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10 Best French Presses (One For Every Preference)

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Scott

October 10, 2023

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When it comes to dark, bold, rich-tasting coffee, nothing beats the humble french press. This device is easy to use, requires little maintenance, and is a very eco-friendly, low waste way to brew coffee.

All you need to do is add coarsely ground coffee, top it up with hot (not boiling) water, and wait 4 minutes. Then you press the plunger and the coffee is ready to serve. Coffee grounds are fully compostable and you won’t be left with any capsule waste like a pod machine.

A french press is a no-brainer and the only tough choice out there is which one to choose. The best french press isn’t a simple choice as there are so many makes and models, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin.

To help you out, we have narrowed the choices down to ten top-of-the-range options to suit every need. We will begin with our top five best choices before taking a short break to cover our pro tips for brewing the very best coffee in your new french press.

Next up, we answer some common FAQs before looking at some more great options as well as focusing specifically on thermal, insulated presses. These are perfect if you find that your coffee often isn’t hot enough. Have a browse and if you like the look of any of these options then click the ‘price and reviews’ button to check current prices on Amazon.

• 1. Top Choice – Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee and Tea Maker
• 2. Runner Up – SterlingPro French Press Coffee Maker
• 3. Best Glass French Press – Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker
• 4. Best For No Sediment – ESPRO P5 French Press
• 5. Best For Travel – Coffee Gator French Press Coffee Maker

The Best French Press Coffee Makers

1. Top Choice – Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee and Tea Maker

It’s sleek, simple, and functional. The Bodum Brazil is our top choice for the french press brewing method thanks to its brilliant design. The carafe is made from borosilicate glass which is stain and odor resistant. The base and handle are BPA-free polypropylene so food safe and the filter is stainless steel which is ultra-hygienic and durable.

It’s dishwasher safe so easy to clean and the simple design means there are no tricky parts to reach. The only downside with this option is that it’s pretty delicate as it’s made from glass. As with any kitchen glassware, handle with care.

2. Runner Up – SterlingPro French Press Coffee Maker

If you need something that has better durability then this is the one for you. The SterlingPro French press is made from stainless steel so won’t break if dropped or tapped. The carafe is double-wall insulated with a vacuum layer so helps keep your coffee hot whilst it’s brewing whilst still being cool to touch on the outside.

It has a dual-layer mesh filter to really ensure sediment doesn’t sneak into your cup of coffee and this option comes with an extra 2 screens included so you can replace them if they get clogged or worn out.

This option is perfect to keep hot coffee piping hot or cold brew ice cold. It’s corrosion-resistant, dishwasher safe, and free from plastic. All this for a very reasonable price means this option has to be in our top picks.

3. Best Glass French Press – Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker

Bodum knows a thing or two when it comes to a high-quality french press design. The Bodum Chambord is a classy and sophisticated way to brew delicious coffee. The design is simple, with a borosilicate glass carafe in a sturdy metal frame. The plastic handle is cool to touch and the three-part plunger with its mesh filter makes an efficient filtration system.

It comes in four different size options and six different designs there one to suit any kind of coffee drinker. There’s the option of switching out the glass for a shatterproof, high-quality SAN option if you’re prone to breakages.

4. Best For No Sediment – ESPRO P5 French Press

If you hate chewy grounds ending up in your brewed coffee then you’ll appreciate this French press by ESPRO. When you press down on a regular french press plunger grounds can sometimes escape up the sides between the carafe and the edge of the press. This device uses a dual layer of ultra-fine mesh with a double silicone seal around the edge to truly separate any grounds away from the coffee.

The carafe is made from thickened glass which makes it more durable and heat resistant. Another great design feature is the safety lock which keeps the plunger in place as you pour to avoid any nasty accidents.

The downside with this option is the double screen is more tricky to get clean compared to a classic french press so this can be offputting.

