Aeropress Original Review: The Indestructible Everyday Coffee Brewer

Quick answer

The Aeropress Original remains the most versatile manual coffee maker on the market today. Built from tough copolyester and rubber, its virtually unbreakable design makes rich, espresso-adjacent coffee anywhere you take it. While it ships with disposable paper filters, swapping in a reusable metal filter turns it into a permanent, zero-waste brewing system. It is simple, durable, and exceptionally consistent.

What the wider world says

External consensus on the Aeropress is exceptionally strong. James Hoffmann called it genuinely the most versatile brewer you can own for under a hundred bucks. Wirecutter named it a top pick, noting that it makes better coffee than machines costing twenty times as much. Additionally, Perfect Daily Grind rated it 9/10, describing the brewer as effectively unkillable after testing one through a decade of daily use.

Our take

We love gear that lasts, and the copolyester and rubber construction of the Aeropress means it will survive being tossed into a packed backpack without worry. It pulls impressive espresso-adjacent shots with minimal effort. However, there are a few trade-offs to consider. Out of the box, it relies on single-use paper filters, so buying a metal filter is essential if you want a zero-waste workflow. Cleaning is also not quite as instant as a simple pour-over, as you need to pop out the spent grounds puck and wipe the rubber seal clean.

Who it's for

This brewer is ideal for anyone learning the fundamentals of brewing coffee at home or on the road. It is built for travellers who want cafe-quality shots from a lightweight, durable setup. It also suits eco-conscious coffee drinkers willing to pair it with a metal filter for a lifetime of zero-waste brews.

Who it isn't for

Skip this if you want an automated machine that brews large carafes at the touch of a button. It is also not for those who dislike rinsing multiple parts after every cup.