How to Store an AeroPress

Ever since it become a staple in my day to day routine, taking good care of my AeroPress coffee maker has been of chief importance to me. 

After trial and error, we finally zeroed in on our preferred AeroPress storage strategy. Luckily, I married the kind of guy that likes to keep things in good working order. It was no surprise to me that he researched “the best way to store an AeroPress” and bought a solution that I loved.

Read on to learn how to store an AeroPress safely and securely.

Things to keep in mind when you store an AeroPress

• The AeroPress is dishwasher safe for the top shelf. But don’t let it stay wet for long—you’re not helping anything last.
• The rubber seal is likely the first thing to go. “Oh no, my AeroPress plunger is loose!” We’ve read stories of individuals needing to replace their AeroPress within six months and some who have used it for years with no need for replacements. Most testimonies point to the rubber seal as the culprit inciting replacement. Don’t let the rubber stay wet for long periods of time, and avoid storing it inside the cylinder where it’s compressed. This will help make the rubber last longer.
• Do you prefer inverted method? The inverted method means that more hot water comes into contact with the rubber seal, which could increase wear and tear over time.  It’s not hugely significant, but affects it slightly more than the upright method.
• Your AeroPress storage method won’t impact the longevity of the plastic. The current version of AeroPress body is made with polypropylene, a sturdy plastic. It’s “free of BPA and phthalates, made in the USA, and FDA and EU approved for use in contact with food” (from the Evolution of the AeroPress). It’s designed for durability but could crack if dropped just right. In this case, you could purchase an AeroPress replacement chamber. We generally recommend replacing it fully since an AeroPress is pretty cheap (~$30) in the first place.
• Make a new game plan for storing your filters, too. Beyond just learning how to store an AeroPress, consider more thoughtfully how you store your filters—or if you prefer to use a reuseable AeroPress filter (~$17). We didn’t find that the reusable filter had any impact on the coffee taste and love that it cuts down on paper waste. We know the AeroPress kit comes with a holder, but we also love this Bamboo Coffee Filter Holder (~$20) from Amazon, too.

4 easy ways to store an AeroPress

In it’s box tucked away

You can absolutely keep your AeroPress stored in the original box that it was shipped in / that you purchased it in. This is a great way to keep the materials altogether and to make it easily accessible when it’s needed.

This is the recommended AeroPress storage method for those who don’t need a cup of coffee everyday (perhaps you just bring it out for guests?) or for those who lack extra storage space in the kitchen.

Alternative? In a ziplock bag. This is what we do at my office, and it generally works—though sometimes I have to hunt down the filter cap and stirrer! 

In a cabinet in a small tub

You can easily store your AeroPress coffee maker in a cabinet, tucked away so that the myriad parts aren’t flailing about for a visitor’s eye. Having it “out of sight, out of mind” might also help curb your cravings for second and third helpings every day.

Similar to storing an AeroPress on a counter, we still recommend finding a nice tub without a lid to store all of the pieces in—this will make it easier to grab and get going then digging around for one-off pieces that are tucked in the corners.

In a caddy on the counter

While I could just let all of the AeroPress pieces sit in a pile awaiting it’s next use, I wanted to take additional cautionary steps to improve the longevity of the coffee maker. I also wanted a nicer way to display my coffee maker.

That’s why we love our Java Barrel Bamboo Caddy for Aeropress Coffee Maker (~$20). This is our favorite storage method for AeroPress, as it doubles as a drying rack and an organizer. It also makes a nice display on our counter without taking up too much space. It’s a great conversation starter for visitors to our place (and I love taking any chance I can to evangelize AeroPress accessories).

It’s a great system for storing all of the parts, including the AeroPress funnel. Plus, it’s a little fun to put the right pieces in their proper places, too! (Now we get why little kids love putting blocks into blocks!).

Though assembly is easy, you do have to be careful not to strip the out the screw holes because the wood is pretty soft. Overall, it has a nice appearance and functionality.

Alternative caddy

Amazon’s Choice for AeroPress accessories is the Blue Horse Caddy for AeroPress Coffee Maker (~$35)—while we haven’t yet tried this product, it does look like it could have more durability than our bamboo version. It looks even more compact, so if you’re worried about space, this might be a better option for you!

In an AeroPress storage bag—great for mobility!

Some of the newer versions of the coffee maker are being sold with AeroPress accessories like accompanying tote bags. This increases the price to ~$35 but the built-in AeroPress storage system is likely worth the price jump.

If tubs, cute caddies, or the box itself doesn’t feel right to you, maybe you’ll feel happy storing your AeroPress in this draw string tote.

Those who travel frequently (and wouldn’t dare checking a bag without their precious coffee maker) will appreciate this AeroPress storage method. 

Store your AeroPress with confidence

We’ve outlined four popular ways to store an AeroPress. We hope we’ve helped YOU make a more informed decision about how to keep your precious AeroPress safe (and long lasting). 

Want to know more about AeroPress? Read these related articles:

• How to Make AeroPress Coffee & Why Meg Loves It
• How to Make AeroPress Cold Brew in <5 Minutes
• In-Depth Baratza Encore Review by Two Regular Coffee Drinkers
• Just for Fun: Great Board Games for Couples to Play Over Coffee