AeroPress XL Coffee Maker vs Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker (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

Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker

8.8/10 Great

4.5★ (3,800 owners)

Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee.

Full Review

At a Glance

	AeroPress XL Coffee Maker	Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker
247Verdict Score	9.0/10	8.8/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (6,800)	4.5★ (3,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Great
Capacity	590ml (4 cups)	8 cups
Method	Total immersion	Immersion
Filter	Micro (paper or metal)	Stainless mesh (permanent)

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 Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker is worth considering if Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee. 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

Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker

Stainless mesh filter eliminates paper filter cost and waste forever
Immersion brewing extracts coffee oils for fuller, richer body than paper-filtered methods
Ceramic vessel is dishwasher safe and aesthetically distinctive on any kitchen surface
George Sowden's award-winning Italian design heritage applied to coffee brewing
Under £60 for a 8-cup coffee maker that never needs consumable filter papers

More sediment in the cup than paper-filtered methods — the fine mesh allows some passage
Requires coarser grind than paper filter methods for optimal results
Ceramic can crack under thermal shock — avoid pouring boiling water directly on cold ceramics

FAQ

Which is better, AeroPress XL Coffee Maker or Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup?

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 Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup best suited to?

Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee.

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. Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker: More sediment in the cup than paper-filtered methods — the fine mesh allows some passage; Requires coarser grind than paper filter methods for optimal results.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — AeroPress XL Coffee Maker sits at 4.5★ from 6,800 verified Amazon owners, and Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker at 4.5★ from 3,800.

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