Nothing can be better than the easy availability of bold, hot coffee in the morning for coffee lovers and a French press can assure this with maximum ease. A French press can brew coffee in a breeze with maximum efficiency, leaving no granules in your coffee mug. However, you might face some problems if you lack an efficient French press as some of them cannot retain heat for a longer period of time while others might leave some granules in your coffee. I searched for the best French press with all these problems in my mind and I compiled the following list:
Our Best French Presses in 2020
PRODUCT |
CAPACITY |
BEST FOR |
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES |
|
34 oz. | Best Overall |
|
 Bodum Chambord French Press |
34 oz. | Best Design |
|
 Frieling French Press |
36 oz. | Best Durable |
|
|
34 oz. | Best Budget Pick |
|
1. Kona French Coffee Maker
Highlighted Features
- Borosilicate glass
- Stainless steel filter
- Ergonomic handle
- BPA-free plastic
- Stable and durable
This attractive French press can make coffee with a real gourmet taste.
Construction: This French press is made of thick borosilicate glass that is quite sturdy and durable as compared to other glass types. Its strength is further reinforced by the outer plastic covering that guards the inner glass. It features a BPA-free lid and ergonomic handle that fits perfectly into your hand thus reducing the risk of it slipping away. Besides, it has a detachable stainless steel filter system that works perfectly and a plunger with a rubber knob.
Function: Kona French press is really efficient and attractive in its design. Its steel mesh filters are really effective and brew the coffee grounds perfectly. The plunger with the rubber knob facilitates you to press the filter with ease and its user-friendly handle enables you to grip the press perfectly and it also mitigates the risk of slipping. The outer covering of the plastic protects the inner glass thus making it long-lasting and durable. And the good news for you is that the plastic never comes in contact with the coffee, even though it is made of BPA-free material to ensure health safety.
Cleaning and maintenance: The cleaning of this French Press is super easy as it is dishwasher safe but you need to make sure to remove the plunger before putting it in the dishwasher.
Pros
- Produces excellent flavour
- Protective outer covering
- Efficient filter system
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Outer covering cannot be separated
2. Bodum Chambord French Press
Highlighted Features
- Borosilicate glass
- Stainless steel filter
- Traditional design
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic handle
This French press has a traditional design and steel-protected borosilicate glass makes it really durable.
Construction: If you have an aesthetic nature, then this French press might appeal to you as it has a perfect, classic design. It is made of Borosilicate glass that offers resistance to the heat and is durable as compared to regular glass. The lid is made of stainless steel while a protective frame that wraps the glass is also made of stainless steel. The handle is strong and heat-resistant while the filter is made of stainless steel and it comprises a spiral plate and filter plate.
Function: Bodum French press can potentially be your perfect aide in making coffee effortlessly in a breeze. It is not as durable as steel presses but a stainless steel protective cover and chrome finish make it durable among other glass French presses. Its stainless steel filter works effectively as it has a spiral plate that keeps the mesh in place and also allows water to pass but impedes the movement of granules while the filter plate separates the coffee beans from the water once brewing has been done. This filter effectively extracts the oil from the coffee bean thus making your coffee flavorful.
Besides, the handle ensures an easy grip over it thus making it easily portable and making the pouring process effortless. And it’s perfect traditional design makes it suitable to serve as a gift.
Cleaning and maintenance: Almost all parts except the lid and the frame of this French press are dishwasher safe. You can easily disassemble its parts and put them in the dishwasher. You need to clean the lid and the frame by wiping them with a sponge soaked in soapy water.
Pros
- Elegant
- Efficient
- Dishwasher safe
- Heat-resistant glass
Cons
- Glass is breakable
3. Frieling French Press
Highlighted Features
- Double-wall stainless steel
- Full-length handle
- Two-stage filter system
- Five-year warranty
- Maximum heat retention
This tall French press is effective as it features a two-stage filter system and can retain maximum heat.
Construction: This attractive French press is made of double-wall stainless steel that renders durability to it. The handle is long and user-friendly and is made of stainless steel while it features a two-stage filter system i.e. pre-filter and effective mesh filter, which reduces the chances of the escape of any coffee grounds to zero. The plunger is made completely of stainless steel, without any rubber, and this French press has a mirror finish on the outside with a brushed interior.
