Best of
The Best AeroPress Brewers and Accessories
The best AeroPress picks ranked: Original, Go, Clear, and XL compared, plus the Prismo attachment, steel filter, and the rival brewers worth considering.
The short answer
The AeroPress Original is the best AeroPress for most people: 1 to 3 cups in about two minutes, 350 paper micro-filters in the box, and full compatibility with every attachment in the line. Travelers should get the AeroPress Go with its nesting travel mug, and two-coffee households should get the AeroPress XL with double the capacity. Our Original review and Moka Express review cover the two most compared brewers in depth.
Top picks at a glance
The picks, ranked
| Product | Designer | Capacity | Filters included | Brew method | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AeroPress Original | Alan Adler (released 2005) | 1 to 3 cups per press | 350 paper micro-filters | Immersion plus gentle air pressure | BPA-free polypropylene |
| AeroPress Go | - | 1 to 3 cups per press | - | Immersion plus gentle air pressure | BPA-free plastic |
| AeroPress XL | - | Double the AeroPress Original | - | Immersion plus gentle air pressure | BPA-free plastic |
| AeroPress Clear | - | 1 to 3 cups per press | - | Immersion plus gentle air pressure | Tritan (clear, shatterproof) |
| Fellow Prismo | - | - | - | - | - |
| AeroPress Stainless Steel Filter | - | - | - | - | Stainless steel, reusable |
| Bialetti Moka Express | - | - | - | - | - |
| Hario V60-02 | - | 1 to 4 cups (02 size) | - | - | - |
| Clever Clever Dripper (Large) | - | 18 oz (500 ml) | - | Full immersion with release valve | BPA-free plastic |
| Bodum Chambord | - | - | - | - | - |
Best overall
AeroPress Original
The 2005 original that turned a tube and a plunger into a brewing icon.
The Original remains the AeroPress to buy first. It brews 1 to 3 cups in about two minutes, ships with 350 paper micro-filters plus a stirrer and scoop, and every recipe, attachment, and filter ever made for the line fits it. Read our full AeroPress Original review for the detailed breakdown. Nothing else in the line matches its combination of price, compatibility, and proven design.
Strengths
- Brews a full-immersion cup in about two minutes, then plunges through a paper micro-filter
- Ships with 350 paper micro-filters, plus a stirrer and scoop in the box
- Chamber and plunger rinse clean in seconds with no carafe to wash
- Compact and shatterproof, and a staple of brewing competitions worldwide
Limitations
- Makes 1 to 3 cups per press, so batch brewing means repeat presses
- Paper filters are a recurring consumable (a reusable steel filter fixes this)
- Grind size and plunge pressure take a few brews to dial in
| Designer | Alan Adler (released 2005) |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1 to 3 cups per press |
| Filters included | 350 paper micro-filters |
| Brew method | Immersion plus gentle air pressure |
| Material | BPA-free polypropylene |
Sources: AeroPress official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise how a full-immersion cup is ready in about two minutes, with the paper micro-filter keeping it clean
- Many owners say the box is generous, with 350 paper micro-filters plus a stirrer and scoop included from day one
- Long-term owners like that the chamber and plunger rinse clean in seconds, with no carafe to scrub
- Some owners find the 1 to 3 cup limit frustrating, since brewing for a group means pressing again and again
- A common complaint is the ongoing cost of paper filters, since each press uses a fresh one unless you switch to steel
- Owners note that grind size and plunge pressure take a few brews to dial in before the cup tastes right
Best for: Brewers who want a fast, forgiving, travel-friendly cup with near-zero cleanup.
Skip if: You brew for more than three people at once; the chamber tops out at about three cups per press.
Best for travel
AeroPress Go
The full AeroPress brew shrunk into a package that nests inside its own mug.
The Go brews the same immersion-plus-pressure cup as the Original, but the brewer, plunger, filters, stirrer, and scoop all nest inside the included travel mug with its silicone lid. If your AeroPress mostly lives in a bag, a car, or a desk drawer, the Go's packability outweighs its smaller chamber and higher price.
