AeroPress vs French Press: The Ultimate Showdown [2023]

Aeropress vs French Press: Which is Best? Consider AeroPress, Aeropress Go, or Bodum French Press if you’re looking for a new way to brew your coffee! Not all coffee makers are created equal. Some make better coffee than others, and some are more convenient to use than others.

AeroPress vs Bodum French Press Coffee Makers

Recently, I’ve been trying out two popular options: the AeroPress Coffee Maker and the Bodum Chambord French Press. These methods promise a delicious, rich cup of coffee, but they go about it differently. In this review, I’ll compare the AeroPress and the Bodum French Press so you can decide which is right for you.

The AeroPress Coffee Maker

The AeroPress is a coffee brewing device that uses a piston to force hot water through ground coffee. The Aeropress was designed to be portable and easy to use. It consists of a plastic plunger, placed on top of the container that holds the coffee grinds and a plastic filter cap.

The AeroPress is made from BPA-free plastic, making it durable despite its lightweight build. It’s also straightforward to use and clean—the entire process takes less than 5 minutes!

The AeroPress is an excellent option for those who want to get into manual coffee brewing but need help knowing where to start. It’s also a good choice for more advanced brewers looking for an easy way to make their daily cup of joe on the go for their tastes. You can make espresso-style coffee at home without the expensive true espresso machine.

One of the things I love about the AeroPress is that it gives you a lot of control over the brewing process. You can adjust the amount of water, the grind of the coffee beans, and the brewing time to get the exact flavor you’re looking for.

Related Topic: AeroPress vs Pour-Over

The AeroPress uses either paper filters or metal screens to keep out fine coffee grinds and provide an even extraction. I prefer paper filters, but some people like the reusable metal ones made specifically for the AeroPress.

You can use a paper filter combined with the mesh screen to create a cleaner-tasting coffee. Just be aware that stainless steel mesh screens are less popular because they can add an unpleasant metallic flavor to your coffee.

Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker

The Bodum Chambord French Press is made of stainless steel and has a double-walled glass beaker that keeps the coffee warm for longer. It also features a stainless steel plunger and filter, so you’re not exposed to plastic when brewing your favorite roasts.

The straightforward design makes it easy to see how much water you need for each batch of coffee. This French press is an excellent choice for those who want to make an entire pot of coffee at once and then pour it out into another cup or travel mug.

I appreciate that the Bodum French Press is dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup a breeze. It’s also made of sturdy materials like stainless steel and glass, so you can expect it to last for a long time.

Features

The AeroPress features a conical bottom chamber, which means it brews the coffee at an increased pressure compared to other brewers. This increases flavor extraction and results in a smoother cup of coffee with less bitterness than would otherwise be experienced.

The AeroPress also has a filter cap, an integrated plunger system, and a micro-filter that prevents grounds from entering your cup while allowing the liquid through quickly.

The Bodum French Press is much more traditional in design than the Aeropress. It’s what you’d expect from a French press: a glass pot where you pour hot water over your grounds before plunging them down into the lower vessel for brewing. Unlike the Aeropress paper filters, this model uses an extra-fine stainless steel mesh filter to keep grounds out of your coffee.

Filters

The AeroPress uses a paper filter, while the Bodum French Press uses a metal filter. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. The AeroPress uses proprietary paper filters supplied when you purchase the brewer. It comes with 350 paper filters, and when you run out, it can be purchased from AeroPress or online on Amazon.

The Bodum uses a stainless steel mesh filter that only needs to be cleaned between brews. One key difference is the grind size for the AeroPress is fine-medium, whereas the French Press requires coarse-ground coffee.

Brewing Time

The time it takes to brew coffee with either the AeroPress or Bodum French Press depends on a few variables. You can expect that an AeroPress will brew faster than a French press.

In my tests, I’ve found that brewing times of 2 minutes for an AeroPress and 4 minutes for a French Press coffee were consistent across both brands of the coffee maker.

The difference in brewing time is mainly because the AeroPress uses air pressure to push water through coffee grounds rather than letting them steep as with a French press; this means you don’t have to wait as long before pressing down on your plunger!

For those in a rush and need their coffee fix fast, the AeroPress is the clear winner regarding brew time. However, the Bodum French Press might be a better option if you are okay with waiting a bit longer for your coffee and prefer the traditional steeping method.

Ultimately, the choice between these two coffee makers comes down to personal preference and how much time you’re willing to spend brewing your coffee.

In addition, the AeroPress also has a faster cleanup time than French press. Because it only uses one vessel and filter rather than two, there are fewer parts to clean.

