The Best French Presses
How to choose a French press, and the ones we’d recommend.
A French press is the simplest way to a rich, full-bodied cup: coffee steeps in hot water, then a mesh filter presses the grounds down. Presses differ mainly in how well they hold heat and how much sediment they let through. Here’s how to choose, and our picks.
What to look for
Glass, stainless steel, or stoneware
Glass lets you watch the brew but loses heat fast and can break. Double-wall stainless steel keeps coffee hot for much longer and survives drops. Stoneware holds heat well and looks good on the table, but it’s heavier.
The filter decides the sediment
Every French press lets a little fine sediment through, which is part of its full body. Presses with finer or double filters produce a noticeably cleaner cup.
Size for how you brew
An 8-cup (about 34 oz) press makes two to three mugs. If you usually brew for one, a smaller press keeps the coffee-to-water ratio easier to get right.
Our picks
Bodum Chambord
Budget
Best for: The classic, simple French press.
The design most people picture: a glass carafe in a stainless steel frame, available in several sizes and easy to find replacement parts for.
Keep in mind: Glass loses heat quickly, so pour all the coffee as soon as it’s pressed.
Fellow Clara
Mid-range
Best for: Keeping coffee hot while you enjoy it.
A double-wall insulated stainless steel press with a modern design and a filter built to reduce grit in the cup.
Keep in mind: More expensive than a classic glass press.
ESPRO P7
Premium
Best for: The cleanest French press cup.
Its double micro-filter catches far more fine sediment than a standard mesh filter, and the double-wall stainless body keeps coffee hot.
Keep in mind: Premium price, and the filter has more parts to rinse.
Frieling Double-Wall Stainless
Premium
Best for: Durability and heat retention for the long haul.
Double-wall 18/10 stainless steel that holds heat well, won’t break, and goes in the dishwasher.
Keep in mind: You can’t see the brew through the walls, and it’s pricier than glass.
Le Creuset Stoneware French Press
Premium
Best for: Serving at the table, and anyone who values the look.
Enameled stoneware that holds heat well, in Le Creuset’s signature colors.
Keep in mind: Heavier than other presses, and stoneware can chip if it’s knocked around.
Stanley Classic French Press
Budget
Best for: Camping, travel, and anywhere rough.
Rugged, vacuum-insulated stainless steel built to take knocks and keep coffee hot outdoors.
Keep in mind: Function over form: it looks like camping gear, because it is.
Sunset Brews doesn’t sell brewing equipment, and we aren’t paid for these recommendations. Prices and models change, so check the maker’s site for current details.