What grind size should I use?

Start around fine to medium-fine, a bit finer than table salt. Finer grinds boost extraction and body but slow the press; if pressing feels like a workout, coarsen slightly. It rewards dialing in, so adjust grind and steep time to taste.

Does it make real espresso?

Not technically. It brews a concentrated, espresso-style shot, but you can't reach the 9 bars of pressure a true espresso machine generates, so there's no thick crema. It's excellent for Americano-style and milk drinks, just set expectations.

Do I have to keep buying paper filters?

No. The paper micro-filters are cheap and last a long time, but the AeroPress also accepts reusable metal filters. Metal lets more oils through for a heavier body; paper gives a cleaner cup. Many owners keep both on hand.

AeroPress or French press - which should I get?

The AeroPress brews in about 1-2 minutes using immersion plus light air pressure, and its paper filter gives a full body with a clean cup and easy cleanup - just eject the puck. A French press steeps around 4 minutes for a heavier body with some sediment, and it's messier to rinse. Pick the AeroPress for a cleaner cup and fast cleanup; the French press for a bigger, heavier brew.

What's the catch with the AeroPress?

Two honest limits: it brews only 1-2 cups at a time (big households should look at the AeroPress XL), and despite the espresso-style shot it's not a true espresso machine. Beyond that, reviewers are glowing - a Livingetc tester found the coffee 'rich, smooth, and strong' with 'virtually no harsh acidity or bitterness.'

AeroPress Original Review

What have experts found about the AeroPress Original?

Every claim below is tied to a source you can open, quoted verbatim — how we research picks.

“brews a smooth, full bodied cup in under two minutes”

Reviewers highlight how fast the AeroPress delivers a smooth, low-bitterness cup — RecipeByLiza's 2026 review reports it brews quickly with a full body.
RecipeByLiza · 2026 ↗
“The AeroPress brews coffee that is rich, smooth, and strong. There was virtually no harsh acidity or bitterness”

After months of testing expensive espresso machines, a Livingetc reviewer found herself hooked on the AeroPress, reporting coffee that was 'rich, smooth, and strong' with 'virtually no harsh acidity or bitterness.'
Livingetc · 2026 ↗

How does the AeroPress Original compare?

	AeroPress	French Press	Pour-over (V60)
Brew style	Immersion + light air pressure	Full immersion	Percolation / drip
Typical brew time	~1-2 min	~4 min steep	~3 min pour
Body & clarity	Full body, clean (paper filter)	Heavy body, some sediment	Bright, clean, tea-like
Grind size	Fine to medium-fine	Coarse	Medium-fine
Cleanup	Easy - eject the puck	Messy - rinse the carafe	Easy - toss filter

Buy it if

Hands-on brewers who like dialing in grind, dose, temperature, and steep time
Travelers, campers, and office drinkers who want a near-unbreakable, packable brewer
Anyone making 1-2 cups at a time who prioritizes a clean, low-bitterness cup
Tinkerers who enjoy chasing recipes (inverted method, bypass, cold brew)

Skip it if

Households brewing for a crowd or large batches each morning (look at the AeroPress XL)
People who want true crema-topped espresso from a pump machine
Those who want a fully hands-off, push-button automatic maker

Is the AeroPress Original worth it?

For its size and price, the AeroPress Original punches absurdly above its weight: it makes a clean, full-bodied cup, cleans up in seconds, and gives you real control over extraction. The trade-offs are honest - it's a 1-2 cup brewer and it's not a true espresso machine - but as a daily driver and travel companion, it's hard to beat.

Check price on Amazon Live price & reviews on Amazon

Questions, answered

What grind size should I use?: Start around fine to medium-fine, a bit finer than table salt. Finer grinds boost extraction and body but slow the press; if pressing feels like a workout, coarsen slightly. It rewards dialing in, so adjust grind and steep time to taste. Source AeroPress (official) ↗
Does it make real espresso?: Not technically. It brews a concentrated, espresso-style shot, but you can't reach the 9 bars of pressure a true espresso machine generates, so there's no thick crema. It's excellent for Americano-style and milk drinks, just set expectations.
Do I have to keep buying paper filters?: No. The paper micro-filters are cheap and last a long time, but the AeroPress also accepts reusable metal filters. Metal lets more oils through for a heavier body; paper gives a cleaner cup. Many owners keep both on hand. Source AeroPress (official) ↗
AeroPress or French press - which should I get?: The AeroPress brews in about 1-2 minutes using immersion plus light air pressure, and its paper filter gives a full body with a clean cup and easy cleanup - just eject the puck. A French press steeps around 4 minutes for a heavier body with some sediment, and it's messier to rinse. Pick the AeroPress for a cleaner cup and fast cleanup; the French press for a bigger, heavier brew.
What's the catch with the AeroPress?: Two honest limits: it brews only 1-2 cups at a time (big households should look at the AeroPress XL), and despite the espresso-style shot it's not a true espresso machine. Beyond that, reviewers are glowing - a Livingetc tester found the coffee 'rich, smooth, and strong' with 'virtually no harsh acidity or bitterness.' Source Livingetc ↗