15 Best French Press Coffee Makers

How to Choose the Best French Press Coffee Maker

The French press is a pretty simple brewer, usually consisting of just a beaker, a lid, and a plunger with a mesh filter attached. But getting each of these elements right means the difference between a good coffee maker and something that’s a joy to use. Here’s what you need to consider before buying a French press.

What size French press do you need?

Unlike the pour-over cone, French presses come in different sizes for the amount of coffee you want to brew. Of course, you can’t make a large batch of coffee in a small brewer, but why not just buy a large capacity and use it for all different amounts? Well, apart from taking up more space, large coffee presses aren’t great at making a single cup. The filter doesn’t sit flat enough along the bottom to separate such small amounts, and you will lose your cup of joe to the wet coffee grounds.

One thing to be aware of is that the cup measurements can be a little misleading. French press cups are measured against traditional European cup sizes, which hold just 4 ounces of coffee (1). If you’re used to a larger 6 or 8 oz cup, you might want to check the capacity in ounces.

Stainless steel, glass, or ceramic

Once you’ve chosen the size, the material will be the most significant factor in buying a French press. The most common materials are ceramic, glass, or stainless steel, and all of them have their pros and cons.

A glass carafe is what you probably think of when you imagine a French press, as it’s traditionally the most popular choice. The main reason is that it’s the cheapest to make. But it also allows people to measure out the correct coffee to water ratio and keep an eye on the process. Not all coffee drinkers brew with a scale or timer. The biggest flaw here is that it can break easily. Some brands offer shatterproof glass carafes, but this will push up the price.

Stainless steel has the benefit of being pretty much indestructible, so it’s a great choice if you want to travel or don’t trust yourself not to knock it over. A metal French press also retains heat better than glass, mainly if it’s double-walled construction. The downside is that you’ll pay a lot more, and not all coatings are dishwasher safe.

Ceramic French presses are less common, but mainly because they are more expensive. They do an excellent job of keeping coffee warm, and they look great to boot.

Filter style

The design of the French press filter has remained essentially unchanged since inception, featuring a mesh filter with a plate on the top and bottom for stability. Unlike the paper filters used with drip coffee, this filter simply separates the grounds and hot water without losing the coffee oils that make delicious coffee.

Some sediment has always been considered part of the French press experience, but some brands now use two mesh filters to help keep more of it out of your cup. If you’re struggling with sediment, you might want to combine a double filter with a good grinder for French press brewing.

More modern innovations include basket-style filters that seal between the coffee grounds and brewed coffee once the plunger is depressed. This is less about reducing sediment and more about halting the brewing process to avoid over-extraction of the coffee.

If you’re not sure if the French press is right for you, you might want to see how it compares to other manual brewers:

• French Press vs Pour Over
• Chemex vs French Press
• French Press vs Aeropress

The Top-Rated French Press Brands in 2023

Whether you want the latest design, or you’re just looking for the cheapest way to make delicious coffee, there’s a French press out there for you. 

Simply put, the Bodum Chambord is a classic. The Swiss brand can’t claim to have invented the French press, but they are responsible for what many would consider the archetypal French press design. 

The individual parts are what you’d expect from the best French press coffee makers. A heatproof borosilicate glass beaker, stainless steel mesh filter, and a plastic handle to provide a cool grip. Bodum has added extra value by chrome plating the frame for durability and designing a spill-proof lid. Could you get a more feature-filled coffee press? Yes, but if you want the textbook French press experience, this is it. And, of course, it makes excellent coffee.

By buying a Bodum Chambord, you’re getting the reassurance of a product that’s tried and tested and designed to last. And if anything does go wrong, there are replacements available for all of the parts.

As the flagship product for the company, the Chambord is available in four sizes (12 oz, 17 oz, 34 oz, and 51 oz) and six different colors. 
For more details, read our full Bodum Chambord review.

Bodum’s position as the French press brand means they have a bigger range than other companies. Thankfully, this also means a wide range of prices. While the French press is never going to be as expensive as an electric brewer, it’s nice to see such affordable options from a big brand.

The Bodum Brazil doesn’t have any special features to offer, but it does have everything you need to make a great cup of coffee. The simple design has remained the same since it was released in the 1980s, but as they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Like all Bodum’s French presses, the beaker is made from borosilicate glass, which won’t stain or affect the taste of your coffee. The base, lid, and handle are BPA-free plastic, while the classic plunger and filter are stainless steel. 

Bodum does offer the Brazil French Press in red or black, and you can choose between the 12 oz, 34 oz, and 51 oz sizes.

There are plenty of good reasons why glass has traditionally been the most common material for a French press. It’s cheap, easy to clean, and lets you keep an eye on the brewing process. But it does have one major downside: it’s fragile.

All glass French presses will have some kind of frame, but it’s mainly to keep the glass off the counter and give you a way to hold it. But Kona has created a durable shell that wraps around the glass to provide protection. Kona certainly isn’t claiming this French press is unbreakable, but it should prevent chipping or cracking in case of those frustrating accidental knocks.

