A French press, also known as a cafetière or coffee press, is a type of coffee maker used to brew coffee by steeping coarsely ground beans in hot water. It consists of a cylindrical glass or stainless steel pot with a plunger and a metal or nylon mesh filter. To use a French press, you will need coarsely ground coffee beans, hot water, and a heat source. Here’s how to make coffee with a French press:
- Begin by heating water to just below boiling point (around 200°F).
- While the water is heating, place the coffee grounds in the French press.
- Once the water is heated, pour it over the grounds in the French press.
- Allow the coffee to steep for about four minutes.
- After four minutes, press the plunger down slowly to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee.
Pour the brewed coffee into a mug or carafe and enjoy!
French press coffee makers are popular because they are relatively simple to use and produce a rich, full-bodied coffee with a strong flavor. They are also relatively inexpensive compared to other types of coffee makers.
We selected seven of the best rated French press coffee makers carafes in the market, and we will show you what they have to offer, and how to get the best one for your needs.
Best French Press Coffee Makers: Our Top 7 Choices
1. Sterling Pro Double Wall Stainless Steel, Our Best French Press Maker
- INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Getting coffee grounds in your mouth while drinking coffee is something no one wants. The unique...
- DOUBLE-WALL 18/10 STAINLESS STEEL: The interior wall keeps coffee and tea warm for longer, while the exterior wall...
- RUST RESISTANT & DISHWASHER SAFE: Designed to last for years, stainless steel is sturdier, easier to clean, and...
- MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS: Besides using the french press as a coffee maker, it is also the best appliance to make tea,...
The first model of our list is a great French press developed by a renowned brand manufacturing coffee machine of many kinds. Their products are some of the best in the market. This model itself being listed as #1 top seller and most wished product in the general coffee servers list of web stores like Amazon, competing with so many other of its kind, that is a big deal just to say a few and, nonetheless, this is the first of two SterlingPro French coffee press of our list.
This relic is a completely made on stainless steel made on a double wall, so it works like a terrific thermos bottle, the coffee is kept warm for as long as 2 hours on the ideal temperature. The filter system is the standard dual and this coffee maker can also be used for teas and able to prepare up to 34 oz. a time.
Features:
- Completely made on stainless steel with dual wall construction
- Capacity for up to 34 oz.
- Dual filter system
Benefits:
- The stainless steel won’t rust or damage. You can even wash it on your dishwasher with the convenient soap for dishwashers, it won’t stick residual soap and it won’t taint.
- The dual wall built is ideal to keep the coffee warm for up to 2 hours. It works like a thermos bottle and also ensures the coffee won’t lose heat to the lid and holder also made on steel.
- The dual filter system of the SterlingPro French press is one of the best in the market and ensures you will get no coffee ground or tea leaves on your cup, only the infusion.
- Original listing price from goes from medium to high $$ range.
2. Secura French Press Coffee Maker
- 1. 5 Liter stainless steel French Press coffee maker. Both the exterior and the interior are made from top quality...
- 3-LAYERED STAINLESS STEEL FILTER STRUCTURE traps the smallest coffee grounds to produce an exceptional full-bodied...
- BONUS Stainless Steel Screen included with this French press coffee maker. The filter screen is easy to disassemble...
- This French press coffee maker comes with our "Cool" touch handle and knob for comfortable and safe pouring
The Secura French Press is another top model completely made of stainless steel on our list. It is the only one that is available on two ounces capacities, from 34 or 50 ounces. It is not dual walled which is different from the SterlingPro double wall stainless steel French coffee press. As a result, the coffee or tea will not be kept warm for that long.
However the Secura French does have thermal isolation for handlers and lid, so you don’t need to worry about the beverage losing even more heat from these parts of the coffee press.
Alongside the two options of capacity for the coffee press, this model also offers a three layered filter system, this is ideal for the preparation of infusions with smaller coffee ground or coffee grounds that are grinded more intensively. Likewise, grained tea types are most likely to be successfully infused with this press than with others of dual layers.
