AeroPress Original Coffee Maker vs illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

AeroPress Original Coffee Maker

9.0/10 Excellent

4.7★ (42,000 owners)

Total immersion, micro-filtered, 1 min brew, portable, no electricity. The travel espresso champion.

Full Review

illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine

8.8/10 Great

4.4★ (4,800 owners)

19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand.

Full Review

At a Glance

	AeroPress Original Coffee Maker	illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine
247Verdict Score	9.0/10	8.8/10
Owner Rating	4.7★ (42,000)	4.4★ (4,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Great

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the AeroPress Original Coffee Maker edges ahead with a 9.0/10 vs 8.8/10. Total immersion, micro-filtered, 1 min brew, portable, no electricity. The travel espresso champion. That said, the illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine is worth considering if 19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

AeroPress Original Coffee Maker

42,000 Amazon reviews at 4.7★ — one of the most loved coffee products ever made
Brews in 60 seconds with no electricity required — no machine, no pods, no waste
Total immersion brewing produces smooth, concentrated coffee without bitterness
Micro-filter removes grit without paper filter taste
Portable in carry-on luggage — hotel coffee solved permanently

Manual pressing required — not automatic or one-touch
Single-serve only — not practical for entertaining or household of 3+
Requires a kettle and ground coffee — not self-contained like pod machines

illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine

illy is the coffee brand of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide — the quality benchmark
iPerEspresso two-stage capsule extraction produces espresso with genuine professional crema
19-bar pressure matches professional espresso machine extraction standards
Italian design that sits as a kitchen statement piece
illy's 90-year commitment to espresso quality in the most convenient format

Proprietary illy iPerEspresso capsules only — ecosystem lock-in to a premium pod range
Pod costs are premium vs Nespresso — illy positions pods as premium coffee
Less variety than Nespresso's 30+ Original pod range

FAQ

Which is better, AeroPress Original Coffee or illy X1 iPerEspresso?

Is the AeroPress Original Coffee worth the extra cost?

Yes — AeroPress Original Coffee Maker scores higher at 9.0/10 vs 8.8/10.

Who is the AeroPress Original Coffee best suited to?

Total immersion, micro-filtered, 1 min brew, portable, no electricity. The travel espresso champion.

Who is the illy X1 iPerEspresso best suited to?

19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand.

What are the main downsides of each?

AeroPress Original Coffee Maker: Manual pressing required — not automatic or one-touch; Single-serve only — not practical for entertaining or household of 3+. illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine: Proprietary illy iPerEspresso capsules only — ecosystem lock-in to a premium pod range; Pod costs are premium vs Nespresso — illy positions pods as premium coffee.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — AeroPress Original Coffee Maker sits at 4.7★ from 42,000 verified Amazon owners, and illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine at 4.4★ from 4,800.

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