Aeropress vs French Press | Which is Better?

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We all have our favorite ways to make coffee. And while we might like to rattle off the merits of our personal tradition, there are several other options worth considering.

If you’re looking to make a quick cup of strong java, then an Aeropress might be your best bet.

It’s easy to use, even in crowded settings where there’s no time to set up a more complex brew station.

Oh wait, what’s that you say? You prefer a strong cup of coffee, but hate how the French Press tends to over-extract your beans?

Let’s face it, folks: no matter which brewing method you choose, there are going to be a few table scraps for the other guy.

That said, let’s take a look at some of the similarities and differences between these two methods.

What is an Aeropress?

Aeropress coffee brewers have been popping up all over the internet. But, what is it?

The Aeropress method of brewing involves a clever use of science and gravity to create a super-strong cup of coffee.

It’s popular with coffee snobs because it delivers a flavorful cup of java that’s still clean-tasting and easy on the stomach.

To use the Aeropress, you fill a small paper filter with ground coffee and then pour hot water over the grounds.

The water and coffee grounds quickly create a solid mixture that’s then pressed into a cup (or two) of coffee.

How Does The Aeropress Brewing Method Work?

The Aeropress has two chambers, one of which is smaller than the other.

Hot water is poured into the larger chamber, and then your coffee grounds are added to the smaller chamber.

The ground coffee produces enough suction to pull the water through it into the bowl below.

This process creates a rich blend of coffee that has all of the flavors you’re looking for with none of the bitterness.

The type of coffee beans and other additives (if any) you use will also impact the end flavor and body of the drink.

What Makes Aeropress Coffee Unique?

Aeropress coffee is made with a specially designed paper filter that filters out all of the grit and sediment found in traditional brews.

True, the French Press produces super-strong coffee, but it also leaves behind a thick layer of sediment at the bottom.

This sediment is commonly referred to as “mud”, and it can quickly ruin a cup of joe.

Aeropress coffee is also made with hot water, which extracts all of the flavor from your beans without making them bitter.

In other words, the finished product will have a rich, smooth taste that’s hard to replicate in other brews.

As for aesthetics, you don’t need a lot of space to make a cup of Aeropress coffee.

This makes it ideal for use in small offices and spaces with small kitchens.

Indeed, the popularity of the Aeropress is due in part to its incredibly simple design.

This also makes it a great option for folks who don’t have a lot of space to store their coffee equipment.

What Is French Press?

The French Press was originally designed for making strong coffees at home.

However, its simplicity has led to growing popularity outside of the traditional coffee-brewing community.

French presses are very similar to drip coffee makers, but they use solids instead of water to create the coffee grounds before brewing.

To use the French Press, simply heat up some finely ground coffee in a glass.

Then, slowly pour it over hot water for a strong cup of coffee.

How Does The French Press Work?

French Press coffee is made without the use of a filter.

Instead, as the water passes through your grounds, it releases all of the coffee’s flavor and aroma into the drink at once.

As with most coffee brewing methods, further brewing with French Press can produce interesting results.

This is due to differences in the amount of time and method that you use to brew your coffee.

What Makes French Press Coffee Unique?

The French Press is one of the most popular brewing methods for newbies.

Indeed, it’s easy to use and even easier to clean up.

But, there’s more than meets the eye with this simple device!

French Press coffee is made by placing ground coffee into a press pot.

The grounds are then steeped in hot water for several minutes before the press is plunged down on top of them.

While simple, this method produces a super-strong cup of coffee that is smooth and full of flavor.

Is French Press Coffee Better?

This is a question that can easily be answered in a review of both brewing methods.

As expected from the French Press, it makes a rich cup of coffee.

And, it does so with only one extra step. In other words, you get to sit back and enjoy your brewed-to-order coffee without having to get too involved in the process.

Plus, it’s very easy to clean up.

However, the French Press has a few downsides.

For starters, this is one of the most difficult coffee-brewing methods to master.

How hard is it? It often takes coffee beginners several tries before they get their brews right.

And when your coffee comes out under-extracted or over-extracted, you run the risk of making a cup that tastes muddy or bitter.

You also need to be careful when brewing with French Press.

If you let the grounds sit in the water for too long, you end up with an over-brewed cup that’s too bitter or too thick.

If this happens, then there’s no fixing it!

With Aeropress, you can’t make a muddy cup of French Press coffee.

The paper filter at the bottom of the Aeropress chamber filters everything out before it gets into your mug.

As a result, the Aeropress method produces a great cup of coffee every time.

