12 Best French Press Coffee Makers (updated 2018)
Our in-house team of coffee experts review and test each coffee maker before recommending; they also review the latest French Press Coffee Makers each year.
After some intensive analysis, our experts have prepared this buying guide to recommend some of the best coffee presses in different categories, from stainless steel French Presses to travel coffee presses.
If, after reading our guide, you still have any questions about what French Press is right for you, please don't hesitate to drop us a line at: hi@frenchpresscoffee.com
Best French Press Coffee Makers of the Year | 12 Top Picks of 2018
Best Stainless Steel French Press
PROS: Stainless Steel French press brewers are advantageous as they can't shatter like glass models can.
They also retain heat better, so if you don't serve up your coffee immediately after brewing you don't have to worry about it going cold in a stainless steel device.
You can fully luxuriate in the coffee experience knowing that your beverage will stay hot in this durable device with, a model made of this material.
CONS: However, with a stainless steel French press you won't have the same visibility of your coffee brew like you would with a glass device.
(Staff Pick) FRIELING FRENCH PRESS COFFEE MAKER
BREWING METHODS: French Press Coffee, Cold Brew Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea, Infusion GREAT FOR: TRAVEL, HOME
ESPRO PRESS P7
BREWING METHODS: French Press Coffee, Cold Brew Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea, Infusion GREAT FOR: TRAVEL, HOME
BODUM COLUMBIA
BREWING METHODS: French Press Coffee, Cold Brew Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea, Infusion GREAT FOR: TRAVEL, HOME
Best Glass French Press
PROS: A glass French press is the traditional method of brewing coffee. With a fully transparent glass carafe, it allows you to watch your beverage brew.
This visual method adds to the overall experience and gives you leverage in making your preferred cup.
Many people also prefer the sleek look of a glass device that adds to the design elements of their home.
A glass French press keeps your coffee warm until you're ready to enjoy it.
CONS: The major downfall of a glass French press coffee maker is that it is the most vulnerable material when it comes to cracks or breaks.
The glass of this device can be shattered or cracked if it is ever bumped, dropped, or knocked over.
(Staff Pick) ESPRO PRESS P5
BREWING METHODS: French Press Coffee, Cold Brew Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea, Infusion GREAT FOR: HOME
BODUM® - CHAMBORD® French Press Coffee Maker
BREWING METHODS: French Press Coffee, Cold Brew Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea, Infusion GREAT FOR: HOME
aerolatte® French Press Cafetiere
BREWING METHODS: French Press Coffee, Cold Brew Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea, Infusion GREAT FOR: HOME
Best Travel Coffee
If you're constantly on the go but still need your caffeine fix, then you may want to consider a travel French Press.
(Staff Pick) AeroPress COFFEE MAKER
BREWING METHODS: French Press Style Coffee, Hot Tea GREAT FOR: SINGLE SERVE COFFEE , TRAVEL, HOME
CLEVER DRIPPER
BREWING METHODS: French Press Style Coffee, Hot Tea GREAT FOR: SINGLE SERVE COFFEE , TRAVEL, HOME
ESPRO TRAVEL PRESS
BREWING METHODS: French Press Coffee, Cold Brew Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea, Infusion GREAT FOR: SINGLE SERVE COFFEE, TRAVEL, HOME
Best Ceramic French Press
A ceramic French Press is a strong, yet attractive alternative to stainless steel or glass devices.
They offer the warming capabilities and sturdiness of a stainless steel device combined with the design benefits of being able to choose different colors and styles.