Tasting Notes

When it comes to taste and flavor, both the AeroPress and the Bodum French Press can produce a delicious cup of coffee. However, the taste and flavor of the final brew can vary depending on the type of coffee beans you use, the grind size, and the brewing technique.

The AeroPress produces a smooth, rich, well-balanced cup of coffee with minimal acidity. This is partly due to paper filters, which remove many oils and fine particles that can contribute to a bitter or sour taste. The AeroPress also uses a relatively short brewing time, which can help preserve the coffee beans’ delicate flavors and aromas.

The Bodum French Press, on the other hand, is known for producing a full-bodied, rich, and robust cup of coffee. The metal filter allows more oils and fine particles to pass through, resulting in a more intense and flavorful cup of coffee. The longer brewing time also allows the coffee grounds to fully infuse with the water, resulting in a more complex and nuanced flavor profile.

Ultimately, the choice between the AeroPress and the Bodum French Press comes down to personal preference. The AeroPress might be the better option if you prefer a smooth and well-balanced cup of coffee with minimal acidity. If you prefer a bold and full-bodied cup of coffee with a rich, complex flavor, the Bodum French Press might be more up your alley.

Materials

The AeroPress and the Bodum French Press are made of different materials, which can affect their performance and durability.

The AeroPress is made of BPA-free plastic, which makes it lightweight and easy to clean. The plastic construction also makes the AeroPress more durable and resistant to wear and tear. The AeroPress comes with a paper filter, which is disposable and easy to use. The paper filter helps to remove many of the oils and fine particles that can contribute to a bitter or sour taste.

The Bodum French Press, on the other hand, is made of stainless steel and glass, which gives it a more classic and sophisticated look. The stainless steel construction makes the French Press more durable and resistant to corrosion, while the glass beaker allows you to see the brewing process in action.

The Bodum French Press comes with a metal filter, which is more durable than paper filters but requires more maintenance. The metal filter allows more of the oils and fine particles to pass through, which can result in a bolder and more flavorful cup of coffee.

Capacity

Regarding capacity, the AeroPress and the Bodum French Press are relatively similar. The AeroPress has a maximum capacity of 1-2 cups, depending on the size of your mug or cup.

The Bodum French Press has a slightly larger capacity, with most models holding around 3-4 cups of coffee. However, remember that both coffee makers are designed for single servings, so if you need to brew a larger batch of coffee, consider a different option, like a drip coffee maker.

Price

The AeroPress and the Bodum French Press are fairly similar in terms of price. Both can be found for around $30-40, depending on the specific model and where you purchase it.

However, it’s worth noting that the AeroPress does come with a pack of paper filters, while the Bodum French Press does not. You’ll need to purchase paper filters separately or use a metal filter, which will add to the overall cost of the French Press.

Durability

The AeroPress and the Bodum French Press are made of durable materials, so you can expect either to last for a long time. The AeroPress is made of BPA-free plastic and metal, while the Bodum French Press is made of stainless steel, glass, and silicone. Both are built to withstand the rigors of everyday use, so you shouldn’t have any issues with durability.

Ease of Cleaning

The AeroPress and the Bodum French Press are fairly easy to maintain when it comes to cleaning. The AeroPress has a simple design with just a few parts, so it’s easy to disassemble and clean. The paper filters can be disposed of after each use, or you can purchase a reusable metal filter to reduce waste.

The Bodum French Press is also easy to clean, thanks to its dishwasher-safe design. Remove the plunger and filter, rinse the glass beaker, and toss it in the dishwasher. If you prefer to hand wash, it’s just as easy to clean with a sponge or brush.

Ease of Use and Assembly

• The AeroPress is easy to use and assemble.

• The Bodum French Press is also easy to use and assemble.

• Due to the extra components involved in brewing with a Bodum French Press, they are slightly more challenging to clean than an AeroPress, which only requires that you rinse out your filter paper and plunger after each use.

How to Use the AeroPress Coffee Maker

Classic Method: Step-by-Step Guide

Here are the 10 steps to brewing the perfect cup of coffee using the classic method.

1. Push the plunger out of the chamber

2. Put the filter in the filter cap

3. Twice filter cap onto chamber

4. Stand chamber on sturdy mug and put one rounded scoop (15-19 grams) of fine drip coffee into chamber

5. Shake to level coffee

6. Add hot water to Number 2 on the chamber. Use 175F (80C) for hot brewing.

7. Stir for 10 seconds and wait 1-2 minutes (steep time)

8. Insert the plunger pressing gently and pausing when you feel resistance and reach the grounds

9. Remove the filter cap, push the plunger to eject the used coffee, and rinse the seal

10. Enjoy your freshly brewed coffee

Inverted Method: Step-by-Step Guide

The inverted method is a favorite of mine because it allows you to steep the coffee for a longer time without any liquid leaking out. It produces a more intense, robust cup of coffee. Either way, brewing with the inverted method or standard, the end goal is a delicious cup of coffee.

