The French press has a history as rich and flavorful as the coffee it makes. It debuted on the coffee-making market in 1929, but the concept predates its official patent. People have been making coffee in versions of the French press since the 1800s. [1]
Today, French presses continue to enjoy popularity as coffee makers. They’re intuitive, unfussy brewers that anyone can coax first-rate coffee from.
That said, some French presses enjoy more popularity than others. We researched them thoroughly and put together a list of our favorite French press models. We also address what to look for in the best French press to help you find one that makes the kind of coffee you enjoy.
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11 Best French Press Coffee Makers in 2023
1. Bodum Chambord French Press – Best Glass French Press
- Material: Borosilicate Glass
- Size Option: 12, 17, 34, and 51 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe: Glass, plunger and filter are dishwasher safe, not the frame and lid
Many people hear ‘French press’ and immediately think of Bodum. Bodum took the world by storm with its French press coffee makers in 1944 and remains a popular model of glass French press today.
It offers a range of French presses, from Chambord to Brazil. While all are extremely popular, the Bodum Chambord outsells the others by a significant margin. It’s also our favorite Bodum design.
It comes in several sizes, and the largest holds 51 oz of coffee.
One of the great things about Bodum Chambord is that it brews excellent coffee quickly. This is ideal for coffee drinkers who want a cup before rushing out the door to work. Fill the Bodum with freshly ground coffee, add hot water, and let it steep, enjoy delicious coffee within four minutes.
Bodum Chambord also offers a shatterproof version of its press. So if you unwittingly knock the Bodum off the counter while rushing through breakfast, you don’t have to worry. You’ll still have to clean up the spilled coffee, but there won’t be any broken glass to sweep up.
The mesh filter effectively traps coffee grounds without altering the taste. Instead, it extracts as much of the essential oils and acids inherent in coffee for the perfect cup.
Pros
- High-quality glass
- Comes in several sizes
- Classic french press design
- The main parts are dishwasher safe
Cons
- Can’t keep warm for long
- Glass carafe may not be as durable as stainless steel french press
2. Secura French Press Coffee Maker – Best Stainless Steel French Press
- Material: Stainless steel
- Size Option: 12, 17, 34, and 50 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
If you don’t want a traditional glass French Press, Secura may be the answer. It’s a stainless steel French press with double-walled insulation to ensure you enjoy hot coffee for longer.
Additionally, the inbuilt filter helps keep coffee grounds in the press and out of your cup.
We also like the affordability of this French press coffee maker compared to other models. It’s considerably less expensive than some products on this list, but that isn’t apparent in the design.
However, one thing we struggled with was that the filter on this stainless steel French press does alter the taste of the coffee. It’s not extensive, but it’s noticeable to the coffee connoisseur.
Pros
- Well-insulated
- Two extra screens
- Affordable
- All parts are dishwasher safe
Cons
- The plunger scratches the pot and makes a noise
3. Barista Warrior – Best French Press Coffee Maker with Thermometer
- Material: Stainless steel
- Size Option: 34 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe: No
A crucial part of coffee making is getting the water temperature right, and Barista Warrior’s inbuilt thermometer helps you do that.
The other advantage to Barista Warrior is that because it doesn’t use glass it can keep your coffee hot longer.
It also features a double-screen coffee filter and this helps get more flavor and less sediment from your coffee.
It’s also an easy French press coffee maker to clean, which is important when looking for a new French press.
Finally, the 34 oz capacity is ideal for easily making four 8-oz cup of coffee, which is enough for sharing coffee with the whole family.
Pros
- Great french press at a reasonable price
- Built-in thermometer
- Durable stainless steel
- Four color options
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe (Since it has a built-in thermometer)
- Only 1 size option
4. Frieling French Press – Best Insulated French Press
- Material: Stainless steel
- Size Option: 8, 17, 23, 36 and 44 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Founded in 1988, Frieling is a recognized American kitchenware brand. It creates high-quality products, and its coffee makers are no exception.
One of the primary selling points of the Freling French Press is that the design stops coffee grounds from getting into your cup. This ensures you can take time over your coffee without worrying about the strength or intensity changing.
The insulated steel also ensures that as you indulge in a relaxing Sunday morning coffee, the coffee stays hot. While you probably won’t need the full four-hour temperature preservation Frieling promises, there’s no need to rush, either.
Additionally, this stainless steel French press is easy to clean. This is always important when looking for your next coffee maker because you want to get the coffee grounds out of the press without complication.
Another thing we like about this French press coffee maker is that it comes in several sizes. So, if you drink more or less coffee than average, you should be able to find a press that meets your needs.
Pros
- Heavy-duty stainless steel material
- Available in various sizes
- Keeps coffee hot for up to four hours
- Dual ultra-fine mesh screens
Cons
- Expensive
5. Stanley Classic French Press – Most Durable French Press
- Material: Stainless steel
- Size Option: 48 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
The Stanley Classic French press is a double-insulated French press. Stanley has been making vacuum insulation bottles since 1913. The design ensures your coffee stays hot, ensuring you can drink it leisurely over a weekend paper or in-between errands. Many outdoors enthusiasts love their durable thermos.