Features:
- Made on single stainless wall. Lid and holder also made on stainless steel.
- 3 layered filter system
- Available on 34 oz. and 50 oz. capacities.
Benefits:
- The 3 layered filter system offers better results for smaller or more grinded grains while dual filter models won’t do that job that well in this scenario.
- The lid and the holder and thermal isolated so you won’t need to worry about hurting your fingers or using a cloth or something to protect yourself.
3. Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee and Tea Maker
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to...
- FRENCH PRESS: CHAMBORD French press brews a premium cup of coffee in just 4 minutes, simply add course ground...
- COFFEE CARAFE: Made of durable, heat-resistant borosilicate glass with a BPA free plastic handle and base; easy to...
- STAINLESS STEEL: 3-part stainless steel plunger has a mesh filter that helps extract your coffee's aromatic oils...
This is the first of three models of our best French coffee maker list that are made on glass instead of stainless steel.
Glass has its advantages compared to stainless steel, like, for example, it will actually be a better thermal insulating than one layered only stainless steel machines. This model also has a stainless steel insulated shell to avoid even more the heat dissipation and a stainless steel lid isolated by a plastic liner to ensure damage control on your hands. This is also a dual layered filter system coffee press.
Features:
- Made on glass with stainless steel insulated outer shell
- Lid made on stainless steel
- Capacity for up to 34 oz.
- Dual filter system
Benefits:
- The glass keeps the coffee warmer for longer with the help of the protective outer shell that insulates the carafe.
- You can wash it on your dish washer – though don’t use soap to do not damage the glass. Stainless steel parts are soap residual proof tough.
4. MIRA 34 oz Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker
- ● Durable Construction: Made from high-quality 18/10 stainless steel that is built to last. Unlike glass French...
- ● Quick & Easy Enjoyment: Create a delicious pot of hot coffee in a snap with our coffee press. Simply measure...
- ● Bolder Flavors & Aromas: The French press features an ultra-fine mesh filter that perfectly filters coffee...
- ● Versatile & Portable: Use your French press to make large quantities of piping hot coffee, cold brew coffee or...
Mira’s stainless-steel double wall pot comes in 3 colors and is a stylish addition to any kitchen or coffee nook.
Stainless Steel design creates a durable product that won’t shatter or crack while staying cool to the touch while filled with hot liquids. The stainless steel doesn’t alter the taste of your coffee.
Uses an ultra-fine mesh filter that filters coffee grounds and teas to reduce acids and eliminate the taste of a paper filter. Another nice feature of this French press is that it includes 3 extra filters.
Features:
- 34 oz. capacity
- Double walled pot
- Unique air pocket seals rim of filter
- Maskes both coffee and loose leaf tea
Benefits:
- The coffee maker includes one additional set of two screen filters for free so ensure you can use the french coffee press for much longer than other models with no extra investment.
- The double wall design keeps the pot cool to the touch and the liquid piping hot inside.
- It;s highly rated stainless steel French press design is unbreakable, shatterproof and won’t crack.
5. Meelio Small French Press Coffee Maker
- Double-Wall Stainless Steel: Meelio french press made from double-layered 18/10 stainless steel, tough, durable and...
- Filter Screen System: The coffee maker has a 3-Layer Filter System to lock the natural oils and flavors of coffee...
- Insulated Design: Double-wall construction of Meelio coffee press provides superior heat retention. The interior...
- User-Friendly Design: This coffee maker is designed with a cool-touch handle for comfortable and safe pouring. The...
The last stainless steel model of our list is quite similar to the Sterling Pro. But comes in different sizes (12,34,50 oz respectively) and two colors silver and black with a stylish copper top.
The 3-layer filter keeps grounds out of your coffee while letting essential oils in.
The insulated walls keep your beverage warm for 60 minutes more that a glass walled pot allowing you to enjoy your coffee for longer. We did find the sides seem to feel warmer than other models but it still was manageable.
