AeroPress Go
I'll be honest - I was skeptical about the AeroPress Go at first. How could a plastic tube and plunger compete with my pour - over setup at home? But after taking it on a camping trip to Big Sur, I became a convert. This little device is brilliantly designed for people who want good coffee without the fuss, waste, or need for electricity. At under $40, it's one of the smartest purchases I've made for both travel and everyday use.
The Go is the travel - optimized version of the original AeroPress, and the engineering is impressively thoughtful. Everything nests together into a compact mug with lid - the chamber, plunger, filter cap, stirrer, scoop, and 350 paper filters all pack down to about the size of a tall water bottle. The mug itself is insulated and doubles as your drinking vessel, which means you're brewing directly into your cup with zero waste or cleanup. Brewing takes about 60 seconds: add coffee and hot water, stir for 10 seconds, press for 20 - 30 seconds, and you're done.
What makes the AeroPress particularly aligned with Made & Morrow's values is its simplicity and longevity. There are no pods, no electricity requirements, no complicated parts to break. It's made from BPA - free, food - safe plastic that's durable enough to withstand drops and rough handling. The company has been manufacturing these in the USA since 2005, and the design is so straightforward that there's virtually nothing to go wrong. I've met travelers who've been using the same AeroPress for over a decade.
From an environmental perspective, this is about as responsible as coffee brewing gets. The paper filters are biodegradable and compostable, and you use far less coffee and water than most brewing methods - typically 15 - 17 grams of coffee for a concentrated cup you can dilute to taste. There are also reusable metal filters available if you want to eliminate paper entirely. The manual process means zero energy consumption beyond heating water, which you'd need anyway.
The coffee itself is surprisingly good - smooth, rich, and low in acidity thanks to the shorter extraction time. You can experiment with brewing methods (standard or inverted), grind sizes, and steep times to dial in your preferred flavor profile. It's also incredibly forgiving, so even if you're not a coffee geek, you'll get consistently decent results.
For Made & Morrow readers looking to reduce waste without sacrificing quality, the AeroPress Go is a perfect example of a thoughtful swap that actually improves your routine. Whether you're backpacking, traveling for work, or just want a simple solution for your desk at the office, this delivers.
Overall Score
28
Quality
4.5
Durable BPA - free plastic construction made in the USA. Withstands drops and travel wear exceptionally well. Materials are food - safe and long - lasting. Simple design means minimal parts that could fail over time.
Value
5
Outstanding value at $40 for a device that requires no electricity, creates minimal waste, and lasts 10+ years. Significantly more affordable than electric travel coffee makers while delivering superior quality and longevity.
Functionality
4.5
Brews excellent coffee in 60 seconds using manual pressure. Produces smooth, low - acid coffee with concentrated flavor. Versatile enough for espresso - style shots or regular coffee. Slight learning curve to find your preferred brewing method, but very forgiving.
Ease of Use
5
Extremely simple with minimal steps: add coffee, add water, stir, press. Cleanup takes 10 seconds - just pop out the puck and rinse. Virtually no learning curve or special skills required.
Design
4
Compact and travel - friendly with everything nesting inside the mug. Practical design prioritizes function over form. The gray and red color scheme feels a bit utilitarian but gets the job done. Not the most aesthetically refined, but clever engineering throughout.
Impact on Social Responsiblity
5
Made in the USA supporting domestic manufacturing. Requires zero electricity. Biodegradable, compostable filters with reusable metal options available. Minimal material use and exceptional longevity reduce environmental impact. BPA - free plastic is recyclable at end of life (though most units last decades).

