A French press coffee maker brews a full-bodied cup by steeping coarse grounds directly in hot water, then separating them with a mesh plunger. There is no paper filter, so the natural oils stay in the cup, giving French press coffee its rich texture. This guide compares five French presses across glass and stainless designs and explains how to brew a clean, flavorful cup.
| Rank | Product | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bodum Chambord French Press, 12 oz | Classic single-serving glass press | View on Amazon |
| 2 | Bodum Brazil French Press, 34 oz | Affordable larger-batch brewing | View on Amazon |
| 3 | Frieling Double-Walled Stainless, 36 oz | Heat retention and durability | View on Amazon |
| 4 | ESPRO P7 Stainless, 32 oz | Grit-free cup with double micro-filter | View on Amazon |
| 5 | Bodum Java French Press, 34 oz | Budget large glass press | View on Amazon |
Top Picks
1. Bodum Chambord French Press, 12 oz
The Chambord is the archetypal French press: borosilicate glass carafe, polished stainless frame, and a three-part plunger that filters cleanly. The 12-ounce size is perfect for a single large mug, and the classic looks have made it a kitchen icon for decades.
2. Bodum Brazil French Press, 34 oz
The Brazil delivers the same Bodum brewing experience in a larger, more affordable package with a sturdy plastic frame. At 34 ounces it serves two to three cups, making it a great low-cost entry point into French press coffee.
3. Frieling Double-Walled Stainless, 36 oz
If you want your coffee to stay hot, the Frieling’s double-walled stainless steel construction is the standout. It is nearly indestructible, keeps the brew warm far longer than glass, and the patented filter system reduces sediment.
4. ESPRO P7 Stainless, 32 oz
The Espro P7 uses a double micro-filter that traps fine particles as you press, producing one of the cleanest French press cups available. The double-walled stainless body also retains heat well, so it is a top choice for anyone bothered by grit.
5. Bodum Java French Press, 34 oz
The Java is Bodum’s value glass press in a larger size. It brews the same bright, full-bodied cup as pricier glass models and is an easy recommendation for a first French press on a budget.
Glass vs Stainless Steel
Glass presses like the Chambord and Java are inexpensive, let you watch the brew, and never affect flavor, but they lose heat quickly and can break. Stainless steel presses like the Frieling and Espro are far more durable and keep coffee hot through the second cup, though they cost more and hide the brew. If you sip slowly or brew larger batches, the heat retention of stainless is worth the premium.
How to Brew Great French Press Coffee
Use a coarse, even grind roughly the texture of breadcrumbs; too fine and the cup turns muddy and hard to plunge. A common ratio is about one part coffee to fifteen parts water by weight. Pour water just off the boil, give it a gentle stir, cap it, and steep for around four minutes. Press the plunger down slowly and steadily, then pour right away so the coffee does not keep extracting on the grounds and turn bitter.
Who a French Press Is For
A French press suits anyone who enjoys a rich, full-bodied cup and wants a brewing method with no paper filters and almost nothing to break. It is forgiving, portable, and inexpensive to start. If you prefer a cleaner, lighter cup or push-button convenience, a drip machine or capsule brewer may fit better, and you can compare those in our guides to the best coffee makers for home brewing and Keurig coffee maker models compared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my French press coffee gritty?
Grit usually comes from grinding too fine or pressing too fast. Use a coarse grind and a slow, steady press. Models with a double micro-filter, like the Espro P7, also reduce sediment significantly.
How long should French press coffee steep?
About four minutes is the standard. Shorter steeps taste weak and sour, while much longer steeps can turn bitter, especially if you leave the coffee sitting on the grounds.
Is glass or stainless steel better for a French press?
Glass is cheaper and lets you watch the brew, while stainless steel keeps coffee hotter and is far more durable. Choose stainless if heat retention and longevity matter most.
What grind size is best for a French press?
A coarse grind similar to coarse sea salt or breadcrumbs is ideal. It plunges easily and keeps fine particles out of the cup.
Can you make tea in a French press?
Yes. The mesh plunger works well for loose-leaf tea, separating the leaves from the water once the steep is done, which makes a French press a flexible brewer.
How much coffee do you use in a French press?
A common starting ratio is about one part coffee to fifteen parts water by weight, then adjust to taste. For a standard 34-ounce press, that is roughly two ounces, or about seven tablespoons, of coarsely ground coffee.
Is French press coffee bad for you?
French press coffee contains more of the natural oils that paper filters remove, but for most people enjoying it in normal amounts this is not a health concern. If you prefer a cleaner cup, a paper-filtered method removes more of those compounds.
Exploring other brewing methods? See our best coffee makers for home brewing and Breville espresso machines reviewed and compared.
French Press vs Other Brewing Methods
Compared with drip machines, a French press gives a heavier, oilier body because there is no paper filter to absorb the oils. Compared with a moka pot, it produces a milder, less concentrated cup. And compared with capsule brewers, it is cheaper to run and more sustainable, with no pods to discard. The trade-off is that it requires a few minutes of hands-on attention. If you value that ritual and a full-bodied cup, the French press is hard to beat for the price.
It also travels well and needs no electricity, which makes it a great companion for offices and trips. For comparisons with other styles, browse our best coffee makers for home brewing, the capsule-based Keurig coffee maker models compared, and dedicated espresso options among the Breville espresso machines reviewed and compared.
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