Is The Future Of The AeroPress Clear?

A few thoughts on the new AeroPress, both the brewer and the company. For more information:
The AeroPress Clear: aeropress.com/products/aeropr...
Relevant Videos:
AeroPress Episode #1 (History): • The AeroPress (Episode...
AeroPress Episode #2 (Testing): • Understanding The Aero...
AeroPress Episode #3 (The Ultimate Technique): • The Ultimate AeroPress...
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[@adamshaw6074]

People demanded a larger AeroPress and Alan responded by offering them a smaller one. What a legend.

[@lilbatz]

I love my Aeropress Go. The new stuff looks cheap as hell, and can't wait to see YT vids of people brewing inverted method with the glass one spilling and shattering.

[@jacobs1047]

There's now an aeropress XL, thanks

[@alicehargest]

I love the little one it's perfect for the office 🥹

[@bigman5125]

Alan clearly made prototypes without success and found it didn't give great results. People will no doubt buy an XL version but will it be any good?

[@ndog4773]

The xl in a go version would be great. I also like the idea of a premium for the office, but I can see McDonalds coffee burn style law suit coming if it is fragile.

[@carloocampo6100]

The subtle changing of the cup's mood at 6:28 when you talked about the reduction of paper filters. Cinematic masterpiece.

[@edoalva48]

And it changed again to smiley 🙂 in the end. I know James Hoffman already did this kind of subtle easter egg thing previously, but I wasn't expecting more up to this level.

[@RoastedHVAC]

I really liked this touch :)

[@antnguyen]

Scrolled down here for this

[@kathleen_ryan]

This is hilarious.

[@stevenr5149]

:) thanks for pointing it out:)

[@TimeBucks]

The aeropress box was a highlight.

[@surochondro4830]

Wow

[@travelbagshort]

Very nice 👍👍

[@lufiboy450]

very nice

[@AnokhiDuniya9999]

@@lufiboy450 hi

[@gopalshil349]

Hi

[@edgarc98]

I’m an engineer in the medical device space. Tritan plastic is used in blood perfusion systems. It’s better than polycarbonate because it’s BPA-free, clarity, chemical resistance, and would think it’s holds up better in dishwasher in this case. From a manufacturing standpoint, it’s much more challenging to mold Tritan. Molding tools and parameters have to be much more precise or you end up with defects similar to what you noticed (2 apparent bubbles at the top - although could be intentional if they all have that), and flow lines (the line you saw post sous vide).

[@hydrophobicwalrus749]

As a know-nothing regarding plastics, is there a reason they would move from polypropylene (material on current version of standard Aeropress) to Tritan? The former is already BPA and phthlate-free afaik. Is it just not possible to make polypropylene clear?

[@manofthewild07]

@@hydrophobicwalrus749 Probably the two main reasons are because PP is transparent, not completely clear like tritan or glass, and it stains very very easily.

[@hydrophobicwalrus749]

@@manofthewild07 Makes sense. Thanks!

[@biouser1768]

I've read multiple places that Tritan can affect hormones when exposed to heat so I don't understand how it's a good idea to use it for a coffee maker.

[@dking6297a]

​@@biouser1768nah it doesn't

[@dmac2573]

I don't mind new products coming out at higher price points, but skimping on things like the paper filters definitely does point to the motives behind the new owners.

[@themeatpopsicle]

profit is always a motive, and usually the most important motive. that's how all this works.

[@epto]

The worst part is that, unlike the scoop, I actually find the filter holder useful. Such a shame they got rid of that piece.

[@InspiriumESOO]

@@themeatpopsicle I'm not sure if this is defending or criticising capitalism.

[@sO_RoNerY]

Yeah. Skimping on paper filters and still using *plastic* to make the product is a no buy for me. No one is going to test out any product with a drop test unless you have the money to just buy another.

[@tomypreach]

😂

[@a.i.l1074]

The aeropress box was a highlight. Beautifully kitsch. Felt like you'd bought it off a shopping channel

[@poppledirac]

"As seen on TV"

[@chemistrykrang8065]

I literally said "awww but the old box looked like you bought it on QVC in the 90s" at that point in the video.

[@lyricbread]

Yes! 😂

[@PositiveEnergyPodcast]

😂😂😂

[@halcyonacoustic7366]

Some people have a strong dislike of "as seen on tv" infomercial products and aesthetic.

[@stephenvedmore1385]

It's worth noting that Alan designed the stirrer to be the perfect length to stir your brew without touching the paper filter below.

[@almacdonald8130]

Absolutely. I would be concerned about damaging the filter while brewing with a spoon or other stirrer. The T-shaped stirrer can't go quite that far down.

[@johnalogue9832]

I recently went back to using the Aeropress and noticed this! Not having to stir "hovering" over the bottom of the press is very nice, and I assume it makes a more thorough and consistent stir.

[@benjaminshepard]

The closeness of that gap also means that using a gentle back-and-forth motion can counteract the tendency of a stirred brew to develop a slight hump of grounds in the middle, which often leaves the puck a sloppy mess.

[@wolffofcinema3448]

Not in the Areopress Go. Thought I liked the new stirrer until I ripped my filter paper.

[@Jacob-2796]

@@wolffofcinema3448get a metal filter- works the same, and infinitely reusable!

[@hshooker5761]

Those two small marks are the gates. The gates are where the plastic is injected into the mold. That's why they are exactly 180 degrees apart. On the previous version, the gates are on the edge of the hexagonal flange and not very noticeable. It's extremely likely that switching resins necessitated building a new tool. Molding a cylindrical object where almost no taper is allowed is extremely challenging. (This was likely Alan's frustration with molding an XL version. There's always some minimum taper required to get the part to eject out of the mold. When he made the part longer there would be more resulting variation in the ID causing the plunger to be too loose on one end and too tight on the other.) This new mold would have been specifically tailored to the new resin. The two most important criteria would be getting the part safely ejected from the mold and interchangeability with legacy Aeropress parts. In order to get the part to eject cleanly they probably had to flip it upside down and this forced the gates to their new location. Now if you look at the hexagonal base of the previous generation, you can see and feel 8 small circles each about 3mm in diameter. These are the ejector pin marks. By flipping the part around they might have been able to dispense with those marks. Are they on the Tritan version, James.

[@-A.n.d.r.e.w-]

These are good points, though I'd expect there'd still have to be draft inside the tube. Getting a water clear part off a core that long with no draft and without causing scratches would be impossible. I'd wager the plunger seal has enough interference and flex to cope with draft. I wonder if they now use a stripper ejector? 🤔

[@im_Spade_]

Wow, you're like the James Hoffman of plastic manufacturing. I like that 😎

[@johnalogue9832]

If the issue with the XL design was plastic molding challenges, I'd feel a lot better about it than what I've assumed/heard, which is that Alan thought it made worse coffee, somehow. I keep seeing different perspectives on the product design of the Aeropress, and it's really interesting. Like how well-recieved the Aeropress Go was, and the numerous situations where commenters noted its usefulness.

[@benrossignol1347]

Hey, I don't know if you got your answer yet regarding the ejector pin marks. It's 6 months later, and I just got an Aeropress clear for Xmas. After reading your very informative comment I went to compare my old Aeropress vs the new clear one, and I can confirm there are no ejector pins on the clear.

[@SaitekFreak999]

There are 2 different versions btw. One of them does not have these marks from the runners at the top. I have not checked where they are, but they are definitely in a less noticeable spot.

[@spamcan9208]

Def red flags. If they wanted to save money, don't use a gimmick box that gets thrown away. The original was a well thought out system. Getting rid of that filter holder is going to annoy new users as soon as they realize they have a bunch of fiddly filters to store. It's extremely handy, I use every single item that was in the kit multiple times daily. Edit: they even took out the funnel?! Are you kidding me? It's saved me from making a mess all over my counter when I've just woken up. Clearly management never bothered to use and live with their product.

[@jarynn8156]

I think they have used them and have realized how much life sucks without the funnel and holder because they sell them for $10 each on their website.

