Hate plastic pod machines in hotel rooms? I tried the AeroPress Go Plus to get delicious, non-toxic coffee while traveling

My biggest pet peeve about traveling? No, it's not the packing or the airport queues – not even the sunburn that happens to me on every summer vacation – it's being away from my coffee maker.

I don't like the plastic pod machines you find in hotel rooms, with the watered-down taste and risk of chemical leaching, and I can't get going without a cup of proper coffee in the morning. As soon as I wake up, I'm chomping at the bit to get out of the hotel room to the nearest artisanal coffee shop. But really, I would prefer a slower start to the day...it's supposed to be a vacation, after all.

Since I use one of the best non-toxic coffee makers at home, I've been eager to try the AeroPress Go Plus coffee system, which promises BPA-free, richly flavored coffee that you can enjoy anywhere. It comes with a coffee tumbler that houses all the equipment; it's small enough to fit in your bag and light enough to lug around. I tested it for a week, taking it around with me, sipping the coffee, and noting down all the pros and cons.

Specifications

Design

One thing I love about every AeroPress I've tested (I have already reviewed the AeroPress Original and the AeroPress Premium) is the packaging. They arrive in a cardboard cylinder which unfolds like a Christmas cracker.

Inside the AeroPress Go Plus box, there were more components than usual. The travel coffee system includes the AeroPress chamber, filter, stirring tool, coffee scoop, filter papers, and the coffee flask, which doubles as a storage container for the entire kit.

The actual 'coffee maker' part is near-identical to the AeroPress Original – I sat them side by side and couldn't spot a difference. Both are made from durable, BPA-free materials, but AeroPress Go Plus is made from a sturdier, shatterproof Tritan™ plastic, which safeguards it from wear and tear.

If you are already familiar with the brand and know how to use an AeroPress, it's probably the 'Russian doll' tumbler you'll be most interested in. It looks pretty utilitarian from the outside, which I suppose is on brand. No airs and graces, just some branding on the side, which I wasn't a big fan of (you'll see more pictures below).

The engineering is more exciting; it's double-walled, vacuum-insulated, and made from 18/10 stainless steel with a brushed matte exterior. It cleverly holds the AeroPress and all the accessories inside, while the lid twists on top and a magnetic slider seals the sip hole open and shut.

All in all, I found the AeroPress Go Plus lightweight and comfortable to hold. I couldn't wait to brew my coffee and take the kit out and about for a test drive.

Performance

To brew, it’s easy. First, I took all the nesting components out of the tumbler and gave everything a quick rinse. Then, I placed a filter paper inside the filter basket and slotted it into the chamber. I set the chamber on top of the flask. It sat comfortably, feeling well-balanced.

Next, I added my coffee grounds with the small scoop provided and poured over boiling water to my desired level (more water means less strength). I stirred gently for around 20 seconds, then waited a couple of minutes. Finally, I plunged the press down to pour the coffee into the flask, with a satisfying hiss.

On the taste test, it performed just like other AeroPress models I’ve tried – the coffee was rich, flavorful, and well-rounded. I could taste the specialty beans in my americano: a touch of nuttiness and deep bitter-chocolate notes, with a light crema sitting on top. The tumbler kept it warm and enjoyable to sip at a relaxed pace, too. It definitely has the edge in the French Press vs AeroPress debate for me.

Is it bag-friendly and spill-proof?

Yes and no. The AeroPress Go Plus system fit into my bag (and my car cup holder, for that matter), containing all the accessories and filters in the tumbler, which was very satisfying.

Once I got to my office, I brewed the coffee and enjoyed a warm americano at my desk. While the tumbler was in use, the AeroPress and components lay stacked on the side of my desk, which was a little inconvenient. I wished there was a separate pouch or something I could hide them away in.

I decided to make another brew and take it out on a walk at lunch, but before I did so, I checked the lid for leaks. I poured water into the tumbler and shook it around. Water trickled out of the drinking hole. It would be fine upright, but you do not want to jostle the AeroPress Go Plus in your bag if it's filled with coffee, unless you want to destroy your belongings.

Having tested some fantastic leak-proof designs on the best portable blenders, I was a little disappointed.

Cleaning, storage & maintenance

While the AeroPress Go Plus is technically dishwasher safe, I’d probably recommend hand washing it. Coffee grounds can easily get trapped in small crevices, and if you don’t clean them out properly, they can leave a stale or slightly sour note in future brews (I've been there, done that, do not recommend).

Hand washing is super quick and easy to perform anywhere you go. Just pop off the base, remove the filter, and give everything a rinse with warm soapy water. It's over and done with in minutes; you can leave it out to dry or speed things up with a dish towel. The clear Tritan plastic doesn't fog up or mist, so it stays looking fresh for next time.

How does it compare?

The AeroPress Original and the AeroPress Go Plus both brew coffee the same way, so in terms of taste you won’t notice a difference – smooth and rich, with all the flexibility AeroPress fans love. The real distinction is in the design and how you plan to use it.

The Original is the classic version: simple, affordable, and made from durable, BPA-free polypropylene. It doesn’t include a mug or flask, so you’ll need your own. It’s ideal if you want a cheaper AeroPress for brewing at home without extra bulk.

The AeroPress Go Plus, on the other hand, is built as a full travel system. The brewer is made from tough Tritan plastic, and everything nests inside the stainless steel tumbler. The insulation means your coffee stays hot (or cold, if you're an iced americano person) and it’s convenient for brewing on the go. If it is obviously heavier and pricier than the Original, but the all-in-one design is hard to beat for travel.

Should you buy it?

I don't think AeroPress has thought of everything with this design, but it's certainly good. If you want delicious coffee on the go, without BPA or plastic cups, the AeroPress Go Plus is worth it.

The best part is that everything stacks inside the tumbler and that's very convenient for packing into your bag or suitcase. It makes a good gift for frequent travelers or a teen going to college or on a gap year.

However, if you already have an AeroPress Original, I might be tempted to stick with that and just invest in one of the best leak-proof travel mugs to go with it, instead. Although you'll have to reckon with your suitcase space.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we have a rigorous testing process for all of our coffee makers.

We start with our research. We're always on the lookout for the best coffee makers on the market. Once we have found one with BPA-free components, we order it to the test kitchen or send it to one of our expert testers at home, where they can carry out the rigorous testing criteria.

Once we have the coffee maker in our hands, we get testing. This begins with unboxing, which might sound small, but it's an important tell of a brand's attention to detail. We'll let you know whether we get any extra accessories and what our first impressions are of the coffee maker. Here's where we'll talk about the size, style, build quality, and anything else that jumps out at us aesthetically.

Next, we'll get brewing. We make notes on how easy the coffee maker is to set up and start using. Then, we'll time how long the coffee maker takes to brew different quantities of coffee. We'll start at one cup (if the machine can do that) and work up to its maximum capacity. After each brew, we assess the flavor of each cup, the versatility of the machine, how long it keeps coffee warm for, the ease of cleaning, and the all-important price. Where applicable, we experiment with special features, such as integrated grinders and milk frothers.

Once we are happy that we've tested everything that we can, we'll take a step back and think about how the coffee maker compares to other models. We'll read through online reviews to get a sense of what customers are saying and then, bringing all that information together, our team will let you know who we think it suits and whether it's good value for money. As you can see, we leave no stone unturned.

If you’re interested and want to find out more, you can read all about the process in our how we test coffee makers page.