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The pleasure of tasting a perfect cup of coffee is just minutes away each time your reach for a French press. Renowned around the globe as the best coffee maker this simple, yet eye-catching contraption has dominated the coffee community for over a century. Now, finding its way into most kitchens around the country, the French press is being used to make personalized coffee by the hands of its owners.
People have outgrown the automatic coffee makers, which offer no personality and identity to your cup of joe. Instead, they are turning to this manual brewing method that is becoming hard to ignore.
The Best French Press Coffee Makers
I’m passionate about coffee and speak from years of brewing experience. Also, I take people’s options and reviews into consideration when deciding which French press makers to show you. I put together a list of the best French press coffee makers available. Scroll down to see your options.
Brand | Details | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
BAYKA | Size options: 21oz, 34oz, 50oz | Check Price | ||
ESPRO | Size options: 18oz, 32oz | Check Price | ||
Veken | Size options: 12oz, 21oz, 34oz | Check Price | ||
Veken | Capacity: 34oz | Check Price | ||
Cafe Du Chateau | Capacity: 34oz | Check Price | ||
Mueller | Capacity: 34oz | Check Price | ||
Bodum | Size options: 12oz, 34oz, 51oz | Check Price | ||
BAYKA | Size options: 21oz, 34oz | Check Price | ||
Secura | Size options: 12oz, 17oz, 34oz, 50oz | Check Price | ||
Veken | Size options: 34oz, 50oz | Check Price | ||
Bodum | Size options: 12oz, 17oz, 34oz, 51oz | Check Price |
- Size options: 21oz, 34oz, 50oz
- Cool touch exterior
- 4 level filtration system
- Dishwasher safe
- Insulated
From the first moment you feel this French press in your hands you understand its quality. The weight is a simple sign of reliability and sturdiness, but it’s not the only reason why this is the best French press on the market. The design has an insulated interior and a 4 level filtration system which makes ideal coffee for any java lover and keeps it fresh and hot for a long period of time.
This press is even a little less expensive than that the competition and it offers more sizes and two color options instead of just stainless steel. Here you get great quality coffee with all the best parts of a French press all wrapped into one.
As the only luxury French press on my list, it comes with a few modern features like the original filter system and the vacuum sealed insulation. Definitely worth the price if you plan on using the French press on a regular basis.
This is a unique French press, not only because of its design but also because of its patented double micro-mesh filter. No coffee grounds are getting through that blocker so you can enjoy your coffee to the very last sip. The vacuum insulated beaker will keep your brew hot for hours.
This is a perfect French press with a simple design but immaculate coffee. Everything about this model is made the right way.
Let’s start with the glass! It’s made from borosilicate glass, which makes it withstand sudden temperature changes. It also makes this model heat resistant so you won’t burn your palms or finers by accident. It comes in multiple sizes and color options so choose the best one for your home.
The four-level filtration system will keep all the coffee grounds out of your coffee as you enjoy your final brew. Even though it’s not first on my list of the best French press coffee makers don’t consider this model a runner-up. Instead, try to see it as a tie for first place.
- Capacity: 34oz
- 4 level filtration system
- Heat resistant glass
- Multiple color options
Even though it only comes in one size the design quality of this French press makes it stand out. I can honestly say this is a perfectly constructed unit and easily one of the greatest French press coffee makers available anywhere.
Everything about this press screams quality, durability, and simplicity. I like how the glass carafe has a water volume gauge on it, which helps with brewing the right amount of coffee. The filter works amazingly every time since no grounds are getting through. Also, the handle on the side of the beaker has a sturdy feel to it. A wonderful coffee maker indeed.
- Capacity: 34oz
- 4 level filtration system
- Heat resistant glass
- Dishwasher safe
- Lifetime replacement policy
The first thing that stands out about this French press is the unique design, but the bold taste of the coffee is what leaves a longer impression. This plus-sized coffee maker is perfect for families and households that need to brew more than 1 cup of coffee at a time.
This model shares all the great qualities with other French presses but adds extra style and flair. Coffee lover or not, anyone would relish at the chance of having one of these beauties in their kitchen. Its eye-catching design and great quality coffee make this unit a perfect wedding or housewarming gift.
- Capacity: 34oz
- Insulated to keep brew hot
- 4 level filtration system
- Dishwasher safe
- Bonus: Coffee canister
In general, this French press is very similar to the first one I showed you, but this model offers fewer size options. Besides that, they have more in common than what separates them. Both have a four-level filtration system, are insulated, and dishwasher safe.
I also enjoyed the size of this model as I often brew more than 1 cup of coffee at a time. Unfortunately, this can also be considered a downside of this item as it only comes in 1 size. Overall, if you enjoy rich, bold, manually brewed coffee this is the ideal French press for you.
Bodum, once again, made a fantastic coffee maker at a really affordable price. This French press comes with all the necessary qualities of a great manual coffee maker: borosilicate glass, easy-to-press plunger, and wonderful quality brew. You could easily spend extra cash on a fancier press but if you’re looking for something basic that gets the job done, look no further.
If you enjoy making coffee manually you’ll love to use this bad boy on a regular basis. The glass carafe shows everything during the brewing process. Any true coffee enthusiast will be mesmerized by the coffee particles mixing with water in front of their eyes.
- Size options: 21oz, 34oz
- 4 level filtration system
- Heat resistant glass
- Multiple color options
- Inexpensive
So, this model might not look as sleek as the previous designs but it has all the same qualities as the best French press coffee makers. Borosilicate glass, 4 level filtration, and multiple color options. What makes this gem unique is the price. This unit costs almost half of what the others go for, which is perfect for any coffee lover on a budget.
