A French Press is one of the most popular coffee makers out there and this is for a good reason. They are easy to use and clean, inexpensive to buy, take up little space in the kitchen, and above all else, they make great-tasting coffee. They’re more often a coffee-gadget for home than for a coffee shop.
Contrary to popular belief, french presses are not espresso makers; it’s a completely unique brew method in of itself.
The mesh filters remove the thick coffee ground sediment whilst leaving all the delicious coffee oils in the java so you get the fullest and most rounded flavor experience. These coffee makers can brew a huge range of size options so can suit everyones’ individual needs.
The glass french press looks stunning but is easily broken and doesn’t retain heat very well. If you need something that’s a bit more hard-wearing then an insulated, metal french press will serve you well. These models are designed with a double wall layer to trap in the heat yet they aren’t too hot to handle.
To help you choose a metal french press that best suits your needs I’ve narrowed down the vast array of options out there to give you the 10 best ones available on the market. Each one has been picked because it holds a unique feature that makes it stand out from the rest and all you have to do is decide which feature is the most important one for you.
So without further delay, let’s jump right in and discover the top picks for the best metal french press. For our top choice today we have the Barista Warrior Insulated Stainless Steel French Press with a built in thermometer.
Top Picks For Metal French Press
- 1. Top Choice – Barista Warrior Insulated Stainless Steel French Press with Thermometer
- 2. Runner Up – Frieling USA Double-Walled Stainless-Steel French Press Coffee Maker
- 3. Best For On-The-Go – Coffee Gator French Press Coffee Maker
- 4. Best Option For No Sediment – ESPRO P7 Double Walled Stainless Steel Insulated Coffee French Press
- 5. Best Unique Design – Nimble French Press Stainless Steel Insulated Double-walled Coffee Press
- 6. For Perfect Temperature – Bodum Columbia Thermal French Press Coffee Maker
- 7. Most Durable Option – Stanley French Press 48oz with Double Vacuum Insulation
- 8. Largest Capacity Option – SterlingPro French Press Coffee Maker
- 9. Glass Option – Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker with Locking Lid
- 10. Best Rustic Design – POLIVIAR French Press Coffee Maker
1. Top Choice – Barista Warrior Insulated Stainless Steel French Press with Thermometer
Brand: Barista Warrior
Size Options: 34 Ounces
Design: Stainless Steel, Thermometer, Double Wall
If you’re aiming to nail that perfect French Press brew, then you want to make sure that your are brewing at the perfect temperature.
The ideal temperature to brew coffee is between 195F and 205F. If it’s too cold, the coffee will taste thin and weak. If it’s too hot, the coffee will taste harsh and bitter.
With this Barista Warrior French Press, you won’t be brewing blind. It’s easy to read off the temperature and know that you’re brewing at the perfect temperature.
What’s more, it’s got built in double-wall insulation. So it’ll stay at that perfect temperature for longer!
2. Runner Up – Frieling USA Double-Walled Stainless-Steel French Press Coffee Maker
Brand: Frieling
Size Options: 17, 23, 36, and 44 Ounce
Design: Brushed or Polished Stainless Steel
This sleek and stylish model by Frieling is a stainless steel option that’s one of the best french press coffee makers for durability and for making great coffee. The double-wall stainless steel keeps coffee piping hot and the dual-layer mesh filter does a great job of separating the coffee from the grounds and the whole thing is stainless steel so durable and dishwasher safe.
The Frieling French Press gets around the classic sediment issue in french presses by using a dual-screen, zero sediment filter. This two-stage filter coupled with the 18/10 grade stainless steel delivers the smoothest cup of java you’ll ever taste from a French Press.
It comes in a brushed or polished finish so you can choose a style that best suits you. Another lovely design feature is the narrow spout that helps prevent drips and gives a nice, even pour.
Overall this is a really well-designed and practical option for brewing coffee and makes a delicious and flavorful cup of java.
3. Best For On-The-Go – Coffee Gator French Press Coffee Maker
If you, or someone you know, enjoys fresh coffee in the wilderness then this Coffee Gator French Press is a perfect choice. It’s extremely durable and the insulated walls give good heat retention to keep your coffee piping hot, even if it’s cold outside.
It comes in three color options – grey, pink, and silver so this makes an ideal gift. It also comes with a handy little coffee canister to store coffee beans or ground coffee in your hiking bag or suitcase.
It has a spring-loaded, double-screen filter and the fine mesh ensures a delicious and clean cup of coffee. This French Press can easily brew four cups of rich and delicious coffee and can make coffee-on-the-go a real barista-grade experience.
4. Best Option For No Sediment – ESPRO P7 Double Walled Stainless Steel Insulated Coffee French Press
If you love coffee but hate thick sediment then you need a French Press with an advanced filtration system. ESPRO has developed a patented, double micro-filter that removes all that thick grit from your coffee. It does this by passing the coffee through a basket-shaped, ultra-fine mesh filter that has two layers and a silicone seal around the edges to prevent any coffee grounds from escaping into your mug.
