Keep in mind that these aren’t just for coffee. They’re useful for making a small pot of herbal tea or chai. They can also be used for small batches of cocktails, especially when there are spices or herbs involved since the plunging will help the oils infuse your drink. Learn what brands have the edge and the secret to brewing an unbelievably delicious cup of French press coffee (or cocktail!). Here are the best French press coffee makers to consider. What We Don’t Love: Plunger can be difficult to operate Available in three capacities, the Bodum Brazil French press combines the quality of the Bodum brand with large capacity and affordability. This French press uses BPA-free polypropylene for the base and handle, then stainless steel for the plunger and filter. The carafe is crafted from borosilicate glass, which is naturally heat-resistant and BPA-free. The 1.5-liter version of the Bodum Brazil offers a large-capacity format at an attractive price, some find the design of the base makes plunging tricky. Diehard Bodum fans may prefer the Chambord, which is also available in a 1.5-liter version. Price at time of publish: $37 Dimensions (LxWxH): 5.62 x 7.12 x 9.5 inches | Sizes Available: 12, 34, and 51 ounces What We Don’t Love: Glass carafe is fragile Affordable and available in three sizes—12 ounces, 21 ounces, and 34 ounces—the Veken French Press Coffee Maker is a reliable budget pick. The 34-ounce version weighs about 2 pounds. The borosilicate glass carafe has measurement lines to help you brew, while fine mesh filters manage to keep out most grit. There is also a slightly newer version, with a curved design, that costs a few more dollars, though both models are produced with the same materials. The glass carafe is on the delicate side, so you’ll need to be careful when using this French press coffee maker. Price at time of publish: $43 Dimensions (LxWxH): 8.3 x 6.5 x 4.1 inches | Sizes Available: 12, 21, and 34 ounces What We Don’t Love: Can be noisy Unlike their glass counterparts, stainless steel French presses won’t cool off quickly. Secura French Press Coffee Maker, which has a 34-ounce capacity and is built from 18/10 stainless steel with double walls to hold in the heat, brews smooth coffee that stays hot. The mesh filter has three layers, which you can adjust to your personal preference. Stacked together, the layers reduce the sludge often found in French press coffee. Even though it’s made of metal, the 34-ounce Secura stainless steel coffee maker only weighs 2.4 pounds, and the handle stays cool during the brew. The best part is it’s all dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. The biggest downside is the noise associated with plunging, as metal scrapes on metal. Price at time of publish: $40 Dimensions (LxWxH): 6.7 x 6.1 x 9.8 inches | Sizes Available: 12, 17, 34, and 50 ounces What We Don’t Love: Sediment passes through the filter At 2 pounds and less than 10 inches tall, this 48-ounce French press is compact and lightweight enough to bring on camping trips, yet strong enough to survive a few days of roughing it. As your day in nature progresses, the double-walled stainless steel design will keep the coffee hot long after you brew it. If anything does go wrong on the trail (bears need coffee too!), Stanley offers a lifetime warranty. What’s more, this French press is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup when you’re back on the grid. The biggest drawback is the filter isn’t fine enough to keep grit out of the final cup. Price at time of publish: $70 Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.1 x 4.9 x 9.5 inches | Sizes Available: 48 ounces What We Don’t Love: Very noisy when plunging Coffee Gator’s French press is designed for travel with an included travel canister for coffee, but its durability means you won’t want to limit its usage to trips. The layered stainless steel design keeps coffee hot for up to an hour after brewing, naturally resists rust, and won’t break like its glass counterparts. This French press does weigh 2.2 pounds, and it comes with a small canister for storing your beans. The biggest drawback is the loud whining noise when you plunge that comes from metal scraping metal. Price at time of publish: $55 Dimensions (LxWxH): 4 x 4 x 8.5 inches | Sizes Available: 34 ounces What We Don’t Love: Pricey Espro makes some of the best French presses on the market, and the P7 is its flagship model. One of its best features is the ultra-fine mesh filter that prevents coffee grounds from contaminating the final cup. Crafted from stainless steel with a double-walled design, this 2.2-pound French press will keep the coffee hot for hours after the initial brew. While the P7 is pricey, it’s durable and will last for decades, so it’s the only French press you’ll need. Price at time of publish: $150 Dimensions (LxWxH): 6.8 x 4.7 x 10.1 inches | Sizes Available: 18 and 32 ounces