[@jamesdrummond7684]

@@jarynn8156 They realized it from the start, they just wanted to increase the effective price of a complete set of equipment by another 20-25%.

[@spamcan9208]

Amazon still has the OG for just over $30 and I'm considering buying a backup. I don't trust the new management at all.

[@mik165]

@@spamcan9208 I'd still wait for the xl version, just in case it turns out ok

[@emeryboehnke4259]

The funnel has important functionality for mugs with a slightly smaller diameter opening that you may want to press into. Shame.

[@cubesandpi]

I have a lot of thoughts about this new change. I work on products that use Tritan regularly, and it is really one of the cream of the crop plastics. It’s chemical compatibility, optical clarity, and impact resistance are a rare trio that basically nothing else can match - and as such it comes in at a substantially higher price. My guess for what has happened in this clear version is that at a high level someone said “let’s make a clear version for no more than 10 dollars more at the same gross margin” and they were left with a buck or two to squeeze out of the margin once the design process and vendor negotiations were done. (Eastman, the manufacturer of tritan, has no shortage of customers and is able to maintain good margins for themselves). While it makes sense that the filter holder was the first thing to go, it’s quite disappointing to see that aeropress is clearly transitioning to the larger company mindset where a slight hit to user experience is tolerated so long as the product that hits the price and margin is created

[@mobugs]

both the filter holder and funnel no longer come included with the regular aeropress (i recently got one), it also comes with the same 100 paper filters. so it isnt related to the clear aeropress.

[@shllybkwrm]

Very interesting, I do wonder if the cost of Tritan is really THAT much higher to eliminate the other two items though 🤔 then again, I want to have less random items around, so it's actually a bonus for me

[@Hybridog]

When one company buys another, the buyer has to do something to pay for the purchase. Standard methods include cutting costs by removing product features, or raising prices. Aeropress has done both it seems.

[@amunak_]

@@shllybkwrm It's not. They want you to buy the two things separately, each for $10, so your "good old" AeroPress is suddenly a $50+ item instead of a $30 one. Who doesn't like doubling their margins!

[@lukehome6206]

Not sad to see plastic waste no longer included as for the filter holder 3d printer goes brrrrrrrr brrr brrr err brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[@taylor1038]

I definitely see the decrease in paper filters as a red flag. I bought my Aeropress well over a year ago and I'm still on the original pack of filters thanks to the variety of brewing methods I employ. 50 filters would not last long at all.

[@iunnox666]

Just reuse them 200 times like Alan suggests. 50 should last a few years!

[@justinjwolf]

I have always used a stainless filter in my AeroPress. I've used 0 paper filters, so they'll literally last forever.

[@kerravonsen2810]

Agreed. They are going from generous to stingy; that seems a sign to me that they are more interested in money than in customer service or excellence.

[@billc7211]

I bought an old school grey one a couple of months ago, and it came with the small pack of filters and no filter holder or funnel.

[@Jacob-2796]

@@kerravonsen2810buy a metal filter, problem solved

[@stevenmeyers5088]

I've noticed that your AeroPresses always appear to be stored with the seal compressed. I'm not sure how much damage it would do but just an FYI for the viewers! This is from their website: "Always eject the used coffee right after brewing and store your AeroPress coffee maker with the silicone seal pushed all the way through the chamber. This keeps the seal free of compression for longer seal life."

[@bern1005]

The small crack you saw after the waterbath testing is what's called Environmental Stress Cracking. It's a side effect of the rapid cooling of the molten polymer (thermoplastic) during the injection molding of the product. It's likely to happen in normal use but over a much longer time.

[@ignatzly]

I had various Aeropresses over the years, and there was a certain time they used a certain material or manufacturing process that had the barrel crack sort of like that. People complained and the company replaced a lot of barrels for free. The Aeropresses I bought later did not get those cracks.

[@Douleuo]

Yeah my 12 year old, near daily use Aeropress has a lot of these in it. Doesn't seem to be a problem so far ;)

[@ronmccy8910]

@@ignatzly Ditto. My first one had what you describe, but later models (barrel formulation?) do not after over 5 years of use.

[@hinjo89]

Same here, mine is about 8-9 years old. At this point the bigger issue is the rubber not being as tight as in a new one, but that's also not really an issue, just noticeable when comparing...

[@mattbow_]

That's the practical outcome for it? Does it make a difference to anything? Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@lincolnreynolds4874]

I don't think you're reading into the filter decrease too much. It's absolutely a red flag, because it's a classic move straight out of the playbook of Capital/Investor Firm Management: raise price, include less (particularly if it can promote recurring purchases, like filter papers), and give everything a noticeable but pointless redesign to excite people with a "new" product and distract them from the negative changes.

[@FourIntoOne]

so true.

[@boat02]

After all, "How you do anything is how you do everything."

[@SpencerDonahue]

I'll take actual innovation over laziness and stubbornness. Allen spent nearly two decades changing literally nothing about the product despite a huge demand for innovative new products. He just went about his day selling millions of Aeropress units for a hefty profit. His entire business was based around plastic injection mold products, so when you consider how much junk he crammed into each box it starts to paint the picture of your standard capitalistic enterprise that doesn't really care about the customer or much else other than taking in more profit.

[@SuperAaron99]

@@SpencerDonahueit doesn’t look like they’re innovating on anything though, it looks like they’re planning on ways to iterate the design to sell it for more money. It would have been cool to see them tweak some things in the original design to make it better but that would have required actual thinking.

[@red2theelectricboogaloo961]

@@SpencerDonahue innovating isnt the issue. if U are going on to take pieces from the actual product and then turn around and sell them both separately for a mark up then U havent made anything new, U just took an existing product and then made the user experience worse so U can make an extra buck. its the opposite too. the first owner cared more about his customers because he gave them good value for what they bought. the new owners actually care less. also the thing itself is made worse now. just cuz an owner cares a lot about the particulars and insists on one material only or whatever doesn't mean he doesn't care about the customers. at worst it means hes a little old fashioned and stubborn. but for U to go on to make it out like its an issue of innovation... bro they didnt innovate shit

[@antdah]

Not only did it come with 350 filters, but the manual also gives you the tip that _if you are careful when you press and then rinse the filter paper, you can use it more than once!_ I use one paper per day, usually twice, sometimes thrice.

[@iunnox666]

Gross.

[@paolobramucci3609]

You can easily get 4 to 6 uses per filter. I know, because I was curious and wanted to see how many uses that you can get out of them. I had heard or read that you get up to 10 uses, though I found that as you got to 6, the amount of force to press the brew through was now noticeable more. I generally use my filters twice, or, one a day. Also, use them with my Bialetti Moka Pot. I find the filter gives the brew a little more clarity and softer notes.

[@DrunkenUFOPilot]

Being of Scottish ancestry, I'm *obligated* to re-use small cheap things! I sometimes get three uses but usually don't bother with trying more than two. Tried a fourth time once, but the quality of filtering does go down.

[@eandrgoodwin]

I was wondering, “who on earth is so cheap that they would reuse a 2¢ filter?” (Although, the last time I bought them - pre pandemic - they were only 1¢ each!) Part of the reason I wouldn’t reuse them is that I am relying on them to reduce the oils from the brew. I suppose you can rinse the fines from a paper filter, but I don’t think you can rinse the oils out! At least not without soap!

[@antdah]

@@eandrgoodwin Oh, I am _totally_ that cheap! Also, if you need to rationalise even further than cost, there is an environmental benefit to reusing your filter paper a few times.

[@JacobFlanagan]

Albeit rarely used, I found the funnel to be essential for smaller cups. Especially for a sensibly sized thermos.

[@mattbow_]

Thank you for always being an honest reviewer and never shying away from your honest criticism. It's really appreciated.

[@rsilvers129]

On that note - I always wonder why people say someone is honest when a review points out limitations of a product. It strikes me as a logical fallacy because a product may have nothing of note to point out as a weakness, and then a glowing review is still being honest. And also, a review might play up a limitation more than is needed - so one cannot determine how honest a review is simply because they say a few negative things.

