AeroPress XL 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 XL Coffee Maker

9.0/10 Excellent

4.5★ (6,800 owners)

XL 590ml capacity, total immersion, micro-filter, 90 seconds, no electricity. 4-cup AeroPress.

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 XL Coffee Maker	illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine
247Verdict Score	9.0/10	8.8/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (6,800)	4.4★ (4,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Great

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the AeroPress XL Coffee Maker edges ahead with a 9.0/10 vs 8.8/10. XL 590ml capacity, total immersion, micro-filter, 90 seconds, no electricity. 4-cup AeroPress. 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 XL Coffee Maker

590ml capacity serves 2-4 people in one press — the original AeroPress serves 1-2
Total immersion brewing produces smooth, consistent concentrate without bitterness
Under £40 — the most affordable 4-cup quality coffee maker available
No electricity required — works on a campfire, hotel room or office with a kettle
XL's larger chamber reduces the number of press cycles needed for group brewing

Manual pressing required — 2-3 presses for 4 cups still involves effort
XL is larger than the original — less pocketable for solo travel use
Requires coarse-ground coffee and kettle — not self-contained

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 XL Coffee Maker or illy X1 iPerEspresso?

Is the AeroPress XL Coffee Maker worth the extra cost?

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

Who is the AeroPress XL Coffee Maker best suited to?

XL 590ml capacity, total immersion, micro-filter, 90 seconds, no electricity. 4-cup AeroPress.

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 XL Coffee Maker: Manual pressing required — 2-3 presses for 4 cups still involves effort; XL is larger than the original — less pocketable for solo travel use. 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 XL Coffee Maker sits at 4.5★ from 6,800 verified Amazon owners, and illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine at 4.4★ from 4,800.

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