A new chapter in the story of Aeropress, the brainchild of the reputable frisbee producer, Alan Adler, has begun with the release of the AeroPress Clear. With the AeroPress Clear in my possession for a month now, it’s time to share my initial thoughts on how it compares to its predecessors.
In this article I’ll cover:
- Overview of AeroPress Clear design and manufacturing
- The noticeable differences from the previous AeroPress models
- Insight into the new Tritan material
- The brewing experience and coffee quality
- Concluding thoughts and recommendations
Summary: The Aeropress Clear
- Made in the USA
- Must have brewer for serious coffee drinkers
- New transparent brew chamber gives a more visual experience
- Great for home, office or travel
- Excellent value for money
“It’s a joy incorporating into my morning routine before starting off my workday.” – Happy Aeropress Clear Customer
Design and Manufacturing
The AeroPress Clear brings a breath of fresh air to the coffee brewing scene, with its innovative material choice, Tritan, offering a stunning transparency and durability that sets it apart from the regular Aeropress.
Indeed, the AeroPress Clear introduces a transparent, visual element to the brewing process. If you have used a regular Aeropress, then the new see-through press will be a novelty. I’ve enjoyed looking into the press as it brews, something that was missing from the brewing experience with the older model. Though the new model bears tiny manufacturing flaws, such as minuscule marks on the cylinder, the overall aesthetics remain appealing, basking in the joy of transparency.
Durability
The AeroPress Clear flaunts its resistance to staining, a feature that has greatly impressed me. Despite multiple uses per day over a 30 day period, the Clear maintained its immaculate appearance. Not only does this promise a long-lasting aesthetic appeal, but it also serves as a testament to the quality and durability of the Tritan material.
Coffee influencer James Hoffman brewed for 20 hours straight and had a similar experience – zero staining or discoloring of the parts. Here’s his hot take:
Packaging and Contents
As I unpacked my AeroPress Clear, I noticed a distinct change in the packaging and the reduction in the number of paper filters included. Where the older model included 350 filters in the box, the new one includes a far stingier 100.
This could hint at AeroPress’s future trajectory focusing more on high-margin products and possibly encouraging the use of reusable filters. A more cynical reviewer might think this is greed by the new management team.
Brewing Experience
The coffee brewing experience with the AeroPress Clear mirrors the magic of the original AeroPress, yet with the added transparency, it takes on a fresh, novel appeal. I’ve found it to be user-friendly and consistent, delivering a delicious cup every single time.
It’s the perfect companion for both coffee novices and experts who wish to experiment and perfect their brew. Like with the original, it’s great for home, office, travel or anywhere else you can get your hands on freshly ground coffee.
Pricing
Following the aforementioned shift in management, AeroPress has ventured into a realm of higher-priced products, with the AeroPress Clear setting you back $50, a noticeable hike compared to the original $30 price tag ($40 in more recent times – boo to inflation).
Despite this, it offers value in terms of design, performance, and durability. In fact, whenever somebody asks me for recommendations of a coffee brewer, the Aeropress is always top of my list. The Aeropress Clear may well be my new number one.
Upcoming Products From Aeropress
There are exciting times ahead for AeroPress fans, with the announcement of other upcoming products. This includes the AeroPress XL, promising twice the volume of the original. This is in spite of the fact that Alan Adler had turned down this customer request for years.
There is also a premium AeroPress model crafted from glass and metal on the horizon. These innovations indicate that AeroPress is keen on diversifying its product range, increasing revenues and tapping into new revenue streams.
Who Is The Aeropress Clear For?
Considering its price point, the AeroPress Clear is an excellent option for those who don’t already own an AeroPress and are intrigued by its unique, visually appealing design. However, for current AeroPress owners, the upgrade might not be necessary unless the visual brewing experience is a significant attraction. In terms of cupping, flavor and overall usage, you won’t notice any difference between this and the original; upgrading is simply for the aesthetics.
Conclusion
Having used the new AeroPress Clear for a month now, I must say it offers a refreshing twist to the standard AeroPress brewing experience. The transparency is not just a visual delight but also allows for a more immersive brewing process. While the higher price tag may deter some, the durability, aesthetic appeal, and the quality of coffee it brews makes it worth every penny.
If you’re an AeroPress fan looking for a new brewer or just someone looking to delve into the world of manual coffee brewing, the AeroPress Clear could be a brilliant choice.
Have you tried the new Aeropress Clear? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Coffee expert and industry insider, I’ve dedicated years to mastering the art and science of coffee making. From scrutinizing particle fineness to evaluating burr shapes, I delve into the minutiae that elevate coffee from good to exceptional. Whether it’s a complex pour-over or a robust espresso, my insights cater to those who don’t just drink coffee, but experience it.