It comes in four lovely design options. These are polished stainless steel, brushed stainless steel, matte white, and matte black so there’s one to suit any kitchen.
This French press is a really well-thought-out design and a beautifully made piece that not only performs well but also looks great in your home.
5. Best Unique Design – Nimble French Press Stainless Steel Insulated Double-walled Coffee Press
Brand: Nimble
Size Options: 34 Ounces
Design: Stainless Steel Insulated, Patterned Finish
For those folk who love something a bit unique when it comes to their preferred brewing method then a French Press with a bit of character is a perfect choice. Nimble has come up with some stunning designs for their stainless steel, insulated French Press that are bound to steal the show.
With the option of Royal Stone, Makrana Marble, and English Walnut, you can really make a statement with this coffee pot. The double-wall design keeps your coffee hot whilst the heat-resistant handle remains cool to touch. All parts of this French Press are stainless steel so it’s extremely durable and completely BPA-free.
It’s an extremely beautiful coffee maker and doesn’t drip or make a mess when you pour. It’ll keep your coffee warm for several hours, especially if you pre-heat it with hot water. This is the perfect choice for any coffee lover who also likes to keep things unique.
How To Make The Best Coffee In Your French Press
Making coffee in a French Press is pretty different from pour over or espresso machine brewing methods. It’s easy to get right, but also super easy to burn your brew.
There are a few steps you can take to ensure the coffee you brew in your French Press tastes amazing. These instructions work across all models of French Press and will give your coffee game a major boost.
Water
When you think of brewing coffee it’s easy to forget how important the water is in this process. The simple fact is, if the water doesn’t taste good then neither will the coffee. It’s best to use filtered water to get the best tasting cup of java possible.
The second important point is the water temperature. If the water is too hot it will burn the coffee, leading to an over-extracted and bitter brew. If it’s too cold then the coffee will be under-extracted. Aim for water that’s between 195-205F to get the perfect taste.
Coffee Grind Size
You need to use the correct grind size of coffee to get the most out of your French Press. Coarsely ground beans give a rich and full flavor and don’t slip through the mesh filter as easily as a finer grind. The best option is to buy whole coffee beans and use a coffee grinder at home to grind up just enough for each batch. This helps because coffee loses a lot of its flavors and aromas as soon as it’s ground up so to get the most out of it, it’s best to grind it up fresh.
Ratio
The ratio of coffee to water is a variable topic. Everyone enjoys their coffee a little differently so there are no absolutes here. The best advice is to start with a 1:15 ratio of coffee to water (so for 36 ounces of water use 2.4 ounces of coffee) and see how you like it. If it’s too strong then try 1:16 or 1:17 next time. If you feel it’s too weak you can change the ratio to 1:14. Have a play around with it and see which option suits you best.
Bloom
Once you get your coffee and water ready to go the next thing to consider is the coffee ‘blooming’ stage. This is when the fresh coffee first touches the water and as it starts to expand it gives off carbon dioxide gas. This causes the coffee to bubble and move around.
Pour enough water to wet the coffee grounds (roughly the same amount of water as the coffee weighs or slightly more) and leave it for 30 seconds. This allows your coffee to bloom and then it’s ready for the brewing stage.
Pour and Stir
When you reach the end of the 30-second bloom stage top up the pot with the rest of the water. Give it a stir to ensure the coffee is fully submerged and then leave it for 4 minutes to brew. Don’t stir the mix again as this disrupts the coffee grounds so they won’t remain settled on the bottom and will cause more sediment in your cup.
Press
Once the four minutes have passed it’s time to press the plunger. Press down firmly and with even pressure so that the mesh glides through the liquid without sticking but not too fast as this can unsettle the grounds at the bottom of the carafe. This step removes the rest of the coffee grounds from the liquid and gives you a smooth tasting, grit-free brew.
French Press Buying Guide
Here are a few points to consider when you set out to buy a durable, metal French Press.
Capacity
How many people are going to be using the French Press? These coffee makers come in all shapes and sizes from single-serve to large enough to make up to 8 cups of java. Make sure you consider the size of cup you like to brew as well, whether it’s a large capacity travel mug or a smaller traditional one.
Filter Design
The design of the filter can impact how you use and enjoy your french press. Some designs are optimized for less sediment so you end up with a smoother tasting cup of joe. Some filters can be taken apart for easy cleaning which is ideal and also means you can replace parts if they become worn out over time. Make sure you choose a model that has at least a dual-layer filter if you love smooth, grit-free coffee.
Typically french presses utilize metal-mesh filters. Paper filters are not used in french presses because it would make pressing the plunger down very difficult. A french press with a tough plunger is a dangerous french press. Although if you think you would like your french press coffee run through a paper filter, and your drip coffee maker isn’t doing the trick for you, then an AeroPress might just be the ticket.
