AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press Kit - 3 in 1 brew method combines French Press, Pourover, Espresso Review

Essential Accessories:

• Manual grinder for fresh beans (like the Porlex Mini or Hario Mini Mill)
• Reusable metal filter for eco-friendly brewing
• Digital scale for precise measurements (check out our travel scales guide)
• Temperature-controlled kettle for optimal extraction
• Sturdy travel mug for larger servings

The magic of the AeroPress Go lies in its brilliant simplicity. Every piece serves a purpose, and nothing feels superfluous. At its core, you’ve got the brewing chamber and plunger, but it’s the thoughtful extras that make this kit shine.

What’s in the Box:

• Brewing chamber and plunger
• 350 paper microfilters
• Foldable stirrer
• Scoop for perfect portions
• Filter holder
• Mug with lid (doubles as carrying case)

Key Specs:

• Capacity: 1-3 cups per brew
• Weight: 11.4 oz (323g)
• Packed Dimensions: 4.6” x 3.6” x 3.6” (11.7 x 9.1 x 9.1 cm)
• Material: BPA-free polypropylene
• Filter Type: Paper (compatible with metal filters)

I love how everything nests together inside the included mug - it’s like coffee brewing Tetris. Each component feels sturdy enough for daily use but light enough for travel. The polypropylene construction might look simple, but it’s remarkably durable. I’ve dropped mine more times than I’d like to admit, and it’s still going strong.

The design improvements over the original AeroPress are subtle but significant. The shorter chamber actually makes it more stable during brewing, and the included mug is a genuine improvement for travelers, not just a gimmick.

One thing that’s particularly clever is the filter holder - it’s small enough to be practical but holds more than enough filters for most trips. The stirrer folds flat instead of needing to be shortened like the original version, which means one less thing to potentially lose.

There aren’t different versions of the Go to choose from, but that’s part of its charm - it’s a refined, singular design that just works. You can, however, expand its capabilities with aftermarket accessories like metal filters or larger brewing chambers if you want to experiment.

Brewing with the AeroPress Go is refreshingly straightforward, yet the process allows for plenty of experimentation. Here’s the basic method I’ve found works reliably well:

1. Setup: Pop a filter in the cap, rinse it with hot water (this removes any paper taste and preheats your mug)

2. Add Coffee: One level scoop of fine-drip to medium-fine ground coffee (about 15-18g)

3. Add Water: Pour hot water (175°F/80°C for light roasts, slightly cooler for darker ones) to your desired level

4. Stir: Give it a quick stir - about 10 seconds is perfect

5. Press: Attach the plunger and press gently until you hear that satisfying hiss

The whole process takes about 90 seconds, and you’ll end up with a smooth, rich brew that’s remarkably clean-tasting. The paper filter catches oils and fine particles that often slip through other portable brewers.

What makes the AeroPress Go special is its versatility. Want something closer to espresso? Use less water and press harder. Prefer a longer coffee? Add hot water to your concentrated brew. You can even make cold brew by using room temperature water and waiting a couple minutes before pressing.

A Note on Pressure: While you can’t match true espresso machine pressure, the AeroPress Go creates enough to produce a surprisingly rich concentrate. I’ve found that slow, steady pressure works better than trying to press too forcefully.

Brewing capacity is 1-3 cups per press, depending on your recipe. The included mug holds about 8 oz of finished coffee comfortably.

Let’s get real about where the AeroPress Go shines and where it might fall short:

Things to Love:

• Quick and Reliable: Consistently good coffee in about 90 seconds
• Amazingly Portable: Everything nests together brilliantly
• Versatile Brewing: Can make anything from strong espresso-style shots to smooth American coffee
• Easy Cleanup: Just pop out the “puck” and rinse
• Durable Construction: Survives drops and rough handling
• Low Acid Brew: Gentler on sensitive stomachs than many brewing methods
• No Power Needed: Perfect for off-grid adventures

Room for Improvement:

• Small Capacity: Making coffee for a group takes multiple brews
• Not True Espresso: While it makes great strong coffee, it won’t satisfy strict espresso purists
• Needs Filters: You’ll want to pack extras for longer trips
• Learning Curve: Takes some practice to dial in your perfect recipe
• Manual Effort: Pressing requires some physical effort

The capacity limitation is probably the biggest practical drawback - if you’re brewing for more than two people, you’ll need multiple presses. That said, each brew is quick enough that this isn’t a dealbreaker unless you regularly make coffee for groups.

