AeroPress vs. French Press: Which Should You Choose?
AeroPress vs. French press: which should you choose? Choose the AeroPress if you want a compact brewer, quick cleanup, and a cleaner cup with paper filtration. Choose a traditional French press if you prefer a fuller-bodied drink with more coffee oils and sediment, or need to brew larger batches. Both use immersion brewing, but their filters, batch sizes, and pressing methods differ. For the smaller travel model, see our AeroPress Original vs. Go comparison.
AeroPress vs. Bodum French Press Coffee Makers
This guide compares two familiar manual brewers: 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.
AeroPress Brewer and Accessories Compared
Compare the key features, then see current product details and pricing on Amazon.
- Paper-filtered coffee
- Concentrate is not machine espresso
- Check serving size
- Mesh-filtered cup
- 34 oz listing
- Different texture and batch size
- Disposable fine filtration
- Listed multipack
- Confirm fit and package count
- Different oil and sediment profile
- Original/Go compatibility in listing
- Check exact brewer
- No-drip design and metal filter
- Not an espresso machine
- Check compatibility
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The AeroPress Coffee Maker
Aeropress Original Coffee and Espresso Maker, Barista Level Portable Coffee Maker with Chamber, Plunger, and Filters, Quick Coffee and Espresso Maker,
- The Brewer That Started It All – AeroPress Original was the first single cup coffee maker to combine 3 brew methods in one compact, portable device for a faster brew and better extraction giving coffee lovers a smooth, rich cup bursting with coffee bean flavor—without the bitterness or acidity found in other methods.
- A New Standard in Coffee Flavor – Equal parts French press, pour-over, and espresso, AeroPress patented 3 in 1 technology distills the best of all three brewing methods into one sleek, portable device. The result? A rich, full-bodied cup in under two minutes—free of bitterness and grit, and full of delicious coffee bean flavor.
- The Secret to AeroPress Superior Flavor – Air Pressure and micro-filtration work together to speed up extraction for less bitterness than other methods, so you can finally enjoy the full spectrum of coffee bean flavor, from smooth tasting notes to level of roast and country of origin
- Brew and Clean in 2 Minutes – To brew, simply add coffee and water, wait 30 seconds, then press for a clean, well-balanced cup. The AeroPress coffee maker includes 50 paper micro-filters, ensuring smooth, grit-free coffee. To clean, just pop out the grinds and rinse! Fast, easy brewing at home or on the go.
- Brew Like a Pro, Wherever You Go – One of the only coffee makers that offers full control over brew time, temperature and grind size so you can personalize your favorites faster - from classics to cold brew and iced coffee to espresso-style drinks like cappuccino and lattes. Built for travel, AeroPress is compact, lightweight and shatterproof. Fits in your backpack, carry-on or bag, so you can make exceptional coffee on the road, at the office, while camping or wherever your brew takes you.
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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.
Reusable metal AeroPress filters allow more coffee oils and fine particles to pass than paper filters. They do not inherently create a metallic taste; the cup texture and flavor depend on the filter, coffee and brewing recipe.
Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker
Bodum 1928-16US4 Chambord French Press Coffee Maker, 1 Liter, 34 Ounce, Chrome
- Check specifications and compatibility before purchasing.
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The Bodum Chambord uses a removable glass beaker supported by a metal frame with a metal mesh plunger. Unlike a vacuum-insulated press, a typical glass Chambord does not have double-wall insulation; prewarming can help reduce heat loss during brewing.
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 combines immersion with a gentle press through a paper or reusable filter. Its pressure is much lower than an espresso machine’s and it does not inherently remove bitterness or acidity; coffee and brewing variables shape the result.
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 Original generally uses Standard-size paper micro-filters, while a traditional Bodum Chambord French press uses a reusable metal-mesh filter. The number of included AeroPress filters can change with the package, so verify the current listing instead of assuming a fixed supply of 350.
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.
Typical recipes steep an AeroPress for one to several minutes and a French press for around four minutes, but these are starting points rather than measured results that apply to every brewer and coffee.
Both brewers steep coffee in hot water before pressing. AeroPress recipes often use shorter immersion times, although longer recipes also work; French press recipes commonly begin near four minutes. Pressure alone does not determine the brew time.
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.
AeroPress cleanup is often quick because the brewed grounds and paper filter can be pushed out together. French press cleanup involves removing loose grounds from the carafe and rinsing the mesh filter, though convenience is a personal preference.
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.
With a paper filter, AeroPress often produces a clear-textured cup because the filter retains many oils and fine particles. That does not guarantee low measured acidity or remove every bitter compound, and the recipe still affects flavor.
French press coffee often has a fuller mouthfeel because the reusable mesh filter allows more oils and fine sediment into the cup. The taste can be pleasant or heavy depending on preference, and a longer steep does not always lead to better extraction.
The paper-filtered AeroPress generally gives a cleaner texture, while a French press is often fuller-bodied. Neither method guarantees low acidity, more sweetness or a better flavor; the coffee and brewing variables determine the outcome.
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
The AeroPress Original brews approximately one 10-US-fluid-ounce serving directly, or a small amount of concentrated coffee for dilution. A Bodum French press is sold in several sizes, including larger carafes, so capacity is one of the main differences.
Many French press models can brew several servings at a time, depending on carafe size. That makes them convenient for sharing coffee; the standard AeroPress is more naturally suited to a single cup or a small concentrate.
Price
Prices vary by retailer, country, model and finish. Compare current listings rather than assuming both brewers always cost the same amount.
French presses normally come with a reusable metal mesh filter, so they do not require paper filters for ordinary brewing. Paper filters are included in many AeroPress packages; replacement filters and optional reusable filters are separate considerations.