Lid/Spout
The lid of the french press can make or break it. A well-designed lid that seals the carafe can prevent spills and splashes as well as hold in the heat. A drip-free spout design also saves you loads of mess when brewing coffee.
Carafe Design
The advantage of the metal carafes is that they often have a double-wall design that helps insulate the coffee as it brews. Some come in a sleek, polished finish whereas others have scratch-resistant finishes or beautifully patterned designs.
Other Uses For Your French Press
A final, really useful hint when buying a French Press is that they can be used for a lot more than just making hot coffee. They’re perfect for making cold brew or for use as a tea maker with loose leaf tea. Another great option is you can use it as a milk frother if you press the plunger rapidly through milk to aerate it. This goes really well with the coffee to give a latte or cappuccino-type drink.
More Metal French Press’ Reviewed
6. For Perfect Temperature – Bodum Columbia Thermal French Press Coffee Maker
Next up we have the Bodum Columbian French Press which has a unique, rounded design. The double-wall insulates it, keeping your coffee hot yet is cool to touch the outside. It comes in three different size options to suit your needs.
The lid is designed to stay in place which helps avoid spills and the plunger has three layers to help sift out those coffee grounds, leaving a smooth and great-tasting cup of coffee.
It’s dishwasher safe so very easy to clean and stainless steel is naturally resistant to stains and odors. This is a durable and high-quality option that keeps your coffee warm for way longer than a glass carafe can.
7. Most Durable Option – Stanley French Press 48oz with Double Vacuum Insulation
If rugged and durable is exactly what you need from your French Press then Stanley is the brand for you! Known for their extremely well-made thermos flasks, this French press does not disappoint. It can keep your coffee warm for up to four hours thanks to its double vacuum insulated walls.
This press is built to last and comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s all dishwasher safe so easy to keep clean and all BPA-free. Stanley products are built to survive the great outdoors so there’s not much this product can’t handle.
It’s a generous size at 48 ounces (1.4 liters) and if you pair it with the Stanley thermos you can keep your coffee hot for even longer!
8. Largest Capacity Option – SterlingPro French Press Coffee Maker
Brand: Sterling Pro
Size Options: 1, 1.5, and 1.75 Litres
Design: Double Wall, Stainless Steel or Black Finish
Supposedly the largest French Press sold on Amazon, this SterlingPro model is ideal if you have a lot of coffee lovers to cater for. It comes in a few different sizes but the largest option can hold 1.75 liters so that’s nearly 60 ounces of hot coffee.
The double-wall helps hold in the heat to keep your coffee hot and at the perfect temperature for serving. The double mesh screen filter ensures grit stays at the bottom of the coffee pot and not in your mug.
This option comes in stainless steel or black finish so you can choose the one to best suit your style. The SterlingPro was awarded the 2018 Best French Press award so it’s not just us that love this design. It’s a really durable and well-made coffee maker and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so it’s a zero-risk purchase.
9. Glass Option – Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker with Locking Lid
Brand: Bodum
Size Options: 12, 17, and 34 Ounces
Design: Borosilicate Glass and Stainless Steel Frame
Just to mix things up, if you love the metal design but prefer to brew your coffee in a glass jug then this French Press is perfect. Bodum is a huge name when it comes to French Press options from their Bodum Brazil with a plastic finish to the sleek Bodum Columbia that’s completely stainless steel and then the Chambord meets them in the middle.
The jug is made from borosilicate glass that is non-porous so won’t absorb stains or smells. The main body is beautiful stainless steel as is the plunger. This option even has a locking lid which helps lock in the heat and prevents spills.
All plastic is BPA-free, it comes in three sizes to best suit your needs and it’s dishwasher safe as well. Bodum also does a Chambord French Press without the locking lid which is a good option if you like to keep things simple.
10. Best Rustic Design – POLIVIAR French Press Coffee Maker
Brand: Poliviar
Size Options: 34 Ounces
Design: Stainless Steel Insulated, Patterned Finish
If plain steel isn’t your thing then a more rustic design may be just what you’re after. Poliviar has really managed to step up the standard French Press design with this model. It comes in a gorgeous speckled grey design, a matte black, and shimmering titanium grey option all with rustic teak wooden handles.
The body is made from kitchen-grade stainless steel with a double-wall built-in to keep your coffee warm for hours. The stainless steel filter has two layers to keep sediment away from your coffee.
This French Press works great, is a unique and standout design and as an added bonus, comes with a 12-month warranty for peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
A metal french press is a durable and easy option for making great-tasting coffee at home, at work, or anywhere! The double-wall, insulated options are so handy for keeping your coffee lovely and hot to serve and these coffee makers come in all shapes and sizes to suit your needs. I hope this review has helped narrow down and organize the vast array of options out there so you can easily find the one that best suits you.
