Hey there, coffee lovers! It’s your caffeine-obsessed pal, diving headfirst into the world of the AeroPress Premium Coffee Maker. I’ve spent weeks researching, brewing, and sipping my way through this sleek glass beauty to bring you the most honest, heartfelt review I can muster. Spoiler alert: it’s got some serious highs and a couple of “eh” moments. So, grab your favorite mug, and let’s spill the beans on whether this $150 coffee maker is worth your hard-earned cash.
What’s the AeroPress Premium All About?
| Image | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
Top Top Top Top Top | Aeropress Original Coffee and Espresso Maker, Barista Level Portable Coffee Maker with Chamber, Plunger, and Filters, Quick Coffee and Espresso Maker, Made in USA | Check Price |
 | Aeropress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press Kit, 1-3 Cups in a Minute, Coffee, Espresso, & Cold Brew Maker, Manual Coffee Making Machine for Travel, Includes Mug & Lid | Check Price on Amazon |
 Top Top Top Top | Fellow Prismo Attachment for AeroPress Coffee Maker - Enhance Your Manual Coffee Maker to Brew Espresso-Style and No-Drip Immersion Coffees, Reusable Metal Filter | Check Price |
 Top Top Top Top | AeroPress Stainless Steel Reusable Filter - Metal Coffee Filter for AeroPress Original & AeroPress Go Coffee Makers, 1 Pack, 1 Filter | Check Price |
 Top Top Top Top | AeroPress Replacement Filter Pack - Microfilters For AeroPress Coffee And Espresso Maker - 2 Pack (700 count) | Check Price |
The AeroPress Premium is like the glow-up version of the classic AeroPress—a cult favorite among coffee nerds since 2005. Instead of the usual plastic, this one’s rocking a double-walled borosilicate glass body, paired with stainless steel and anodized aluminum accents. It’s heavier (27.5 ounces), taller (7 inches), and looks like it belongs on a museum shelf rather than next to my messy coffee station. Priced at $149.95 on the AeroPress site, it promises a premium brew with a side of eco-friendly vibes. But does it deliver, or is it just a pretty face? Let’s dig in.
First Impressions: Unboxing a Work of Art
Opening the box felt like unwrapping a Christmas gift from a rich aunt. The glass chamber gleamed, the metal bits felt solid, and the whole thing screamed “I’m fancy.” It comes with the usual AeroPress goodies: a scoop, stirrer, and a pack of their signature filters. At 10 ounces capacity, it’s perfect for a single serving—aka my morning lifeline. But here’s the kicker: it’s not dishwasher safe, and you can’t microwave it. Hand-washing only, folks. For $150, I half-expected it to clean itself, but no dice.
Brewing with the AeroPress Premium: My Experience
The Taste Test
I brewed my first cup with some Ethiopian beans I’ve been hoarding—medium roast, fruity vibes. Following the simple steps (hot water, coffee grounds, press down), I had a steaming cup in under two minutes. The result? A smooth, rich brew that danced on my tongue—no bitterness, no grit. It’s that AeroPress magic: a hybrid of espresso, pour-over, and French press rolled into one. Expert barista James Hoffmann (yes, that Hoffmann) has praised the AeroPress line for its ability to extract flavors cleanly, and I’d say this Premium version keeps that legacy alive.
But here’s where I got curious—does the glass make a difference? Some reviews, like Tasting Table’s take, argue the taste is identical to the original plastic model. I’d nudge that a bit—maybe it’s placebo, but I swear the coffee felt a tad smoother, warmer longer thanks to that double-walled glass.
Ease of Use
I’m no coffee pro, but this thing’s a breeze to figure out. Water level markings are clear, and the plunging action is oddly satisfying—like a mini workout for my coffee obsession. Cleaning? Pop it apart, rinse, and you’re done. Homes & Gardens called it “impressively easy to clean,” and I’m nodding along—it’s a rare kitchen gadget that doesn’t make me groan at cleanup time.
The Good, the Bad, and the Price Tag: Pros & Cons
Let’s break it down with a table, because who doesn’t love a good list?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning double-walled glass build | Pricey at $149.95 |
| Plastic-free and eco-friendly | Stuck with AeroPress filters |
| Rich, smooth coffee every time | Heavy—not travel-friendly |
| Super easy to use and clean | No dishwasher or microwave use |
| Looks like a kitchen trophy | Limited to single servings |
What I Love
- The Look: It’s gorgeous. I’ve caught myself staring at it while my oatmeal cools.
- The Flavor: Consistently delicious, whether I’m half-asleep or hosting brunch.
- The Build: That glass and metal combo feels like it’ll outlast my willpower to skip coffee.
What Grumbles Me
- The Cost: $150 is steep when the original AeroPress is $40 on Amazon. I mean, ouch.
- The Filters: You’re tethered to AeroPress filters (around $9.99 for 350 on their site). Sure, there’s a reusable stainless steel filter, but it’s an extra expense.
How It Stacks Up: AeroPress Premium vs. Competitors
I pitted the AeroPress Premium against two crowd-pleasers: the Bodum Chambord French Press and the Hario V60 Pour-Over. Here’s the showdown:
| Feature | AeroPress Premium | Bodum Chambord | Hario V60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.95 | ~$40 | ~$20 |
| Brew Time | <2 minutes | 4-5 minutes | 3-4 minutes |
| Ease of Cleaning | Super easy | Moderate (mesh cleanup) | Easy |
| Coffee Style | Smooth, espresso-like | Bold, full-bodied | Clean, light |
| Portability | Bulky, heavy | Not great | Lightweight |
| Aesthetic | Premium glass & metal | Classic steel & glass | Minimalist ceramic |
Expert Takes
- AeroPress Premium: Gear Junkie raves about its “premium upgrade,” but notes it’s less portable than the original.
- Bodum Chambord: Coffee guru Sprudge calls it a “timeless workhorse” for bold brews, though cleanup’s a chore compared to AeroPress.
- Hario V60: Barista Hustle loves its precision, but it’s trickier to master than the AeroPress’s foolproof plunge.
For me, the AeroPress Premium wins on speed and cleanup, but if you’re after a cheaper bold brew, Bodum’s your guy. Want something light and artsy? Hario’s got you.
Who’s It For?
This coffee maker is for:
- Design Junkies: If your kitchen’s a vibe, this fits right in.
- Flavor Chasers: You’ll geek out over the clean, rich taste.
- Eco Warriors: Plastic-free is a big green checkmark.
But maybe skip it if:
- You’re on a Budget: $150 is a lot when the original’s just as tasty.
- You Travel: It’s no lightweight camping buddy.
My Final Sip: Worth It or Not?
After weeks of brewing, pondering, and sneaking extra cups, I’m smitten with the AeroPress Premium. It’s not just a coffee maker—it’s a morning ritual upgrade. The glass keeps my coffee warm, the flavor’s a hug in a mug, and it’s so darn easy to use I’d recommend it to my grandma. But that price? It stings. If you’ve got the cash and crave a luxe coffee experience, go for it—you won’t regret it. If you’re happy with the $40 original (or a $20 Hario), this might feel like overkill.
So, what’s my verdict? I’d give it a 4.5 out of 5. It’s a splurge worth savoring, but I’m docking half a point for that wallet hit. Now, excuse me while I brew another cup and admire this glass masterpiece. What’s your coffee vibe—fancy or frugal? Let me know in the comments!
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