When it comes to at-home brewing, two iconic methods stand above the rest for simplicity and flavour: French Press and AeroPress.

Both make excellent coffee, both are affordable, and both work beautifully with specialty beans — but they deliver completely different results.

This guide breaks down the differences, shows you how each method works and helps you choose the one that matches your taste and lifestyle. You’ll also find Fixation Coffee recommendations and step-by-step recipes for both brewers.

What’s the Difference Between French Press and AeroPress?

French Press

Rich, bold and full-bodied. French Press uses immersion brewing, where the coffee steeps in hot water before being pressed through a metal filter. This produces a heavier texture and deeper flavours.

AeroPress

Clean, smooth and versatile. AeroPress uses a mix of immersion and gentle pressure, producing a bright, low-bitterness cup with almost no sediment.

French Press vs AeroPress: Quick Comparison

French Press: How It Works + Recipe

Perfect French Press Recipe

• Coffee: 30g
• Water: 450g
• Ratio: 1:15
• Grind: Coarse (breadcrumb-like)
• Brew Time: 4 minutes

Steps

1. Add coarsely ground coffee to the French Press.
2. Start your timer and add hot water (94–96°C).
3. Stir gently to break the crust.
4. Place the lid on and brew for 4 minutes.
5. Press the plunger slowly and pour immediately.

What It Tastes Like

Strong, bold, creamy and comforting with a rounded finish.

Best Fixation Coffee for French Press

• Fixation Espresso Roast – rich, chocolate-forward
• Fixation Single Origin Natural – sweet and full-bodied

AeroPress: How It Works + Recipe

Perfect AeroPress Recipe (Standard Method)

• Coffee: 15g
• Water: 230g
• Ratio: ~1:15
• Grind: Medium-fine
• Brew Time: 1:45

Steps

1. Rinse the paper filter and set the AeroPress over a cup.
2. Add medium-fine coffee grounds.
3. Pour 60g water and bloom for 30 seconds.
4. Add remaining water up to 230g.
5. Insert plunger and press gently for 20–30 seconds.

What It Tastes Like

Clean, bright, smooth and low in bitterness.

Best Fixation Coffee for AeroPress

• Fixation Single Origin Washed – floral and citrus clarity
• Fixation Filter Roast Subscription – consistent, freshly roasted filter coffee

Which Brewer Is Better for You?

Choose French Press if you like:

• Strong, bold, heavier cups
• Chocolatey or darker flavours
• Simple “set and forget” brewing
• Brewing multiple cups at once

Choose AeroPress if you like:

• Clean, smooth, bright flavours
• Light-to-medium roasts
• Travel-friendly brewing
• 1–2 cup recipes
• Experimenting with technique

How Bean Choice Affects Each Method

Best Beans for French Press

• Medium to dark roasts
• Natural processed coffees
• Chocolate, caramel or nutty flavour profiles

Best Beans for AeroPress

• Light-to-medium single origins
• Washed coffees
• Bright, fruity or floral flavour profiles

Side-by-Side Taste Results

French Press & AeroPress Troubleshooting

French Press Issues

• Bitter: Grind coarser
• Muddy: Use a better grinder or pour gently
• Weak: Try a 1:14 ratio

AeroPress Issues

• Sour: Finer grind, longer steep
• Bitter: Shorter steep, coarser grind
• Weak: Increase dose to 17–18g

Final Thoughts: So… Which One Wins?

Both brewers can make exceptional coffee — but the “best” one depends entirely on your taste.

If you want rich, heavy, comforting coffee: choose French Press.
If you prefer clean, smooth, bright flavours: choose AeroPress.

Either way, the key to great coffee is using fresh, high-quality beans matched to your brewing style.

Try these to get started:

• Fixation Single Origin Beans
• Fixation Espresso Roast

Happy brewing.