5. Best For Travel – Coffee Gator French Press Coffee Maker

If you love camping, hiking, or just generally being outdoors then you’ll be glad to discover this french press. It’s hardy enough to brew great coffee anywhere you happen to be, all you need is a camping kettle and travel mug and you’re good to go. This option even comes with its own little airtight canister to keep your coffee fresh.

The double-wall stainless steel carafe is great for heat retention which is especially important if you’re brewing coffee in the great outdoors. It comes in a matte finish of grey, orange, or pink or you can choose a brushed steel option.

French Press Brewing Guide

Coffee Beans vs Coffee Grounds

It may be tempting to reach for a bag of pre-ground coffee to save yourself some time but don’t do it! Pre-ground coffee loses so much flavor and aroma the longer it sits there and whole beans lock all this taste in ready for you to enjoy whenever you want. Ideally buy freshly roasted beans from local coffee roasters and you’ll be blown away by just how good home-brewed coffee can taste.

Use a Burr Grinder

They may be the more expensive option but a burr grinder is a real investment. The burrs can be set specific distances apart to create coffee of varying grind sizes and always ensure a cold, even grind.

Blade grinders are cheaper but they tend to heat up and burn the beans as well as roughly chopping them to uneven grind size. These are best avoided if you like great-tasting coffee.

French Press coffee needs a very coarse grind setting.

The Ideal Ratio

To get a consistently rich-tasting cup of java, you need to use the ideal ratio of coffee to water. It’s always best to weigh out your coffee with digital scales as scoops and spoons can vary a lot. A 1:15 coffee to water ratio is ideal so that’s 1g of coffee for every 15g of water used. If you find the coffee tastes too weak or strong at this ratio then feel free to adjust it for your next batch until it tastes just right.

Use Filtered Water

Tap water contains a lot of hard minerals and impurities that not only affect the taste of the coffee but can also affect the extraction process. To avoid this it’s best to use filtered water and this point stands for all coffee brewing processes.

The Perfect Water Temperature

Water needs to be at the correct temperature to brew the best-tasting coffee. Too hot and the beans will burn. If it’s too cold then the coffee will taste thin and under-extracted. Don’t use boiling water but let it cool for a minute or two before you use it. The exact temperature range to go for is 195-205F.

Let It Brew

Once you’ve got your set-up ready to go, water hot, and coffee weighed out, add the coarsely ground beans to your french press and pour on just enough water to soak the beans. Let it sit for 20 seconds and you should see the coffee bubbling. This is the bloom stage and it lets off excess gas from the beans, reducing acidity.

Pour the rest of the water over and give it a stir to ensure all the coffee is submerged. Let the whole device sit for 4 minutes and don’t stir it in this time to allow the grounds to settle to the bottom of the pot.

Press and Enjoy

Once the 4 minutes have passed it’s time to press the plunger. Do this firmly and with even pressure and don’t stop and start as this can disturb the coffee grounds.

Serve the coffee in pre-heated mugs and enjoy!

F.A.Q.s

What brand of French Press is best?

Bodum has a wide range of really well-designed french presses to suit any need. Whether it’s a classic glass carafe or a stainless steel insulated design you’re after, the Chambord, Brazil, or Columbia will fulfill your needs.

Why you shouldn’t use a French Press?

Some people avoid french presses because they brew coffee that contains a high volume of natural oils found in the beans. These oils are readily absorbed by paper filters but the mesh filters let them through. Coffee oils contain the bad type of cholesterol that can contribute to heart and vascular issues. Although the levels of these shouldn’t be an issue in a healthy individual, if you have a heart condition or are concerned at all, check with your physician.

What is the best material for a French Press?

Glass is a popular choice as this allows you to watch your coffee brew and non-porous glass (like borosilicate) brews a very clean tasting cup of coffee. Another great choice is food-grade stainless steel. This material also avoids holding onto flavors and odors and brews a great cup of coffee.

How do I find a good French Press?

The best french press for you depends on your needs. The size needs to suit how many cups you need but don’t forget to check the actual size of the carafe as cup size is not standardized. 8 cups could mean 34, 40, or 48 oz.

