The Best French Press Coffee Makers

We spent over 30 hours of research and testing to determine that the SterlingPro – Double-Wall French Press is the best French press coffee maker. Its double-wall insulation keeps coffee hotter for longer than any other French press we tested. The best classic-style French press is the Bodum – Chambord, a glass and stainless-steel option with a double filtration system that assures sediment-free coffee. If you’re looking for a press for when you’re on the go, we recommend the OXO BREW – Venture.

Table of Contents

• The 14 French presses we tested
• 1. Best insulated: SterlingPro – Double Wall
• 2. Best classic: Bodum – Chambord
• 3. Best for travel: OXO BREW – Venture
• Other products we recommend
• Other products we don’t recommend
• How we selected
• How we tested
• Why use a French press?
• Important features to consider
• The bottom line

(Editor’s note: For this update, we researched more products to see if we could find another French press coffee maker that would beat our top pick. What is particularly striking is how many copycat French presses are on the market. Many are indistinguishable from one another or have slightly altered shapes and colors. We were able to find two new French presses to test, but we also pinpointed a sub-category, travel French press coffee makers, and selected three that had unique features.)

The 14 French presses we tested

1. Best insulated: SterlingPro

The SterlingPro – Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press is our top pick. At around $40, it holds 35 ounces of liquid — large enough for eight cups of coffee — and retains heat better than any other press we tested. It happens to be an exact replica of one sold by Mueller too.

Its double walls of stainless steel — matched with a lid that can spin to close it off from outside air — keeps the temperature at 121° even after two hours. As far as insulated French press coffee makers go, the SterlingPro undoubtedly leads the pack of our finalists. Although this means it can maintain a high temperature, you do not necessarily want to be steeping coffee for hours. We suggest brewing, then pouring it out into an insulated travel mug, or a even a heated mug like the Ember.

In our taste tests, we found that it made a slightly less bitter cup than the other presses and offered a smoother aftertaste as well. The plunger stops the screens at 1½ inches from the bottom, which allows the coffee grounds to release their flavor without damaging the screen.

Our Top Pick: SterlingPro - Double Wall Stainless

If hot (and delicious) coffee is important to you, there's no better French press than SterlingPro. It not only deliver excellent heat retention, but also comes in an impressive product design.

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In our testing, it had the second least amount of coffee grounds remaining in a cup. While it lacks a second filter near the spout, it provides excellent filtration with its two screens on the plunger. This means that when you use the SterlingPro, you’ll end up with a clean cup of coffee and avoid sludgy grounds at the bottom of your cup.

We like that the SterlingPro is made of only high-quality stainless steel. This guarantees that no plastic will get in the way of your coffee’s flavor. The 18/20 stainless steel is used on the interior and exterior of the carafe and shouldn’t ever rust or break.

The large handle is heat-proof and easy to grip while pouring. It also comes with a replacement set of double screens.

While all parts are dishwasher safe, SterlingPro recommends hand washing it with mild soap and a soft sponge. The plunger and screens are simple to disassemble, and the carafe is easier to clean by hand than the glass presses because it’s more durable.

Key takeaways:

• The SterlingPro – Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press is our top pick because of its durable material and ability to retain heat.
• Its plunger offers two filter screens to help keep grounds in the carafe while you pour coffee.
• It’s priced under $40 and can hold up to eight cups of coffee, making it a good option for an everyday French press.

2. Best classic: Bodum – Chambord

Our pick for a classic French press is the 34-ounce Bodum Chambord. Its simple design makes it easy enough to use for a quick morning cup.

The press works well with both coffee and loose leaf tea, making a smooth cup of both. We like that the plunger doesn’t hit the bottom of the carafe. It leaves about an inch of space so it doesn’t over-compress coffee grounds or break tea leaves, resulting in bitter beverages.

Best Classic: Bodum - Chambord

The Chambord's simple and classic design makes it a pleasure to use from end to end.

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It has a double filtration system — one steel mesh screen and a second plastic filter at the spout. When we tested its ability to filter grounds from a cup of coffee, it ranked first out of our top nine.

The plastic handle is easy to grip when pouring or carrying, and its stainless steel frame protects the heat-proof glass if it’s dropped. It also includes a scoop for your ground coffee.

By unscrewing the plunger and screen components, it’s easy to clean. All parts are dishwasher-safe as well.