[@QuantumHistorian]

@@rsilvers129 Probably because a lot of reviews are somewhat sponsored content: especially if the reviewer gets the product for free. So people associated a negative review with not being the product developers' lapdog, which itself is a prerequisite (if not sufficient) to be honest. Of course, like you said, it's possible to be honest while only saying positive things. And it's possible to be dishonest while saying lots of negative things, ie, deliberately tanking a product because you have an interest in a competitor. But that's a lot less common than the "sponsored review" kind of content, which is probably why people view saying negative things as indicative of honesty.

[@mattbow_]

@@rsilvers129 Yes that's true but I believe James has a good balance. His reviews aren't filled with criticisms. Some have a lot. Some have very few. He's inconsistent in the right way. He can be pedantic and trivial but also concedes that those complaints are just that. I feel like that's the difference compared to the examples you've used.

[@MisterKee]

@@rsilvers129sponsored reviews and reviewers with products provided free of charge seem to eliminate most criticisms in reviews.

[@DS-qd3jy]

I think he is basically slating their whole lineup and the direction they are moving in, but in a very polite way!

[@uSoldering]

The reduction from 350 to 100 filters, the removal of the plastic filter holder, and the removal of the funnel happened at the same with the original aeropress, not just the clear.

[@PSzlazak]

And now you can buy holder and funnel separately - $9,95 each.

[@TimSedlmeyer]

You can also buy a bundle of the original maker, funnel and holder for $52.90 (as I write this on sale for $39.95). The price for the original maker without the funnel and holder is $39.95 (as I write this on sale for $31.95)

[@xipalips]

That's crazy. I think the clear is very pretty but I refuse to support these new owners. This market is still niche enough that our voices can be heard.

[@SpencerDonahue]

@@xipalips but you'd support the guy that made zero changes for nearly 20 years? Allen was a lazy, stubborn old man that kept the product from being more successful. Acting like he wasn't running a capitalistic enterprise is hilarious. You guys are hilarious.

[@rory2365]

​@@SpencerDonahueif it aint broke...

[@Cimlite]

The lack of a funnel is a dealbreaker for me. I love the look of the new clear one, and already have several funnels... but I don't get why they'd remove that. I use it constantly. Not for pouring in the coffee itself, but because it allows me to brew into larger-than-the-Aeropress cups. It's one of those things that has multiple uses and makes the brewer so versatile.

[@ThomasBratberg]

Same here, travel mug is to narrow to brew into, but the funnel makes it work. Also using the funnel to get the grinds into the aeropress and mokka pot, as my grinder has a shitty design

[@jachinwettstone4844]

100% same thought here. I.e., the Fellow travel mug😐

[@Eleni_I]

I just got an aeropress and my husband has one too to take to work. He got it a while ago. He doesn’t use his funnel and I’m so glad cos it’s so useful and mine didn’t come with one!!

[@dubtube6691]

No funnel equal more profit

[@dubtube6691]

My old AeroPress has scratches on the inside, so will the clear one have the same after some time

[@SAOSIN987]

I don't drink coffee, but James presents things so well that I watched the whole thing.

[@swisscheese865]

Coming soon: AeroPress Opaque, AeroPress Translucent, and AeroPress Semi-Translucent

[@victorperron8092]

Aeropress "Is she giving me a hint or is she being Canadian and polite"

[@ed32568]

​@@victorperron8092 AeroPress Daily Affirmations - each filter paper has a quote in it

[@Rundik]

AeroPress Gradient Pro

[@wile123456]

Going to get the aeropress matt black

[@dcuccia]

Ooh, LEDs that light the cylinder and change color to communicate brew time and temperature

[@NickLopezz]

What’s underrated about the funnel is that it allows you to press into containers the aero press doesn’t fit! It’s actually quite useful sometimes and satisfying how it fits together.

[@lukequinn2639]

Just make sure those containers can stand the force going outwards (opposed to normally downwards). I have broken a glass using this method.

[@theprogressiveluddite5764]

Exactly this! It allows me to press directly into my narrow mouth thermos. Isn't that the purpose of it?

[@26Bluegb]

I didn't know it was supposed to be used up top. I always use it for my travel mug that's too narrow otherwise.

[@matthewgiem5669]

I had min for years before I figured that out >

[@glenovovich]

@@lukequinn2639 me too! RIP my first hario carafe :(

[@rtlkage]

What I love about the aeropress is how ubiquitous it is now. While traveling, you can go to any specialty coffee shop, buy fresh beans, and they know exactly what you mean when you ask them to grind the beans for aeropress. It makes trips so much nicer! I’m a bit concerned about the red flags mentioned, but am also cautiously optimistic about more development in the space. They might turn out something new that is an amazing compliment or improvement on the aeropress!

[@cromyjr9183]

Try that in a non developed country. Good luck !

[@AlexanderNash]

Like actually what is your point?@@cromyjr9183

[@bosch_hh]

"If I were a robot, the AeroPress would be my arm." Always loved this quote on the packaging. Hope it's still on. Thanks for another great video, James! ☕️🤖🦾❤️

[@Gormilein]

If they reduce the paperfilter by 250 they don't increase the margin by the cost of production but rather by the cost of what it costs you to buy them new. You have to go to the store 250 cups of coffee earlier now than before and drop 5-10 bucks on new filters, depending where you are - which is fairly significant with such a low product price. That's like 10-20% of the purchase price. Pretty sneaky for sure. Not enough money for most people to deeply care but in the long run and juggling the numbers a pretty significant price increase.

[@drthmik]

I bought a metal filter when I bought my Aeropress, which I use a bit more than half the times I brew with it So I still haven't run out of the original papers But when I _DO_ run out, I will not be buying more and I'll just use the metal one

[@WhatWillYouFind]

One pack of filters lasted me 5 years . . . used 1 filter across an entire week 2 to 4 times each week. A light hot water rinse took out the browning and the flavor never changed across brews. I brew WITH a metal mesh filter too, so I could forgo them altogether. If the new owner is really getting greedy he can EMA "eat my a**" because I still have my aeropress I bought nearly 8 years ago.

[@cybertonto72]

I have owned an aeropress for years and have used more than the original papers, I never even thought about the price the first time I bought replacement papers. I think it is a good move for a lot of companies that make filters for these, as new customers are more likely to look for replacements sooner. And tbh it is still cheap enough to replace the filers.

[@mitch7918]

What store carries them? Never seen before always bought on amazon

[@CheshireSwift]

​@@WhatWillYouFind given one of the key selling points of the Aeropress is the ease of cleanup, I'm not sure that's going to be a popular approach 😅

[@mattbow_]

I saw the new owner on a bro entrepreneur podcast about a year ago. When I watched it I knew he was going to detract from Alan's mission and maybe not sell bad products, but it definitely felt like he was going to be slightly more greedy. I mean it makes sense, he's bought the company to make money. But I think if you're buying a company with so much passion built around their product, more care needs to be taken, in my opinion.

[@jonotaylor5011]

Can you share which podcast please?

[@wile123456]

Yea but the downside of Allan is he only made 2 fucking products. You have this hugely successful brand that you can expand and experiment with new innovations, and he did nothing. For example an aeropress that comes with a grinder that fits perfectly, better than competitors, would have given them even more of the market

[@ornous]

@@jonotaylor5011 Yes please!

[@Goodmanperson55]

​@@wile123456 Infinite growth is unsustainable, but it's strange that this seems to be the norm for every single corporation that has ever existed. Just grow and grow until you either become a too-big-to-fail zombie company or you become bankrupt. Aeropress under Alan was one of the few rare ones that didn't go around chasing the impossible

[@mattbow_]

@@wile123456 yeah I get that. But I feel like because he kept things simple, that's why it's successful. Because it was so simple people were forced to innovate themselves. Create products and accessories for it that changed the way it operated. Gave people a passion to find different methods of brewing. I believe that because he kept it simple, it bred the innovation and passion in the community. I don't disagree with what you're saying, I think we both can be right. But ultimately it's a decision in neither of our hands. Clearly, from the start to the evolution of the company as it is now, one person can have one vision and another person can have a different vision and both be successful.