Strengths
- Brewer, plunger, filters, stirrer, and scoop all pack inside the included travel mug
- Mug ships with a silicone lid for drinking on the move
- Same immersion-plus-pressure method as the Original, so recipes transfer directly
- Paper micro-filters included in the box
Limitations
- Smaller chamber than the Original, so large mugs need a top-up of hot water
- The nesting design adds a few extra parts to keep track of
- Costs more than the Original for essentially the same brew
| Capacity | 1 to 3 cups per press |
|---|---|
| Includes | Travel mug with silicone lid |
| Filters | Paper micro-filters included |
| Brew method | Immersion plus gentle air pressure |
| Material | BPA-free plastic |
Sources: AeroPress official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise how the brewer, plunger, filters, stirrer, and scoop all nest inside the included travel mug
- Many owners like the silicone lid on the mug, which lets them drink on the move straight from the kit
- Owners say recipes transfer directly from the Original because the immersion-plus-pressure method is the same
- Some owners find the smaller chamber tight, so a large mug needs a top-up of hot water after pressing
- Owners note the nesting design means more small parts to keep track of while traveling
- A common complaint is paying more than the Original for what is essentially the same brew
Best for: Travelers, campers, and office brewers who want the Original's cup on the road.
Skip if: You only brew at home; the Original gives you the same coffee with a roomier chamber.
Best for couples and families
AeroPress XL
Double the chamber of the Original for couples and small households.
The XL doubles the Original's capacity, so two mugs happen in one press instead of two. Standard and inverted methods carry over directly, and the wider chamber sits stably on large mugs. It is the priciest brewer in the line and needs XL-size filters, but for two-coffee households it removes the Original's main annoyance.
Strengths
- Double the brew capacity of the Original in a single press
- Same standard and inverted methods, so existing recipes scale directly
- Larger filter cap and chamber sit stably on big mugs and carafes
- Paper micro-filters included
Limitations
- The most expensive brewer in the AeroPress line
- Bulkier to store and travel with than the Original or Go
- Needs XL-size filters; Original-size filters and some attachments do not fit
| Capacity | Double the AeroPress Original |
|---|---|
| Filters | XL-size paper micro-filters included |
| Brew method | Immersion plus gentle air pressure |
| Compatibility | XL filters only; not compatible with Original-size accessories |
| Material | BPA-free plastic |
Sources: AeroPress official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the double capacity, which lets two-coffee households brew in a single press
- Many owners say standard and inverted recipes scale straight over, so there is nothing new to learn
- Owners like that the larger filter cap and chamber sit stably on big mugs and carafes
- Some owners balk at it being the most expensive brewer in the AeroPress line
- Owners note the bulkier body is harder to store and less travel-friendly than the Original or Go
- A common complaint is needing XL-size filters, since Original-size filters and some attachments do not fit
Best for: Two-coffee households that want AeroPress flavor without pressing twice.
Skip if: You brew solo; the Original is smaller, cheaper, and easier to plunge.
Best for learning the craft
AeroPress Clear
The Original's recipe in crystal-clear Tritan so you can watch the extraction.
The Clear brews identically to the Original but in shatterproof Tritan you can see through, which makes the inverted method far easier to learn: you watch the coffee level instead of guessing. It costs more than the Original for the same cup, so buy it for the visibility, not the flavor.
Strengths
- Tritan construction is clear and shatterproof, unlike actual glass
- Identical chamber dimensions to the Original, so all recipes and attachments fit
- Watching the coffee level makes the inverted method easier to learn
- Paper micro-filters included
Limitations
- Priced above the Original with no difference in the cup
- Clear walls show coffee staining faster (it rinses off)
- Same 1 to 3 cup batch limit as the Original
| Capacity | 1 to 3 cups per press |
|---|---|
| Material | Tritan (clear, shatterproof) |
| Compatibility | Fits all Original-size filters and attachments |
| Brew method | Immersion plus gentle air pressure |
| Filters | Paper micro-filters included |
Sources: AeroPress official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the Tritan body for being clear like glass but shatterproof in daily use
- Many owners say identical chamber dimensions to the Original mean every recipe and attachment still fits
- Owners like watching the coffee level during the brew, which makes learning the inverted method easier
- Some owners question paying above the Original when there is no difference in the cup
- Owners note the clear walls show coffee staining faster, even though it rinses off
- A common complaint is the same 1 to 3 cup batch ceiling as the Original
Best for: Brewers who want to see the bloom and the plunge, and prefer a glass-like look.