What to Look for in a French Press Coffee Maker
Carafe Material
Borosilicate glass is commonly used for French presses, which achieves that clean aesthetic of seeing the smooth coffee being brewed fresh. They are great for carafes due to their heat-resistant and sturdy properties. Since you’ll constantly be pouring hot water into the carafe, a material that can endure that thermal shock is necessary. And if you enjoy iced coffee, you’ll want a carafe that can handle the extreme conditions of being transferred from room temperature to boiling hot to the fridge within minutes without the glass shattering. Keep in mind that glass carafes should not be stirred with a metal utensil as this can also contribute to cracking! The clear glass is ideal for those who like to watch the liquid being poured, with the exact measurements, as well as how much coffee you have left. If you need something more durable than borosilicate glass, stainless steel carafes are a great solid option. These fit best in households that have more of an everyday shatter risk, whether it be around children or simply clumsy hands. Although they come with a higher price tag, they are worth the investment. They can also retain the heat of your drink for a long time since the material seals the temperature.
Size
French press sizes can range from 12 to 50 ounces. If you live alone or prefer to make single batches, a 12-ounce press will suit you just fine. Just be aware that you will have to clean the carafe and its parts after each use. If you are someone that enjoys a few cups of coffee a day, or if this is for household use, look into a French press up to around 33 ounces. These will be sufficient for multiple cups at a time. Since French presses do require a little extra prep time and cleanup, we recommend using a larger size in order to make things as quick and convenient as possible.
Maintenance
French presses require more meticulous care than a standard coffee pot. This is because all the parts—the filter, lid, carafe, and plunger—need to be scrubbed clean after each use. The filter especially should be well-examined to ensure there is no sediments or stuck coffee grounds. Some French presses are labeled as dishwasher-safe, but it’s safest to hand wash with dish soap for delicacy’s sake anyway. Use a scrub brush for the carafe to avoid any staining. Move the plunger up and down in the carafe with warm water and soap to achieve a thorough cleaning. Separate the parts to dry. It’s important to clean as soon as possible. If you’re in a rush in the morning, this routine may add extra minutes you might not want to spare.
What coffee beans and coffee grind are best?
The best variety of coffee is what you most enjoy drinking, but medium or dark roast beans are generally recommended due to their higher concentration of coffee oils, which give French press coffee its depth. As for the grind, coarse is best. Stumptown Coffee Roasters recommends grinding beans to a breadcrumb consistency. Too fine and grounds will pass through the filter, giving your coffee a gritty mouthfeel.
How do you use a French press?
For a 4-cup French press coffee maker, measure and grind 4 tablespoons of beans. Put the grounds in the carafe, then fill the carafe halfway with hot water. Let the coffee steep for one minute, then stir the coffee into the water with a wooden spoon and top off the water level in the carafe. Let the coffee steep for 3 more minutes (4 minutes total), then plunge to stop the extraction. Glass carafes cool quickly, so drink ASAP for the best flavor and temperature.
What’s the best water temperature?
You can turn the water off just before the boil or around 205 degrees for optimal flavor. But if you miss those few seconds and the water begins to boil, turn off the heat and wait a minute before pouring it over your grounds. If the beans are freshly ground and you don’t allow them to steep for too long, you’ll still have a delicious cup of coffee.
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Lindsey Danis is a former professional cook and a food writer for retail and trade publications. Read Next: The Best Drip Coffee Makers