Features:
- U-Shaped Pouring Spout
- 3 different capacity sizes available
- Precise scale marks on the side of the pot
- 3-layered filter system
Benefits:
- 3-layer filter removes majority of the sediment
- Durable design over glass models
- Two color schemes available to accommodate different decor
6. KONA French Press Coffee, Tea and Espresso Maker
- SIMPLY THE PUREST WAY ~ extract & brew any tea leaf or coffee bean's essential oils into a single glass carafe....
- PROTECTIVE DESIGN ~ unique & attractive insulated outer shell not only easy to admire on the kitchen counter but...
- COMFORTABLE HANDLE ~ is durable & sturdy, clever design for free flowing & effortless pouring to your mug which...
- EASY TO CLEAN Dishwasher & Microwave Safe with detachable stainless steel filter screen system with a quick and...
The second last model of our list, this KONA press is a quite outstanding French press with a sturdy glass cup and stainless steel filter screen that is mounted on three different parts. The lid of this coffee maker is made of plastic free from BPS and BPA, even though the coffee never touches the lid even when you are pouring it on your cup. All parts of this coffee machine are detachable and washable on your dish washer.
Features:
- Capacity up to 34 oz
- 3 piece stainless still filter screen
- Lid free of BPS/BPA
- Rubber plunger knob
- Insulated outer shell
Benefits:
- Ideal to brew and extract any kind of tea of loose leaves or the essential oil of whole beans of coffee. You can also make use of manual coffee grinder to prepare traditional espressos.
- The machine works like a jar and is portable and sealed when the lid is adequately closed, so you can carry it around like a travel mug.
- You can wash this french press on your washing machine. All parts are detachable (filter screen, outer shell, lid)
7. Le Creuset Stoneware French Press
- Premium stoneware is designed for everyday use
- Colorful glaze is nonporous, non-reactive and resistant to chips, scratches and stains
- Virtually nonstick glazed surface easily releases food for quick clean-up, and resists cracking and crazing
- Superior heat retention keeps food warm or cold for serving
We are saving the best for last – if style is used as the sole criteria. This expensive French Press is made by the famous stoneware company, Le Creuset.
Features and Benefits:
- Most beautiful glaze like the color of the Caribbean Sea.
- Resistant to chips and stains, and easy to clean.
- Capacity up to 34 oz.
- It also has excellent heat retention.
- The press is made of stainless steel and mesh, machine washable.
- You can steep coarsely ground coffee for a rich cup of aromatic coffee. Or, you can also steep loose tea leaves in it for an afternoon tea, if you like.
- This premium French Press comes with a 10-year warranty by the manufacturer Le Creuset.
French Press Coffee Maker Considerations
What is a French Coffee Press After All?
Have you heard about them but has no clue what makes them different from other coffee machines? To put it simply, they are not actually machines but a system to make infusions with coffee grounds coarsely ground, or sometimes not even grounded.
This makes a much more natural and healthy coffee. Many essential oils of the coffee are lost when you prepare espressos based on ground coffee powder, because some of these oils are lost to the ambient due to decomposition in contact with the air or when you brew it with paper.
French press coffee “machines” are actually carafes with a singular filter system to make infusions. You pour the coffee grounds, tamp them with the filter, pour hot water and let it sit for some minutes. The filter keeps the grounds separated from the infusion, and you have something like a tea coffee, even though it will be as strong as brewed coffee.
What Are the Advantages of a Good French Press Coffee Maker ?
There are several advantages to using a French press coffee maker:
- Easy to use: French presses are relatively simple to use, making them a good choice for coffee lovers who are new to brewing coffee at home.
- Affordable: French presses are generally less expensive than other types of coffee makers, such as espresso machines.
- Full-bodied flavor: French press coffee has a rich, full-bodied flavor that is often described as “strong” or “intense.” This is because the coffee grounds are in contact with the water for a longer period of time, resulting in a more extracted brew.
- Adjustable brewing time: French presses allow you to control the brewing time by adjusting the steeping time of the coffee grounds. This allows you to customize the flavor of your coffee to your liking.