Key takeaways:

• The Bodum Chambord is a classic French press that’s a pleasure to use any time of day.
• Its double filtration system — one mesh screen and another filter near the spout — keeps coffee grounds from ending up in your cup.
• It’s easy to use and clean, and its durable plastic frame helps protect the glass carafe.

3. Best for travel: OXO BREW – Venture

The OXO BREW – Venture is a 32-ounce French press made of Tritan plastic, a super-durable plastic that is shatter- and stain-resistant and stays crystal clear after dishwashing. (If you want to know more about Tritan, read our review of the best food storage container.)

The main canister slips into a removable carry-all, which is convenient but not necessary. With the carry-all, the OXO – Venture weighs 15 ounces; without the carry-all, it weighs only 8 ounces, so it’s ideal for packing into an overnight bag or a backpack.

Best for Travel: OXO BREW - Venture

Made of lightweight and durable Tritan plastic, the OXO BREW - Venture can easily be packed into an overnight bag or backpack. Its superb design filters out every bit of sediment, making a smooth, full-bodied cup of coffee

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The OXO – Venture has a single filtering screen, but the plunger has an innovative silicone gasket that seals the coffee grinds in the bottom of the canister. And just in case an errant grind somehow manages to slip through, it’s trapped in the pouring spout’s filter. Of the new French presses we tested, the OXO – Venture gave us one of the best cups of coffee: smooth, full-bodied and sediment-free.

We’ve tested many OXO products and find that at times they’re overpriced. The OXO – Venture, however, is only $20, and if you’re a frequent flier or camper, you can take this excellent travel French press anywhere.

Other products we recommend

Coffee Gator

The Coffee Gator French press gets slightly higher ratings on Amazon than the SterlingPro, and no doubt about it, they have much in common. The Coffee Gator is also made of two layers of food-grade stainless steel, but it’s actually a higher grade; The Sterling Pro is made of 18/10 stainless steel, while Coffee Gator is made of 304 stainless steel, which is more resistant to corrosion. (It’s commonly used in processing equipment for wine, beer and dairy.)

The Coffee Gator holds 34 ounces, and its large, heat-proof handle makes it easy to pour. Coffee Gator’s plunger is exactly the same as SterlingPro’s; It’s sturdy and has two filtering screens. During our testing, we noticed that Coffee Gator actually filtered out all coffee grinds and gave us rich-tasting medium-strong and sludge-free cups of coffee.

The big difference between these two competitors is that Coffee Gator is available in six different colors with matte finishes, and a cute airtight canister (about the size of a baby-food jar) for storing coffee beans is included. (Also thrown in is a fun coaster for your mug.)

Coffee Gator makes the same great cup of coffee as the SterlingPro. But if you want a French press that’s less traditional and has a chic, modern look, we recommend Coffee Gator.

bobble – Presse

If you’re running to work and don’t feel like shelling out for a Starbucks, you might want to try the bobble – Presse. Bobble first made an eco-friendly stainless-steel water bottle and then turned it into a single-serving French press. The plunger is actually a smaller canister with a built-in micro-filter. Like the OXO – Venture, the Presse has a silicone gasket that prevents coffee grinds from slipping through. The smaller canister is inserted into the main canister, which then pushes the filtered coffee up. A silicone lid snaps on, and you’re ready to go.

The Presse didn’t give us a full-bodied coffee, but it was smooth and grind-free and stayed very hot. The silicone gasket grips the filter tightly, so we had trouble removing it for cleaning.

The Presse comes in a variety of bright metallic colors, and although it’s a bit expensive for what it is, we can’t deny it’s a well-made product. If you walk to work on a brisk autumn day, the Presse will keep your home-brewed coffee hot until you get where you’re going.

Hario – Double Glass

At more than double the price most of our finalists, the Hario – Double Glass isn’t for everybody. But from a design standpoint, it’s one of the most attractive products we tested.

The wooden grip around the neck of the pitcher is a beautiful olive wood, held in place by a brown leather strap. The contrast of the shaped glass with the wood and leather makes the Hario a superb combination of classic and modern.

Because it doesn’t have a frame, it’s the most delicate and difficult to clean. But the Hario is the most fun to use and is sure to impress your brunch guests.

Aeropress

The AeroPress has a different approach than the other presses we tested, so much so that a direct comparison almost seems unfair. It consists of a plastic tube and plunger that creates an airtight chamber, rapidly filtering the coffee through a small paper filter.