Something I’ve noticed in real-world use: while the cleanup is easy, you do need access to water. Most of the time this isn’t an issue, but it’s worth considering for truly remote brewing situations.

What’s impressed me most over time is the consistency. Whether I’m half-awake in a hotel room or perched on a mountain watching the sunrise, I can count on getting a great cup of coffee. That reliability counts for a lot when you’re traveling.

Having thrown my AeroPress Go into countless backpacks, suitcases, and even a few kayak dry bags, I can vouch for its travel-worthiness. The way everything nests inside the mug isn’t just clever design - it’s genuinely practical.

The numbers tell part of the story:

• Packed Size: 4.6” x 3.6” x 3.6” (fits in most side pockets)
• Weight: 11.4 oz (lighter than a typical travel mug)
• Capacity: Mug holds 8 oz comfortably

But it’s the little things that make it truly travel-friendly. The lid stays secure but isn’t impossible to remove with cold hands. The plunger’s seal keeps coffee grounds from spilling everywhere if the filter cap comes loose in your bag. Even the rounded edges mean it won’t catch on or tear other items in your luggage.

One unexpected bonus: since it’s all plastic, you won’t set off metal detectors or raise eyebrows at security checkpoints. Just remember to empty the water first!

The AeroPress Go is perfect for:

Coffee Nomads: If you travel frequently but refuse to settle for hotel room coffee, this is your new best friend. It’s especially great for:

• Business travelers tired of mediocre hotel coffee
• Digital nomads working from different locations
• Adventure travelers who still want their quality coffee fix

Space Conscious Brewers: Living in a tiny apartment? RV life? The compact design makes it ideal for small spaces without sacrificing coffee quality.

Coffee Experimenters: The versatility of brewing methods makes it perfect for those who like to tinker with their coffee routine. You can adjust nearly every variable - grind size, water temperature, steep time, pressure - to find your perfect cup.

Early Adopters: If you appreciate clever design and engineering solutions, you’ll love how thoughtfully every component has been considered.

The AeroPress Go isn’t for everyone. Skip it if you:

Need to Brew in Volume: If you regularly make coffee for more than two people, the small capacity will frustrate you. Consider a larger French press or portable drip maker instead.

Want True Espresso: While it makes great strong coffee, it can’t generate the pressure needed for real espresso. Look at portable espresso makers like the Nanopresso if that’s your priority.

Prefer Set-and-Forget Brewing: The hands-on nature means you need to be actively involved in the brewing process. If you want to press a button and walk away, check out some of the portable electric brewers on the market.

Have Limited Hand Strength: While pressing isn’t extremely difficult, it does require some force. If this might be an issue, consider gravity-fed methods like pour-over drippers instead.

After months of regular use, the AeroPress Go holds up remarkably well. The polypropylene construction stays clean without staining or retaining coffee oils. I’ve noticed that the seal maintains its effectiveness longer if you store it uncompressed - a nice bonus of the Go’s storage design.

The only part that shows age is the rubber seal, which might need replacement after a year or two of heavy use. Watch for any decrease in resistance when pressing - that’s your signal it’s time for a new seal.

Unlike some coffee makers that seem to get finicky with age, the AeroPress Go maintains consistent performance. The simplicity of the design means there’s very little that can go wrong. Even the included stirrer, which I initially thought looked flimsy, has proven surprisingly durable.

One unexpected discovery: the mug’s durability. Despite countless trips, it hasn’t cracked or shown signs of stress where the lid attaches. The lid’s seal has stayed tight too - no leaks when packed away.

Keeping your AeroPress Go in top shape is refreshingly simple. Here’s what works best:

Daily Care:

• Quick rinse after each use
• Pop out the coffee puck and give everything a thorough rinse
• Let air dry completely before packing away

Weekly Maintenance:

• Remove and clean the rubber seal
• Check the filter cap for any trapped grounds
• Wipe down the storage mug and lid

Pro Tips:

• Store uncompressed to preserve the seal
• A quick wipe of the plunger seal after each use prevents sticking
• If you notice harder pressing, clean the seal more thoroughly

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

• Hard to Press: Usually means too fine a grind or needs seal cleaning
• Coffee Leaking: Check filter cap is properly tightened
• Cracked Mug or Chamber: Contact AeroPress - they have great customer service

Remember: while everything is dishwasher safe, hand washing takes seconds and helps the parts last longer. Just push out the coffee puck, rinse, and you’re done!

The AeroPress Go presents an interesting environmental trade-off. The brewer itself is durable plastic that lasts for years, reducing waste from broken coffee makers. However, it does use paper filters, which create ongoing waste.