[@OllieWille]

I'd say abrasion is also a factor that ruins clear plastic, turning it dull while also allowing for stains to settle within the microscopic scratches. The source of these could be something like the repeated plunging of coffee-grounds, or more likely from using abrasive surfaces for cleaning (like a kitchen sponge, and even worse if using the scrubby side).

[@TealJosh]

Yeah, my trusty aeropress has been to places and it shows. While Tritan has some abrasion resistance, it would not stand against what I would throw at it if I travelled with it.

[@KingdomOfDaylightsDauphin]

Yes, that's what I was thinking. I'm surprised James didn't actually run the process 365 times.

[@ThePookaHarvey]

Dishwasher I think is a likely problem

[@albertjeremy]

Yes, the micro abrasions from repeated plunging are what I’d guess might cause staining over time.

[@paolobramucci3609]

🤔I never washed my old AeroPress. After use, I would unscrew the cap, and bin the coffee puck. Then take the plunger out and rinse it and all the other part out with cold water and let them air dry. The original barrel lasted about 10 years , before it needed to be replaced due wear and oxidation. The plunger flange last about 5 years before their wears down and they begin to leak. At an average of 2 cups of coffee a day that works out to about 7300 cups. So depending on the price paid at purchased the amortization cost is about $0.0001/cup. … In short, no complaints.

[@JVimes]

The funnel is useful! It fits the press to smaller cups. Also, cleaner way to get grounds in. 🙂

[@armadillito]

Isn’t it explicitly not for use under the press, only for filling it? I do agree it can be useful though

[@awesomead]

@@armadillito If that was the case, then why is it shaped perfectly to fit the base of the aeropress? It seems multipurpose by design

[@armadillito]

@@awesomead I was similarly puzzled but that's what I recall reading in the instructions.

[@slackandsteel]

I use the funnel every day on my cup. No chance of side drips on the cup or countertop using this method. The funnel is also very handy for other uses. I use it when pouring green unroasted beans into my coffee roaster. Home roasted beans and the OG Aeropress is a winning combination! Did I mention I also use the stirrer? Never use the scoop.

[@veeng5619]

I remember the previous owner saying that glass and metal was a no go before because it loses heat too fast. He really thought about good product. I think I'm good keeping my old one

[@rob8363]

Of course! I didn't think of that, there's a big difference between my plastic and glass v60, it'll be the same here

[@wile123456]

It conducts heat very well but doesn't insulate. But the current aeropress is terrible at keeping heat too even if the plastic doesn't conduct much heat. A premium aeropress would be dual played and have a vacuum for insulation to insure your brew is warm whenever it's in the press and until you press.

[@drthmik]

Sounds right Probably a similar situation with the XL It is probably worse at making coffee than the normal one, so Alan rejected its design But the new owner doesn't care, people are willing to pay for it so sell it, even if it does a worse job

[@Gengh13]

I wouldn't mind doing a run without coffee, just hot water to heat it up. I always try to avoid consuming hot liquids in contact with plastic.

[@mildlydazed9608]

@@wile123456 That right there sounds like a real premium model!

[@daiheadjai]

One thing I loved and respected about the old Aeropress: they had amazing warranties/guarantees on it - I bought mine 2nd hand, but when the barrel started showing signs of cracking/pitting in the plastic, I sent an email asking them if it was still safe to use - and in response, they sent me a free replacement barrel along with a new rubber plunger/seal to fit the new barrel (I had clearly told them mine was bought used). That act made me feel this was a company that did things differently, and I've been recommending Aeropresses to friends since (even bought one for someone as a gift).

[@travis1240]

Weird. I called customer service about my barrel getting wrinkly and no longer holding a seal. They said that was too bad and I'd have to buy a new one.

[@neoshadou_]

​@@travis1240 a lot of the time with customer service it can depend on who you talk to. In the places I've worked, if they didn't have very rigid rules on what they could offer as a customer service gesture it was up to best judgement on how you wanted to take care of them. Or not take care of them, in your case

[@dw300]

@@neoshadou_ Could be the difference in phoning up and asking for help, versus phoning to complain?

[@lafamillecarrington]

I had the same experience - although I had two stress fractured barrels, and they replaced both without any fuss. That was some years ago, and it sounds like the ethos may have changed significantly recently! I was quite worried about that line in the sous-vided clear Aeropress; it looked just like the faults on my old barrels.

[@jamesgarner2103]

i ended up going with a bodum columbia all stainless steel french press. i felt like the aeropress was just another plastic type french press at the time. i can safely say the all metal bodum will last multiple lifetimes.

[@DopetheWind]

From my experience in the plastics industry, I actually have the exact opposite feeling on lack of funnel, papers, and paper holder. Tritan (and similar) is a very expensive material to work with and is very hard on molds, especially with high gloss texture. I look at omitting accessories as attempting to keep the cost low enough to be in the spirit of AeroPress, while properly amortizing the inevitable cost of the mold replacement and the accessories' molds too (by not using them as much). Otherwise, its a $65 standard size AeroPress all day long.

[@tristanwwsd]

They wouldn't have to make the accessory parts out of the new plastic. Just make them the same.

[@beeble2003]

@@tristanwwsd Right, but they'd still have to increase the price to pay for those parts, whatever they were made from. But it does seem like a strange decision. The scoop is only useful if you're using pre-ground coffee; it's almost impossible to get coffee from a grinder into the AeroPress without the funnel; I've no idea how one is supposed to store the papers without the holder.

[@tristanwwsd]

@@beeble2003 Right but the price keeps going up over the years and the parts are being omitted.

[@mbittle]

OK, but they eliminated them from the regular aeropress also.

[@nidavis]

I always use the included stirrer because it's designed to not disturb the filter. I pour a small slurry, mix with the stirrer, then slowly pour over each side of the stirrer to clean it while I fill.

[@AnthonyTeasdale]

I got the AreoPress after your previous videos. After been a instant coffee drinker for a long time. This was my entry to real coffee. I have to give my thanks because I was missing out on so much.

[@cybertonto72]

how many other devices do you now own?

[@AnthonyTeasdale]

@@cybertonto72 I got a V60 and a hand grinder now too.

[@cybertonto72]

@@AnthonyTeasdale next step is an electric grinder, trust me

[@matthewlownsbrough5182]

I'm surprised that the funnel is gone - its really useful if you are brewing into a smaller diameter cup / travel mug

[@sjcodan]

The opposite for me, my mug's got a huge opening, and without the funnel I'd have to just hold it in the air over the cup myself

[@robbieC333_]

I just used the funnel to hold my paddle and scoop

[@AnthonyTeasdale]

I used my funnel the other day. I was a little lazy and my larger cups needed washing. It was perfect for brewing into my travel cup.

[@jwwebnaut7045]

YESS

[@mikairu2944]

I've used that damn funnel for so much shit in the kitchen, but not one time for brewing coffee lmao

[@ardnfast]

12:53 I do like that you can see the compressed air between the top seal and the coffee. Very tech friendly.

[@gillmanneil]

It would make sense to offer two possibilities; one with a funnel and filter holder and stirrer for newbies and a version without the extra bits for those of us who might be replacing an old version.

[@wenchbyatt]

Alan Adler's exit and the release of the many different Aeropresses is interesting, given that the patent for the Aeropress is set to expire in four years. So probably that investment firm is trying to cash in before every coffee company starts making them, and inevitably finds some improvements to be made

[@dispatch-indirect9206]

They don't actually need to release products to file patents.

[@BradyBegeman]

@@dispatch-indirect9206 what they mean is they’re trying to corner the market before the patent expires. As soon as the patent expires it stands to reason someone will make a premium “aeropress” or a larger one so the idea is to get ahead of the forthcoming competition.

[@Campfire_Bandit]

Wow incredible catch, I didn't realize the patent expires in 2027. With that in mind, I bet they are planning on profiting from the cultural significance of AeroPress over the next 4-5 years before ditching the company once dozens and dozens of inventors enter the space with competition. Also makes sense as to why Alan left when he did, sounds like he knew his buyout was only going to decrease as he got closer to his invention losing patent status.