The Stanley French press is no exception, which is also extremely durable. This makes it ideal for traveling. It’s compact enough it won’t take up too much space in a knapsack and lightweight enough to carry. You don’t need to worry about it breaking in transit.
However, in case it does, it comes with a lifetime warranty. They are very confident in the product quality.
Pros
- Durable
- Well-insulated and keeps coffee hot for 4 hours
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- More expensive than other presses
- Only 1 large size
6. Fellow Clara French press – Best Designed French Press
- Material: Stainless steel
- Size Option: 24 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe: No
Sleek and stylish, the Fellow Clara French press adds elegance to your morning coffee. But it does more than look respectable over breakfast.
Water level lines help users gauge how much water to add to the press, and the stainless steel exterior is durable. It also has a nonstick interior that makes cleaning as easy as brewing your coffee.
Another thing we like about this press is that you don’t need to align the lid with the spout. As long as it’s secure, you can pour without complication. No more the battle over lining up arrows to ensure the machine is open.
However, the Fellow Clara is one of the more expensive French presses, but you got the stylish design from Fellow. If you have one of Fellow’s other products such as the Stagg EKG or ODE Brew grinder, this french press matches them perfectly on your countertop.
Pros
- All-directions lid
- Nonstick interior
- Stylish design with elegant walnut accents (Optional)
Cons
- Expensive
- Sediment in the coffee
7. Espro P6 French Press – Best Flavor
- Material: Stainless steel
- Size Option: 18 and 32 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
We have a lot of good to say about this French press. It’s our overall favorite, and one reason is that, unlike other French press coffee makers, this one integrates a filter basket design.
Some metal presses struggle to keep sludge and grit out of your coffee, and that can make your second cup bitter. But the filter basket in Espro effectively traps these things in place, while otherwise working as a standard French press.
The result is coffee that tastes better than ever. You don’t have to stick with coarsely ground coffee. With this efficient filter system, you can experiment with finer grinds and get the most out of your coffee beans.
Additionally, the double filter minimizes air pockets, making the brewing process easy. It’s also a well-insulated coffee press, so not only will your coffee taste fantastic, it will retain its heat for several hours.
If P6 is too expensive, they have P5 and the most affordable P3 built with glass.
Pros
- Basket filter with micro-filters
- Sediment free cup of coffee
- Well-insulated
Cons
- Expensive
8. Simpli Press – Easiest to Clean
- Material: Glass
- Size Option: 34 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
One of the immediately striking features of Simpli Press is the colors available. It’s a cheerful French press that comes in jaunty red as well as the standard black. It adds a touch of color to your morning routine while minimizing mess.
One of the perils for novices to the French press coffee maker is knowing how hard to press and when to do it. The band around the outside of the press indicates where to stop pouring, saving you from overflowing coffee.
The base of the press has a raised lip that meets the filter, ensuring that grit and sludge can’t mix with your coffee. The result is coffee that steeps and tastes better. Additionally, it cleans quickly and effectively.
Pros
- Cleans easily
- Excellent flavor
- Basket filter
- No plastic
Cons
- More expensive than a regular glass press
9. Le Creuset Stoneware French Press – Best Stoneware French Press:
- Material: Stoneware
- Size Option: 34 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Le Creuset has form for first-class cookery products, and their French press coffee makers are no exception.
For the casual coffee drinker, their one-cup stoneware French press is excellent. Like other Le Creuset products, it retains heat effectively.
However, many customers found that the lid doesn’t fit snugly, making it necessary to hold the lid in place while pouring.
Also, as with anything Le Creuset, you want to handle it carefully while hot. The press retains heat well but lacks the insulation other French press coffee makers have, so may feel hot to the touch.
Pros
- Durable
- Attractive design
- Great heat retention
Cons
- The lid doesn’t fit well
- The mesh filter is not fine enough for blocking grinds
10. GROSCHE Melbourne French Press Coffee Maker – Most Environmentally Friendly
- Material: Glass and bamboo
- Size Option: 34 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe: No
The Grosche Melbourne French press is an interesting one.
Their French presses are plastic-free, and they use bamboo on the lid and base. If you don’t like the traditional plastic or stainless steel design, this may be the one you like. This is not for good looking, but also for the environment. However, since it uses bamboo, it’s not dishwasher safe and the natural wood elements will age naturally.
Grosche is about more than a good brew. Uniquely, some of the money raised through their French presses goes towards the Safe Water Project, which promotes safe drinking water for people around the world.