Because there is no carafe, you place the Aeropress over your mug and press the coffee directly into it. After that, you can add a bit more hot water to suit your tastes.

With only a minute of steep time recommended and the increased pressure of the sealed tube, the coffee made with Aerobie Aeropress is distinctly less bitter. It also is completely free of grit because grounds cannot pass through the microfilter.

In addition to serving as a daily coffee maker in your kitchen, the Aeropress is perfect for travel. It’s lightweight, compact, and made of thick, durable plastic. Plus, it comes with a zippered nylon tote bag. It is easy to use, fast to clean up, and ideal for camping trips or even as an alternative to a cheap hotel coffee maker.

Primula – Cold Brew

Another product that deserves an individual mention is the Primula – Cold Brew. By immersing a tall filter core full of coffee into cold water and allowing it to steep for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator, the Primula makes 36 ounces of coffee concentrate.

The concentrate stays fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks and can be added to milk or chilled water and ice to make flavorful cups of iced coffee. The iced coffee concentrate is versatile. It can be combined with ice cream to make delicious coffee milkshakes or mixed with liquor in cocktail recipes.

Since the coffee is never pushed through a filter by a plunger, much of the bitter quality remains in the grounds. Only the less-acidic content is released through the long steeping process, making Primula iced coffee easy to drink and free of the harsh taste that often accompanies coffee that has simply been iced.

Other products we don’t recommend

VeoHome – Cafetiere

The VeoHome – Cafetiere is another new product with a beautiful European design. It’s a 1 liter (33.81 ounces) stainless steel pot that has the curvy shape of a coffee urn from which you’d be served café au lait at a Parisian bistro. Its plunger is slightly less sturdy than Coffee Gator’s or SterlingPro’s, and it has only one filtering screen, which didn’t entirely filter coffee grinds from our coffee. Like SterlingPro, two additional screens are included, but we would have preferred a double-screen filter.

The Cafetiere’s stainless steel has the classic mirror finish, but the coffee this French press made was warm, not hot, and too light-bodied (even though we used the same coffee beans in all of our new finalists). We also found the plunger not so easy to clean as grinds were trapped between the filter and the plunger bottom. Overall, the Cafetiere is pretty, but not as functional as the other French presses we tested.

Espro – Travel Press

The Espro – Travel Press can be used as either a French press or as a double-insulated, stainless steel water bottle. It holds 10 ounces of coffee or tea with the plunger and 15 ounces of liquid without it.

The Espro’s plunger is a fine-mesh basket lined with a silicone gasket. Once you’ve added the coffee and hot water, you push down on the plunger, and the gasket seals the basket in place. Coffee is expressed through the mesh basket and up into the canister.

The Espro’s coffee was full-flavored and better-tasting than the coffee from the bobble – Presse. But the Espro is pricier than the Presse, and it has a couple of significant drawbacks worth noting. The silicone gasket grips the inside of the canister too tightly, so when we removed the plunger, coffee spurted up. Also, because there is no spout in the lid, you can’t drink your coffee on-the-go, so it’s more like a mini Thermos.

Grosche – Madrid

The Madrid from Grosche has a metallic frame and handle that doesn’t secure the glass carafe as snuggly as the others. It also does not provide the protection of plastic, making it seem more fragile during clean up. However, it functions well and features a nice design.

Primula – Tempo

The Primula – Tempo is one of the cheapest options and does not sacrifice taste. But after repeated use we found the plunger to be wearing a bit, failing to create the necessary seal as it is pushed through the water. The plastic components are also thinner and less sturdy than our top picks.

Frieling

The Frieling stainless steel press is as strong and reliable as the SterlingPro but suffers from a design flaw in the lid that does not seal the hot coffee from the outside air. The brushed finish is also not as eye-catching as the mirrored finish on the SterlingPro, and, at about twice the price, it fails to offer similar value.

KONA

The KONA is a solid French press that makes delicious coffee every time. It’s fairly priced at around $24 and is a good option. It didn’t perform as well as our top presses when we checked it for remaining grounds, however, and it was on the low end when tested for heat retention.

Long-term testing notes

Since we wrote this review, we’ve frequently used the SterlingPro, and the biggest thing we’ve noticed is its durability. After multiple uses around the house, most other french presses have shattered, cracked, or chipped. Although this is due to user error, the stainless steel design of the SterlingPro completely eliminates this potential problem from the equation.

