There are so many great coffee brewing methods out there: espresso machine, AeroPress, pour-over, the classic drip machine.
Out of the bunch, the French press is one of the most popular and straightforward methods for making a truly fantastic brew.
This brewing method is consistent, quick, and delicious. You simply steep the coffee grounds in hot water before pouring the brewed coffee into your mug.
There are many great French press coffee makers on the market — but not all are made equal. We‘ve researched the three best French press coffee makers out there to help you find the most suitable pick for your needs.
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Two Important Considerations in Choosing a French Press Coffee Maker
First off, let’s discuss what to look for when purchasing your French press coffee maker.
Materials
French presses come in a variety of materials: plastic, ceramic, glass, or stainless steel.
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Plastic
If you’re looking for affordable French presses, consider one made of plastic. Aside from being cost-effective, a plastic French press is also nearly indestructible and should last you basically forever.
However, if you don’t like your coffee coming into contact with plastic, you’ll need to opt for a different material for your French press.
Ceramic
Those looking for French presses with solid heat retention can’t go wrong with ceramic. These French presses retain a lot of heat inside the coffee, keeping it piping hot.
Unlike most French presses, the ceramic versions come in different color options.
Although the downside of the ceramic French press is that you can’t see the brewing process. That means you have to track your brewing time to get an excellent cup of French press coffee.
Glass
If you’re a coffee lover who wants to see the coffee brewing process, a glass French press is what you need. This classic press is best suited for occasional use. An obvious downside is that your French press will break if mishandled. Plus, glass doesn’t have the best heat retention for your hot water.
Stainless Steel
Finally, you could opt for a stainless steel French press. Travelers will find these presses ideal because they are more durable than plastic or glass French presses. Plus, stainless steel French presses have superior heat retention for a hotter brew.
Once you know what type of French press you want, it’s time to consider your filtration type.
Filtration Type
This is an essential factor to keep in mind. The brew filtration system in your French press will affect the quality of your brewed coffee.
There are two different types of filter systems; the single and the double filtration unit. The single system comes with a single wire-mesh filter. This system will leave fine sediments at the bottom of your coffee mug after filtration.
On the other hand, the double filter system comes with a double wire-mesh filter. This is the superior filter type. It won’t leave traces of grounds in your mug so you'll get the cleanest coffee with a double filter system.
The material used in the filtration unit is worth noting. Plastic filters aren't durable, as they'll warp over time. Steel filters are long-lasting and you won’t need to replace your filters regularly.
Top 3 Best French Press Coffee Makers of 2024
Best Premium French Press: Frieling Double Wall Stainless Steel
Source: Amazon
If you're looking for the absolute best French press, this double-walled stainless steel press is all you need.
Why?
It’s a high-quality French press built with a two wall stainless steel body that’ll keep your coffee hot four times longer than a glass French press.
This French press is made of durable 18/10 stainless steel, both inside and outside. This means it’s well protected against corrosion and is unbreakable. The filter is made of Italian metal super-cool mesh, and all its components are dishwasher safe.
This stainless steel French press comes with a dual-screen zero sediment filter, which ensures the coffee grounds are kept out of your coffee mug. This patented double-stage filter system will leave you with a smooth, delicious, sediment-free cup of coffee.
Fact: The dual-screen sediment filter is a two-stage filtration system. That is, the pre-filter and the super-fine mesh filter. These two work together to ensure no sediment sneaks into your cup.
The Frieling double-wall stainless steel is available in five different sizes:
- 8 ounces
- 17 ounces
- 23 ounces
- 36 ounces
- 44 ounces
Travelers and single coffee drinkers will find the smaller sizes ideal. Multi-cup coffee lovers and larger households will prefer the larger sizes.
While this French press design has its fair share of advantages, people who enjoy watching the brewing process will find it unsuitable. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly French press, Frieling is not the best option for your pocketbook.
The price range depends on capacity. Compared to other French presses, this coffee maker is expensive — but it’s worth every penny.
At the time of publishing, the Frieling Double Wall Stainless Steel cost $99.95 from Amazon.
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Best Classic Design French Press: Bodum Chambord
Created by Bodum, the carafe of this French press is made of glass. It’s protected with a chrome-plated stainless-steel frame. The D-shaped handle and base are plastic, and the borosilicate glass carafe is heat-resistant, making it easy to use and clean.
Why is this the best classic design?
This plunger has a modern, elegant design suitable for any kitchen decor. The chrome-plated stainless steel gives it a vintage look. It wraps around the glass, which is made to withstand extreme heat exposure. The lid is attached to the plunger, which has a metal filter at the bottom.
The filtration system consists of a 3-piece metal mesh filter to extract essential oils and acids from the coffee beans, leaving the grounds behind. This allows you to enjoy all the flavors of your coffee beans in just 4 minutes.
The Bodum Chambord press comes in four sizes:
- 12 ounces
- 17 ounces
- 34 ounces
- 51 ounces
Single coffee drinkers will find the 12-ounce press most suitable. Coffee lovers who drink more than one cup or those serving a family can go for the bigger versions.
This classic French press coffee maker is available in nine different colors: black, orange, red, white, gold, purple, blue, yellow, and green. You can choose the color that best suits your kitchen when you go for this French press.
Like any other product, the Bodum has its downsides. Disassembling and reassembling it is time-consuming. It might pose a challenge, especially to drinkers with specific physical limitations.
The plunger of this coffee press doesn't press to the very bottom either. For that reason, it leaves fine sediment in your coffee.
Depending on the size you’re after, prices vary but are pocket-friendly.
At the time of publishing, the Bodum Chambord cost $41.95 from Nomad Coffee Club.
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Best Budget Purchase: IdylcHomes KONA French Press Coffee Maker
Source: Amazon
KONA is made of a protective BPA-free plastic frame that cradles the glass carafe. Its ear-shaped ergonomic handle wraps around the sturdy carafe to prevent users from burning their hands while pouring coffee.
The BPA-free plastic frame has a fantastic design that allows you to view the extraction process. It is insulated and prevents the glass from cracking or damage. This plastic frame comes in two colors: red or black.
The glass carafe is designed to resist thermal shock. It’s made of thick borosilicate glass; hence it can withstand minor falls. However, there have been complaints of unexpected cracks. So we advise that you treat it with care.
Since the protective frame and the lid are plastic, this design is lightweight. This makes it a great choice for travelers because it’s quite portable.
Another fantastic feature of the KONA French press is the filter system. Unlike most French presses which use plastic, KONA’s 3-piece filter system is made of stainless steel. This means that you will have a lasting filter that won’t warp over time.
Cleaning this French press is easy. It’s also a breeze to disassemble, reassemble, and most importantly, it’s dishwasher safe.
Tip: Do not wash while the carafe is still hot or it may crack.
This coffee maker comes in only one size: 34 ounces. This is a downside, especially for people looking for smaller or bigger sizes. However, at 34 ounces, the price of this French press is low.
At the time of publishing, the KONA French Press Coffee Maker cost $29.99 from Amazon.
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Are You a French Press Coffee Enthusiast?
We’ve got some fantastic varieties for you to try.
Whether you want to taste different flavors for 3, 6, or 12 months — Nomad Coffee Club provides you with top-quality coffee beans every month.
And did we mention we offer free shipping on all orders within the United States?
Subscribe today for unique, delicious coffee every single month.
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