Skip if: You want the lowest price; the Original brews identically for less.
Best upgrade for espresso-style coffee
Fellow Prismo
Fellow's pressure-valve attachment that turns the AeroPress into an espresso-style brewer.
Fellow's Prismo adds a pressure-actuated valve and a no-drip seal to your existing AeroPress, producing a concentrated, espresso-style shot that works in lattes and Americanos. The included etched metal filter means no paper. It will not replace a 9-bar machine, but as an upgrade to a brewer you already own, it is the most transformative accessory here.
Strengths
- Pressure-actuated valve builds pressure for a more concentrated extraction
- No-drip seal allows full-immersion steeping without flipping the brewer
- Includes a reusable etched metal filter, so no paper needed
- Adds real versatility to a brewer you already own
Limitations
- Produces espresso-style coffee, not true 9-bar espresso
- Metal filter lets fine sediment through compared to paper
- Adds height to the brewer, so it needs clearance under the press
| Maker | Fellow |
|---|---|
| Valve | Pressure-actuated, no-drip seal |
| Filter | Reusable etched metal filter included |
| Compatibility | Designed for AeroPress brewers |
| Output | Espresso-style concentrated coffee |
Sources: Fellow official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the pressure-actuated valve for building pressure toward a more concentrated extraction
- Many owners like the no-drip seal, which allows full-immersion steeping without flipping the brewer
- Owners say the included reusable etched metal filter means no paper is needed
- Some owners point out it produces espresso-style coffee, not true 9-bar espresso
- Owners note the metal filter lets fine sediment through compared to paper
- A common complaint is the added height, which needs clearance under the press
Best for: AeroPress owners chasing concentrated, espresso-like shots for milk drinks.
Skip if: You love the clean paper-filtered AeroPress cup; the Prismo's metal filter makes a heavier one.
Best zero-waste upgrade
AeroPress Stainless Steel Filter
The official reusable steel filter for a fuller-bodied, zero-waste AeroPress cup.
The official stainless steel filter fits the Original, Go, and Clear and ends paper-filter reorders forever. It lets more oils through, so the cup gains body at the cost of some clarity and a little fine sediment. Daily brewers who like a heavier cup should switch; clarity chasers should stay on paper.
Strengths
- Reusable stainless steel eliminates the paper-filter consumable entirely
- Lets more oils through for a fuller, heavier-bodied cup
- Fits the Original, Go, and Clear (all use the same filter diameter)
- Rinses clean in seconds
Limitations
- Allows fine sediment that paper would catch
- Cup is noticeably heavier-bodied, which some drinkers dislike
- Does not fit the XL, which uses larger filters
| Material | Stainless steel, reusable |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | AeroPress Original, Go, and Clear |
| Effect | Fuller body vs paper micro-filters |
| Waste | Zero paper waste |
| Care | Rinse clean; no consumables |
Sources: AeroPress official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the reusable stainless steel for eliminating the paper-filter consumable entirely
- Many owners like how it lets more oils through for a fuller, heavier-bodied cup
- Owners say it fits the Original, Go, and Clear since they share the same filter diameter
- Some owners dislike the fine sediment that paper would have caught
- A common complaint is the noticeably heavier body, which some drinkers do not enjoy
- Owners note it does not fit the XL, which uses larger filters
Best for: Daily AeroPress brewers who want more body and no paper-filter reorders.
Skip if: You prize the ultra-clean cup; paper micro-filters still filter finer.
Best stovetop alternative
Bialetti Moka Express
The 1933 octagonal icon that defined stovetop coffee.
If you want stronger coffee with zero technique, the Moka Express has brewed it since 1933 across seven sizes from 1 to 12 cups. Steam pressure does everything, and every gasket is replaceable. Our full Moka Express review covers the trade-offs. Pick it over the AeroPress when you want intensity without a learning curve, and skip it if you cook on induction.