(Stuff Pick) Yield Design Co.'s Handmade Ceramic French Press Coffee Maker
BREWING METHODS: French Press Coffee, Cold Brew Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea, Infusion GREAT FOR: HOME
Forlife Ceramic French Press Coffee Maker
BREWING METHODS: French Press Coffee, Cold Brew Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea, Infusion GREAT FOR: HOME
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French Press Coffee Makers Comparison Chart
French Press Coffee Maker |
Material (Carafe) |
Brew Capacity, cups(1 cup = 4 oz.) |
Primary Filter (type) |
BEST FOR |
Frieling French Press | Stainless Steel | 2, 4, 5, 9, 11 | Regular Filter + Microfilter | HOME, TRAVEL |
Espro Press P7 | Stainless Steel | 4, 8 | 2 x Microfilters + optional paper filters | HOME, TRAVEL |
Bodum Columbia French Press | Stainless Steel | 4, 8, 12 | Single Filter | HOME, TRAVEL |
Espro Press P5 | Schott-Duran Glass | 4, 8 | 2 x Microfilters + optional paper filters | HOME |
Bodum Chambord French Press | Glass | 4, 8, 12 | Single Filter | HOME |
aerolatte® French Press Cafetiere | Glass | 3, 5, 8 | Single Filter | HOME |
AeroPress COFFEE MAKER | Polypropylene (BPA Free) | 2 | Paper Filters, optional metal microfilters | TRAVEL, HOME |
Clever Dripper | Durable BPA-free plastic | 3 | Paper Filters | TRAVEL, HOME |
Espro Travel Press | Stainless Steel | 2 | 2 x Microfilters + optional paper filters | TRAVEL, HOME |
Forlife Ceramic French Press Coffee Maker |
Porcelain | 8 | Single Filter | HOME |
Yield Design Ceramic French Press Coffee Maker |
Ceramic | 8 | Single Filter | HOME |
Why Use A French Press?
A French Press brings out more textured flavors of your coffee. Finer grounds, such as those you get with drip coffee, require more force to brew and can easily seep out of the filter and into the coffee causing it to taste bitter.
A French Coffee Press can accommodate a coarse grind which requires less pressure to brew, which allows the complete saturation of the coffee and oils in very little time so that you always have the right balance of flavoring.
With a French Press Coffee Maker, you can enjoy your favorite cup of coffee the way it is meant to be enjoyed. It is also easy to operate, making it simple and fast to brew up your morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Learn how to make perfect French Press Coffee - BREW GUIDE & TIPS »
FRIELING FRENCH PRESS COFFEE MAKER
5 THINGS WE LIKE:
- MICRO-TWO STAGE FILTRATION (zero coffee ground brew)
- BUILT TO LAST
- EXCEPTIONAL HEAT AND COLD RETENTION
- ELEGANT LOOK
- 5 YEAR WARRANTY
PROS:
- Micro-filtration
- Double Wall Insulation
- High quality materials
- Very easy to brew
- 100% stainless steel
CONS:
- Heavier (large models) than other french press coffee makers
- More expensive than some of the other options on this list
- Clean up isn't always very easy
2017 Housewares Design Award Winner: Frieling USA French Press
For coffee experts who want to splash out on a premium quality device; the Frieling USA Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker with a Dual Screen offers a real treat for large brews.
This restaurant quality device uses a patented two-stage filtration system to provide zero ground coffee beverages, while its 18/10 grade, BPA-free stainless steel construction is built to last.
ESPRO PRESS P7, STAINLESS STEEL COFFEE PRESS
5 THINGS WE LIKE:
- UNIQUE GRIT-FREE MICRO-FILTRATION
- GREAT HEAT AND COLD RETENTION
- BUILT TO LAST
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION (no glass to worry about breaking)
- TOP RACK DISHWASHER SAFE
PROS:
- Micro-filtration (Grit-Free French Press Coffee)
- Double Wall Insulation
- High quality materials
- Easy to brew
- Optional Paper Filters
CONS:
- Filter basket take up extra volume than average French Press
- More expensive than some of the other options on this list
- Not easy to Clean up
Brew Cleaner, Tastier Cup of French Press Coffee with Espro Press P7
In a more high-end offering, the Espro Press P7 Stainless Steel Insulated French Press Coffee Maker performs like a French Press with the more expert option of a exclusive coffee micro-filters which completely separates the coffee you want to drink from the grinds and grit that you don't.
The Espro P7 also brews up deliciously flavored coffee in three minutes flat.