Pros
- Affordable
- Eco-friendly
- Well-made product
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- The bamboo lid and base age naturally
11. Coffee Gator – Best Budget French Press Coffee Maker
- Material: Stainless steel
- Size Option: 34 ounces
- Dishwasher-Safe: No
The coffee gator is an excellent example of an affordable French press coffee maker. It’s a hardy design and is both stain and rust-resistant. It’s also well-insulated so that your coffee stays hot while you drink it.
It uses a double-layered filter to extract extra flavor from the coffee.
Another thing we like about it is that the durable design lends itself well to outdoor adventures. You can take this press with you when hiking or camping without worrying about it breaking.
There’s also a free canister of coffee included with this machine, so you’ll be able to start making coffee as soon as you have the box open.
Despite the sturdy design, many found that if you chose a colorful model of this French press, the color quickly flaked off after days on the move.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Affordable
- Well-insulated
- Comes with a free mini canister
Cons
- Paint may chip off
- Not dishwasher safe
- Only 1 size option
French Press Buying Guide
With so many French press coffee makers to choose from, how do you decide which one is right for you? All the french presses brew coffee in a similar way. Of course, taste and affordability play a significant role in this decision, but there are other factors, too.
What Size French Press Do You Need?
How much coffee you can drink per batch? If you only drink a cup of coffee over breakfast, chances are you don’t need a mammoth French press. You want to enjoy fresh coffee each time instead of making a large pot of coffee for the day. Conversely, if you regularly entertain guests who similarly love coffee, or enjoy multiple cups a day, investing in a larger French press may be necessary.
What Material is Best?
Do you want a glass French press or a stainless steel press?
Each has its advantages. Stainless steel presses often come with extra insulation, enabling them to your coffee longer for extended periods of time. This is ideal for people who like to take time over their coffee.
And, despite retaining heat, the thicker insulation on steel reduces your chance of unwittingly picking up a hot press.
It’s possible to find reinforced glass presses, but they tend to be more expensive than the steel equivalents.
Durability is another consideration. Glass French presses, while attractive are better suited to your kitchen counter than the great outdoors. However, if you are looking for portable french presses, the stainless steel frame is no doubt more durable.
Heat Retention
Elaborate coffee makers, like those used for espresso, have an internal heating element. That ensures your coffee is always hot. French presses don’t have this feature, so you must choose a model that retains heat.
The water needs to be between 195 and 205 Fahrenheit for coffee to taste its best. After you pour hot water, the water temperature inevitably drops during the brewing process. Many French press models with double-wall insulation are designed to retain that optimal temperature for better coffee quality.
In comparison, a glass press may not retain heat. If you are brewing coffee in the cold winter, your final brew may become lukewarm after steeping for 4 minutes in a glass beaker. In this case, choose an insulated stainless steel french press if you like hot coffee.
Also Read: Best Coffee Beans for French Press
What Type of Filter Are You Looking For?
Some coffee lovers don’t like the French press method because they want a cleaner cup of brewed coffee. There are several types of filters used to make coffee. Some french press brewers have a more efficient filter system that can block the fine particles like the paper filter, while some have fewer layers and larger holes that result in a muddy cup of coffee.
For most french press coffee makers on the market, you can find a fine mesh filter attached to a perforated steel plate. This ensures the stainless steel filter is tight but smooth enough when pressing down. It can effectively block larger pieces and allows coffee oils to get into your cup, giving you a full-bodied coffee. However, extra-fine particles still easily go through the mesh screen. Additionally, it can scratch the wall and add a bit of extra, and unwanted metallic flavor to your coffee. They are detachable so you can easily clean out the leftover grounds and oil.
Some models use a basket made of fine mesh, such as the Espro and Simpli press we mentioned above. This type of filter is more efficient in blocking the small pieces but costs more. They are not suitable if you also froth milk with a french press.
Aesthetic Design – What Does it Look Like?
A well-brewed cup of coffee is important, but we think it tastes better if you like the look of the French press that brews it.
When considering what kind of French press you want, don’t underestimate the importance of appearance. You still want your daily coffee maker to be practical and easy to use, but you also want to consider whether it fits with the rest of your kitchen accessories.
After all, if it’s sharing the breakfast table with you, you want to be able to appreciate its appearance.
Ease Of Cleaning
Finally, you want a French press coffee maker that’s easy to clean. The french press brewing method isn’t complicated, and cleaning up should be equally unfussy.
If you can’t find a model that’s dishwasher safe, find one that rinses effectively without requiring hours of scrubbing from you. Stainless steel french presses are generally easier to clean than glass beakers.
The Verdict
There are many excellent French press coffee makers out there. Our top pick is the ESPRO P6.
The basket filter is effective at keeping your coffee sludge- and grounds-free. It’s well-insulated and can keep your coffee warm for up to five hours. The double-wall of the filter further helps reduce air pockets when you press the grounds, and that not only makes your coffee taste better, but it makes operating the plunger easier.
Ultimately, choosing the right French press is a matter of taste. Remember to consider the virtues of different materials, filters, and designs before you order. Then pour yourself a cup of coffee and savor it.