Strengths
- In production since 1933 with the same octagonal aluminum design
- Seven sizes from 1 to 12 cups cover solo drinkers to dinner parties
- Steam pressure does the work; no plunging, pouring technique, or filters to buy
- Every gasket and filter plate is replaceable, so pots last decades
Limitations
- Aluminum body is not induction-compatible and should be hand washed
- Brew strength is fixed by the design; little room to experiment with recipes
- Leaving it on the heat too long scorches the coffee, the classic beginner mistake
| Invented | 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti |
|---|---|
| Body | Cast aluminum, octagonal |
| Sizes | 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and 12 cups |
| Heat source | Gas and electric stovetops (not induction) |
| Care | Hand wash recommended |
Sources: Bialetti official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise a design that has stayed in production since 1933, with the same octagonal aluminum shape
- Many owners like having seven sizes from 1 to 12 cups, covering solo drinkers through dinner parties
- Long-term owners say steam pressure does all the work, with no plunging, pouring technique, or filters to buy
- Some owners are frustrated that the aluminum body is not induction-compatible and needs hand washing
- Owners note brew strength is fixed by the design, leaving little room to experiment with recipes
- A common complaint is scorched coffee when the pot is left on the heat too long, a classic beginner mistake
Best for: Stovetop traditionalists who want strong, espresso-adjacent coffee with no technique beyond heat.
Skip if: You cook on induction; the aluminum body needs a gas or electric burner.
Best pour-over alternative
Hario V60-02
The 60-degree cone that made pour-over a precision craft.
The V60-02's 60-degree cone, spiral ribs, and single large drip hole give a skilled pourer more control than any AeroPress recipe, and the 1 to 4 cup range beats the Original on batch size. See our V60-02 review for the full assessment. Choose it when you want to chase clarity and technique; choose the AeroPress when you want a great cup fast.
Strengths
- 60-degree cone with spiral ribs promotes even drawdown
- 02 size brews 1 to 4 cups, covering solo cups to small carafes
- Single large drip hole gives the pourer full control of flow rate
- Paper filters produce a sediment-free cup that highlights delicate beans
Limitations
- Technique-sensitive: grind, pour speed, and agitation all show in the cup
- Needs V60 02-size paper filters, a separate recurring purchase
- The plastic version retains heat less well than ceramic (ceramic costs more)
| Design | 60-degree conical dripper |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1 to 4 cups (02 size) |
| Interior | Spiral ribs for even extraction |
| Drip hole | Single large opening |
| Filters | Requires V60 02 paper filters |
Sources: Hario official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the 60-degree cone and spiral ribs for promoting an even drawdown
- Many owners like the 02 size range, brewing anywhere from 1 to 4 cups
- Owners say the single large drip hole hands full control of flow rate to the pourer
- Some owners find it technique-sensitive, with grind, pour speed, and agitation all showing in the cup
- A common complaint is the separate recurring purchase of V60 02-size paper filters
- Owners note the plastic version holds heat less well than ceramic, which costs more
Best for: Pour-over brewers who want maximum control over extraction and a clean, sweet cup.
Skip if: You want a forgiving morning brewer; the V60 punishes sloppy pouring.
Best immersion alternative
Clever Clever Dripper (Large)
Full-immersion brewing with a valve that drains straight into your mug.
The Clever Dripper is the AeroPress's most forgiving rival: full immersion like a French press, a shut-off valve that drains through a #4 filter straight into your mug, and an 18 oz (500 ml) capacity that out-batches every AeroPress. If plunging and recipe-tweaking sound like chores, the Clever gives you 90 percent of the result with none of the fuss.
