It’s time for coffee. No, it doesn’t matter what time it actually is – for the true coffee lover (addict?), any time of day is time for coffee. Now that we have settled that – one question remains: Which is the best way to brew it? Aeropress or Chemex?

This guy has clearly spent too much time trying to decide on the best way to make coffee, and not enough time drinking coffee.

Honestly, choosing which method is better, an Aeropress or Chemex, is not an easy question to answer because it largely depends on what you are looking for. The best thing to do is look at each method and decide which one is best for you.

So let’s do that.

What is Aeropress?

An Aeropress coffee maker is a unique way of quickly brewing coffee at home. Once you get everything set up, you get a fresh, hot cup of coffee in under a minute.

And as you undoubtedly know, sometimes you just need the coffee as quickly as you can get it. After all, how will you function if you don’t have your coffee?

The goal of the Aeropress is to produce coffee that is very similar to espresso, and the brewing method is much like that of an espresso machine. Hot water and steam are forced through the grounds, then through a filter, extracting the flavor.

You simply place the filter over the chamber and place the grounds in the filter. You pour hot water on top of it all, and then use the plunger to force the hot water through the grounds. The result?

Coffee Bliss. (The wedding dress is just to show that this woman is choosing coffee on her wedding day. Because of course she is. Happy day, happy drink, right?)

To clean up, you simply remove the filter and throw it away, give the machine a quick rinse, and get on with your day.

What is Chemex?

While the Aeropress was designed to deliver quick, espresso-type coffee, the Chemex was designed to deliver drip coffee. It is a very simple design that has been around since 1941.

These were the types of typewriters that were around when the Chemex was invented. You can’t go wrong with something that’s been around since before computers.

The Chemex coffee maker is a simple hourglass-shaped glass container. You place a special filter into the top of the cone, pour the grounds into the filter, and then pour hot water on top.

In about four minutes you will have your delicious product.

Which One Is Easier?

If you want a very simple way of making coffee without having to read instructions or do any assembly, then the Chemex may be the perfect solution for you.

Coffee making should never require this much study. Because honestly, you need the coffee to be able to study. If you have to study to get the coffee, then it’s kind of a vicious circle.

But this isn’t to say that the Aeropress requires an advanced degree in coffee brewing, it just means that it takes a little more effort at first. Once you get the hang of it, though, it is very simple.

If you are serving a crowd, the Chemex will most likely be the easiest choice since it’s basic design has a six-cup serving chamber. The Aeropress only makes one cup at time. Although the brewing time is quick, it is not as convenient for serving large groups of people.

Which One is More Durable?

Although both coffee makers should be handled with care, the Aeropress is made of heavy plastic, while the Chemex is made of glass. If you are prone to dropping things, or live in the vicinity of small humans or animals, the Aeropress would most likely be the better choice.

It’s never fun to break something glass, but it’s even worse if that glass object is a coffee maker!

Which One Tastes Better?

Determining which of these two coffee makers makes the best coffee is like determining if apples or oranges are fruitier.

They are both fruit. They are both delicious. But neither is as delicious as coffee.

Because of the two different designs and brewing methods, the types of coffee are completely different. The Aeropress coffee is very similar to espresso, meaning that it is a stronger, richer, bolder flavor. If that is what you are looking for, then you will be more than satisfied.

And if you like espresso-based drinks, such as mochas, lattes, or cappuccino, then the Aeropress is the way to go. You can certainly make these drinks with drip coffee, but you will not have the flavor that you are expecting.

The Chemex coffee is a milder, drip coffee. The coffee taste is not as intense, but you can sip it and enjoy it. So if you want a mild coffee, then this will satisfy you.

Price Comparison

Although neither coffee maker is prohibitively expensive, the Aeropress is the cheaper way to go. Both the original machine and the replacement filters are less expensive than the Chemex system.

Every penny counts, but if you have your heart set on the Chemex, you will be happy to know that the price difference is not huge. For around $20 more, you can have what you are looking for. And if both are appealing, you can get them both for under $100.

Win-win, right?

Sign Me Up – Where Can I get Them?

As you can see, both the Chemex and the Aeropress are excellent coffee makers and will give you what you are looking for: delicious coffee that you can make in the comfort of your own home. You will feel like you’ve been to a coffee house, but without the price tag or lines. If you truly want to re-create the coffee house experience at home, you can yell out your coffee order when it’s done.

So where can you get them? Easy:

Get the Aeropress Coffee Maker here.

Get the Chemex Coffee Maker here.

Now that you have all of the information that you need, what are you waiting for? It’s coffee time.