I always pack this coffee accessory when I go on holiday - it pays off

As a qualified barista; self-confessed coffee snob; and coffee addict, it can be hard to travel. I have set standards for the way that I drink my coffee and it's not always a guarantee that a hotel or café is going to serve me my morning shot of coffee exactly how I like it. That's why I started packing the AeroPress Go Plus in my bags when I travel.

Unlike lots of the best coffee makers, the AeroPress is small enough to fit into a handbag, suitcase, or work bag. I've taken mine to France, to the office, and I use it in my home. It's a space-savers dream and comes at a really reasonable price.

So, if you want to know more about what the AeroPress Go Plus is like to use, what kind of coffee you can expect from it, and whether there are any good alternatives, you're in the perfect place.

Aeropress Go Plus Coffee Maker review

AeroPress began as a start-up in the US and it's become a worldwide sensation. After testing one years ago, it quickly became one of the essentials that I take with me on holiday. You can see the espresso that I made in it on my last trip in the image at the top of this article and the coffee maker packed in my bag for holidays. Good right?

The AeroPress Go Plus is special in that you can unpack and repack into custom coffee mug, making it both portable and warming, perfect for all terrains, be it the tube, a train, a bus, or the beach.

What's more, the way AeroPress brews will leave you with a really good coffee in under two minutes. You have the smooth sip-sperience of pour-over; the light acidic notes of cafetiere coffee, and the richness of authentic espresso. In my eyes, that's pretty hard to beat.

Aeropress Go Plus Coffee Maker Specifications

Unboxing the Aeropress Go Plus Coffee Maker

As you might expect from a brand that markets itself as a compact, traveller's dream, the AeroPress Go Plus Coffee Machine comes in an even more compact box. Around the sides, you'll see exciting details about what's inside. And, if you can wait, it's worth having a read about what AeroPress has to say here. You might learn a thing or two.

The box itself is completely recyclable, as is all the other packaging. I love a fully recyclable set-up, because I'm a firm believer that if it's possible to make your packaging sustainable, you should. So, AeroPress scored top marks so far.

Inside, you have the double-walled 18/8 stainless steel flask as well as the classic Tritan AeroPress brewer. Like a game of Russian dolls, inside there, you get a travel scoop, foldable stirrer, and built-in filter holder, so all elements of the brewing experience are taken care of within the space of a travel mug.

Who would the Aeropress Go Plus Coffee Maker suit?

As a portable coffee maker, the AeroPress makes an obvious choice for coffee snobs who are often on the go. If you ever were to venture into our offices, you'll see the people who really care about coffee in the kitchen with their AeroPresses out. It's also brilliant for packing in a suitcase (as I found) or bag if you want to make sure that you can guarantee you'll be sipping fresh coffee from wherever you are. Just note that the top doesn't actually seal, so you won't want to throw it in your bag when it's still wet.

The nature of the way the AeroPress Go Plus brews is pretty mellow. It has the smooth notes of of a pour-over, the acidity of a French press, and the richness of an espresso. It's a really nice blend of some of my favourite types of coffee, but I'm conscious that it might not be for everyone.

You're also going to be making 300 ml of coffee. For me, that's a pretty small cup. I like mine a lot bigger, but I think most people would consider that a decent Americano. I'm not here to argue, but I will warn my fellow large coffee drinkers that they might need to size-up.

What is the Aeropress Go Plus Coffee Maker like to use?

AeroPress sends a diagram on how to make coffee, but you’ll also have videos online that you can access through their QR codes. However, all in all, it’s a really simple process. You place a paper filter in the base of the AeroPress (they send a pack to start you off) and then screw the funnel on. Then, AeroPress includes a compact scoop and foldable agitator that you can use to get the coffee going.

I ground my coffee to be medium-fine for the AeroPress as that's what's generally recommended and then used the scoop to add my coffee grounds to the bottom of the AeroPress. Essentially, the scoop equates to one decent shot of coffee. I made mine with one scoop, but I like my coffee strong, so tended towards one and a half or two as I carried on testing this.

Once the coffee is in, there are helpful markers up the side of the AeroPress that offer guidance on where to pour your hot water depending on how strong you want your coffee and how much you’re brewing. Once I filled mine up, I used the agitator to make sure all my coffee grounds were well saturated and then plunged the coffee press.

The whole AeroPress sits really securely on top of the cup, so I found it easy to plunge down and then lift off to take a sip. My first coffee was designed to be like an Americano, so your average black coffee. It's a really light, mellow drink, which is great. I'd say that it's more like filter coffee than French press or espresso coffee, which can be quite rich and acidic. That’s not to say that there weren’t hints of something with a bit more punch, but these were very subtle.

Having used this for months, I can say with absolute certainty that you won’t drink a grainy coffee: this makes a really smooth drink. It's also a lot of fun making coffee in here, reminiscent of a science experiment (in the best way), so I played around with espresso-like short and intense drinks, longer Americano-style brews, and even some cold brews (my favourite). One of the brilliant and very unique ways in which the AeroPress makes coffee is through the combination of filters, pressure and brewing, which gives a lovely flavour.

Cleaning the Aeropress Go Plus Coffee Maker

All the parts of the AeroPress Go Plus Coffee Maker are dishwasher safe. So, even if you don't know how to clean a coffee machine, you'll still be able to get this sparking by stacking it away and letting the appliances, quite literally, do your dirty work.

I'm a bit precious about my coffee machines, so I cleaned the AeroPress by hand. It was really easy: a little warm water and washing up liquid did the trick, with some help from a small brush to reach into the crevices that my hands couldn't. The Tritan doesn't mist or fog, so it looked as good as new really soon after washing and drying it up. That's my kind of coffee.

How does the Aeropress Go Plus Coffee Maker compare?

This isn't the only AeroPress offered by the brand. And, if you don't need a vacuum-insulated thermos-style flask, you can get away with opting for their simple AeroPress Clear model. The coffee I brewed in both tasted identical. The main difference is how you carry them. The Go Plus is much easier to keep sealed, so I'm happier throwing it into my bag at the end of the day. The AeroPress Original might need a little more cushioning around it to prevent leaks or damage.

You can, of course, buy other portable coffee makers too. The Wacaco Picopresso has long been a favourite of mine (and a go-to for gifting to coffee lovers.) It feels really silky and expensive, so is great as a gift and the Wacaco Picopresso is also the size of a can of soda, which is brilliant when you're short on space. The coffee I made in the Picopresso was much more like espresso coffee - rich and deep - than the AeroPress' light and mellow flavours, so I'd say the real decision here is what kind of coffee you like to drink.

Should you buy the Aeropress Go Plus Coffee Maker?

If you want to enjoy artisanal coffee on the go and you're looking for a safe and compact way to transport your coffee maker, you really can't go wrong with the AeroPress Go Plus. I tested it in the black, but next on my list is buying the cream colour for my mum.

How we test coffee machines

At woman&home, we have a rigorous process for how we test coffee machines and coffee makers, because I used to be a barista. That means we have a standard and a reputation to uphold, so all the machines that I recommend have to be able to make seriously good coffee.

I don't just judge a coffee maker on flavours (although that is really important), I'll also look at how easy it is to use, how cost-efficient it is, what it's like to clean, and any other elements that I think you'd notice in your day-to-day life.

I like to compare the coffee makers to other models on the market, so that you get a really holistic, solid idea of what each machine is like to use. That way, when one arrives on your doorstep, all the surprises waiting for you are good ones.

If you want to find out more about any specific models, don't hesitate to email me, I'm always happy to chat about coffee over a cup of coffee.