Pick the Best French Press for Your Home:
Highly Rated Models for 2020
Model
Quick Description
Culinary Prestige | Contemporary Form + Function |
SterlingPro Double Wall | 100% Guaranteed No Grounds Coffee |
GROSCHE Madrid | Modern Design + Sturdy Construction |
FORLIFE Cafe Style Press | Rainbow of Colors in Lead-Free Ceramic |
Frieling USA Double Wall | Patented Dual Screen Design |
KONA | Popular Model with Contemporary Design |
Le Creuset Stoneware | Durable Stoneware in Multiple Colors |
Bodum Insulated Travel | Personal-Sized Brew and Carry |
Veken French Press | Affordable & user-friendly |
French Press Basics
Even though the French Press has been around for almost 100 years, it’s surging back in popularity. The strength and denseness of the coffee it creates is somewhere between a drip coffee machine and an espresso. And the simplicity of the press and the brewing method are very attractive if you’re looking for an uncomplicated way to make great coffee.
The process is actually very simple. (1) Grind and measure the coffee beans then pour them into the press. (2) Heat the water and pour over the coffee grounds. (3) Let the coffee and water sit and brew. (4) When done brewing, gently push down the plunger which traps the grounds at the bottom. (5) Serve the coffee.
There is a bit of a learning curve involved, but the results are well worth it. The size of the coffee grind, ratio of water to coffee, temperature of the water, and length of brew time all play important roles in the final result. But it’s easy to get started and then tweak the process to find exactly the taste you’re looking for.
Tips for Best Results
-
Start with the best quality water possible. If you don’t have filtered water, consider a
built-in filter or something like a Brita water pitcher or ZeroWater pitcher. - Use a scale to measure water and coffee, and a timer when brewing, so you can get consistent results.
- The grind is an important, some would say the most important, factor. Start with a coarse grind then adjust to suit your taste.
- Grind whole beans right before brewing for maximum freshness and flavor.
- Aim for a brewing water temperature between 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not use boiling water.
- Plunge gently to avoid stirring up the grounds.
- Pour off immediately so the coffee does not continue to brew.
Buyer's Checklist
-
CARAFE
Glass, plastic or steel? Glass presses allow you to see the entire coffee making process. But they are fragile, and broken carafes are a common complaint. Plastic carafes are not breakable. However, many people prefer to avoid plastics altogether. Stainless steel models are shatterproof and hold heat longer.
-
FILTER
Plastic or metal? Its very important that the filter fits snugly against the carafe to prevent grounds from escaping into the finished brew. If the edge of the filter is plastic, wear and tear can cause a breakdown of this seal over time. A metal edge will not break down over time, although it could be bent, which would affect the seal.
-
CLEANING
There are not many parts to clean, but be sure to check what the manufacturer recommends. Are they dishwasher safe?
-
CAPACITY
From single serve to 10 or more cups, what size will fit your drinking habits and lifestyle best? Remember that 1 “cup” probably doesn’t mean 8 ounces, so check total ounces for accurate volume.
Veken French Press
Affordable & User-friendly
This affordable and user-friendly French Press from Veken is perfect for friends and family interested in trying a new brewing method.
- Glass allows you to view the entire process.
- Quiet operation
- Precise measurement line
- Holds 1 liter (34 ounces)
Culinary Prestige French Press
Form + Function
The combination of borosilicate glass and chrome-finished stainless steel provides durability as well as a contemporary look and feel. If you don’t enjoy grounds in your cup, you’ll appreciate the double screen filter system that reduces sediment. Users consistently comment on the great coffee flavor and how easy it is for them to use.
- No plastic parts
- ‘No Questions Asked’ Satisfaction Guarantee
- Holds 1 liter (34 ounces)
- Dishwasher safe
SterlingPro Double Wall Stainless Steel
French Coffee Press
100% Guaranteed No Grounds Coffee
This company puts its money where its mouth is with a guarantee that you will not have any sediment in your coffee. They claim to have been the first to implement a double screen system for optimal filtering in a french press. The double wall construction improves insulation. And if you want to make a lot of coffee, the largest capacity holds a whopping 59 ounces.
- All stainless steel parts
- Available in multiple sizes
- Dishwasher safe
GROSCHE Madrid French Press Coffee Maker
Modern Design + Sturdy Construction
This french press is not just a pretty face. The eye-catching design is built with premium chrome housing, sturdy borosilicate glass, and metal plunger/filter. The only plastic piece is the underside of the lid. If this is a concern, you can brew and serve without having the liquid come in contact with it. Users consistently comment on the coffee flavor and ease of cleaning they enjoy with this brewer.
- Available in multiple sizes to suit your lifestyle
- Dual filter system for a ground-free cup
- Dishwasher safe
- 1 year warranty
FORLIFE Cafe Style Coffee Press
Beautiful Selection of Colors in Lead-Free Ceramic
- Holds 32 ounces (1 quart)
- Available in over 10 colors
- Made from lead-free and BPA-free materials
- Dishwasher safe
Frieling USA Double Wall French Press
Patented Dual Screen Design
This Frieling model has all the things you would look for in a french press: durable stainless steel construction, double-wall design for better insulation, dishwasher safe parts for convenient cleaning and a range of sizes to meet your needs. Plus a 2-stage filter system works toward zero sediment left in your coffee. Customers comment on the flavor, durability and design.
- All stainless steel parts
- Available in multiple sizes
- Dishwasher safe
KONA French Press
Popular Model with Sturdy, Contemporary Design
A user favorite, with over 10,000 reviews, the KONA has certainly gained a reputation as a great french press. The 3-piece stainless steel infuser filter system sits inside a borosilicate glass carafe, surrounded by a durable plastic handle, lid and outer shell. This leaves the carafe protected and easy to grip. Also noted to be good for camping.
- Holds 1 liter (34 ounces)
- No water comes in contact with plastic while brewing.
- Dishwasher safe
Le Creuset Stoneware French Press
Durable Stoneware in Multiple Colors
The earthy and beautiful look of stoneware gives this french press an inviting look. It is fired then coated with a non-pourous enamel glaze that resists the hazards of daily use (odors, staining, chipping, and cracking). There are no plastic parts, as the plunger and mesh filter are stainless steel. Customers consistently report that they love the look of it, but some report disappointment in the quality of the stoneware.
- No plastic parts
- Dishwasher safe
Bodum Insulated Stainless-Steel Travel French Press
Personal-Sized Brew and Drink From the Same Container
Most coffee drinkers would like a way to have hot, delicious coffee on hand wherever they are. This personal travel french press, with a spill resistant cap and built-in plunger, is a great solution for just that. Its convenient, sturdy and easy to clean. The cup, plunger rod and filter are stainless, while the lid (including drink spout) and filter rim are plastic.
- Keeps drinks hot or cold for hours
- Available in multiple colors
- Holds 15 ounces
- 1 year warranty against manufacturer defects
- Dishwasher safe