[@amunak_]

What doesn't sit well with me is the price increases and removal of ... stuff. They could've positioned themselves as a "premium" AeroPress brand, *the original*, sell for a decent margin but still give people plenty for what they pay for. 4 years is a perfect period for a change like that. They could've tried differend materials and whatnot, but what they should've definitely kept is the original full package. Instead they just feel like money-grabbing assholes, and chances are they'll fade into obscurity as soon as the patent expires.

[@NoOne-ef7yu]

Aren't they basically inviting cheaper competition to wipe the floor with them, if they just raise the prices? More size options, the occasional accessory, and *maybe* a premium variant for real lovers would be a good way to corner the market - if they keep this up, they'll likely just lose the market.

[@Symian77]

I work in Injection Molding and the marks that you discussed are the remnants of the "gate", the point at which the plastic material enters the mold in which it is formed. This could be eradicated with a simple change to the mold, switching to a ring gate rather than the side gate which they have used for example.

[@jdgordon194]

Had they made this change to the mold, would the cost be similar to how they're making the mold today?

[@Taygetea]

how much do you think modifying the mold would cost relative to machining a brand new mold/die? injection molding molds/dies (which is the right word here?) are super expensive. do you think it would be reasonable for a company that size to not want to make the change because of that cost?

[@peterheinzo515]

i dont think you can modify the mold. its a giant machined piece of metal, you cant just plug the holes where the plastic gets injected and cut new ones. so probably 6 figures for a new mold

[@jdgordon194]

@@Taygetea Perhaps I wasn't entirely clear...I was asking about the cost of using the ring gate from the get-go vs the side gate.

[@Symian77]

@@peterheinzo515 You may be surprised to hear that you can and at my work they often do, either to refine new molds or modernise old ones. However, you are correct the modification would entail an additional cost. If it's the difference between someone buying your product or not, a worthwhile investment, wouldn't you say? A question for the accountants to answer I guess 😁

[@ashalexander1441]

I've had an Aeropress for a few months and I love it. Really handy for me with very limited countertop space and even more limited budget. I would totally consider the XL if it worked just as well, but not fussed about the clear or the premium, personally. I agree the reduction in papers combined with the price hike is a red flag.

[@Chinookman]

I used to sell Aerobie discs in middle school up in Alaska. My father bought them from Alan Adler while on a business trip. Many years later I called the company to ask a question about my Aeropress. The receptionist put me on the phone with the President. This was a company that deserved our loyalty for many reasons not just making a cool coffee maker. As an aside, my cholesterol had gone way up using French Press. It came way down using the paper filtered AeroPress. There are studies. Aeropress was interested in my story. ❤

[@DellaStreet123]

I definitely remember the day when our mother gave me and my brother an Aerobie. It was roughly 5 PM, Mom had bought some groceries -- and an Aerobie flying ring, which had been among the impulse buy items at the grocery store. Because we had been (mostly) good, we were allowed to play with it before dinnertime, and we did. After a couple of tosses that weren't spectacular, the Aerobie flew about 20 yards and landed in a neighbor's garden.

[@revjoelhug]

Loved mine in high school. With a good hard throw, it would sail over 100 yds

[@nfssable]

The funnel is absolutely essential for brewing into narrow topped travel mugs so I hope it's included or available again with future models.

[@CyberlightFG]

And I bought a bigger cup, dummy me.

[@xyzpdq1122]

Yeah, I never saw it as a way to get grounds into the brewer

[@amunak_]

It's absolutely available - for $10.

[@chemistrykrang8065]

Yeah absolutely. Like when you're at a hotel and using the supplied skinny cups the funnel is a life saver.

[@coolmatthew213]

I bought mine which is the original aeropress at my local grocery store it didn't come with both the paper filter holder and funnel

[@Swiftceo]

The Aeropress price increase is wild. I got my Aeropress in late 2021 for $30. 33% increase in less than two years is a bit much for a plastic tube.

[@The_Noticer.]

Companies in 2020-2022 noticed they could just get away with price hikes, so thats what they've been doing. It's usury in its purest form, but somehow people dont want to hear it.

[@feralkitty33]

New model is $65 on the website now.

[@red2theelectricboogaloo961]

@@feralkitty33 BRUHHHHH WHAT

[@amunak_]

It's actually $50+ if you count that to buy the original package you have to buy the filter holder and funnel separately for $10 each *and* you have to buy extra paper filters.

[@red2theelectricboogaloo961]

@@amunak_ oh shit really. but the question is then do U still have to buy it separately though.

[@waffle911]

Considering I use the filter caddy and the funnel as part of my daily AeroPress routine, it's a big disappointment to see them excluded from the set nowadays, and I don't know how I would get on without them at this point.

[@deineomma123]

The thing is, you can use your old one or buy one for 10 bucks. If it’s integral to your coffe making ritual, it’s a worthy investment, don’t you think?

[@alexanderthompson6296]

Yeah the funnel is essential for brewing into some of my smaller coffee mugs. Sounds like they are starting the process of milking the AeroPress’s reputation and cutting features (hopefully not quality) while raising the price.

[@jabokd574]

For someone just getting their first Aeropress, it's definitely a downgrade. For someone who already has a full aeropress kit and just wants a clear aeropress, it's not too bothersome. Price does seem slightly steep however....

[@justinlromaine]

*Sees clear Aeropress -- "Ooo I want one". *Hears James' description - "Maybe not...sounds like a bad investment". *Watches James press it - "OK actually I definitely want one". Seeing the coffee pressed out is so much more satisfying.

[@ace12306]

I unironically love the funnel. It is perfect for cups whose diameter is smaller than that of the AeroPress' end cap. You place the funnel in the cup - then the AeroPress gets placed on top of the funnel. The funnel's hexagonal shape matches the "guard" of the aeropress perfectly. Allows you to brew in cups that aren't exactly of a standard size while adding stability to the press. Took me way to long to long to realize how useful the funnel was. Shame it is missing from this newer version.

[@asquithea]

Until I read the comments on this video, it literally never occurred to me that you could brew _into_ the funnel, rather than using it to guide ground coffee into the top (which I never found neccessary). TIL.

[@impulsesystems]

The Delter press also fits that funnel for pressing into smaller cups. Definitely very useful!

[@paradigmshift7758]

The funnel is essential! If you’ve ever brewed into a small mug or a travel tumbler, you need the funnel. More than the scoop and the stirrer. Who made these decisions?

[@happyoutside2558]

I wish I had known this way back when. I have 4 sets of funnels, scoops, paper holders, and the ridiculous plastic stirring stick. Never used the funnel. I always use a small stick of bamboo to stir, or a chopstick.

[@OriginalgEd]

@@happyoutside2558 The stirring stick is designed so that it moves up and down as you rotate it and it's length means there is zero risk of touching the paper. I don't understand in what way a bamboo stick is a better solution for stirring the coffee.

[@daltonsim]

"Opinions, honestly I didn't always agree with, but I enjoyed that he had them." If only we all treated everyone else's opinions this way. What a masterclass.

[@RyanS493]

Quite the switch from the other blurb that says Opinions are like bumholes and everyone’s got one lol 😂 James is a good man and I appreciate that he sets a high bar like this!

[@danielleanderson6371]

@@RyanS493 They are like bumholes, and like bumholes they’re an integral part of us that should be cherished and appreciated.

[@QuantumHistorian]

It's amazing how few people can make the distinction between _"I like this"_ and _"this is good."_ It's like a one-step test for maturity and yet so many fail it.

[@redshirt256]

An important part of this is he had strong opinions on how to brew coffee and nothing life or death

[@stephenlee5929]

@@redshirt256 You mean brewing coffee isn't life or death?

[@danielegraff]

The smiley face mug changing from smile to frown and back is perfection!

[@kiri101]

I think your concerns are spot on. I also think I prefer the world of inventors and engineers to that of corporate entities and marketing.