You can’t remove the plastic shell for cleaning like the traditional metal frame, but the rest is dishwasher safe if you remove the plunger. The plastic shell also means that the Kona French press is microwave safe, but please, don’t reheat your coffee this way (2). Make a fresh pot, and your tastebuds will thank you.

The Kona French press comes in red and black plastic or stainless steel. Although the stainless steel model has the same design, it might not provide the same protection. There are just two sizes available: 34 oz and 12 oz.

This certainly isn’t the cheapest coffee press on our list, but that’s why we think it’s such a good single-cup option. If you’re only buying small, you can afford to treat yourself with this elegant coffee maker. 

Frieling is known for producing high-end products for both consumers and the hospitality industry, so perhaps this reputation is responsible for the high price tag. However, this is a very well-engineered coffee press. The filter system works with two screens of different sizes, with the first catching the larger grounds and the second fine mesh screen sifting out the smaller grounds. The plunger itself has a tight fit within the double-wall beaker so that there’s no chance of ground coffee escaping around the edges as you push down.

If you do want to splurge, the Frieling French press comes in a range of larger sizes: 17 oz, 23 oz, 36 oz, and 44 oz. For the finish, you have the choice of brushed or polished stainless steel. Unless you have someone polishing the silverware for you, the brushed finish is best for avoiding fingerprints. 

If you want to keep coffee warm for longer, then a stainless steel French press is the way to go. But even among the best French presses, there are variations in heat retention from brand to brand. Secura claims that their double-wall insulation will keep your coffee hot for an hour longer than glass models, but customer reviews say it’s a lot more than this. 

The Secura has what you could consider an adjustable filter system. There’s one screen attached to the plunger, but two more are provided. The idea is that if you like the rich mouthfeel of the traditional French press, you can leave it as is, but if you’re sensitive to sediment, you can stack two or even three together.

Another reason to pick the Secura is the options available. There are four different sizes: 12 oz, 17 oz, 34 oz, and 50 oz, plus five different colors to choose from. As well as the polished stainless steel, there are textured red, coffee, grey and black models.

Of all the manual brewing methods, the French press is the best for making a batch of coffee. There’s no difference in the time it takes, whether you’re brewing for a crowd or yourself. And if it’s a crowd you’re catering for, the SterlingPro offers possibly the biggest French press out there.

A press that will keep your coffee hot is critical when brewing this many cups of coffee. Although it’s not a good idea to leave your French press coffee sitting for long periods (3), you want to make sure that whoever gets the last cup isn’t drinking cold coffee. The SterlingPro features a double-walled stainless steel construction that retains heat while you’re brewing and serving.

If you’re not a fan of the sediment that French press coffee makers produce, you’ll like the double-screen filter. SterlingPro was the first brand to use this design, eliminating more of the grounds from your cup of coffee. There are also two spare mesh filters included in the box for a longer product lifespan. If you don’t need something quite large, the SterlingPro is also available in 34 oz and 50 oz sizes.

Want to know more? Check out our SterlingPro French press review.

Glass and stainless steel tend to hog the limelight when it comes to materials, but a ceramic or stoneware French press is worth considering. It offers good heat retention, and although it can break, it’s not quite as fragile as glass. The enamel coating that Le Creuset adds to its stoneware coffee press also makes it easier to clean, as it resists both stains and scratches from metal spoons. It’s also dishwasher safe.

Although it’s practical, the aesthetics are a huge part of the appeal (and price) here. The colorful enamel makes it something of a statement piece on any dining table.

This French press is probably particularly inviting for those who already own a few Le Creuset products. There are 11 different colors to help match your brewer to other coffee accessories like the brand’s mugs, kettles, or cream and sugar sets.

There’s possibly no brand more qualified to create an insulated coffee press than Stanley. Founder Walter Stanley Jr patented a design for an all-steel vacuum bottle back in 1913, which became the company’s start.

The company’s tech allows the Stanley Classic Travel Press to keep coffee hot for an impressive four hours. You can also use it simply as a travel mug, which will keep drinks cold for up to 5 hours and iced drinks chilly for 20 hours. The French press part of the mug is a plastic frame with a mesh filter at the bottom rather than a traditional plunger. This helps to stop the brewing process once it’s de-pressed and prevents over-extraction.

Stanley makes all kinds of cookware explicitly designed for outdoor use, so this thing is made for all kinds of adventuring. If you’re not convinced, Stanley offers a lifetime guarantee on all its products.

You don’t need to be camping or hiking to enjoy the benefits of a travel press. Anyone who wants to avoid the wastage of disposable cups or just save themselves a bit of money on cafes should consider one for when they’re on the go.

This is what the Bodum travel press is best used for. The idea is that you can add the hot water as you’re walking out the door, with no need to wait for your coffee to be ready before you leave. The press is built into the lid, which is spill-proof for easy sipping. A silicone band around the middle gives grip, and there’s a non-slip base to prevent accidents while you’re out and about.