I particularly like the Dark Pewter color, but see a few of them for yourself and choose which one would look best on your kitchen countertop. Don’t let the price make you think you are sacrificing quality. This is one of the better French press coffee makers on the market.
- Size options: 12oz, 17oz, 34oz, 50oz
- Insulated
- 3 level filtration system
- Dishwasher safe
- Multiple color options
Here we have another stainless-streel French press similar to previous models with more variations but a little less quality. Instead of the four-level filtration system, this one only has three filters. On the plus side, instead of three sizes, we have four, and instead of two color options, we have nine.
The neat feature of these French presses is the cool touch material of the cylinder or beaker. You won’t burn your hands or fingers with these models. I find this design to be a perfect gift, especially if you’re looking for a specific color, but there are better quality coffee brewers available on this list.
A black French press does look pretty cool, but it’s not always the color that matters but the quality of the java. Since this unit only uses a two-filter system you can expect the coffee to have a little more grit than usual, meaning you may have a few particles of coffee floating around your mug. Gritty coffee is certainly a thing in some states across the country.
The design of this French press is unique in the sense of the look and feel. The lid is much larger than on most presses and the no-drip groove spout is a cool feature that keeps your tablecloths and countertops clean.
Bodum makes wonderful appliances, especially coffee makers, and they certainly got it right with this French press. What makes this model different from the others is the basic design. The sleek beaker can be used as a part of your home decor, but does it make good quality coffee?
The coffee you make with this French press is delicious, pronounced, and rich in natural flavors and oils. The exact thing you are looking for with pressed coffee. I also like the large size option you have here, easily one of the biggest options on the market at 51oz.
One reservation I have with the Bodum is that the plunger needs to be hand-washed, unlike the previous models which are dishwasher friendly.
Your New French Press
The design of a press is easy to wrap your head around. The glass or steel cylinder holds the coffee grounds while you pour hot water into the carafe. Then you use a steel plunger, or filter, to hold the coffee grounds down at the bottom while you use the cinder as a pitcher to pour your coffee.
As simple as that sounds, the French press technique can be a little tricky to master. The trick is knowing what size coffee grounds to use and how long to let the coffee steep in the container for the most desired flavor. I put together a whole walkthrough on how to make the perfect French press coffee if you’re interested.
Why Get a French Press?
You need to have a French press because it lets you make coffee however strong you like it to be. Since it’s a completely manual brewing technique, you decide on the amount of time the coffee grinds are steeped for, the temperature of the water, and other variables.
A huge advantage the French press has over most other coffee makers is the fine-tasting coffee it produces. The way the drink is made retains more of the natural oils from the beans because it doesn’t use a paper filter.
What to Expect From Your Brew?
Anyone who has been using a press for a while will tell you for best results you need to buy whole coffee grounds instead of the pre-groud stuff. Grind the beans yourself before each use makes all the difference.
After you get the hang of making coffee with your French press you should be getting a bright and flavorful brew each time. The profile of your drink will almost certainly be bold because of immersion.
Since the coffee grounds sit directly in your final brew they stiffen up your cup quite a bit. That’s why the French press is recommended for people who enjoy the real taste of their coffee beans.
Tips for The Best French Press Coffee
If you want the best results from a French press you need to grind your beans at home. Instead of buying pre-ground coffee, get the whole bean instead and grind just enough to brew each time.
Spend a couple of bucks on a real burr coffee grinder. If you need don’t already know the difference between burr and blade coffee grinders you can find it here.
Using a scale to determine the amount of coffee you are using will produce a more constant taste each time.
Always use a clean French press to make your coffee. Sometimes the dishwasher won’t get all the old coffee grounds and sediment out of the nooks of the filter so make sure to clean them up before starting to brew.
To make a perfect French press you’ll want to:
- Boil water. Preferably filtered.
- Let the water sit for 30 seconds after boiling.
- Pour freshly ground beans into the French press.
- Add water to the French press.
- Stir the coffee in the beginning.
- Allow the coffee to bloom.
- Brew for 4 minutes.
- Plunge the press only once and keep the filter at the bottom.
- Ready to serve the coffee.
Some like to pour the brewed coffee from the French press into a separate container before pouring the coffee into cups to avoid any over brewing.
Frothing Milk Using A French Press
Another thing the French press is great for is frothing milk for a cappuccino or a latte. To whip up your milk manually you need to, heat up your milk. Don’t boil it but make sure it’s warm enough to be frothed. Then pour it into your French press and use the plunger to froth. After a few seconds, you will see the milk start to become a thicker cream.
Related Questions
Is French Press Coffee Stronger than Drip Coffee?
No, a French press won’t necessarily make stronger coffee than a drip coffee machine. The type of beans used, and their roast level will have a larger effect on the strength of the coffee.
The flavor you get from French press coffee tends to be more intense because the brew sits directly in the coffee grinds. Drip coffee makers use paper filters that catch the oils from the coffee grounds making it taste smoother.
What Grind Size Should I Use for the French Press?
To get the most out of your French press you want to use coffee ground coarsely. That’s because the flavor extraction process needs maximum water surface area to be fully effective. This also enables better carbon dioxide release from the coffee grounds during steeping, enhancing the flavor of the finished brew.
I’ve always seen coffee as a way of bringing people together. Everywhere I go people seem to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and that’s what drives my passion. There’s always a new brew to master, and there’s always a new face to enjoy it with. Hitch a ride with me on a coffee-fueled adventure to find a perfect cup.