A French press steeps coarse ground coffee in hot water, then separates the grounds with a metal mesh plunger. It is a simple way to brew a full-bodied cup, and a good press is easy to clean, comfortable to hold and sized for how much coffee you drink. Because the design is so simple, small differences in filter quality, insulation and build are what separate one press from the next, and those are the details worth comparing.
The six presses below include glass, stainless steel and double-wall designs. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm the capacity, material and filter details on the current listing before you buy, since many of these lines are sold in several sizes. A French press is a forgiving tool, so the main decision is whether you prefer the look of glass or the sturdiness and heat retention of steel.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Material | Glass shows the brew but can break; steel is tougher and holds heat |
| Size | Match the capacity to how many cups you pour each morning |
| Filter | Fine mesh or a double filter reduces silt in the cup |
| Insulation | Double-wall presses keep coffee warmer for longer |
| Cleaning | Wide openings and parts that come apart make cleanup easier |
| Pour | A well-shaped spout keeps coffee from dribbling down the side of the carafe |
Specs at a Glance
| Press | Material | Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodum Chambord | Glass with metal frame | Classic | Several sizes |
| Bodum Brazil | Glass with plastic frame | Classic | Lighter |
| Frieling Double-Wall Press | Stainless steel | Double-wall | Insulated |
| Espro P3 | Stainless steel | Double filter | Insulated |
| SterlingPro French Press | Stainless steel | Double-wall | Several sizes |
| OXO Brew French Press | Glass | Easy cleanup | 8 cup |
The 6 Best French Presses
1. Bodum Chambord French Press
The classic glass French press in a metal frame, sold in several sizes. It is the model many people picture when they think of a French press.
Suits: everyday brewing. Strengths: a classic design and simple use. Weaknesses: glass can break. Skip it if you want a double-wall press.
2. Bodum Brazil French Press
A lighter, more affordable Bodum press with a plastic frame and handle around the glass beaker. Check the listing for the sizes available.
Suits: budget-friendly brewing. Strengths: low cost and a familiar design. Weaknesses: the frame is plastic. Skip it if you want a metal body.
3. Frieling Double-Wall Stainless Steel French Press
A stainless steel French press from a respected kitchenware maker, with insulated walls and a two-part filter. Check the listing for the capacity.
Suits: hot coffee that stays hot. Strengths: strong build and good insulation. Weaknesses: a premium cost. Skip it if you want to see the brew.
View Frieling Double-Wall Press on Amazon
4. Espro P3 French Press
A press with a double micro-filter system designed to reduce sediment, and a double-wall stainless body. Confirm the size and material on the listing.
Suits: less gritty coffee. Strengths: a fine filter and insulation. Weaknesses: pricey for casual use. Skip it if you want the cheapest press.
5. SterlingPro Double-Wall French Press
A stainless double-wall press available in several sizes. Check the listing for the filter design and capacity.
Suits: keeping coffee warm. Strengths: an insulated body. Weaknesses: filter details vary. Skip it if you want glass.
View SterlingPro French Press on Amazon
6. OXO Brew 8 Cup French Press with GroundsLifter
A glass-bodied press with a feature that helps lift the spent grounds out for cleaning. Confirm the capacity and material on the listing.
Suits: easy cleanup. Strengths: a handy grounds lifter. Weaknesses: bulky for one cup. Skip it if you want a compact press.
View OXO Brew French Press on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Use a coarse grind to avoid silty coffee.
- Rinse the filter right after plunging.
- Wash by hand if the maker advises.
- Preheat the press with hot water for a warmer brew.
- Discard spent grounds in the trash or compost, not down the drain.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a fine grind, which clogs the mesh.
- Leaving coffee in the press after brewing.
- Overfilling past the plunger line.
- Pouring boiling water into a cold glass.
- Using a plunger that is bent or loose and lets grounds slip by.
French Press FAQ
What grind should I use?
Coarse, similar to coarse sea salt. Fine grounds pass through the mesh and make bitter coffee.
How long should I steep?
About four minutes is a common starting point. Adjust to taste.
Glass or steel?
Glass shows the brew but is fragile. Steel is tougher and holds heat.
What size should I buy?
A 34 ounce press makes about four small cups. Choose smaller for one or two people.
Can I make tea in a French press?
Yes. Many people steep loose leaf tea in one. Rinse the press well afterward so coffee and tea flavors do not mix.
The Short Version
For a classic, the Bodum Chambord. For a budget buy, the Bodum Brazil. For a steel build, the Frieling. For less sediment, the Espro P3. For an insulated option, the SterlingPro. For easy cleanup, the OXO.