This model is also offered in plastic. While it’s not a common material for a French press, it’s pretty standard for an insulated mug. It’s the vacuum between the double walls that prevents heat from escaping, rather than the material itself (4). 

Quality doesn’t have to mean an outrageous cost, as proven by the Mueller French Press. The Austrian brand produces a huge range of kitchen and home appliances, with a reputation for sturdy construction and longevity.

The Mueller French press offering is no different. It’s made from 304 stainless steel, which provides good protection against corrosion and is highly durable (5). The double-walled construction keeps coffee hot for longer than glass, which is helpful with a press holding 34 ounces.

The Mueller French Press has a lot in common with other stainless steel models on the list. However, the thoroughly affordable price tag, plus the fact it has more than 8,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, help push it into the top spot.

The Bialetti brand is a legend in the coffee world, famous for its iconic Moka pot that it first released in 1933. But the brand does have other products, including espresso machines and a French press.

Bialetti’s version follows the idea of a classic French press, but with the brand’s design touches and commitment to quality materials. As you’d expect from a good French press, it has a borosilicate glass carafe and an 18/10 stainless steel frame and plunger to resist rust and hold its shine (6). The frame features a cutout design of l’Omino (the little man), Bialetti’s symbol of authenticity.

There’s only one option for the finish, but Bialetti also offers a 12 oz model if you’d like to keep the little man all to yourself.

Stainless steel French presses are sturdier than glass ones, but why does this get our pick for outdoors? The double walls of the Coffee Gator French press are 33% thicker than other brands, so it will stand up to the wear and tear of use on the trail. 

Unlike the Stanley, this is not a travel press, so don’t expect the same thermal properties. However, the vacuum double-walled carafe will do a great job of keeping your coffee warm as you set up camp. 

If you opt for the Coffee Gator, you’ll notice that their instructions recommend brewing for up to nine minutes rather than the usual four. Before you get confused, it might be time to revisit our instructions on how to use a French press.

The Coffee Gator French press only comes in one size, but you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to color. Take your pick of gray, black, pink, orange, or stainless steel.

Based purely on the looks alone, you would probably know this is a Fellow product. The San Francisco brand has a slick, minimalist aesthetic that’s consistent across all its products. The Clara French press is no exception, with a matte black finish and Scandinavian styling. If all black is not your thing, there’s also a model with a walnut finish handle and press.

Look beyond the exterior, and you’ll find a few clever features that make this more user-friendly. Inside you’ll notice measuring lines, which solves the issue with stainless steel of not seeing when pouring water. Here there’s also a non-stick coating which makes it much easier to clean.

Possibly our favorite design element, however, is the all-directional pour lid. On most French press coffee makers, you’ll find a grill section on the lid that needs to be aligned with the spout to pour. With the Clara, this grill goes right around the lid, so there’s no fuss.

Are these features enough to warrant the cost? Probably not. You’re not going to get a significantly better cup of coffee out of this than other French press coffee makers on this list. But at the end of the day, it’s hard to put a price on good looks.

Continue your commitment to excellent taste by picking the best coffee beans for French press.

With the P5, Espro has attempted to solve two of the biggest issues with glass: heat loss and the potential for breakage. This carafe is made from German-engineered glass 40% thicker than average, giving increased durability and better heat retention.

You’ll also notice here that the filter here is different from the average French press. In lieu of the flat disc, there are two interlocking plastic baskets, each with a different mesh grade.

As well as removing the finest coffee grounds from your drink, this basket design stops the brewing process. This means you can theoretically leave your coffee in the carafe without any danger of over-extracting. 

The Espro P5 French press is only available as a 32 oz model, but you do have a choice of chrome or copper finishes.

As much as we love the French press, cleaning it can get a little messy. The wet coffee grounds left after brewing can often stick to the bottom of the carafe, requiring a combination of scooping and draining to get them into the trash.

OXO has come up with a simple yet effective way of making cleanup easier with what’s known as the GroundsLifter. It’s a plastic disc with a long handle that sits underneath the plunger as you brew. When you’re ready to clean, simply pull up the handle, and the disc will bring up all of the grounds from the bottom.

Like in any French press, the OXO Brew has everything you need:

1. A borosilicate glass beaker.
2. A fine mesh stainless steel filter.
3. A soft, non-slip plastic handle.

It’s available in just the 32 oz size, so it might not be for you if you only want a single cup at a time.

The Verdict

As you can see from such an extensive list, there is no shortage of French press brands to choose from, with options for every budget. Bodum Chambord is the best French Press when it comes to functionality, affordability, and timeless appeal, but it’s hard to go wrong with any of the French press coffee makers we’ve mentioned here.

One of the great things about a French press is that it’s not an expensive piece of kit. There’s no reason you couldn’t have a single-serve glass French press for daily use and a larger coffee press for occasional entertaining.