Real owners lean toward the Frieling Double-Wall French Press: 95% of 56 owners recommend it, vs 79% of 238 for the AeroPress Original.
Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score
“I have had mine for 14 years. I have only had to get a small replacement part once. It is expensive, but it feels heavy and solid as a rock.”— i30swimmer on Reddit
“The Frieling has 100% metal parts. I've had mine for probably 12 years, and it's as good as the day I bought it.”— lefteyedspy on Reddit
“I gave away my Frieling french press. Not because it wasn't well made—it absolutely was—but I just couldn't get a good cup of coffee from the thing.”— scottb84 on Reddit
Real owners lean toward the Frieling Double-Wall French Press: 95% of 56 owners recommend it, vs 79% of 238 for the AeroPress Original.
Owners point the AeroPress Original at single-cup drinkers who brew one coffee at a time, and campers and travelers wanting a compact, durable brewer.
Owners point the Frieling Double-Wall French Press at buy-it-for-life buyers wanting an unbreakable press, and people tired of shattering glass Bodum presses.
The most-cited downside of the AeroPress Original is coffee can come out watery or weak if brewed without the flow cap or without dialing in technique (e.g. diluting a concentrate). For the Frieling Double-Wall French Press, it's expensive upfront cost.