Function: This French press is multi-purpose in the sense that it can be used for serving coffee in addition to making it as it can retain heat for a longer period of time due to its double-wall stainless steel insulation. Besides, it has a two-stage filter system that enables it to remove all the sediments and extract the oil that gives flavor to the coffee. The full-length handle ensures an easy grip and thus makes the process of pouring coffee an easy task.
The elegant and attractive look of this French press makes it suitable to serve as a gift and the good news for you is that it has a five-year warranty as well.
Cleaning and maintenance: Frieling has made this French press dishwasher safe for your convenience. All you need to do is disassemble its parts and put them in the dishwasher. You can also clean it by hand by rinsing with hot, soapy water after disassembling it.
Pros
- Durable
- Efficient
- Elegant
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Highly expensive
4. Coffee Gator French Press
Highlighted Features
- Double-wall stainless steel
- User-friendly handle
- Maximum heat retention
- Durable and rust-proof
- Ideal capacity
The double-filter system of this French press makes it really effective as it locks the flavor while kicking out the sediments.
Construction: This French press is made of double-layer stainless steel that turns it into an airless vacuum and makes it ultra-durable too. The construction does not allow rust to appear. This brewer is really tough and can withstand the test of unkind usage. It features a double filtration system that enhances its ability to kick out sediments. The handle is long and ergonomic and made of stainless steel. The package also includes a mini canister made of glass that is covered with stainless steel to make it durable.
Function: Coffee Gator stands conspicuous among its kind because it brings innovation to the coffee gadget. It is very effective as it features a double filtration system that keeps the enchanting flavor of coffee while removing all the grounds. Besides, it can retain heat for a longer period of time because of its double-walled stainless steel insulation that impedes the movement of heat. The long and ergonomic handle ensures easy grip over it and makes the pouring of coffee very easy.
If you want coffee to be omnipresent in your life, then this package also provides you with this facility as it includes a small canister used to carry coffee beans.
Cleaning and maintenance: This French press is dishwasher safe, therefore, you don’t need to worry about its cleaning. You just need to detach the plunger and the filter and then put it into the dishwasher. Alternatively, you can clean it by hand as well by rinsing it with the warm, soapy water after every use.
Pros
- Returnable
- Mini canister for carrying coffee beans
- Elegant design
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Spout drips liquid
5. SterlingPro French Coffee Maker
Highlighted Features
- Double-wall stainless steel
- Durable
- Retain maximum heat
- Ergonomic handle
- Effective filter
This French press is really great because of its optimum heat retention capability and effective filtration.
Construction: If you are looking for a French press that brings durability and efficiency to your table at a moderate price, then this French press might just fulfil all your needs. This French press, just like its other steel counterparts, features double-wall stainless steel insulation that can keep coffee or tea hot for a handsome amount of time in addition to making it durable. It has a double-screen filter that guarantees a complete absence of granules from your coffee. All parts of this French press are made of stainless steel that resists rusting.
Function: If you are looking for a French press that can bring versatility, then this French press can potentially be the one as it can be used to prepare hot chocolate, flavorful tea, lemonade, fruit infusion, and much more. Besides versatility, this French press ensures a gourmet coffee without any granules because of its effective double-screen filter. And it can keep your beverages hot for a longer period of time as it features a double-wall insulation system that offers an outstanding hindrance to the movement of heat. Its handle is quite sturdy and ergonomic thus making it easily portable and also eases the process of pouring coffee.
Cleaning and maintenance: Just like other efficient gadgets, this French press can also serve you for a handsome amount of time if cleaned and maintained properly. And for your ease, SterlingPro has made it dishwasher safe, so you just need to disassemble its parts and clean it in the dishwasher. However, you can clean it in a much safer manner by wiping it with a sponge soaked in soapy water.
Pros
- No plastic parts
- Easily portable
- Economical
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Small size
6. BAYKA French Press
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel
- Mirror finish look
- Ideal capacity
- Maximum heat retention
- Telescoping spoon
This stainless steel French press has two layers of micro-mesh filters that ensure perfect brewing without any coffee grounds.
Construction: This slim and tall French press is made of two insulating layers of stainless steel that make it ultra-durable. It has an ergonomic handle made of stainless steel while the opening is designed in such a way that it channelizes the flow of coffee without any spilling. The plunger has a strong, rounded top while it features an effective filter system made of stainless steel which ensures perfect filtration. The package also includes a telescoping spoon that really aids in having easy access to the bottom.