BODUM COLUMBIA, STAINLESS STEEL FRENCH PRESS COFFEE MAKER
5 THINGS WE LIKE:
- EASE OF USE (classic French Press filtration)
- GOOD HEAT AND COLD RETENTION (keeps beverages hot for two hours)
- BEAUTIFUL & UNIQUE DESIGN
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION (no glass to worry about breaking)
- EASY TO CLEAN
PROS:
- Classic French Press filtration
- Double Wall Insulation
- High quality materials
- Easy to brew and clean
- Betifull and unique design
CONS:
- Good Coffee grinder is recommended (single layer mesh filter)
- Plastic parts inside
Brew Classic French Press Coffee with Bodum Columbia French Press
The plunger on Bodum Columbia French Press is also made of stainless steel, and for a good reason.
The mesh filter and steel construction helps to bring out more of the natural aromas in your coffee beans.
Paper tends to absorb these flavors, but you will be able to enjoy the subtle tastes and smells of your coffee when you use these tools.
ESPRO PRESS P5, Glass French Press Coffee Maker
5 THINGS WE LIKE:
- UNIQUE GRIT-FREE MICRO-FILTRATION
- THICK & DURABLE GLASS
- GREAT OVERALL DESIGN
- SAFETY LOCK™ (completely secures the glass carafe inside the cage)
- TOP RACK DISHWASHER SAFE
PROS:
- Micro-filtration (Grit-Free French Press Coffee)
- Thick and Durable Glass with Safety Lock
- High quality materials
- Easy to brew
- Optional Paper Filters
CONS:
- Filter basket take up extra volume than average French Press
- More expensive than some of the other options on this list
- Not easy to Clean up
ESPRO PRESS P5 - Brew Grit-Free, Rich yet Smooth Coffee
For added functionality and flair, the Espro Press P5 French Press is made from a durable glass and includes a safety lock that keeps the glass carafe safe inside its stainless steel cage.
The device's innovative plunger features two coffee micro-filters which allow you to brew a clean cup of coffee or tea without any unwanted grit.
BODUM CHAMBORD - The Original French Press
5 THINGS WE LIKE:
- EASE OF USE (classic French Press filtration)
- BEAUTIFUL & ELEGANT DESIGN
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION
- EASY TO CLEAN
- VERY EASY TO USE
PROS:
- Classic French Press filtration
- High quality materials
- Very Easy to brew and clean
- Beatifull and unique design
CONS:
- Good Coffee grinder is recommended (single layer mesh filter)
- Glass might break (avoid metal spoons)
The Chambord French Press Coffee Maker comes in beautiful colors and finishes.
Since the 1950s, CHAMBORD is the brand that proudly stands for the best in classic French Coffee.
It stands the test of time because of the Bodum's commitment to quality and loyalty to its industry leading standard.
The same craftsmanship and passion that created the first Chambord French Press Coffee Maker is what you get in today's generation - only with modern features and technology.
aerolatte® French Press Cafetiere
5 THINGS WE LIKE:
- WATER LEVEL GAUGE printed right on the glass
- EASE OF USE (classic French Press filtration)
- COMPACT & ECONOMICAL
- EASY TO CLEAN
- VERY EASY TO USE
PROS:
- Classic French Press filtration
- Unique water level gauge printed right on the glass
- Good quality materials
- Very Easy to brew and clean
CONS:
- Good Coffee grinder is recommended (single layer mesh filter)
- Glass might break (avoid metal spoons)
French Press Coffee Maker - Cafetiere by Aerolatte®
The French Press Cafetiere features an innovative water level gauge printed on the glass that allows perfect precision control.
This Coffee Press is easy to take apart and clean, and replacement parts are easily available in the event that the mesh or the beaker become lost or broken.