Eco-Friendly Aspects:

• Durable construction means less frequent replacement
• No electricity needed for brewing
• Small water usage for brewing and cleaning
• Spent grounds are compostable

Areas for Improvement:

• Paper filter usage (though they’re tiny)
• Plastic construction (though it’s BPA-free and long-lasting)

You can reduce the environmental impact by:

• Using a metal filter (several third-party options available)
• Composting used filters and grounds
• Properly recycling the device at end of life
• Reusing paper filters (possible 2-3 times if dried between uses)

When weighing the value of the AeroPress Go, consider what you’re getting: a complete coffee brewing system that can replace multiple devices. While the initial cost sits in the mid-range for manual brewers, the versatility and durability make it a smart investment.

Think about it this way: it can brew like a French press, make concentrated shots like an espresso maker, and handle cold brew too. Instead of buying separate devices for different styles, you get one tool that does it all well.

The ongoing costs are minimal - just filters and coffee. Even if you spring for a metal filter, it’ll pay for itself quickly. The durability means you won’t need to replace it often, if ever. I’ve met people still using their original AeroPress from over a decade ago.

The real value shows up in travel savings. Skipping airport and hotel coffee quickly offsets the initial investment, plus you get better coffee in the process.

Bottom line: considering the quality of coffee it produces and its versatility, the AeroPress Go delivers exceptional value for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate good design and great coffee.

After countless brews, here are some game-changing tips I’ve discovered:

1. The Inverted Method:

• Flip the AeroPress upside down for brewing
• Allows longer steep times without dripping
• Great for fuller-bodied coffee

2. Temperature Hacks:

• No thermometer? Let your kettle sit for 30 seconds after boiling
• Cold brew? Room temp water works great with a 2-minute steep

3. Filter Pro Tips:

• Rinse filter with hot water first
• Use two filters for ultra-clean cup
• Save used filters for second use (they work fine!)

4. Travel Smart:

• Pre-pack filters in the holder
• Store beans in the mug when packing
• Keep a couple backup filters in your wallet

5. Cleaning Shortcuts:

• Push past the coffee puck into compost/trash
• Quick rinse is usually enough
• Full cleaning needed only weekly

Unexpected Uses:

• Makes great tea (especially loose leaf)
• Perfect for hot chocolate
• Works as a small juice press
• Can even strain cold brew from other makers

Q: How does it compare to the original AeroPress? A: The Go is more compact and includes a custom mug that doubles as a carrying case. While the brewing capacity is slightly smaller, the convenience for travel makes it a worthwhile trade-off.

Q: Can I use regular coffee filters? A: Standard filters won’t fit properly. Stick with AeroPress filters or a metal filter designed specifically for the AeroPress. The included 350 filters last quite a while.

Q: How fine should I grind my coffee? A: Aim for a fine to medium-fine grind, similar to table salt. Too fine and it’ll be hard to press; too coarse and you’ll get weak coffee.

Q: Is cleaning difficult while traveling? A: Not at all - just pop out the coffee puck and rinse. Even a quick wipe with a napkin works in a pinch, though you’ll want to rinse properly when possible.

Q: How hot should the water be? A: Around 175°F (80°C) works great for most coffees. Just off boil is fine too - the short brew time prevents bitterness.

Q: Does it actually make espresso? A: It makes a strong, espresso-style concentrate, but without the true pressure of an espresso machine. Good for milk drinks, but don’t expect traditional crema.

Q: Can I make cold brew with it? A: Yes! Use room temperature water and steep for 2 minutes. The pressing action creates a quick cold brew that’s surprisingly good.

Q: How many cups does it make at once? A: One to two regular cups, or about 8 oz of finished coffee. You can make it stronger and dilute for more servings.

After extensive use, the AeroPress Go stands out as a remarkably well-designed travel coffee solution. It strikes an impressive balance between portability and brewing capability that other travel brewers often miss.

The clever storage design, durable construction, and versatile brewing options make it a standout choice for coffee lovers on the move. While it has limitations - mainly the small capacity and manual brewing process - these are reasonable trade-offs for the quality and portability you get.

What really sets it apart is consistency. Whether you’re brewing at home, in a hotel, or at a campsite, you can count on getting a great cup of coffee. That reliability, combined with its compact design and easy cleaning, makes it an exceptional travel companion.

The AeroPress Go isn’t just a good travel coffee maker - it’s a great coffee maker that happens to travel well. For anyone who values good coffee and travels frequently, it’s an easy recommendation.