I have used an AeroPress for years. I also own a $1400 domestic espresso machine and a $700 grinder. These days I'm using one of those Hario pour over cones as my espresso alternative.
The AeroPress is good. But it's not close to espresso at all. If you over dose and are prepared to push very slowly for a long time, you can get some espresso like flavours out of it, but this can take a while.
That said the AeroPress is really worth it. The filters are truly reusable. I still have not gone through my original pack of filters that I got with mine several years ago.
I have a cheap domestic espresso machine, and agree: aeropressed coffee is nowhere near espresso. I find it pretty close to what "Italian" coffee kettles do (this: http://ravistationery.com/images/office%20automation/morphy%...) albeit milder, not as acid or sour as this one. I have not used it much, but I like having my Aeropress, even though it requires quite more coffee than other types of machines.
The AeroPress is good. But it's not close to espresso at all. If you over dose and are prepared to push very slowly for a long time, you can get some espresso like flavours out of it, but this can take a while.
That said the AeroPress is really worth it. The filters are truly reusable. I still have not gone through my original pack of filters that I got with mine several years ago.