Strengths
- Shut-off valve holds the slurry for full immersion, then releases onto your mug
- Large size brews up to 18 oz (500 ml) in one steep
- As forgiving as a French press with a cleaner, paper-filtered cup
- Uses widely available #4 cone filters
Limitations
- BPA-free plastic body will not win design awards
- The valve gasket needs occasional cleaning to seal reliably
- Single-batch brewer; no carafe option for serving guests
| Capacity | 18 oz (500 ml) |
|---|---|
| Brew method | Full immersion with release valve |
| Filters | Standard #4 cone filters |
| Material | BPA-free plastic |
| Drain | Valve opens when set on a mug |
Sources: Clever official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the shut-off valve, which holds the slurry for full immersion then releases it onto the mug
- Many owners like brewing up to 18 oz in one steep for a generous single serving
- Owners say it is as forgiving as a French press while giving a cleaner, paper-filtered cup
- Some owners feel the BPA-free plastic body will not win any design awards
- Owners note the valve gasket needs occasional cleaning to keep sealing reliably
- A common complaint is the single-batch format, with no carafe option for serving guests
Best for: Beginners who want pour-over flavor without pour-over technique.
Skip if: You love tinkering; the Clever's simplicity leaves little to optimize.
Best French press alternative
Bodum Chambord
The chrome-and-glass French press design that has defined the category since the 1950s.
The Chambord's borosilicate glass beaker and 3-part steel filter have defined French press brewing since the 1950s, and the 34 oz size serves the household the AeroPress cannot. You trade the AeroPress's clean, sediment-free cup for heavier body and a silty last sip. Pick it when body matters more than clarity.
Strengths
- Borosilicate glass beaker resists thermal shock and will not affect flavor
- Three-part stainless steel filter assembly is simple and fully replaceable
- Four sizes from 12 to 51 oz cover solo brewing to entertaining
- The 34 oz (8-cup) size is the standard household French press
Limitations
- Glass beaker can break if knocked; Bodum sells replacements
- Metal filter lets fine sediment through, so the last sip is silty
- Glass loses heat fast; coffee cools quickly without a cozy
| Design | Iconic French press, dating to the 1950s |
|---|---|
| Beaker | Borosilicate glass |
| Filter | 3-part stainless steel |
| Sizes | 12, 17, 34, and 51 oz |
| Care | Glass beaker is dishwasher safe |
Sources: Bodum official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the borosilicate glass beaker for resisting thermal shock without affecting flavor
- Many owners like the three-part stainless steel filter assembly being simple and fully replaceable
- Owners say the four sizes from 12 to 51 oz cover everything from solo brewing to entertaining
- Some owners worry the glass beaker can break if knocked, even though replacements are sold
- A common complaint is fine sediment from the metal filter leaving the last sip silty
- Owners note the glass loses heat fast, so coffee cools quickly without a cozy
Best for: French press traditionalists who want the iconic look and a rich, full-bodied cup.
Skip if: You hate sediment; even the best press leaves fine silt in the cup.
How we chose
We ranked the four AeroPress brewers and the two official accessories on brew quality, batch capacity, ease of use, compatibility across the line, and long-term cost including consumables. The four rival brewers (moka pot, V60, Clever Dripper, French press) were judged on what they offer an AeroPress-curious buyer: a meaningfully different cup, method, or use case rather than a near-duplicate. Manufacturer-published specifications supplied every capacity, material, and included-accessory claim.
Questions, answered
Which AeroPress should I buy: Original, Go, Clear, or XL?
Buy the Original if you brew at home and want the lowest price with full accessory compatibility. Buy the Go if you travel, since everything nests in its mug. Buy the Clear if you are learning the inverted method and want to see the brew. Buy the XL if you regularly brew for two or more. Our AeroPress vs AeroPress Go guide compares the two most confused models directly.
Is the AeroPress XL worth it over the Original?
Only if you brew for two or more people daily. The XL doubles capacity in a single press, but it costs more, takes more storage space, and needs XL-size filters. Solo brewers gain nothing and lose the Original's compact plunge.
Paper filters or the metal filter?
Paper micro-filters produce the cleaner, brighter cup and are what every classic AeroPress recipe assumes. The stainless steel filter adds body and oils, eliminates reorders, and lets fine sediment through. Many owners keep both and choose by mood; our buying guide breaks down the trade-off.
Can the AeroPress make real espresso?
No. The AeroPress generates gentle hand pressure, far below a pump machine's 9 bars, so true espresso crema is out of reach. The Fellow Prismo attachment gets closest with a concentrated, espresso-style shot that works well in milk drinks.