AeroPress vs. Moka Pot: A Complete Cost Comparison

When choosing a coffee brewer for home use, cost is a significant factor. Both the AeroPress and the Moka pot are popular for their ability to produce strong, concentrated coffee, but they differ in their initial price, ongoing expenses, and overall affordability. This guide breaks down the upfront and long-term expenses of each brewer to help you decide which is more budget-friendly for your home brewing.

Up-Front Equipment Cost

The initial cost for both brewers is relatively low, but Moka pot prices vary more widely based on brand, size, and material. An AeroPress generally comes as a complete kit, while a Moka pot is typically just the brewer itself.

Recurring and Long-Term Costs

Long-term expenses are where the two brewers differ most. The AeroPress has a small but consistent cost for filters, while the Moka pot requires infrequent part replacements.

AeroPress

The primary ongoing cost for the AeroPress is its disposable filters, though there are alternatives and other minor maintenance costs.

• Paper Filters: A pack of 350 replacement micro-filters costs around $10 - $12 (approx. 3 cents per cup). Many users rinse and reuse each paper filter several times to reduce this cost.
• Reusable Metal Filter: As an alternative to paper, you can buy a reusable stainless steel filter for a one-time cost of $15 - $25. This eliminates recurring filter purchases but may alter the coffee's taste by allowing more oils and fine sediment into the cup.
• Plunger Seal: After several years of use (typically 8-10 years), the rubber plunger seal may wear out and need replacement. A new seal costs about $9.
• Optional Accessories: Various accessories can enhance brewing but add to the cost, such as the Flow Control Filter Cap (around $25-$30).

Moka Pot

The Moka pot is known for its minimal ongoing costs, as it does not require disposable filters for daily use.

• Gaskets and Filter Plate: The rubber or silicone gasket, which creates the pressure seal, needs to be replaced periodically. Bialetti recommends replacement yearly, or when it hardens. A replacement set, often including one metal filter plate and two or three gaskets, typically costs between $9 and $17.
• Other Replacement Parts: If a part like the handle or funnel breaks, individual replacements are often available for purchase.

Lifespan & Durability

A well-cared-for Moka pot can brew for several decades, with Bialetti noting its longevity is "quite long" with basic care. The AeroPress, made of food-safe polypropylene and Tritan™, is also very durable, with owners commonly reporting 8–10 years of service before the rubber seal needs replacement.

Energy Use

Both methods are relatively energy-efficient compared to electric drip machines.

• AeroPress: Requires hot water from a kettle. For maximum efficiency, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends using a covered electric kettle to heat only the amount of water you need.
• Moka Pot: Needs a small gas or electric burner. Its direct use of a simple heat source keeps energy demand low.

Cost of Coffee Beans

The cost of coffee beans will not be a significant differentiating factor between the two brewers. Both use a similar amount of finely ground coffee per serving. A standard AeroPress recipe uses 14-20 grams of coffee, while a 3-cup Moka pot uses approximately 15-17 grams. Your choice of coffee beans will have a much larger impact on your overall cost than your choice of brewer.

Summary: Which Brewer Costs Less?

For most users, the Moka pot is more affordable over the long term. While a basic Moka pot often has a lower entry price, its main advantage is the lack of required disposable components. The AeroPress's recurring cost of paper filters, while small, adds up over the years.

The table below illustrates a typical first-year cost for a user making one cup per day.

Over five years, the cumulative filter spending can make the AeroPress roughly $40–$60 more expensive. This cost can be eliminated by purchasing a reusable metal filter, making its long-term cost more competitive with the Moka pot.

Ultimately, if your primary goal is the lowest possible lifetime cost and you dislike disposable products, the Moka pot is the clear winner. However, if you value the speed, portability, ease of cleaning, and unique flavor profile of the AeroPress, its slightly higher total cost may be a worthwhile investment.

Works Cited

1. AeroPress Official Website. (2025). AeroPress Coffee Makers & Accessories. Retrieved from aeropress.com.
2. Bialetti Official Website. (2025). Moka Express & Replacement Parts. Retrieved from bialetti.com.
3. Amazon.com. (2025). Product Listings for AeroPress Paper Micro-Filters & Bialetti Replacement Gaskets.
4. Primula. (2025). Moka pot price list (1–12 cup models).
5. Stumptown Coffee. (2025). Price for AeroPress micro-filters 350-pack.
6. Caffewerks. (2025). Price for silicone gasket two-pack.
7. Reddit. (2025). User longevity report, /r/AeroPress (8–9 year use).
8. U.S. Department of Energy. (2025). Energy-Savers guide (kettle efficiency tip).
9. Homebuilding.co.uk. (2023). Analysis of kettle energy cost.
10. Mokavit. (2025). Sustainability blog on moka pot energy needs.
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12. Best Coffee at Home: Moka Pot and Aeropress Compared by a Barista!
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15. Coffeeness: The Moka Pot Review and Comparison 2025.
16. Balance Coffee: Chemex vs V60 vs Moka vs Aeropress (New Experiment).
17. That's Coffee: Moka Pot vs AeroPress Coffee.
18. Coffee Voilà: Aeropress Vs Moka Pot - Which One Should You Choose?.
19. Coffee Affection: Moka Pot vs AeroPress 2025 Comparison: Which Should You Choose?.