[@radioactive5020]

I bought my Aeropress for $23 at Williams Sonoma outlet because I felt that price was right. The new owners are in for a shock. It isn’t worth $50, especially without the extras, whether it is clear or not. The $100 executive option shows they have no idea who their user base is. I use mine every day and if asked I would say buy an original while you can and forget this whole reboot. I know price gouging when I see it. This looks a lot like price gouging.

[@ninetendopesaitama2107]

Yeah. Imo its not worth 50$. For plastic. Bought a kalita metal brewer for 35€. Some companies have too much confidence in their brand. ☮️

[@privacyfig]

Setting a price that you don't like isn't "price gouging". Not to say that the whole concept of "price gouging" was invented by people who don't understand how pricing signals work in a free market.

[@LunaSolarysAD]

Yup. It's a shame

[@red2theelectricboogaloo961]

@@privacyfig regardless who pays $50 for a piece of plastic. call it what U want but its very clearly a stupid ass move

[@amunak_]

@@privacyfig It's not a free market when you have a monopoly.

[@KeithCarmichaelInFL]

The irritation evident in the removal of the paper filters from the cap was on point! I will always watch your videos for just this kind of thing, because it makes me feel less picky!

[@leesajoe100]

I have the original Aeropress and have used it and traveled with it for about 15 years. It makes amazing coffees and lattes. Yesterday I purchased a Nespresso Vertuo Pop. I brewed a latte this morning and the machine just might go to the back of my cupboard. I love my Aeropress and it will definitely continue to travel with me!!

[@flavoredwallpaper]

Thank you so much for this review, James. I have been in the market for a coffee brewer that I can drop off my balcony, and was considering the AeroPress Clear, but your video has led me to reconsider. Very much appreciated!

[@Shannon3DTest]

I appreciate the subtle change in mug facial expression throughout the video.

[@TetrisRosti]

The two marks at the top are where the gates are located in the injection moulding tool - effectively where the plastic flows into the mould for the part. As the part cools in some tool designs these remain attached to sprues (branches that distribute the plastic within the tool) and need to be cut off at the end - this cut is rarely completely clean, especially on a curved surface, hence the fairly unpleasant feel. There are two entries, one on each side, to try and minimise the distance the plastic has to flow around the mould before it fills it - if you have the gate on one side then you tend to get a line on the opposing side where two almost solid flows of plastic have wrapped around 180° of the circle each and then have to fuse together to form a complete part. The less distance and therefore time the plastic has to flow through the tool, the less likely you are to get lines and defects where the plastic fails to knit together. For this reason I'd bet the cracks are exactly halfway between where the marks are at the top, as this would be where the "fronts" of plastic have had to come together in moulding.

[@Omnilatent]

How comes the old one does not have these? I assumed both are pressed.

[@Brian_Boxtruck]

It is super interesting that they got some stress cracks on the hot soak test. Idk about the traditional user, but mine doesn't always get cleaned so I think the duration of those tests is optimistic. Over the years the oils from the coffee soak into the plastic and mine has developed tons of stress fractures/crazing (makes you wonder what in the plastic is leaching into your coffee 🤔) from the coffee oils affecting the polymer. @omnilatent, My older older dark grey and gold aeropress is gated at the edge of the hexagon flange. It may be the new plastic is more viscous and needs the two gates to properly fill the mold. It may also be because they had it tooled overseas and the engineers/designer weren't as particular as Mr. Adler when reviewing the tooling design.

[@MrDreyven]

@@Omnilatent They are very likely both plastic injection molded where as explained above the plastic is injected into the mold through 2 gates on the side. From my experience with building plastic models it has become evident that plastic does in no way equal plastic. There's a lot of subtle differences in composition that can make the plastic feel and behave very differently even though it's almost the same material. And colour plays a big role in this too. Marks appear much more readily and are a lot more viisble on certain colours (red and blue come to mind for plastic used in models) while you get almost no visual marks on black, dark grey and even white.

[@Belegnole]

Unfortunately just a result of a cheap manufacturing process and finishing.

[@josealexsantanna6304]

As a owner of an old Smokey and blue Aeropress and a materials engineer specialized in plastics, I always liked the aeropress. The new one screams “ cutting costs” to me. On the old one you have Roblox really hard to find the injection mold gate, testament of a good design. The change in material leads to the changing in tooling design, but a good one would not leave the gates so visible and ill positioned - where you touch and see them all the time. Tristan is an excellent material, but ill stick with the old one. I’ll probably try to buy another one, which is also not the same for a few years, but it is still better then this. And not buying the big one, although I’m curious to see the how James tastes the difference once it comes out. A glass one is an absurdity in itself. But they’ll price high and hype it up so it will be desirable. Alan is probably regretting having sold the company. Hope he at least made good money.

[@benharrison2583]

James, I love your content and you continue to educate me on coffee. One thing I noticed, is that you use the funnel to pour coffee into the Aeropress. I believe the correct use for that funnel, is for it to sit on cups that are narrower diameter. The Aeropress then sits on that, creating more stability and obviously more versatility. Thanks for your content! Ben

[@emilyjaneheath]

Omg Ben 🤯! I've had my aeropress nearly 8 years now and my one bug bear was the fact that it is too big to fit on smaller mugs (and is too small to rest on my measuring jug to decant from). I almost don't believe you, but I can't verify right now cos I can't find the funnel (as I never used it, must be buried at the back of a cupboard somewhere). Thanks for sharing this 👏🙏☕

[@benharrison2583]

@@emilyjaneheath you’re welcome. I hope you find it! I just can’t believe it’s never explained! It fits so perfectly that once you do it, it’s obvious! Good luck!

[@djikarus]

I don’t even drink coffee and still your videos are so fascinating to watch. You’re a true talent. Keep up the good work!

[@drewjones1257]

The AeroPress was my entry to specialty coffee, and I think its unfortunate to see the value proposition reduced so much.

[@staebs]

Can you make as good a cup from scratch for 50$ with any other type of brewer? I don’t really think so. Still a good option, the revenue will ideally let them invest in R&D to improve the system and options further. For example the flow control filter Cap.

[@halcyonacoustic7366]

​@staebs The plastic kalita wave and white ceramic v60 for the same volume of the aeropress are still $20. You might want a goose neck kettle, but that's not strictly necessary, especially with the Kalita.

[@no_peace]

​@@myopiczeal i have both. It's not

[@Amir-jn5mo]

Yeah the insane reduction in paper filters is a red flag. Thank you for catching that and telling us. They could have easily cut costs on the scoop or the stirrer but instead went for the cheapest most important component.

[@jspiro]

Not to mention, the stirrer is kind of awful, especially if you've tried the new foldable one on the go model. They could easily use less plastic and made it smaller and give us another hundred filters.

[@fishngolf2]

Exactly!

[@Emily-hd9sm]

I was thinking the same! I don't need a scoop or a stirring stick - I have spoons for both of those purposes. But a funnel can absolutely be useful for different mugs, and of course the papers are essential

[@Marcel_Pater]

I'm wondering, seeing as it is packed inside of the cap, if it also has to do with reducing the overall box size. Then you are reducing costs on two fronts.

[@puggirl415]

Yes so they can upcharge the cheapest part of the system. I can imagine the advertising. "Now you can buy packs of 300 for just 6.95" or some such exhortation. Yep 300 filters is about 7.99! That makes buying the metal filter amortized as 2 packs of filters.

[@MrMattCoy]

Unlike fellow Prismo, Flow Control can be used with paper/cloth filters. It's also slightly smaller making it easier to fit in smaller cups.

[@cedricmilford5254]

My first Aeropress (I had for years!) developed cracks. Well, they looked like cracks. They were parallel crack-shaped blemishes that ran the length of the tube. They were raised surfaces. The rubber press didn’t seal properly because of this. Plus, it’s age made the rubber sticky and didn’t release the coffee grounds effectively either. I bought a new one half a year ago and love it! It still had the funnel and filters with it too. It seems to me that this new one is made of a slightly more flexible plastic than my first one. No problems with this one yet. Love it!