However, it’s still an easy-to-ruin brew if you don’t add the right amount of water at the right time.

If you add too much water at one time, then you run the risk of making a cup that tastes bitter and over-steeped.

To get the best results with the Aeropress method, make sure to slowly add water over medium heat until it reaches your preferred temperature and taste level.

Aeropress vs French Press – The Main Differences

Let’s now get into some of the differences between the Aeropress and French Press coffee brewing methods.

Capacity

The first big difference between the Aeropress and French Press is how much coffee each can brew.

The Aeropress can make a single cup of coffee.

This means it is strictly for those who want to use a single pot to make a cup of coffee at one time.

On the other hand, the French Press can brew up to eight ounces of java at one time.

In short, most people will opt for the Aeropress if they want just one serving or less.

Time Requirements

The process of brewing tea using the Aeropress is relatively fast and easy.

However, the French Press requires a more in-depth process.

In fact, it is recommended that you let your hot water sit in a French Press pot for about three minutes before brewing.

In contrast, the Aeropress does not require waiting for your water to heat up or your coffee grounds to steep.

As a result, you can get started on making your coffee sooner and get out of the way faster.

Cleaning

This point is a major differentiator between an Aeropress and a French Press.

In fact, cleaning the Aeropress is as simple as emptying the grounds from the bottom of the chamber.

Then, you can easily rinse it with water before letting it air dry.

On the other hand, you will want to thoroughly clean your French Press after using it.

This is because the grounds may have gotten stuck inside the chamber.

This makes it one of the more difficult coffee makers to clean.

Brewing Efficiency

This point has to do with the amount of coffee that each device can produce in a short amount of time.

The Aeropress produces about 1-3 cups of coffee within 55 seconds while the French Press requires three minutes.

However, it should be noted that the Aeropress requires a shorter amount of time to brew a cup of coffee.

In other words, you get more coffee for your money with an Aeropress on average.

Ease of Use

This point is a matter of personal preference

If you already have a French Press and love using it, then you probably have no need for an Aeropress.

But, if you are in the market for a new brew method, then the Aeropress may make sense.

At the end of the day, it really comes down to what you are looking for in your coffee.

After careful consideration, I’ve decided that an Aeropress would be my new favorite way to brew coffee.

So, whenever I want a cup of coffee, I’m going to opt for the Aeropress.

Next time you decide to brew up a cup of coffee, try out the Aeropress. You won’t regret it!

Aeropress vs French Press – What About The Taste?

French Press is known for producing rich, full-bodied, and flavorful coffee.

As you know, Aeropress makes a clean cup of coffee that’s smooth and full of flavor.

It also has minimal bitterness. However, it does not taste as rich.

To give your coffee an added boost in taste and scent, try using this Aeropress recipe:

Aeropress vs French Press – Which One Is Best for You?

If you are into the at-home brewing scene, then an Aeropress is an essential part of your arsenal.

It makes great coffee on demand without any hassle. Plus, it is simple to keep clean and easy to store away when not in use. ​

If you aren’t sure if your brewing experience is worthy of a French Press, then an Aeropress may be a good option for you.

It can help you discover what you enjoy in a cup of coffee before going out and buying a French Press.

Aeropress vs French Press – Which One Is Better? The Verdict!

There’s no question that both coffee-brewing methods are awesome in their own ways.

The French Press can make a delicious cup of coffee in a secure, French-Press-style mug.

On the other hand, the Aeropress is smaller in stature, portable, and easy to use.

Whether you want to make one serving or three servings at once, the Aeropress guarantees that you will get a smooth pot of coffee every time you brew it up.

Plus, it is easier to clean out than the French Press.

Overall, the Aeropress wins in terms of brewing efficiency and ease of use.

Since you can make a single serving or three servings at once, it makes sense to choose this brew method when you want one-pot coffee in a hurry.

As much as I love the French Press, the Aeropress is definitely better in my opinion because it allows me to make more coffee for less money.

Can’t decide which brew method is best? If so, try out both and see which one you prefer.

Final Thoughts on Aeropress vs French Press

Both coffee-brewing methods are excellent in terms of ease of use and brewing efficiency.

However, the French Press produces a richer, more flavorful cup of coffee.

On the other hand, the Aeropress produces a cleaner cup with minimal bitterness.

I like both brew methods for several reasons. But ultimately, it depends on what you are looking for in your coffee.

So, good luck to you if you decide to buy one or both of these coffee-brewing methods.

You can’t go wrong either way!

I hope you enjoyed reading the article! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.