Next, decide if you want a glass or stainless steel carafe, and finally, set a price. Once you have all your parameters decided you can look down our list to find the perfect choice for you.

More French Presses Reviewed

Best For Large Batches of Coffee – KONA French Press Coffee Press Maker

If you need a coffee maker for a busy office or place that houses many coffee lovers then you need a large capacity french press. This Kona coffee maker can brew a liter of coffee so that’s enough for 8 cups of coffee. The glass beaker is made of thick, shock-resistant borosilicate glass so isn’t as delicate as other glass options out there.

The plastic housing is all BPA free and the mesh filter comes apart easily for cleaning. It’s also dishwasher safe making clean-up even easier. This French press even comes with a measuring spoon to help get you brewing straight away.

Best French Press Options For Keeping Coffee Warm

Top Choice – Frieling Double-Walled Stainless-Steel French Press Coffee Maker

The Frieling French press is the best stainless steel coffee maker to keep the hot water piping hot whilst your coffee is brewing. It’s made of the best quality steel that cleans up easily and never holds onto stains or odors. The spout is designed to be drip-free so avoids any annoying mess as you pour your coffee out.

The two-stage filter is designed to effectively remove all grounds during the filtering stage so you end up with a clean cup of joe. This French press comes in five different sizes and has the option of brushed or polished stainless steel to best suit your home.

Runner Up – Bodum Columbia Thermal French Press Coffee Maker

Bodum has secured another spot on our list with their take on the insulated French press. The Columbia is has a unique and attractive look with curved edges and a delicate plunger. It comes in 3 size options to suit every need including a 17 oz, 34 oz, and 51 oz carafe.

It’s really comfortable to hold with the rounded handle and the double walls keep the outside cool to touch. The steel exterior is polished to a mirror finish making it a beautiful piece to have in your kitchen. The lid helps seal in all that heat and you can twist it round to seal the spout off in-between pours.

Budget Option – Secura French Press Coffee Maker

Need toasty hot coffee on a budget? Secura has got you covered! This coffee maker has all the features you’d hope for in an insulated french press but at a small price. It comes in 3 size options to suit any home, 17, 34, and 51 ounces.

The 3 layer filter fits snugly to trap all those gritty bits of coffee at the bottom of the pot. The double-wall keeps your coffee piping hot whilst it brews and the lid helps insulate it as well. The handle and plunger are designed to be cool to the touch so safe to use.

The Secura French press is an attractive design with a sturdy base and is perfect for home or office use.

Best Design Option – Le Creuset Stoneware French Press

If you have any Le Creuset cookware in your home then you’ll understand the superior quality of these pieces. The press is finished with an enamel coating that’s non-porous so won’t absorb stains or odors.

The trick with this french press is you do need to preheat it with boiling water before you start brewing coffee. The stoneware will hold the heat pretty well but isn’t as efficient as a double-wall insulated option. Pro tip – use the hot water to warm your coffee cup while the french press brews, rather than discarding it straight away.

This is a high-quality, sturdy coffee pot that wins out when it comes to aesthetics.

Don’t Forget The Coffee Grinder

OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

No matter what kind of coffee you enjoy best, be it French press, espresso, Aeropress, pour-over, or even a trusty drip coffee maker, without a good quality coffee grinder, you’ll never make great tasting coffee.

This conical burr grinder by Oxo has 15 grind settings including micro sizes to create any grind you need. Burrs ensure a cool and even grind and the grinding chamber has been designed to fight static so won’t make a mess of your kitchen.

A UV tint helps keep the coffee fresh and the hopper can hold 12 ounces of fresh beans. Just remember that for the french press you need a coarse grind and you’ll be brewing like a barista in no time.

Final Thoughts

So that’s it for french press coffee makers. Whether it’s a large batch of coffee to satisfy a busy office or you need it extra hot to last you all morning, there’s a coffee maker here to suit you. Best of luck on your coffee brewing journey, I wish you a bold and tasty cup of joe, every day!