[@bjf10]

Aeropress being bought by some awful venture capital firm is a huge tragedy. Here's hoping they don't utterly destroy the product we all love, but I fear it's inevitable.

[@jeremyfisher42]

I got my aeropress in a charity shop unopened for 1.99 🎉

[@lurklingX]

that's wild!

[@ivanmaravankin941]

I would love to see a test on the heat retention of the original vs clear, to see if there's any significant difference in heat loss, etc. Great video! Waiting for the XL one :)

[@mikem2k6]

I used the AeroPress for about 5 years as my only regular way to make coffee (at some point I had a cheap pour over from Ikea). As I most of the times just needed one cup, it was fine. Also it was kinda ritual to brew coffee with it rather than putting a cup under a machine and pressing a button. I have the version with all the addons in the package and I really like the product. It travelled with me now to my uni semester abroad and I am very glad I did bring it👌

[@jonnyadams1538]

The lack of a funnel to me is quite a shock! not necessarily for loading the coffee into the brewer but for brewing the aeropress into smaller cups. I use my funnel all the time for making "espresso style" coffee into a small cup, and now I would have to brew into a carafe and transfer. What a shame :(

[@notsureigaf]

Yes, I haven't been able to find my funnel and was devastated to find that the AeroPress filter holder is just slightly too big for my usual travel mug. If I center it perfectly then it's OK, but for me that's a big if. Loading the grounds in sucks without the funnel as well.

[@ruin8tion]

especially since there are cups that will explode if you use the aeropress without the funnel. Mine did.

[@clubmate12]

I wrote exactly the same comment and deleted it after reading yours :) The double function of the funnel was a genius design detail by Alan.

[@frogstock2597]

First world problems

[@orpal]

I use the funnel every day to brew directly into my travel thermos

[@lanog40]

I bought an aeropress after I saw your video back when it was still ~$30. I’m glad I got one, it’s a very fun way to start my day. Thanks for the videos James!

[@spamcan9208]

I use mine multiple times a day. That and an encore grinder have completely changed coffee for me.

[@ed32568]

Same here. I'd probably use mine 3 or 4 times a day if I could get my hands on decent ground decaf

[@lanog40]

@@ed32568 It’s worth noting that decaf coffee does have some caffeine in it, in case you weren’t aware. You can still create/fuel a caffeine dependency if you drink too much decaf.

[@spamcan9208]

@@lanog40 it's pretty negligible, I wouldn't worry about caffeine dependency drinking decaf.

[@ed32568]

@@lanog40 I know, but thank you! I just don't want the hit of a normal dose of caffeine when I drink it in the afternoon :)

[@robertm.9633]

I had an Aeropress from 10 years ago and it developed those heat/stress cracks. Also, the plunger on the older one I always felt was better.

[@UniformWhiskyEcho]

Anyone else notice the change in cups. Absolutely love it!

[@charalampospapoukidis6318]

Actually, I found the funnel very useful when it comes to brewing straight into some smaller in diameter containers, such as thermos etc.

[@mildlydazed9608]

I only realized I could use it like that a few days ago. I missed out for so long

[@justinleslie1]

I use the funnel all the time!

[@penleypepsi9510]

I use the funnel for so many things. It’s so nice to even rinse the paper filter with

[@heyb6268]

Yeah I think the generosity of aeropress was part of its charm. It almost made me proud to use it in a weird way when I think about it. I hope they don’t lose that. It’s so weird because I was just about to order another aeropress (have to go for traveling) have to think on it for a bit. Like the clear one but not if it doesn’t come with a funnel / filter holder.

[@no_peace]

My favorite thing about it was that the inventor obviously cared a lot about making it THE BEST, in his opinion and by testing, even if not everyone agreed. He had integrity and was always trying to improve the product. Like the colors of the plastic and the print on the sides were always changing because they kept trying to find the best result. Sometimes it was a problem, like I JUST NEEDED MORE COFFEE IN THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME lol, but still at least you knew he was refusing to make a bigger press for an understandable reason. Like he wasn't doing things just to get money even if the result wasn't good. He could have easily made a large press that didn't work well and we would have bought it. There was trust there

[@grabble7605]

There was no understandable reason though. People wanted it. He refused.

[@patronsaintofnow9765]

@@grabble7605 Just because people want it doesn't mean it's a good thing - and priced at around $80, they can keep it. My 6 yr old regular one is still going strong.

[@TovaHolmberger]

This feels like it's made for me, i only need a new Aeropress, like my old (albeit stained) clear Aeropress and my funnel and filter holder are fine so i don't need more of those

[@RJ-vy9ch]

Stop saying “weird” - it makes you seem uneducated.

[@florentygouf6712]

I am rewatching this video now and what was my surprise when I realised the liqueur bottles behind James were the main feature of this week's video !

[@user-uo1zq5bt9c]

What I find useful, wether it was designed that way is a different story to note is that the filter holder when connected to the base of the original aero press permits plunging into a narrow neck cup/flask that just using the aero press alone wouldn’t allow.

[@WyattZacharias]

For me the biggest advantage of the filter holder was that it also acts as a stand for the aeropress since the bottom filter basket fits inside the diameter. This is particularly useful after you've used the aeropress and you don't want to set it down still wet and leave a puddle on the counter. Not having the holder definitely makes the whole process of cleaning and drying the press more fiddly.

[@dhaval5984]

you said it!

[@grabble7605]

"Fiddly" Literally just wipe it with a fuckin' paper towel. It's a complete non-issue to anyone reasonable.

[@leonwrede9213]

Don't your filters in the holder get wet that way?

[@windowdoog]

Worth pointing out that the things has been sold for so long in so many places that it is easy to find the old box (at this point in time) at damn near any coffee gear vendor you can think of. Seattle Coffee Gear appears to be selling the old box and it’s still on the shelves of every coffee shop I go to. Though that’ll clearly change with time.

[@3xarch]

put it down wet side up? lol

[@biscuit4259]

Two things: The funnel is for pressing the coffee directly into a flask! - for this, it is brilliant! Secondly, the clear version may build up staining, because with each brew, you are depressing the rubber plunger, and thereby increasing minute scratches from coffee grounds over many hundreds of brews. This abrasion is how staining may occur. The plastic appears not be the same as that used in the haribo v60? That cracks over time and seems to be heat stresses in the plastic which I expect to eventually craze the whole unit before I finish with it.

[@jice65]

I've never used an AeroPress, but I recall visiting a coffee shop in Los Altos mid to late 2000s. The shop owner showed me this new device they were selling, called the AeroPress. Alan Adler lives in Los Altos, so perhaps there was a connection. I worked in that area 2006-2010, so it was sometime in that time period. AeroPress was introduced late in 2005.

[@johncharlesfarrell3144]

Fortunately, when the first promotional video was made the inventor Allan Adler stated that the user could easily press the top tube with the hand or arm could put pressure downward to make coffee. Now that I have a navicular bone out of place and a pulled tendon (resulting in a lump in the underside of my wrist and occasional pain) I’m happy I have an arm with which to make my morning coffee.

[@MyWayofEverything]

The filter papers isn’t about saving on that set, it’s about getting the sale for the next set of filters and holder (and that profit margin) faster. Individually sold items get their own margins are greater profit overall.

[@andrewgrant9782]

Exactly! Pennies to manufacture but £pounds to buy.

[@jluglue1]

Oh... I always thought the funnel was to put over oddly sized cups so that the Aeropress could fit over virtually any sized mug (like my wide mouthed "Hubby/Wifey" mug set) or smaller mouthed thermos bottles, as opposed to putting coffee into the Aeropress itself. At least, that's the way I've been using it. It also helps reduce "side sputter" if used this way.

[@haganame1240]

Definitely one of its uses

[@eatshawn]

That's how I use it. Its hexagonal shape fits perfectly around the base of the aeropress.