Durability
AeroPress Original is built mainly from food-safe plastic and a silicone plunger seal, while the typical Bodum Chambord combines a glass beaker, metal frame and mesh filter. Both can last with appropriate cleaning, but glass is more fragile and seals may need replacement.
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.
Clean the Bodum carafe, plunger and mesh thoroughly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Dishwasher compatibility may differ by the exact model and component; do not assume every glass beaker or lid can go into a dishwasher.
Ease of Use and Assembly
The AeroPress is easy to use and assemble.
The Bodum French Press is also easy to use and assemble.
With AeroPress, grounds are compacted into a puck that is easy to eject. A French press usually leaves loose grounds in the carafe and mesh assembly. Both require cleaning, and neither is universally more convenient.
Aeropress Original Coffee and Espresso Maker, Barista Level Portable Coffee Maker with Chamber, Plunger, and Filters, Quick Coffee and Espresso Maker,
- The Brewer That Started It All – AeroPress Original was the first single cup coffee maker to combine 3 brew methods in one compact, portable device for a faster brew and better extraction giving coffee lovers a smooth, rich cup bursting with coffee bean flavor—without the bitterness or acidity found in other methods.
- A New Standard in Coffee Flavor – Equal parts French press, pour-over, and espresso, AeroPress patented 3 in 1 technology distills the best of all three brewing methods into one sleek, portable device. The result? A rich, full-bodied cup in under two minutes—free of bitterness and grit, and full of delicious coffee bean flavor.
- The Secret to AeroPress Superior Flavor – Air Pressure and micro-filtration work together to speed up extraction for less bitterness than other methods, so you can finally enjoy the full spectrum of coffee bean flavor, from smooth tasting notes to level of roast and country of origin
- Brew and Clean in 2 Minutes – To brew, simply add coffee and water, wait 30 seconds, then press for a clean, well-balanced cup. The AeroPress coffee maker includes 50 paper micro-filters, ensuring smooth, grit-free coffee. To clean, just pop out the grinds and rinse! Fast, easy brewing at home or on the go.
- Brew Like a Pro, Wherever You Go – One of the only coffee makers that offers full control over brew time, temperature and grind size so you can personalize your favorites faster - from classics to cold brew and iced coffee to espresso-style drinks like cappuccino and lattes. Built for travel, AeroPress is compact, lightweight and shatterproof. Fits in your backpack, carry-on or bag, so you can make exceptional coffee on the road, at the office, while camping or wherever your brew takes you.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
How to Use the AeroPress Coffee Maker
Classic Method: Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a basic example of the standard upright AeroPress method. Follow the instructions for your particular model and use a sturdy mug.
Push the plunger out of the chamber
Put the filter in the filter cap
Twist the filter cap securely onto the chamber
Stand chamber on sturdy mug and put one rounded scoop (15-19 grams) of fine drip coffee into chamber
Shake to level coffee
Add hot water to Number 2 on the chamber. Use 175F (80C) for hot brewing.
Stir for 10 seconds and wait 1-2 minutes (steep time)
Insert the plunger pressing gently and pausing when you feel resistance and reach the grounds
Remove the filter cap, push the plunger to eject the used coffee, and rinse the seal
Enjoy your freshly brewed coffee
Why AeroPress Discourages Inverted Brewing
Some enthusiasts use the inverted AeroPress method to reduce early drip-through, but AeroPress advises against it because of instability and burn risks. For longer immersion, use the standard upright method with a careful plunger seal or a compatible Flow Control cap. Inversion does not guarantee a stronger cup.
The inverted method is a technique some owners discuss for limiting early drip-through.
AeroPress discourages the inverted setup because it can be unstable when filled with hot liquid.
The standard upright method can make coffee using the same grounds, dose and water temperature.
With the standard method, ensure the filter and cap are correctly secured before brewing.
A compatible Flow Control cap can limit early drip-through without turning a filled brewer upside down.
Longer immersion can also be achieved in the upright method with a suitable seal or Flow Control cap.
An inverted technique does not automatically make better-tasting or stronger coffee.
Recipe steeping times vary by roast, dose and grind size. Longer is not always better.
Keep the brewing setup stable, with the chamber resting on a sturdy mug.
Do not test a loose seal by inverting a filled brewer; inspect or replace worn parts.
Avoid turning a hot, filled brewer upside down due to the potential for spills and burns.
For practical brewing tips, follow the standard AeroPress instructions or visit our troubleshooting guide.
Bodum 1928-16US4 Chambord French Press Coffee Maker, 1 Liter, 34 Ounce, Chrome
- Check specifications and compatibility before purchasing.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
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
The AeroPress uses a short immersion phase and gentle pressing, often producing one serving in a few minutes. A paper microfilter traps many fine particles and some coffee oils, giving a different mouthfeel from a metal-filtered French press. Neither filter guarantees a less bitter or less acidic cup; beans, extraction and recipe all contribute to flavor.
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.
A French press often starts with about four minutes of immersion, but a longer steep does not automatically mean more complex or better flavor. Use the same coffee and water weights while adjusting the grind or steep time, and decant promptly after plunging. See our French press timing guide for a repeatable baseline.
The recommended grind is different for these brewers. AeroPress recommends a medium-fine grind as a starting point for its standard method, while Bodum recommends coarsely ground coffee for the Chambord French press. An overly fine grind can clog a French press mesh filter or allow more sediment through; in an AeroPress, the grind also affects pressing resistance and early drip-through. See our coffee grind-size guide for further adjustments.
Choose an AeroPress when compact storage and paper-filtered coffee matter most; choose a French press when you want larger immersion batches and do not mind its reusable metal filter. For a repeatable French-press baseline, see our French press timing guide.
