's Not Perfect
- Makes one cup: The standard AeroPress brews 1–2 small cups per press. For a household of four, it's slow.
- No ritual: The V60 pour-over is meditative. The AeroPress is a press and go. Some people find this uninspiring.
- Plastic: Quality plastic (BPA-free, very durable), but some people prefer glass or ceramic.
Which Model?
The original AeroPress (~€35) and the AeroPress Go (~€40, designed for travel) are both excellent. The AeroPress XL makes more coffee per brew but is larger. Start with the original unless portability is your priority.
Should You Buy One?
Yes, with very few exceptions. The AeroPress is the best answer to "what brewer should I buy?" for most people — especially those who want flexibility, hate complicated cleanup, or travel frequently with their coffee.