- Durable: French presses are generally made of glass or stainless steel, which makes them durable and long-lasting.
- Portable: French presses are relatively small and lightweight, making them easy to take with you on the go.
- Environmental benefits: French presses do not require paper filters, which means they produce less waste compared to other types of coffee makers.
Overall, French presses are a good choice for coffee lovers who appreciate a strong, full-bodied flavor and are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use coffee brewing method.
How to use a French Press
How To Find the Best One?
Based on our list, that will depend whether you want to infuse whole ground coffees, coarse ground coffees or intensively ground coffee and the same goes for teas leaves/grains. The tiniest the coffee or tea, the more layers you will need. The filter system is used to ensure that you will have only an infusion and not a beverage full of solids or leaves so it up to you to decide which machine will work better for the use you are intending.
Likewise, these carafes are not thermos bottles, so they will not keep the coffee warm for several hours, on the other hand, some constructions are better insulating builds than others. The thing here is, the longer the water remains on the ideal temperature for infusion – around 97 ºC – the better the infusion will be.
French Press Ratio, Whats your Number?
The best ratio of coffee to water for a French press coffee maker will depend on personal preference, but a good starting point is about 1:15, or one part coffee to 15 parts water. This means that for every 1 gram of coffee, you will use 15 grams of water, or about 0.5 ounces of coffee per 8 ounces of water.
However, this is just a starting point, and you may need to adjust the ratio based on your personal taste preferences and the strength of the coffee you prefer. Some people prefer a stronger, more concentrated coffee, while others prefer a weaker, more diluted brew.
Here are a few things to consider when adjusting the coffee-to-water ratio:
- Bean type and roast: Different types of beans and roasts will have different flavor characteristics, so you may need to adjust the ratio to suit the specific beans you are using.
- Grind size: Coarser grinds will require a higher coffee-to-water ratio, while finer grinds will require a lower ratio.
- Strength preference: As mentioned above, some people prefer a stronger, more concentrated coffee, while others prefer a weaker, more diluted brew. Adjust the ratio accordingly to suit your preference.
Ultimately, the best coffee-to-water ratio for a French press will depend on your personal taste preferences and the specific beans and roast you are using. Experiment with different ratios to find the one that works best for you.
How Long to Steep French Press?
The steeping time for French press coffee is an important factor that can affect the flavor of the final brew. Generally, it is recommended to steep French press coffee for about four minutes. This will allow the coffee grounds to fully extract into the water, resulting in a rich, full-bodied coffee with a strong flavor.
However, the steeping time can be adjusted to suit personal preference. Some people prefer a stronger, more concentrated coffee and may choose to steep their coffee for a longer period of time, while others prefer a weaker, more diluted brew and may choose to steep their coffee for a shorter period of time.
It’s worth noting that steeping coffee for too long can result in over-extraction, which can lead to a bitter or overly strong flavor. Conversely, steeping coffee for too short a period of time can result in under-extraction, which can lead to a weak or flavorless brew.
In general, it is best to start with a steeping time of around four minutes and adjust as needed based on personal preference. Experiment with different steeping times to find the one that works best for you.
What Do Our Reviews Have To Say?
These models are at first glance quite similar since this system is as well quite simple, but the devil is in the details here, especially when it comes to price. It is much better to get a glass French coffee press than a one layered steel one because of the thermal issues. On the other hand, some glass models like the KONA have an outer shell made of plastic, which is a better insulating material than the stainless steel shells.
Models like the SterlingPro made of glass however are better to compensate this because the glass is heat proof, while the other are not, but the filter systems have more layers and, depending on the brand, more prestige when it comes to keep the coffee grounds quite far from your beverage. You have to bear in mind quite clearly what you will infuse here to make the best option because depending on what you want, you will not need too much thermal capacities – for tinier ground coffees as they will infuse fast – or filter layers – for bigger grounds or whole beans.
They may look quite similar and simple, but the details make the whole difference depending on your purpose.