The Shift from Plastic to Permanent
For years, the AeroPress
stood as a singular, plastic-centric icon of the coffee world. That era has officially ended. The brand now offers a full spectrum of brewers, most notably the AeroPress Premium
and the AeroPress Go Plus
. These models aim to satisfy users who demand higher-quality materials or integrated travel solutions. While they don't fundamentally change the immersion brewing physics, they drastically alter the tactile experience and kitchen presence of the tool.
AeroPress Premium: A Glass and Metal Heavyweight
The AeroPress Premium
represents a massive departure from the brand's lightweight roots. Crafted from double-wall glass and anodized aluminum, it weighs nearly 800 grams—over three times more than the AeroPress Clear
. It feels significant in the hand. The stainless steel filter cap and aluminum plunger eliminate plastic contact with the coffee, answering a long-standing demand from the health-conscious community. However, this beauty comes with a trade-off. The double-wall construction narrows the inner chamber, making it incompatible with wider dosing cups or grinders like the Comandante
. Furthermore, the metal components retain heat aggressively, making the post-brew cleanup a hotter, slower affair.
AeroPress Go Plus: The Commuter's Companion
If the Premium is for the countertop, the AeroPress Go Plus
targets the mobile professional. It swaps the original Go's small plastic mug for a full-sized, insulated tumbler. Clever design touches shine here, such as the foldable stirrer and the hidden filter storage. It feels less like a camping tool and more like a "casual business friend." The experience of pressing into the tumbler requires focus; the taller profile creates a slightly unstable base compared to a standard mug. Note that the lid is not leak-proof, so keep the tumbler upright during your commute.
The Final Verdict on the Upgrade
Are these worth the price hike? The AeroPress Premium
costs three times more than the standard model. It is a luxury object, not a performance upgrade. If you despise plastic, it is your only choice. The AeroPress Go Plus
offers genuine utility for travelers who want a full-sized brew on the move. For most home baristas, the classic or Clear models remain the pragmatic choice, but these new entries successfully prove that AeroPress
can finally sit comfortably in a high-end kitchen.
