How To Choose The Best French Press Coffee Maker: 2023 Guide

So this confusion was my excuse to do some geeky coffee research/testing to find the best coffee press out there. Get ready to put aside your drip coffee maker machine and graduate into the next stage of your coffee journey!

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How Does a French Press Work?

Sometimes called a press pot or coffee plunger pot, the science behind how a French Press works is simpler than it seems. In essence, the device is just a coffee pot where you immerse grounds in hot water for several minutes. But instead of a paper filter, the French Press system relies on a metal or mesh filter that plunges the grounds to the bottom.

This style of brewed coffee falls under the general category of immersion coffee brewing, and the major draw is the combination of simplicity and rich flavor.

⬇Want to Skip the Geeky Details? Go directly down to my top recommendation!⬇

Why Use a French Press for Coffee Making?

Whether it is drip coffee or espresso, you can make great coffee at home with any method once you have the skills. Refer to this basic coffee-making guide or this specific French Press recipe for the details. But skills aside, why do people prefer to use a French Press for coffee making?

The answer is the uniquely bold and hearty flavor profile you can get with a coffee press. Without a paper filter, the resulting brew contains fine particles that give a heavy mouthfeel and intense taste. And besides this stronger coffee, the French press makes brewing coffee much easier than more complicated recipes like AeroPress or manual pour overs. Additionally, knowing how to use a French Press for coffee making also means you can use it to make cold brew coffee.

Overall Best French Press Coffee Maker: My Pick

Before getting into the details of each press, let’s check out my top pick for this year and why I chose it:

In short, the combination of affordable price and classic design by a reputable company earned the win for the Bodum Original French Press: Chambord. The beauty of French Press coffee making is its simplicity, and besides the higher quality materials, this design has not fundamentally changed since the 1950s.

The look is classic, its 34-ounce size is perfect for multiple cups, and brewing with it is easy. Many may prefer the newer models below for upgraded filters, bigger sizes, all-metal materials, or heat-sealing ability. But for me, I love having a classic French Press with the standard metal filter around the house!

At a Glance: Other Top Coffee Press Options Compared

Ahead of the more detailed reviews, here are the best coffee press products that made the cut:

Other French Presses I Reviewed

• BAYKA French Coffee Press: Best Glass French Press
• Mueller French Press: Most Durable
• ESPRO – P3 French Coffee Maker: Best for Filtration
• Stanley 48oz Coffee French Press: Best for Size and Insulation

7 Best French Presses: Detailed Reviews and Buying Guide

With that overview of your choices in mind, let’s do a more detailed review of each brewer.

Bodum French Press Chambord

Bodum is a well-established name in the coffee world, and the Chambord is the Bodum original French Press and one of their most popular products. You likely recognize this classic French Press design, which is elegant and functional. This coffee press has had the same design since the 1950s, which is a fantastic showcase of the classic simplicity of French Press coffee.

Besides the durable borosilicate glass carafe, there is a stainless steel frame and lid with chrome plating for aesthetics and extra protection. Unlike many newer models with cloth filters, the Chambord maintains the standard French Press metal mesh filter for that classic immersion flavor. The only downsides are the size limitation and inability to travel.

Pros

• Classic and elegant design
• Durable stainless steel frame
• Three-part stainless steel mesh filter for thorough extraction/filtration

Cons

• The glass beaker is not ideal for traveling.

Takeaway

With a classic design from a time-tested company and an affordable price, the Bodum Chambord earned my top pick. Only reconsider if you need a bigger size, wish to travel with a metal press, or want filtration different from a standard metal mesh.

Fellow Clara Coffee Press

Fellow is a regular premium recommendation on this website because of its aesthetics and design. And this Fellow Clara Coffee Press is no exception. The matte black finish looks sleek, and the double-wall insulation will keep your brew hot for hours. And if you tend to dislike finding coffee grounds and oils in your brew, you will love the enhanced filtration mesh that removes more sludge and oil than a traditional French Press filter. One downside is the 24oz size, which may not be enough for some.

Fellow even spent the time to make an all-direction spout design that makes pouring as easy as possible. Additionally, Fellow’s design solves one of the most frustrating aspects of making French Press coffee: the cleanup. With a non-stick interior material, used coffee grounds fall out far more easily. It may not be as fast a cleanup as the AeroPress, but it’s a significant improvement!

Pros

• Sleek and modern design
• Dual filters for cleaner brews
• Double-wall vacuum heat retention
• Non-stick interior material (aka easier cleanup)
• Unique spout for precise pouring

Cons

• Expensive
• 24 oz. (3 cups only)

Takeaway

If you are familiar with the Fellow brand, the combination of beauty and function of the Fellow Clara should not surprise you. It is perfect for those who will pay a premium price and want a cleaner-tasting French Press flavor. Plus, Fellow even has a model with walnut accents that looks even more beautiful.

Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee Maker

Next is my budget-friendly recommendation, the Bodum Brazil. You can tell by the basic appearance that this is a less elegant product than others in this lineup. But for French Press brewing, simplicity is not as big of a problem. You may not love the aesthetics of the plastic handle/base, but the heat-resistant borosilicate glass brews coffee just fine.

Plus, the plastic is BPA-free polypropylene and dishwasher safe. You may find the metal filter to allow too many fines and oils through, but you get what you pay for on that front. And with three size options (12, 34, or 51 oz,) you can choose a size that best fits your needs.

Pros

• Extremely affordable
• Available in multiple sizes and colors
• BPA-free plastic base and handle
• Stainless steel plunger

Cons

• Plastic components may not be as durable.
• Some users report occasional grounds in the brew.

Takeaway

The Bodum Brazil might not be as visually pleasing or well-designed as their more expensive model. But compared to the cheapest coffee presses (some for even less than ten dollars,) you are getting a decent product from a reputable company.

BAYKA French Coffee Press

The BAYKA French Coffee Press has a stainless steel frame that comes in multiple colors, including copper. The borosilicate glass container was thicker than other models and seemed to retain heat much better. And the measurements printed on the side were a nice touch, especially if you have to brew without a scale.

But the standout feature of this glass press pot was its four layers of filtration: a metal mesh filter, a spring disk, a metal cross plate, and a final mesh screen. The overall construction was not as sturdy as other models, but I was impressed by the sediment-free filtration. Also, as I tracked this product on Amazon in preparation for this review, I found it was often up to 40 percent discounted!

Pros

• Stainless steel frame construction for durability
• Durable borosilicate glass that has fantastic heat retention
• Measurements in scoops/ounces printed on the side
• Four filter layers for a cleaner flavor

Cons

• Plastic lid
• The plunger sometimes falls unexpectedly.

Takeaway

I loved the look of this BAYKA press, and the measurements on the glass helped when brewing without a scale. The multiple filters definitely removed more fines and oils, but the overall construction was not as nice as the Bodum Chambord.

Mueller French Press

As you can see from the picture, next is my choice for the most durable product, the Mueller French Press. Made from 310 18/10 double-layered stainless steel, this press is as durable as it looks. The two layers are fantastic at retaining heat, and the handle makes pouring comfortable. Go ahead and pack this thing for traveling without worry.

Plus, I was surprised to find that the durability did not come at the expense of good coffee. The four layers of the filter performed well at removing grounds. But since they are all metal, the plunger still allows some oils and sediment into the cup, something many people prefer! Lastly, they include a bonus travel canister for storing beans/grounds.

Pros

• 310 18/10 double-layered stainless-steel: highly durable
• Bonus travel canister for beans/grounds
• Multi-layered filter for less sediment
• Comfortable ergonomic handle
• 20oz and 34oz sizes

Cons

• Lid design might lead to occasional leaks
• Less aesthetically pleasing

Takeaway

While I love the look of the glass models, I’ve definitely broken a few over the years. But this Mueller Press was the most durable construction I could find that still had a high-quality filter and brewed delicious coffee.

ESPRO P3 French Coffee Maker

Next is the ESPRO P3, a coffee press that stands out for its unique filter. Besides the two mesh filters (one fine, the other micro-fine,) there is also a double-layer silicone seal at the outer edge of the plunger that prevents all coffee fines from escaping. So if you crave the simplicity of French Press brewing but enjoy a cleaner cup, this brewer is probably for you.

The plastic frame is not as nice as the metal ones I reviewed earlier, but it is plenty durable. The German-engineered Schott-Duran glass is quite thick, and I found it to have a solid feel and good heat retention.

Pros

• Two layers of mesh microfilters
• Silicone seal on the plunger to remove all coffee fines
• BPA-free plastic frame with Schott-Duran glass
• Available in multiple sizes

Cons

• Relatively higher price point
• Occasional filter replacement is necessary

Takeaway

The appearance and construction of the ESPRO P3 French Coffee Maker are not the main draw. But its unique dual microfilters and silicone seal made it stand out for making one of the cleanest tasting coffees!

Stanley 48oz Coffee French Press

Based on the picture alone, you can probably tell why I chose this Stanley Press Pot as the best for size and insulation. This 48oz Stanley classic coffee press has BPA-free 18/8 stainless steel walls with two layers that insulate hot beverages for up to four hours. The design may be bulky (and heavy,) but trust us, this thing delivers on insulation.

