AeroPress Original Coffee Maker

The Original 3-in-1 Brewer

The AeroPress Original Coffee Maker brings together the best of three classic brewing methods (part French press, part pour-over, part espresso) in one compact, portable device. The result is a smooth, full-flavoured cup with low bitterness and zero grit, in under two minutes.

Invented in 2005 by Stanford engineer Alan Adler, the AeroPress has become a favourite of baristas, home brewers and travellers worldwide. It's the brewer behind the global World AeroPress Championship and has sold millions of units across more than 60 countries.

Why brew with the AeroPress?

Traditional drip coffee makers pour hot water onto a bed of grounds, over-extracting the centre and under-extracting the edges - the reason so many home-brewed coffees taste both bitter and weak. The AeroPress uses total immersion combined with gentle air pressure, so every coffee particle is in contact with the water for the same amount of time. The result is uniform extraction, a cleaner cup, and far more of the flavour you paid for.

What makes it different

• Brews smooth, full-bodied coffee with low acidity and bitterness
• Micro-filtered for a grit-free cup, unlike a French press
• Brews a single cup in under two minutes - actual press time is just 20 seconds
• Lightweight, near-unbreakable and travel-ready - perfect for camping, holidays and the office
• Cleans in seconds with a quick rinse and a push of the plunger
• BPA-free, with a long-life silicone seal

What's in the box

Please note: these are the newer AeroPress units with reduced-plastic components.

• AeroPress chamber and plunger - the core of the brewer
• Filter cap - holds your paper filter in place during the press
• 100 paper micro-filters - for a grit-free cup, removing the oils that other immersion brewers leave behind
• Stirrer - sized perfectly to fit the chamber
• Scoop - measures the right dose for an AeroPress recipe

Running low? Stock up on AeroPress paper filters here.

Original, Go, Clear or XL - which AeroPress should I buy?

The AeroPress range has expanded in recent years. The Original remains the model most professionals recommend: it's the most affordable, the most versatile, and every component is replaceable. If you travel light and want a brewer that doubles as its own carry case, take a look at the AeroPress Go instead.

How to brew with an AeroPress

Our recommended inverted recipe: 17g of medium-ground coffee, 250g of water at 85°C. Stir for 10 seconds, steep for 30 seconds, plunge slowly, then dilute with 100g of water.

For step-by-step instructions, see our full AeroPress brew guide, or browse all our brew guides.

A brief history of the AeroPress

The AeroPress was invented in 2005 by Alan Adler, a Stanford University engineering lecturer and lifelong inventor known for his precision-driven designs. Frustrated by the bitterness and inconsistency of traditional coffee makers, Adler set out to create a better way to brew a single cup of coffee - experimenting in his garage through 2004 and trialling more than 30 prototypes before unveiling the design at CoffeeFest Seattle in 2005.

The brewer's distinctive use of gentle air pressure produced rich, smooth coffee with low acidity and no sediment, and it quickly built a cult following among coffee professionals and travellers alike. Today the range has grown to include the AeroPress Go, Clear, XL, Premium and Steel - but the Original remains the model that started it all.

• Brand: AeroPress
• Model: Original Coffee Maker
• Capacity: Up to 240ml per brew
• Materials: BPA-free copolyester chamber and plunger, silicone seal
• Weight: Approx. 200g
• EAN/UPC: 085276000855

What grind size should I use for an AeroPress?

A medium grind works best for most AeroPress recipes - slightly finer than a V60 pour-over and coarser than espresso. For shorter brews and more concentrated cups, grind a little finer; for longer steeps and more delicate flavours, grind slightly coarser.

How many cups does an AeroPress make?

The AeroPress Original brews one large cup or two small (espresso-style) cups at a time - around 240ml of finished coffee per brew. For larger batches, the AeroPress XL doubles the capacity.

Is the AeroPress dishwasher safe?

Yes - the chamber, plunger and filter cap are all dishwasher safe on the top rack. In practice, a quick rinse is usually all it needs, as the silicone seal wipes the chamber clean as you plunge.

Can I reuse AeroPress paper filters?

The paper micro-filters are designed for single use, but rinse easily and can be reused several times if you prefer. Reusable metal filters are also available, though they allow more oils through and produce a slightly different cup.

Is the AeroPress better than a French press?

It depends on what you're after. A French press produces a heavier, oilier cup with sediment. The AeroPress, with its paper micro-filter, produces a cleaner, brighter cup with no grit and less acidity. It's also far quicker to clean.

Can I make espresso with an AeroPress?

Not true espresso - that requires nine bars of pressure, far more than the AeroPress generates. But you can brew a concentrated, espresso-style shot that works beautifully as the base of an Americano, latte or cold brew.

How do I look after the silicone seal?

The seal occasionally picks up the smell of stale coffee. Once a month, remove it from the end of the plunger and wash both sides thoroughly in warm soapy water. To extend seal life, store the AeroPress with the plunger pushed all the way through the chamber so the seal isn't under compression.