The French press and AeroPress are two of the most popular manual coffee brewers. Both are affordable, simple and capable of making excellent coffee, but they produce different cups and suit different routines. This guide compares them side by side and includes starter recipes for each.
How Each Brewer Works
French Press
A French press is a full-immersion brewer. You steep coarse grounds in hot water, then press a metal mesh filter down to separate the grounds from the coffee.
AeroPress
The AeroPress is a plastic brewer that combines immersion with pressure. You steep grounds briefly, then press the coffee through a paper or metal filter using a plunger. It was invented by Alan Adler and is now made by AeroPress, Inc.
Flavor and Body
French Press
- Full-bodied and rich, because the metal filter lets natural oils and fine particles through.
- Some sediment in the cup is normal.
AeroPress
- Clean and smooth with paper filters, which trap oils and fines.
- Can be brewed concentrated, similar in strength to espresso-style coffee, though it is not true espresso.
- Using a metal filter adds more body.
Capacity
- French press: Comes in many sizes, from single-cup to large models that make several cups at once.
- AeroPress: Best for one or two cups at a time. The AeroPress XL makes more.
Ease of Use
- French press: Very simple: add coffee, pour water, wait, press.
- AeroPress: Simple once you learn the steps, with many recipe options.
Cleanup
- French press: Grounds can be messy to scoop out. The mesh filter needs regular cleaning.
- AeroPress: Easy cleanup: push out the compact puck of grounds and rinse.
Portability and Durability
- French press: Glass models can break. Stainless steel models are more durable and often insulated.
- AeroPress: Lightweight, durable plastic and popular for travel and camping. The AeroPress Go is designed for travel.
Comparison Table
| Factor | French Press | AeroPress |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Full, rich | Clean (paper) or fuller (metal) |
| Sediment | Some | Minimal with paper |
| Capacity | One to many cups | One to two cups (XL makes more) |
| Brew time | About 4 minutes | About 1 to 3 minutes |
| Cleanup | Messier | Easy |
| Portability | Moderate | Excellent |
| Versatility | Moderate | High |
French Press Starter Recipe
- Coffee: 30g, coarse grind
- Water: 500g, just off the boil
- Ratio: About 1:16 to 1:17
- Preheat the press with hot water and discard.
- Add coarse grounds.
- Pour all the water and stir gently.
- Place the lid with the plunger up and steep about 4 minutes.
- Optionally, break the crust and skim floating foam and grounds before pressing.
- Press slowly and steadily.
- Pour immediately to avoid overextraction, or transfer to a carafe.
AeroPress Starter Recipe (Standard)
- Coffee: 15g, medium-fine grind
- Water: About 200g, around 185–200°F (85–93°C)
- Insert a paper filter in the cap and rinse it.
- Assemble the AeroPress on a sturdy mug.
- Add coffee.
- Pour water to saturate grounds, then fill to your target.
- Stir for about 10 seconds.
- Insert the plunger slightly to create a seal and steep about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Press gently for about 20 to 30 seconds.
Inverted Method
Some users flip the AeroPress upside down during brewing to prevent drips. Use caution, since the brewer can tip over with hot water inside.
Grind Size Matters
- French press: Coarse grind reduces sediment and makes pressing easier.
- AeroPress: Medium-fine to fine, depending on recipe.
A burr grinder helps with consistency. See burr vs. blade grinders and coffee grinders for beginners.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a French Press If You:
- Like rich, full-bodied coffee
- Brew several cups at once
- Want the simplest method
Choose an AeroPress If You:
- Prefer a clean cup
- Brew one or two cups at a time
- Travel or camp
- Like experimenting with recipes
Many coffee lovers own both.
Other Methods to Consider
- Pour-over: Clean, bright cups with precise control. See our pour-over guide.
- Drip coffee maker: Convenience for larger batches. See drip coffee makers.
- Espresso: See espresso machines under $500.
Caring for Your Brewer
- French press: Disassemble the plunger and filter periodically to remove trapped grounds and oils.
- AeroPress: Rinse after use and occasionally wash with warm, soapy water. Store with the plunger pushed through to avoid compressing the seal.
Choosing Beans for Each Brewer
French press coffee often works well with medium and dark roasts, whose chocolatey and nutty flavors pair with its full body. AeroPress is versatile and can highlight lighter roasts with paper filters or produce a rich, concentrated cup with darker roasts. Experiment with a few bags to see what you prefer. See how to store coffee beans to keep them fresh.
Cost Over Time
Both brewers are inexpensive to own. The French press uses a reusable metal filter, so there is no ongoing filter cost, though glass carafes may need replacing if they break. The AeroPress uses small paper filters, which are inexpensive, or an optional reusable metal filter. In either case, beans are the main ongoing cost.
Using Either Brewer for Cold Brew
Both brewers can be used for small batches of cold brew. With a French press, steep coarse grounds in cold water in the refrigerator for many hours, then press. With an AeroPress, some people use a shorter cold steep with finer grounds. Experiment with steep times and ratios to find what you like.
Quick Decision Guide
- Mostly one cup, often on the go: AeroPress
- Several cups for the household at once: French press
- Like a heavier, oilier cup: French press
- Like a cleaner cup with less sediment: AeroPress with paper filters
- Want to experiment with recipes: AeroPress
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AeroPress coffee the same as espresso?
No. It can make a concentrated coffee, but it does not produce the pressure of an espresso machine.
Why is my French press coffee muddy?
Try a coarser grind, let fines settle before pouring and avoid pressing too fast.
Can I use paper filters in a French press?
Some people place a paper filter under the mesh to reduce sediment. Results vary.
How strong is AeroPress coffee?
It depends on your recipe. You can brew it concentrated and dilute with water or milk.
Which is easier to clean?
The AeroPress is generally easier to clean.
The Bottom Line
The French press makes rich, full-bodied coffee in larger batches with minimal technique, while the AeroPress makes clean, versatile cups and travels well. Choose based on the flavor you prefer, how many cups you brew and where you brew. Either way, use a consistent grind and fresh beans.
Editorial note: Brew Benchly is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.