After testing the Steel AeroPress Coffee Maker in my home for a few weeks, I can safely say I understand the appeal of this portable brewer.
A clever combination of French press, pour-over, and espresso, it combines three brewing methods into one for a cup of well-rounded coffee in under two minutes.
It is easily one of the best non-toxic coffee makers I have reviewed so far, with zero guesswork required. The only caveat? The Steel AeroPress is expensive compared to other AeroPress models that brew very similar coffee. Here is how I got on during my tests.
Product Specifications: Steel AeroPress Coffee Maker
The Steel AeroPress is available in stainless steel and black.
(Image credit: AeroPress)
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Type |
Manual/portable coffee maker |
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Weight |
1.4 lbs (635 g) |
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Capacity |
12fl. oz (360 ml) |
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Material |
304 stainless steel, food-safe silicone, paper filters. |
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Dimensions |
6 3/4″ x 4 3/8″ |
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Colors |
Stainless steel and Black Stainless |
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Warranty |
1 year |
Design and First Impressions
(Image credit: Future / Chiana Dickson)
The Steel AeroPress uses the same iconic design as every other AeroPress model, with a main brewing chamber, silicone-edged plunger, and screw-on filter cap. It is available in a plain stainless steel and a matte black finish, which is the version I tested. I loved this look, as it prevents the usual smudges and smears that are synonymous with plain steel.
As the name suggests, this iteration is made from professional-grade stainless steel, with a double-wall vacuum-insulated chamber that I am pleased to say does not get hot at all while your coffee is brewing. The other difference with the steel model is the size. It is around 20% larger than a standard AeroPress, with a large 12 oz capacity for larger brews on the go and at home.
The packaging was simple and easy to open, and almost entirely recyclable with the exception of the plastic covering on the filters to keep them clean and dry.
With a quick rinse under plain warm water, it was ready to go.
Brewing Performance and Set Up
Our expert barista, Laura Honey, previously reviewed the original AeroPress Coffee Maker, and the two are not all that different in their brew styles, if at all.
It uses a truly unique brewing method, and while I am usually overwhelmed with the learning curve on new appliances, I am thrilled to say the Steel AeroPress was simple to get to grips with. Once you have done it once, it is difficult to get wrong.
The bottom filter cap unscrews easily, so easily it made me wonder if I had put it on properly, and a single paper filter is laid inside before being screwed back on. Once positioned over the top of the mug, you can add the beans.
After grinding fresh beans to medium-fine, these were tipped in (I used two scoops with the included scoop, as suggested in the instructions), and the AeroPress was shaken slightly to level everything out. From there, it was as simple as pouring in the boiling water to the top fill line (I loved the included markings for easy brewing). The included stainless steel stir stick was a nice touch that made reaching the bottom of the chamber simple.
The instructions do warn that you might hear some dripping right away, and I did. This is quickly fixed by adding the plunger, pressing it down half an inch or so, and pulling it back up to form a nice seal. This method does make it more difficult to get a good coffee bloom.
The AeroPress then sits for at least 30 seconds to brew. This is exceptionally quick, and the whole process felt no more complicated than brewing an instant coffee despite the extra step of grinding. If you have pre-ground coffee, it is just as simple.
Once brewed, I pressed down the plunger. How easy this is to do depends on your grind size. The finer the grind, the more difficult it is to plunge, as I discovered when I accidentally used a more espresso-like grind. This compacted against the filter into a tight barrier, and while it brewed a sweeter coffee, it was more hassle than it was worth, and I feared for the strain the mug beneath went through.
When you have the right grind size, plunging is a lot easier. You want to keep a nice, steady pace for this, pushing until you hear a distinctive ‘hissing’ noise, signifying your brew is complete.
The resulting coffee was remarkably delicious. My coffee-snob partner went into the experience already skeptical, under the impression nothing could be as good as a machine-brewed nine-bar espresso. However, after his first sip of the Americano, his brows rose, and it earned a coveted ‘nod’ of satisfaction. From him, that is very high praise.
Cleaning and Maintenance
(Image credit: Future / Chiana Dickson)
Cleaning coffee makers is usually the bane of my existence, but the Steel AeroPress made this step remarkably easy, too. Once cooled, the filter cap unscrews easily, and the stir stick can be used to dislodge the paper filter if it is stuck on. These are compostable, so be sure to put them in your compost heap if you have one.
Removing the coffee puck is also easy. The plunger is designed to extend beyond the chamber. All I needed to do was hold the AeroPress over my food bin and press against the top, and it slid out with a satisfying ‘pop.’ From there, it is as simple as rinsing with warm water. That’s it.
