The AeroPress is arguably the most versatile £30 purchase in coffee — capable of espresso-style concentrates, long brews and cold brew in under two minutes. Here’s how the Original, Go, XL and Clear compare, plus the accessories worth buying.
At a glance — our top three picks
Top Pick
AeroPress Original
The classic plastic press that started the movement. Makes 1–3 cups of clean, full-bodied coffee in under a minute.
Runner-up
AeroPress Go
A travel-friendly AeroPress with a built-in mug. Slightly smaller chamber, same flavour.
Budget
AeroPress Clear
The transparent variant lets you see your brew — a favourite of bloom-watchers and inverted-method fans.
Our top picks compared
| Product | Best for | Rating | Price | Jump to review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AeroPress Original | Overall best buy | ★★★★★ | £££ | Read review ↓ |
| AeroPress Go | Enthusiast upgrade | ★★★★½ | ££££ | Read review ↓ |
| AeroPress Clear | Best under budget | ★★★★ | £ | Read review ↓ |
Top Pick: AeroPress Original
The classic plastic press that started the movement. Makes 1–3 cups of clean, full-bodied coffee in under a minute.
Pros
- ✅ Forgiving — hard to brew a bad cup
- ✅ Dishwasher-safe plastic, practically unbreakable
- ✅ £30 gets you a lifetime of brews
Cons
- ❌ Plastic aesthetic isn’t for everyone
- ❌ Single-cup only
Runner-up: AeroPress Go
A travel-friendly AeroPress with a built-in mug. Slightly smaller chamber, same flavour.
Pros
- ✅ All-in-one travel design
- ✅ Included mug and carry case
- ✅ Identical cup quality to the Original
Cons
- ❌ Smaller brew volume (237ml)
- ❌ About 30% more expensive
Budget: AeroPress Clear
The transparent variant lets you see your brew — a favourite of bloom-watchers and inverted-method fans.
Pros
- ✅ Visible brew chamber
- ✅ Same three-year warranty
- ✅ Borosilicate glass body
Cons
- ❌ Heavier than the original
- ❌ A bit harder to find in UK shops
Buying guide
Original vs Go vs XL
The Original is the all-rounder. The Go is travel-sized (one cup). The XL brews up to 400ml for mug or carafe use. The Clear is the same as the Original in transparent Tritan.
Filters
Paper filters give a clean cup. Metal disc filters (Able, Fellow Prismo) give a heavier body and less waste. The Prismo also adds pressure valve for pseudo-espresso.
Recipes
Inverted brewing gives more control. World AeroPress Championship recipes are a great starting point — bookmark a few and experiment from there.
Durability
The plunger seal is the only wear part and replacements are widely available. Expect 5+ years of daily use.
Frequently asked questions
Does the AeroPress make real espresso?
What grind should I use?
Is the Clear worth the extra?
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