Aeropress Premium Review 2 Featured

Glass Aeropress Review – Is It Worth $100 Extra?!

You know what gets me excited as a barista? When a classic coffee brewer gets a serious upgrade.

The new owners of AeroPress Inc have listened to the masses, and released the first-ever glass model called Premium AeroPress.

(What an imaginative name, I wonder how long they took to think that one up. But anyhow…)

At $150, it’s definitely a splurge compared to the $40 plastic version. But the thought of no more plastic touching your coffee, which means no more of those tiny plastic particles in your morning brew is intriguing.

Let me tell you why this might be worth every penny, or why it might not be for everyone.

Materials & Safety

I’ve been brewing with my plastic AeroPress for years, but lately I’ve been worried about what’s leaching into my coffee.

Glass Aeropress Vs Original

Even though AeroPress plastics are considered safe by the FDA, it turns out even BPA-free plastics aren’t as safe as we thought due to BPA substitutes and microplastics. When hot water hits plastic or it gets scratched, it releases tiny particles we can’t see. Even a regular paper cup lined with plastic to make it waterproof releases 25,000 microplastic pieces in just 15 minutes.

The Plastic Problem

I’ve watched the AeroPress change over the years. They started with polycarbonate (yep, the one with BPA), switched to copolyester, and now use polypropylene. Sure, they say it’s safe up to 130°C, but that doesn’t stop those sneaky microplastics from getting into our brew.

Microplastics

Why Glass Changes Everything

This is why I got excited about the Premium version. The glass chamber means your coffee never touches plastic – not one bit. They’ve used some fancy materials:

  • The chamber is double-walled borosilicate glass (like a chemistry beaker)
  • The plunger is anodized aluminum
  • The filter cap is stainless steel
  • The seal is medical-grade silicone

Scientists have found microplastics in human blood, lungs, and even in placentas. They’re linking these particles to some serious health issues. That’s why I think this glass version is a game-changer for folks who brew coffee daily and care about what goes into their bodies.

The AeroPress Clear looks nice, but it’s still plastic at the end of the day.

With the Premium, you’re getting pure, clean coffee without any unwanted extras.

Design & Build Quality Of The Glass AeroPress

I’ve been using the glass AeroPress Premium for a couple of weeks now, and I’ll be honest – it’s a mixed bag.

  • First off, the materials are undeniably premium.
  • The hand-blown borosilicate glass chamber feels solid and has a nice heft to it.
  • It’s double-walled, so it stays cool to the touch while keeping the coffee hot, which is a nice touch compared to single-walled glass brewers.
  • The anodized aluminum plunger and stainless steel filter cap also scream quality, and everything fits together seamlessly.

That said, the weight is something you’ll notice right away. It’s much heavier than the original plastic AeroPress, which makes it feel sturdy but less convenient to handle. You won’t be taking this on a camping trip.

Pressing down feels smoother because of the added weight I guess, but if you’re used to the lightweight plastic version, it takes some getting used to.

Aeropress Premium

Negatives

One downside I’ve noticed is that the glass chamber and metal components don’t have as much grip as plastic does. If your hands are wet or oily, twisting on the filter cap can be a bit tricky. Also, since it’s hand-wash only, cleaning takes a little more care compared to tossing the plastic one into a dishwasher.

Also, the Premium doesn’t have a metal flow control cap (yet), it is currently only available in plastic. This is a significant drawback for those who use this accessory, but not so much if you use the inverted method.

On that note, just know that the inverted method feels unstable with the Glass Aeropress. Why? Because the chamber is skinnier, taller, and heavier, so it literally feels like it will tip over when you add the water. Granted, it didn’t tip over since I was super careful, but if you’re in a hurry, I wouldn’t be surprise.

And since the glass chamber is handmade, it will probably have slight deviations in size and diameter. Not sure if this will be significant enough as to affect your brew.

Will It Break? 🙂

Now, let’s talk about durability. Borosilicate glass is strong, stronger than you would expect, but it’s still glass.

I find myself being extra cautious during cleanup or when setting it down on my stone counter. If you’re clumsy or tend to rush through your morning routine, this might not be the best choice. A friend of mine even joked about how he’d probably end up with stitches if he had this instead of his plastic AeroPress.

The Premium is fragile, no surprise there. While the borosilicate glass can take a couple of knocks, it does break when tipped over onto a quartz counter from a carafe.

Aesthetically, though? It’s stunning. The transparency of the glass, as with the Clear model, lets you see every step of the brewing process, which is oddly satisfying. It’s watching science in action, perfect for coffee nerds like me who enjoy geeking out over their brew.

Glass AeroPress Vs Plastic Original

I created a table comparing the differences of the glass vs plastic AeroPresses, which shows how different (yet still similar) they are:

Let me create an expanded comparison table that includes all the real-world testing details:

FeatureAeroPress PremiumOriginal AeroPress
Price$149.95$40 (often on sale)
Chamber materialDouble-walled borosilicate glassPolypropylene plastic
Plunger materialAnidized aluminumPolypropylene plastic
Filter cap materialStainless steelPolypropylene plastic
Weight (Total)780g (1.7 lbs) assembled181g (6.4 oz)
Inner Diameter5.0 cm5.6 cm
HeightTaller and narrowerShorter and wider
Temperature Drop11-12°C initial, then 1-1.5°C during brew10°C initial, then 1-1.5°C during brew
Brew Capacity10 oz10 oz
Coffee TasteIdentical to originalGreat
PortabilityNot recommended for travelHighly portable
CleaningHand wash onlyDishwasher safe
DurabilityCan break if dropped on hard surfacesVery durable
Heat TouchExterior stays coolCan get warm
Filter CompatibilityStandard AeroPress filtersStandard AeroPress filters
Included ItemsStainless steel scoop and stirrer, paper filtersPlastic scoop and stirrer, paper filters
Microplastic RiskNoneYes

The Bottom Line

The Premium makes coffee exactly like the plastic version – which is both good and bad news.

The good: it’s still that fantastic AeroPress brew we love.

The bad: you’re not getting better coffee for that extra $110.

So should you buy it, or even stop using the original AeroPress altgether?

Who Should Buy It:

  • Home brewers who want a display piece
  • Coffee enthusiasts concerned about plastic exposure
  • Those who appreciate premium materials and don’t mind the extra care needed

Who Should Skip It:

  • Travelers or campers
  • Those who use the inverted method
  • Anyone who values practicality over aesthetics
  • Folks who are clumsy or rush their morning routine

At $150, you’re paying for the peace of mind of plastic-free brewing.

I’ve found myself reaching for both – the Premium for those mindful morning brews when I have time to appreciate it, and the plastic version when I need something quick and foolproof.

Will you get the glass version? Let me know in a comment below.

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