Function: If you carry a modern kitchen taste, then this French press can potentially be of your liking as it is slim, tall, and has a mirror finish. Its effective filtration system guarantees no coffee grounds in your coffee while the double-wall steel construction helps in retaining heat for a long period of time. Besides, the double-wall stainless steel does not stink or alter the taste of the coffee beans and it also does not hold onto flavours, so every beverage you put will not carry any flavor of the previous one.
Besides, the package also includes a telescoping spoon that facilitates you to have easy access to the item at the bottom. The amazing mirror finish look makes this French press special and thus can serve as a gift as well.
Cleaning and maintenance: You can make this beautiful French press effective for a longer period of time by cleaning it thoroughly and after every use. And it is not a gigantic task as all you need to do is wash it with tap water first, and then detach the filters and clean the press by rinsing with water and a mild detergent. And you can put it in the dishwasher as well as it is dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Highly durable
- Efficient filtration system
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Unable to measure water inside
7. GROSCHE MADRID French Press
Highlighted Features
- Borosilicate glass
- Multi-purpose
- Dual filter system
- Elegant design
- Stainless steel frame
This borosilicate glass French press is really amazing and effective as it features a dual filter system that makes granules almost non-existent in your coffee.
Construction: This efficient French press is made of borosilicate glass that offers an outstanding amount of resistance to heat. The glass is protected by a guard cover made of stainless steel while the lid is also made of metal that helps in retaining the heat. The handle is in the shape of a half-circle that allows you to grip it perfectly. It features a dual filter system as it has a filter in the lid in addition to the main press; both reinforce each other to give an amazing filtration.
Function: This elegant French press can perform multiple purposes as it can be used to brew best-tasting loose-leaf or blooming tea in addition to brewing coffee beans. In addition to versatility, it brings a new look to your kitchen with its enchanting design as it features a sleek look. Its ergonomic handle ensures a perfect grip, thus easing the pouring process along making it easily portable. Its dual filter system ensures the complete extraction of the oil from coffee beans which gives a gourmet taste to your coffee while making sure that no coffee grounds appear in your coffee.
Cleaning and maintenance: You can clean the metallic parts by hand by wiping them with a soapy sponge. And I would personally recommend hand washing the remaining parts as well to enhance their working life. And it is not a gigantic task as all you need to do is disassemble the French press rinse all parts with hot, soapy water and let them air-dry.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Dishwasher safe
- Ergonomic handle
- Ensures gourmet taste
Cons
- Glass construction; less durable
Things To Look For Before Buying!
Hot coffee in the morning is always enchanting and a French press can make sure you get a great cup of joe. However, not all French presses are efficient as some leak heat while others do not manage to keep the grounds away from your coffee. Therefore, you should be very careful when selecting a French press for yourself.
Essentially, a good French press should:
- Be of quality material
- Have an efficient filter
- Be easily portable
- Have an ergonomic handle
Buying Guide
What Are Some Things You Should Know About A Good French Press?
You might get confused while opting for an efficient French press due to the availability of a large number of them in the market. And some of them are not quite effective due to one or the other reason, therefore, you need to keep certain things in mind while buying a French press for yourself.
What Should Be The Material Of A French Press?
The material of the French press is crucial as it defines whether a French press is durable or not. Some of the French presses are made of steel which enables them to retain heat for a longer period of time and makes them durable to boot. While others have glass construction that looks good and allows their users to observe the coffee during pressing. According to the California State Science Fair project conducted by Eleanor O. Frost, “Steel stays hot while other metals do not”. So a good choice would be steel since other materials did not retain heat that much according to the experiment. But your selection of a French press depends completely on your personal needs and preferences.
What Should Be The Capacity Of A French Press?
The next prime feature that you must observe before buying a French press is its size. Different models have different sizes ranging from a common three-cup press to a standard eighth-cup model. This feature is also dependent on your needs and how much coffee you and your crew consume in a day. But, don’t go for a French press with an extra-large size as you might not find it to be as effective as a smaller or standard one in the longer run.
Should A French Press Be Portable?
Portability is the next important feature that enhances the worth of a French press as its easy portability would ensure easy access to coffee regardless of the place and time. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the material of the French press as strong and durable material is perfect for mobility while you should also be aware of its weight as a lightweight French press can be easily moved.
