Kitchen & Cooking · Coffee gear
AeroPress Original vs. Go: which coffee press fits your routine?
We Tried It All ·
Picture the place you’ll press your next cup. At a kitchen counter with a favorite mug already waiting, the Original gives you more room for water. At a picnic table with everything spread out of a daypack, the Go’s most useful feature is the cup that holds the whole kit.
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Original and Go at a glance
| What matters | AeroPress Original | AeroPress Go |
|---|---|---|
| Brew chamber capacity | 10 US fl oz | 8 US fl oz |
| Listed height × width | 5.25 × 4.2 inches | 4.5 × 3.6 inches |
| Where the coffee goes | Press directly into your own sturdy mug. | Press into the included mug, then pack the brewer inside it. |
| Accessories | Paper filters, stirrer and scoop | Paper filters, stirrer, scoop, mug, lid and travel filter holder |
| US manufacturer price checked November 3 | $39.95 | $49.95 |
The Go’s $10 premium at manufacturer prices buys a more compact packing arrangement. The prices above come from AeroPress. Check each Amazon listing for its current offer.
1. AeroPress Original
Best for a regular mug at home or work. If you start with 8 fl oz of water, the Original’s larger chamber leaves more room for grounds and stirring. It also lets you vary your recipe without immediately switching to a concentrate. On a counter where you already keep a scoop, filters and mug, there’s little advantage to storing every piece together.
Drawback. For a hotel stay or campsite, you need to find or carry a sturdy cup that supports the press. AeroPress advises against pressing into thin-walled glass.
2. AeroPress Go
Best for packing a coffee kit. The mug does three jobs: it supports the press, holds the drink and carries the brewer afterward. The little filter holder takes up to 25 paper filters, so you can set aside a trip’s supply without carrying the full box.
Drawback. If your morning drink fills a large mug, the 8 fl oz chamber forces a choice. Make a stronger brew and add water after pressing, or budget time for a second brew. The Go also needs a separate source of hot water.
Frequently asked questions
- How much more coffee does the Original hold?
- AeroPress lists 10 US fl oz for the Original and 8 US fl oz for the Go. The Original has 25% more chamber capacity. Grounds take up space, so the amount in your cup depends on the recipe.
- Can I brew a 12 fl oz mug with either press?
- A full 12 fl oz of water exceeds both chambers. Brew a concentrate, press it into a sturdy mug and add water to taste, or brew twice if you prefer your usual coffee-to-water ratio.
- What do I still need to pack with the Go?
- The cup and lid come with the Go, and the accessories pack inside. For hot coffee, bring ground coffee, filters and a way to heat water. If you take whole beans, you also need a grinder.
- Does this comparison cover the Go Plus or the Original XL?
- It covers the standard Original and the compact Go with the red lid. Go Plus and Original XL are separate products with different capacities and accessories.
Sources and related reading
Grinding fresh for either press? See our burr coffee grinder comparison.