Alan Adler made his name in aerodynamics, designing the Aerobie flying ring that once held the world record for the farthest thrown object. Of course, it was his second act that put him on our radar with the $30 plastic coffee plunger that ultimately ended up becoming one of the most beloved brewers on Earth. It even includes a world championship circuit spanning 230-plus annual events.
Now, two decades later, that humble tube has been handed the full heirloom treatment with the new AeroPress Premium Walnut.
From Impulse Buy to Centerpiece
Since changing hands a few years back, unfortunately the AeroPress has been steadily climbing the price ladder. It first started with the $169.95 Steel version, which was then followed up with the $199.95 glass-and-metal Premium version. And now we have the most expensive (and probably most beautiful) one yet.
At $249.95, it is the single most expensive brewer the brand has ever sold, but it’s also the first to feature any wood at all. It’s crazy to think that it’s more than six times the price of the original polypropylene unit, which, for the record, still makes the exact same cup (we use ours regularly).
The 3 in 1 brew method (part French press, part pour-over, part espresso) hasn’t changed a bit. What you’re paying for is a coffee maker worthy of your kitchen countertop.
Clear-Grade Walnut, Handmade Glass
The chamber is handmade double-wall borosilicate, which keeps the outside cool to the touch and puts the entire brew on display (laser-etched dose markings and all). Around it, AeroPress went wild with solid clear-grade American black walnut.
The plunger, the base collar, and even the included scoop and stirrer are carved from the black walnut as well, and the whole thing is offset by a stainless steel filter cap and anodized aluminum hardware.
Seeing that it’s all walnut, it also requires some extra maintenance to maintain those good looks as well. It’s strictly hand-wash, and AeroPress prescribes a monthly mineral oil rubdown to keep the wood from drying out.
The One AeroPress That Stays Home
The brewer launches alongside a matching Walnut Manual Grinder, which swaps the all-metal model’s aluminum handle and catch cup for wood versions while keeping the 38mm Italian-made, titanium-coated burrs and 60-plus grind settings. It even still tucks inside the plunger for storage.
And while AeroPress built its entire reputation on portability, this is the one version the brand explicitly recommends you don’t travel with (glass is not exactly made with portability in mind). This one lives on the counter, right where everyone can see it.
Spec Sheet
Model: AeroPress Premium Walnut
Construction: Double-wall borosilicate glass, solid clear-grade walnut, stainless steel, anodized aluminum
Capacity: 10 oz (1-2 cups)
Dimensions: 7 1/8″ x 4 9/16″
Brew Time: Under 2 minutes
Filter Compatibility: Standard AeroPress filters
Included: Solid walnut scoop, solid walnut stirrer, starter paper filters
Care: Hand-wash only
Pricing & Availability
Both the Premium Walnut brewer and the matching Walnut Manual Grinder are available now for $249.95 apiece, sold directly through AeroPress as well as Williams-Sonoma.
Recap
AeroPress Premium Walnut
AeroPress crowns its lineup with a $250 brewer made from handmade borosilicate glass and solid black walnut, the first wood-clad AeroPress ever.