My logic is that these larger-sized press pots are best suited for traveling anyway, especially activities like hiking/camping. So a durable construction and fantastic insulation are the priorities. Lastly, expect a standard French Press mouthfeel from its metal mesh plunger screen (medium amount of sludge/fines.)

Note: This Coffee Gator French Press has a similar design and function at a slightly cheaper price. I did not personally test it but may add it to future French Press buying guides.

Pros

• Large capacity for serving multiple cups
• Durable stainless steel construction
• Double-wall vacuum insulation (4 hours hot)
• Dishwasher safe

Cons

• A bulky design and heavy weight (3 pounds)
• Basic plunger/filter

Takeaway

The Stanley 48oz Coffee French Press is not the product meant to fit nicely into your kitchen decor. But if you want something durable, large, and good with heat insulation, this pot is the way to go.

What To Look For in Quality French Press Coffee Makers

Now that you have seen the details of each French Press for coffee making, let’s go over specific considerations that will help you decide.

Best Coffee Press Material: Glass or Stainless Steel?

For the majority of coffee presses, your main material choice is between glass and stainless steel. Glass is more elegant and many will say it leads to better flavor. But there’s no denying the durability of a stainless steel French Press, especially if you plan to travel with it. Steel designs also tend to have better heat retention, so long as you pre-heat them before brewing.

You may also see ceramic or porcelain materials, such as this DHPO Ceramic French Press or this Le Creuset Stoneware French Press. These designs can be visually pleasing but run the risk of breaking more easily.

Selecting a Size

Most of the links here send you to a 32-34 oz. coffee press, which serves four standard cups of coffee. Certain models come in multiple sizes, which I indicate in the features section. Try to choose the number of cups you will most often brew, and remember to add a few ounces extra since the coffee takes up space!

French Press Filter Types

The classic French Press design uses a metal mesh plunger, which is why this method has a reputation for rich/oily brews with a heavy mouthfeel. The sediment and fine particles alter the flavor and body.

But newer models like the Fellow Clara and ESPRO-P3 have micro filters that remove a lot more coffee grounds/fines. Choose these if you love brewing lighter roasts and wish to highlight the more delicate acidity with clarity. But go with the standard metal filters if you enjoy that classic grit of French Press brews.

French Coffee Press vs Other Methods

So if you’re curious about these differences, refer to these articles comparing the French Press with specific methods:

• French Press vs Pour Over Coffee: Which Is Better For You?
• AeroPress vs French Press: What’s Different & How To Choose

How To Use a French Press

Since a coffee plunger is one of the simpler brewing methods, learning how to make delicious coffee is not difficult. Let’s check out the basics.

Basic Recipe

1. Measure: Use 1 gram of coffee per 12ml of water. For an 8-cup French Press, that is 55 grams of coffee and 660 ml of water(22 fluid ounces.) Measure with a scale if possible.
2. Boil: Heat water with an electric kettle, using extra water for pre-heating. Boiling water temperature is fine since it falls to the ideal temp as it mixes with coffee grounds.
3. Brew: Grind coarsely, add ground coffee to the press, pour in hot water, and stir gently.
4. Steep: Place the lid on the press without plunging and let it steep for about 4 minutes.
5. Press: Slowly press down the plunger to separate the grounds from the coffee.

For more detailed steps and geeky information about how to use a French Press, check out this Ultimate French Press Recipe.

Dialing In a Coarse Grind Size

French coffee makers usually call for a coarse grind to avoid over-extraction and too much sediment in the final brew. But all coffee beans are different and have a sweet spot of grind size to get that perfect extraction. This flexibility is why having a coffee grinder at home is so critical.

When in doubt, aim for a grind size that resembles bread crumbs. There is also this ultimate coffee grinding guide to help educate you on all of the necessary details.

See Also: Why Is My French Press Hard To Press: 3 Causes & Fixes

The Best Coffee for French Press Method

Coffee flavors vary based on the origin and roast of a bean. Generally, people enjoy dark roast beans with a French coffee maker since it aligns with the bold flavor and body (French roast coffee is extra dark.)

But medium and light coffee roasts can also taste fantastic. Some of my favorite beans include:

• Stumptown Medium Roast
• Counter Culture Big Trouble Blend
• La Colombe Corsica Dark Roast

Final Thoughts on French Presses

Even a coffee aficionado can appreciate the simplicity and beauty of pouring a hot coffee from the French Press. Besides being a classic brewing method, you also get uniquely bold flavors and thick textures. It may not make the perfect brew for every coffee, but I love having one around the house. And hopefully, you now have a solid grasp on how to choose the best French Press for you!

Coffee Press FAQs