1. Insert the plunger a short way into the brewing chamber.

2. Turn the device upside down.

3. Add the ground coffee.

4. Place a filter into the filter cap.

5. Wet the filter apparatus with hot water.

6. Fill the brewing chamber with hot water up to the uppermost mark (the upside-down 1).

7. Stir continuously for 10 seconds (using the enclosed stirrer accessory).

8. Leave to brew for 30 to 55 seconds.

9. Attach the filter cap with filter onto the AeroPress (from the top).

10. Place an inverted cup over the entire assembly.

11. Holding firmly, flip the whole thing over.

12. Press the plunger down slowly until the rubber seal has almost reached the coffee grounds.

How to use the Bodum French Press Coffee Maker

• Add your desired amount of coffee, fill the carafe with hot water, and stir.

• Put the plunger in place.

• Allow the coffee grounds to steep for 4 minutes or until desired strength is achieved.

• Press the plunger down slowly to separate the coffee from the coffee grounds

• Pour and enjoy!

AeroPress: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Fast brew time (about 2 minutes)

• Lightweight and portable

• Easy to clean and use

• Uses disposable paper filters, which remove many of the oils and fine particles that can contribute to a bitter or sour taste

• BPA-free plastic construction makes it durable and resistant to wear and tear

Cons:

• Uses paper filters, which can be wasteful

• Some people may not like the taste of coffee brewed using paper filters

Bodum French Press: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Longer brew time (about 4 minutes) allows for a more complex and nuanced flavor profile

• Stainless steel and glass construction gives it a classic and sophisticated look

• Durable and resistant to corrosion

• Metal filter allows more of the oils and fine particles to pass through, resulting in a bolder and more flavorful cup of coffee

Cons:

• Metal filter requires more maintenance and cleaning

• Glass beaker is more fragile and prone to breaking

• Longer brew time may not be suitable for those in a rush

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between AeroPress and French Press?

The brewing method is the main difference between the AeroPress and the French Press. The AeroPress uses a piston-driven process to force hot water through coffee grounds, while the French Press uses a plunger to steep the coffee. This results in a different flavor profile and brew time for each method.

What are the benefits of using the AeroPress?

The AeroPress has several benefits, including a fast brew time (about 2 minutes), a lightweight and portable design, and easy cleaning. The AeroPress also uses paper filters, which remove many oils and fine particles that can contribute to a bitter or sour taste.

What are the benefits of using a French Press?

The French Press has a longer brew time (about 4 minutes), which allows for a more complex and nuanced flavor profile. The French Press also has a classic and sophisticated design, and it’s made of durable materials like stainless steel and glass. The metal filter allows more oils and fine particles to pass through, resulting in a bolder and more flavorful cup of coffee.

Can I use any coffee beans with an AeroPress or French Press?

Yes, you can use any coffee beans with an AeroPress or French Press. However, French Press coffee generally uses coarse grind, requiring a long steep time.

How do I clean and maintain my AeroPress or French Press?

Rinse the brewing chamber and plunger with warm water and mild soap to clean an AeroPress. To clean a French Press, remove the plunger and metal filter and rinse them with warm water and mild soap.

Can I make cold brew coffee with an AeroPress and French Press?

Yes, you can make cold brew coffee with both an AeroPress and French Press.

Who invented the AeroPress Coffee Maker?

Alan Adler is the creator of the AeroPress coffee maker.

Final Thoughts: AeroPress vs French Press Coffee Maker

In conclusion, the choice between the AeroPress and French Press comes down to personal preference and what you value most in your coffee brewing experience. If you prefer a fast and easy brewing method, the AeroPress is the way to go.

Related Topic: AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Maker Review

Its piston-driven process allows you to brew a single cup of coffee in just a few minutes. The disposable paper filters remove many of the oils and fine particles that can contribute to a bitter or sour taste.

On the other hand, if you value a more hands-on approach to brewing coffee and want to experiment with different flavors and aromas, the French Press is a great option.

Its longer brew time allows the coffee grounds to sit in the water for longer, extracting more complex flavors and aromas. Just be prepared to spend a bit more time on maintenance and cleaning, as the metal filter needs to be cleaned after each use.

When choosing the AeroPress and French Press, one thing to remember is the coffee beans you use. A coarse grind is generally recommended for both methods, as finely ground coffee can easily pass through the filters and result in a muddy or over-extracted flavor.

Experiment with different types of beans and grind sizes to find the perfect combination that yields a flavorful and satisfying cup of coffee.