[@shythephotoguy]

I've been working in the plastic industry for some years and know a little about how plastics work and also made products of tritan with injection molding. Tritan looks like a Polycarbonate material and the FX grades are BPA-free. The thing I worry about is that plastics' worst enemy is moisture/water and heat. Tritan is an amorphous plastic, which means it is made of mostly polyester molecules with the addition of diacids and diols. Amorphous means that the molecules are intertwined like cooked spaghetti and therefore have space in between the molecules for water molecules. Therefore before processing this material, you need to pre-dry the Tritan at 88°C for 4-6hrs. The H2O molecules will be removed between the co-polyester molecules so when processing the Tritan the co-polyester molecules intertwine better with each other while injecting the plastic in a liquid state at 270-285 °C into a mold. The plastic will cool down in the mold the molecules stiffen up and voila, there's a product. But unlike thermoset, Tritan is a thermoplastic. So with heat, the molecules soften again and there will be space for water molecules again that works against the intertwining of the co-polyester molecules. So I worry about this effect on every food and drink appliance that contains plastic and gets in contact with liquids and also heat. Although the material is FDA-approved and carries a food-safe label I'll rather go for products that are made of glass, thermosets, and stainless steel. I think the Aeropress is not the worst case of using plastics with heat and liquid because it won't store water for years in a plastic container in comparison to my recently written-off Gaggia. I think the Flair we recently got secondhand is a suitable, more healthy, and fun product to explore coffee. But if I wanted to buy an Aeropress I'd definitely go for the premium aeropress because of the materials. NB. The marks on the outside could be the gates where the plastic comes from in the (pre)mold. I'm not sure if its blow-molded or injection molded.

[@kudysx]

Great review! Always learn lots from your videos!

[@LiveFreeOrDieDH]

The stirrer is designed so that it cannot quite reach the paper filter when using it, thus avoiding tearing. I use the inverted method so there's no chance of tearing the paper filter when stirring, but I can see how it would be useful for those using the upright method as designed.

[@no_peace]

I almost threw mine away but I'm glad I didn't, because it's actually perfect for its intended use. I wish it could nest for travel but it's fine. It's hard to explain but I have adhd and it's helpful having a dedicated tool for this type of thing rather than using a new spoon every time. It makes me clean it immediately so it will be ready for the next time, and it's always in the same spot right next to where I'm standing

[@jameshoffmann]

How did I not know about the stirrer's length - that's such a great detail!

[@hugonussler8238]

@@jameshoffmann You did know. I am almost certain I learned this detail from one of your Aeropress videos. Guess I’ll have to watch them again the prove the point 😊

[@mikairu2944]

Always nice to see how new management is always making world record times on making existing beloved products into worse AND more expensive versions, often with less features, or having them sold separately at a premium.

[@aemediainc]

I’m on my second aeropress…the 1st broke around the edge of plunger after many years and brews. The 2nd one is no longer creating a nice seal on the plunger…wish I would have saved the 1st rubber gasket. I just bought a FinalPress on kickstarter to replace it, and hoping you give that one a review too. Love your content! 🙌🏻

[@0cellusDS]

Coffee Fans when their new Aeropress falls off a large building: :) Coffee Fans when their new Aeropress comes with fewer paper filters: :(

[@imjooboy]

I think you are spot on about the company trying to squeeze every bit of margin out of it that they can. I bet they will also come out with an accessory pack that includes the funnel.

[@Michael-zj5gp]

The funnel and the paper holder are being sold separately for $10 USD each. Extremely disappointing. Same product but with removed features and at a higher price point. Gotta love that anti-consumer capitalism.

[@TrolloTV]

@@Michael-zj5gp Saying both of those cost 2$ to make would be generous…

[@Kaltpfote]

Last year I bought an AeroPress as a replacement for my trusty french press, which got kicked from the kitchen counter by my cat. Two things surprised me when I got the product: First it was a very complete kit, not only the press itself, but little things like that filter holder or the funnel included in the box. Second you got 350 filters, they could've just given like 30, 50 or 100, just so you could more or less start using the product but have to buy new ones very soon - but no, you got filters for almost a year worth of use. Regarding the funnel I actually use it everytime with the AeroPress and that filter holder is a useful way to store those filters. I am less concerned about that raised price tag, but rather their skimping on the included accessories. It seems like another case of an investment company trying to ruin an established brand by obviously milking their customers.

[@kylefancher5988]

I have the clear aeropress and I would also note that the holes are in a different pattern, and the pressing part has grooves to prevent too much tilt to the side. The holes particularly feel like something that could make a slight impact on brewing

[@mps8021]

Thank you for pointing out the shrinkflation by Tiny Capital Ltd. The original Aeropress with its included accessories is effectively double the price now ($30 originally, vs. $40 now + $10 for the filter holder + $10 for the funnel = $60). The cost of the filter pack rose from $5 to $6 and now $8. For the $40 spent on a plastic brewer, there are many options available now with better quality materials, especially from the Japanese import market (e.g., Hario Switch, ceramic/metal Hario V60 and Kalita Wave). It feels like Tiny Capital Ltd. is just squeezing as much margin as they can out of the Aeropress until its patent expires in 4 years.

[@JimboCKW]

Putting an aeropress in a sous vide circulator for the sake of science. I love this channel

[@TyroPirate]

Watching people come up with wildly different new brew methods for the larger press should be fun! Different bigger volume means EVERYTHING will need to change… dose? Water temp? Agitation? Brew time? Plunge time? Grind size?

[@mtn747]

I also use the funnel to funnel the coffee to the mug, I love the hexagon lock

[@zsiv]

The best thing about the funnel is that you could place it on your counter upside-down and it's now a wider, perfectly fitted stand for the aeropress to live on. RIP funnel, private equity always dubious.

[@MaurickSh]

That’s EXACTLY how I did it too, haha!

[@Jduchsnqkwiryrysbab]

Only James Hoffmann can make a video of a coffee product and make it on the trending page. Congrats James.

[@uli1158]

Great Video as usual. Love the changing of the mug ;-) Clever little detail.

[@hats7448]

Love that James is too nice and professional to say "they took a load of stuff out and put the price up by 20 dollars"

[@G-FunkDeluxe]

Very excited for the XL. I love the Aeropress but it only ever made half a cup of coffee.

[@StormSongs7]

My coffee mugs are at least 18 ouncers, each. When I had a Aeropress, I had to hold it over a mug and press at the same time PLUS, it never made more that 4 or 5 ounces at a time…spent more time making coffee than drinkin’ it.

[@sidewinder299]

James, one thing to note about the aeropress funnel, it makes for a great stand for your moka pot coffee basket when filling it! Bummed it's no longer included anymore.

[@millermacaroni]

oh thats so clever!! definitely trying this. I love my aeropress and the funnel it came with, i've used to funnel for other things too in the kitchen, its a nice funnel!!!

[@amin971000]

I guess it does depend on whether you're using the larger moka pots, but for a 6 cup basket, I simply use my dosing cup. It's one of the rare instances where I load the coffee directly out of the glass grind catcher of my comandante.

[@chemistrykrang8065]

I'm going to try that right now. I think you might be a genius.

[@_Titanium_]

I have even used the filter holder for the moka pot basket, since I use the funnel to get the grounds into the basket in the first place!

[@Martin_Edmondson]

I use a plastic V60 funnel upside down, the moka pot funnel sits in it very happily and also catches any spills.

[@ipv6tf2]

I have one of the OG aeropresses (got it around 2006). Here’s a few facts about it: - i lost the filter keeper, scoop and stirrer since - rubber seal is still the same one it came with - lots of hairline cracks but no abrasive marks from cleaning - still makes great coffee what an amazing product

[@LAVA-el5yt]

One of the things I love about my aeropress (original version), besides the fact that it makes a very nice cup of coffee, is that I feel like it could last me the rest of my life. That, with normal use and care, it will keep doing what it does.

[@Bebere]

Back in the day, their customer service was stellar. They replaced an old clear water cylinder for free because it had surface cracks, giving me their new (dark) material which they said would not crack (it hasn't). They also refused to charge me for a replacement plunger gasket that was years old.