Storing the Steel AeroPress is also easy, even in my small kitchen, thanks to its compact size. The plunger slots back into the chamber, the cap screws on, and the stir stick and scoop slot into the empty plunger cavity. This stood neatly on my counter without getting in the way, but could just as easily have been tucked into a drawer or cabinet. There is also a dedicated Steel AeroPress Stand, available at Amazon, if you would like to make a more permanent display.
It is also perfectly sized to take on the go, should you want freshly brewed coffee at the office or on trips. It is worth noting, however, that while the steel certainly feels more durable than the original AeroPress, it is around 14 ounces heavier, which is something to consider if you are packing a lightweight trekking bag, for example.
What Shoppers Say
Shoppers are overwhelmingly impressed by the Steel AeroPress. With an average of 4.7/5 stars on the AeroPress site, verified customers comment on how easy it is to use and clean, and the delicious results.
However, many mention that they do not think that the price is worth the cost after upgrading from the original AeroPress. While they appreciate the solid build and the extra capacity, the extra weight and similar brew results come as a hard sell for the over-$100 price point.
The fact that it is plastic-free does win over several, however, which might make the upgrade worth it for many looking to make a kitchen less toxic.
Should You Buy The Steel AeroPress Coffee Maker?
The included stir stick makes coffee on the go easy.
(Image credit: AeroPress)
I would absolutely recommend the Steel AeroPress if you are looking for a durable, quality, non-toxic brewer that you can take on the go. The finishing is immaculate, with professional-grade stainless steel that looks as good as it performs, especially in the matte black colorway. The coffee is delicious and full-bodied, and the process is remarkably easy.
That said, if you already have an AeroPress, I would not rush to upgrade. The Steel AeroPress is undeniably more expensive at $169.95 at the time of writing, and brews very similar coffee. The Steel model is two ounces larger and uses a double-wall stainless steel cavity rather than BPA-free plastic, which lends to the premium price point and larger size and weight.
It is certainly a premium pick for those serious about coffee, but if you are regularly on the go, need to pack light, or are working with a tighter budget, the original AeroPress is just as good an option.
How We Test Coffee Makers
At Homes & Gardens, we have a rigorous testing process for all of our coffee makers. This enables us to score coffee makers both individually and against other models on the market.
Once we have researched the best coffee makers on the market, we test at home, as it means we can use the appliance in our regular routines. This helps me uncover advantages (or most likely, pain points) I would never discover with a one-hour session in the test kitchen.
After unboxing, we’ll let you know whether we get any extra accessories and what our first impressions are of the coffee maker. Here’s where we’ll talk about the size, style, build quality, and anything else that jumps out at us aesthetically.
Next, we’ll get brewing. We make notes on how easy the coffee maker is to set up and start using. After each brew, we assess the flavor of each cup, the range of the machine, how long it keeps coffee warm for, the ease of cleaning, and the all-important price. Where applicable, we experiment with special features, such as integrated grinders and milk frothers.
Once we are happy that we’ve tested everything that we can, we’ll take a step back and think about how the coffee maker compares to other models. We’ll read through online reviews to get a sense of what customers are saying and then, bringing all that information together, our team will let you know who we think it suits and whether it’s good value for money. As you can see, we leave no stone unturned.
If you’re interested and want to find out more, you can read all about the process in our how we test coffee makers page.
What Else to Shop
From cleaning essentials to countertop organizers, I have rounded up everything you need to flesh out your AeroPress coffee station.
All prices correct at time of publication.
Planetary Design Airscape® Stainless Steel Coffee Canister
The patented inner plunger lid on this canister forces excess oxygen out of the canister and locks out excess humidity, preserving freshness longer than typical airtight containers.
Aeropress Stainless Steel Organizer Stand
Keep your AeroPress accessories, filters, and stir sticks neat and tidy on your counter with this specially designed stand.
Aeropress White Paper Micro-Filters
These paper coffee filters are biodegradable, compostable, and chlorine-free for great-tasting, natural coffee.
If you want the same great-tasting coffee at a fraction of the price, we cannot fault the original AeroPress. Made from BPA-free plastic, it is a lighter weight option, too.
Aeropress Manual Coffee Grinder
This hand burr grinder is ideal if you are taking your coffee on the go, but prefer the taste of freshly ground. It has 60 adjustable grind settings, from espresso-fine to course.
Anboxit Countertop Coffee Station Organizer
If you really want to bring that café-style coffee home, you will need to pick up some quality syrups and beans. This tiered countertop organizer is a great way to keep these organized, using vertical storage to save space while creating a visual display.
No matter how good your coffee machine is, the bean you pick will have a huge impact on the final taste of your coffee. We have a whole guide dedicated to choosing coffee beans to help find the best roast for you.
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