How Should The Filtration System Of A French Press Be?
The filter can rightly be called the soul of any French press as it performs the most important function, that of separating granules from the coffee. You need to opt for a French press that has an effective filtration system that does not allow any stragglers to mix with the liquid. Double steel mesh filters usually work better as they do not allow any solid particles to mix with your flavorful coffee. In addition, it extracts the tasty oil from the coffee beans thus making your coffee gourmet and wonderful. Hence the French press makes the best coffee ever and gives you that quality coffee that you find in a restaurant or a coffee shop.
How Long Should A French Press Retain Heat?
If you are fond of coffee and want coffee to be your companion all day every day, then you need to opt for a French press that can retain heat for a longer period of time thus keeping your coffee hot for maximum time. Most of the plastic and glass French presses lack this ability while a stainless steel French press can retain optimum heat because it usually features a double-wall insulation system that impedes the movement of the heat.
How Durable Should A French Press Be?
Durability of a French press is directly related to its design and material. Certain glass French presses are durable despite being made of glass because of the design and the steel frame that guards the glass. Therefore, you should observe the design in addition to the material that makes the French press.
What Are The Different Kinds Of A French Press?
The construction and the anatomy of French presses remains fairly the same: a filter and plunger fit into a cylindrical carafe that resists heat. However, manufacturers choose from a wide range of materials keeping certain traits in mind. Here is a brief overview of these materials along with their merits and demerits:
Stainless steel: Stainless steel has certain handy traits that make it the best option for a French press as it can retain heat, especially when it is double-wall stainless steel. In addition, steel is a non-reactive metal, hence, it does not produce any stinky flavor. However, stainless steel French presses are notoriously expensive and often don’t allow you to see through them, thus you cannot observe your coffee while pressing.
Glass: Glass is a popular material used in French presses but every glass is not suitable for this purpose. Manufacturers use borosilicate glass that can retain heat while it is relatively durable as well. The glass allows you to watch your coffee during the pressing process and it is also lightweight thus making a french press easily portable. However, glass is not as durable as steel and it might shatter and the heat retention ability of glass is also low compared to steel.
Plastic (Polycarbonate): Although plastic construction sounds cheap when compared to steel or glass, plastic can bring certain handy traits to your table as it does not shatter and can often retain heat very well. But, it can pose certain problems as well as it is prone to scratches and you might face difficulties cleaning it. Plastic also poses certain health issues as a chemical called BPA might leech out of the plastic and become a part of your coffee.
How To Use A French Press?
Operating a French press is quite simple. The following simple steps will definitely help you:
Remove the plunger/filter assembly from your carafe and heat the amount of water you need up to 200F.
- Grind coffee beans coarsely and consistently.
- Add the ground coffee beans to your French press.
- Add hot water to it. The amount of water is often debated upon but two tablespoons for every six ounces of water should do the trick.
- Before you add all of the water, first add the amount of water equal to the coffee grounds and stir it till it becomes saturated.
- Add the remaining water and press the plunger steadily to exert a uniform pressure.
- Pour your hot coffee into your cup and enjoy it.
Is Caffeine Good For Health?
After hearing so many bad things about caffeine and how it can be harmful in so many ways, I found a useful opinion of a doctor that works in favor of a coffee-lover. Dr.Rimm and his colleagues believe that caffeine can be good for a number of things. It reduces blood pressure, prevents obesity, and reduces the rate of growing fat. Moreover, it can even reduce the risks of developing type 2 diabetes or having a cardiovascular or neurological disease.
How To Clean A French Press?
A French press is a simple instrument, but it requires careful maintenance to keep it efficient for a longer period of time. A French press is easy to maintain, and all you need to do is wash the pot after every use to prevent staining and other issues. You need to remove the suspended granules in the mesh filter with a soft brush to keep it functional. The glass carafe needs to be stored carefully to keep it safe from cracking. And the important thing to note is that you need to read the instructions before putting it into a dishwasher as carafes are not dishwasher safe, usually.
Conclusion
Well, that’s it! All the reviewed products are selected after careful observation of features and cost; therefore, they are really economical and efficient. However, Kona French maker is the best as it has a steel filtration system, is made of borosilicate glass, and has an ideal capacity.