The French press and AeroPress are two of the most popular manual coffee brewers for home use. Both are compact, affordable, and easy to use—but they deliver very different coffee experiences.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first brewer or a coffee enthusiast deciding between two classics, this guide will help you understand the pros, cons, and flavor differences of the French press and the AeroPress, so you can choose the one that best suits your style.
Overview of the French Press
The French press (also known as a press pot or plunger pot) is a classic immersion brewer that’s been around for over a century. It works by steeping coffee grounds in hot water, then using a metal mesh plunger to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee.
How It Works:
- Add coarse coffee grounds to the carafe.
- Pour hot water over the grounds.
- Let it steep for about 4 minutes.
- Press the plunger down to separate the grounds.
- Pour and enjoy.
French Press Key Features:
- Brew method: Full immersion
- Brew time: 4–5 minutes
- Grind size: Coarse
- Flavor profile: Rich, bold, full-bodied
- Cleanup: Moderate effort, grounds can be messy
Overview of the AeroPress
Invented in 2005, the AeroPress is a newer brewing device that uses air pressure to push water through coffee grounds. It’s highly portable, easy to clean, and incredibly versatile.
How It Works:
- Add medium-fine coffee grounds to the chamber.
- Add hot water (typically 175°F–205°F).
- Stir and steep for 30–60 seconds.
- Press the plunger to extract the coffee through a paper or metal filter.
- Enjoy a smooth, clean cup.
AeroPress Key Features:
- Brew method: Immersion + pressure
- Brew time: 1–2 minutes
- Grind size: Medium-fine
- Flavor profile: Clean, smooth, less oily
- Cleanup: Quick and easy (grounds come out in a puck)
Flavor Comparison
The most important factor for many people is taste. Here’s how each method compares in terms of flavor:
French Press:
- Produces a heavy-bodied and rich cup with more oils and sediment.
- Ideal for those who enjoy a stronger, rustic style of coffee.
- Some people dislike the “sludgy” texture from the metal filter.
AeroPress:
- Delivers a cleaner, brighter, and smoother cup.
- Paper filters remove most oils and fine particles.
- Less bitter due to shorter brew time and pressure extraction.
- Great for single-origin coffees that shine with clarity.
Ease of Use
Both brewers are beginner-friendly, but they require slightly different skills.
French Press:
- Simple to use—just steep and plunge.
- Consistent results if you use the right ratio and timing.
- Less precise: results may vary with bean freshness or water temperature.
AeroPress:
- Very easy to clean and store.
- Offers more control and experimentation (inverted method, brew ratios, etc.).
- Slightly steeper learning curve due to many brew variations.
Brew Time and Convenience
French Press:
- Takes 4 to 5 minutes to brew.
- Great for making multiple cups at once.
- Needs to be cleaned right after brewing to avoid lingering bitterness.
AeroPress:
- Takes just 1 to 2 minutes.
- Best for single-cup brewing.
- Ideal for travel or quick morning routines.
Portability and Durability
If you like to brew coffee while traveling or camping, portability matters.
French Press:
- Available in glass, stainless steel, or plastic.
- Bulkier and more fragile (especially glass models).
- Not ideal for travel.
AeroPress:
- Extremely lightweight and durable.
- Comes with a travel bag in some kits.
- Great for camping, office, or road trips.
Versatility
The AeroPress is one of the most versatile coffee tools available.
French Press:
- Best for classic, strong coffee.
- Some people use it for cold brew or tea, but not much beyond that.
AeroPress:
- Can make espresso-style coffee, cold brew, and even lattes with milk.
- Supports hundreds of recipes (World AeroPress Championship is proof).
- Offers more customization for coffee geeks.
Capacity
How much coffee do you want to make at once?
- French Press: Comes in multiple sizes—ideal for brewing 2 to 4 cups or more.
- AeroPress: Limited to about 250ml (8 oz) per press. You can dilute or do multiple brews if needed.
Price and Value
Both devices are affordable and offer excellent value.
- French Press: $20–$40 for quality models. More expensive versions use stainless steel or insulated walls.
- AeroPress: Around $30–$40. Long-lasting and highly reliable.
Both are great investments. If budget is a concern, start with the one that fits your lifestyle better.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the French Press if you:
- Enjoy bold, full-bodied coffee with texture
- Want to brew multiple cups at once
- Prefer simplicity over experimentation
- Don’t mind a little sediment in your cup
Choose the AeroPress if you:
- Prefer clean, smooth, balanced coffee
- Like to experiment with different recipes and techniques
- Want a compact brewer for travel or the office
- Only need to make one cup at a time
Final Thoughts: Both Are Excellent—Just Different
The French press and AeroPress are both incredible tools that give you more control over your coffee than a standard drip machine. Neither is strictly better—it depends on your taste preferences and brewing habits.
If possible, try both. Many coffee lovers keep both on hand: AeroPress for clean, quick weekday cups and French press for rich, leisurely weekend brews. Whichever you choose, you’re well on your way to better coffee at home.