AeroPress Coffee Maker (Coffee Press)
5 THINGS WE LIKE:
- BREW CLASSIC COFFEE & ESPRESS-STYLE
- VERY DURABLE
- EXCELLENT FOR HOME & TRAVEL
- EXTREMELY EASY TO USE & CLEAN
- COMPACT & ECONOMICAL
PROS:
- Best for Americal Style, Classis and Espresso-Style Coffee
- Paper and optional metal filters
- Unique level gauge printed right on the plunger
- Good quality materials
- Very Easy to brew and clean
CONS:
- Physical challenge
- Single Serving only (250 ml./8 oz. capacity)
- Plastic parts (polypropylene)
Aerobie AeroPress Coffee Maker
One of the easiest and economical options in this category is the Aerobie AeroPress Coffee Maker. This space-saving, lightweight, and durable coffee maker is a great choice for the home or when traveling.
It brews up 8 oz. in a rapid, total immersion process that delivers robust flavored coffee with any bitterness.
Clever Coffee Dripper
5 THINGS WE LIKE:
- CLEAN CUP OF FRENCH PRESS STYLE COFFEE
- EXTREMELY AFFORDABLE
- EXCELLENT FOR HOME & TRAVEL
- EXTREMELY EASY TO USE & CLEAN
- COMPACT & ECONOMICAL
PROS:
- Full Immersion Coffee
- EXTREAMLY EASY TO BREW and CLEAN
- Great for Travel and Home
- Good quality materials
- Very Easy to brew and clean
CONS:
- Single Serving only (500 ml./18 oz. capacity)
- Plastic parts
- Paper Filters required
Clever Coffee Dripper
The Clever Dripper Full Immersion Coffee Dripper offers another non-traditional option. While this model varies from a conventional French Press, it does give you the same capability to make a full brew of single serve coffee.
With its paper-cone coffee filters, you can fully extract the flavor of your favorite beans for a delicious drink to enjoy at any time of day.
Espro Travel Press
5 THINGS WE LIKE:
- UNIQUE GRIT-FREE MICRO-FILTRATION
- DOUBLE-WALLED, vacuum-insulated stainless steel container
- BREW COFFEE WHILE ON THE GO
- Keeps your coffee or tea hot for up to 6 hours
- COMPACT & ECONOMICAL
PROS:
- Misro-filtration (Grit-Free French Press Coffee)
- Double Wall Insulation
- High quality materials
- Keeps Coffee & Tea hot for hours
- Optional Tea and Paper Filters
CONS:
- Single Serving only (295 ml./10 oz. capacity)
- Plastic parts inside
Espro Travel Coffee Press
The Espro Stainless Steel Travel Press For Coffee is one of the most innovative ways to brew coffee while on the go.
It provides a super clean method of brewing that uses a double walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel container to produce hot, fresh, and sediment-free coffee.
Yield Design Ceramic French Press Coffee Maker
5 THINGS WE LIKE:
- BEAUTIFUL DESIGN
- EYE-CATCHING COPPER PULL
- NO PLASTIC ANYWHERE
- GOOD HEAT RETENTION (better the glass)
- IDEAL CENTERPIECE FOR SPECIAL EVENTS, GUESTS
PROS:
- Good heat Retention
- Handmade
- Beatiful Design
- Ideal to impress family or friends
CONS:
- Hand-washing only
- Special Care need it
Handmade Ceramic Yield Design French Press Coffee Maker
Yield Design Co.'s Handmade Ceramic French Press Coffee Maker is a more high-end, design focused option.
Offered in four colors, the device has a stainless steel plunger that is accented by an elegant copper pull, along with a smooth, high gloss finish on the inside.
Forlife Ceramic French Press Coffee Maker
5 THINGS WE LIKE:
- UNIQUE AND PRACTICAL DESIGN
- VARIETY OF COLORS
- DISHWASHER SAFE
- GOOD HEAT RETENTION (better the glass)
- GREAT FOR COFFEE AND TEA
PROS:
- Practical & Unique Design
- Good Heat Retention
- Great for Coffee and Tea
CONS:
- Available only in one size
- Gentle care and handling recommended
Forlife Ceramic French Press Coffee Maker
The Forlife Ceramic French Press Coffee Maker comes in fashionable colors. Its high-fired ceramic keeps your drinks hot for hours, while its bottom shock absorbing, silicone covering helps reduce spillage and provide further heat retention.
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