The other feature that has impressed time after time has been the ability to keep freshly brewed coffee hot. We’ve even been able to serve hot coffee from the french press after steeping it on an outdoor patio on a cool morning.

The durable double mesh screens have held up valiantly to multiple uses and hand washing. They also continue to make a considerable difference in catching coffee grounds compared to other french presses we’ve used.

How we selected

We spent over 20 hours reading blogs, specialty coffee websites, and forums to find the top consumer-reviewed and expert-tested French presses available today.

We selected the top nine products and, over a highly caffeinated five-day stretch, performed four in-depth tests on taste, usability, heat retention, and amount of coffee grounds remaining after a pour. We also compared their key metrics: cost, capacity, cleaning ease, material, accessories, and portability. Our finalists are all made of high-quality material, like borosilicate glass and stainless steel.

How we tested

Heat Retention

First, we wanted to see which press held heat the longest. We used the Lavatools Javelin Pro, our pick for the best digital kitchen thermometer, to measure hot water at exactly 200 degrees F°.

After the water reached 200℉, we poured the maximum capacity of liquid for each French press into the carafes.

We used one scoop of grounds for every four ounces of water and let them steep for four minutes before pushing the grounds down with the plunger. We then poured a 4-ounce cup from each press at 15-minute intervals and measured the temperature of the cup.

The clear winner in this category is the SterlingPro, which ended the two-hour test at 121°, followed by the Hario Double Glass at 111° and the Frieling Stainless Steel at 109°.

We believe the Frieling cooled quicker because the lid is not designed to seal the spout opening on the carafe, unlike most of the other presses we tested. This space, though small, exposes the coffee directly to outside air.

The SterlingPro has a lid that spins, allowing you to seal off the pour spout and keep in heat when it’s not in use.

During the first 30 minutes, the Hario offered temperatures in step with the other four glass presses. But as we moved into the second hour, the Japanese-crafted press — featuring a glass beaker inside a larger glass carafe, separated by a sealed air chamber — distinguished itself as more insulated than the other glass carafes.

The four remaining presses, all made with a single layer of borosilicate glass, lost heat at nearly the same rate and concluded the two-hour test between 99-100°. Finally, the Primula Cold Brew and AeroPress not included in this test given they didn’t make sense to use in this context.

Filtration

Following the heat test, we poured the last cup of coffee from each press over a traditional paper coffee filter to collect any sediment that snuck past the steel mesh screens. We allowed the filters to dry, then analyzed the coffee particles that remained.

All of the French presses we tested allowed some grounds past the screen. The Bodum Chambord, however, allowed the least to get through. The SterlingPro, which has a double layer of steel screens, also performed very well.

Cleaning

After the last cups had been poured, it was time to clean our presses. All the plungers disassemble in a similar fashion and are cleaned and put back together easily. The carafes themselves are also simple to wash by hand.

However, removing the glass presses from their plastic frames can be tricky. The Primula Tempo, Bodum, and Kona French press all require twisting, turning, and pulling to separate the carafe from the frame. The Grosche Madrid’s metal frame is easier to separate and wash.

The SterlingPro and the Frieling, our two stainless steel finalists, were the easiest to clean because there’s no fear of breaking them in the kitchen sink.

The Hario, conversely, is extremely delicate and a bit more difficult to wash. The wooden grip must first be removed. It doesn’t have a frame to protect the thin glass, and the opening is too small to reach into with a standard sponge.

Most of the presses are dishwasher safe, but we recommend hand washing with gentle soap and a soft sponge. The high pressure streams of water in a dishwasher are more likely to decrease efficiency and shorten the life of the mesh screens. Just because they can go in the dishwasher doesn’t mean they should.

Coffee taste test

We performed a blind taste test using freshly roasted beans from a local roaster, which were ground specifically for use in a French press. Serving three daily coffee drinkers, we tested each of the nine products using the same brewing method.

First, we poured 200° water over each product’s recommended number of scoops, gave it a stir, and let the coffee steep for four minutes. Using Hoffman’s technique, we then carefully stirred the grounds and scooped out those that were floating on the surface. Finally, we plunged the screen to the bottom and began our tasting.

Why use a French press?

First, and most importantly, a French press will make your coffee taste better. Drip coffee makers rely on paper filters that soak up many of the unique and delicious natural oils in coffee. The French press ensures that these oils make it to your cup, which makes for a richer, more robust flavor.

Electric drip coffee makers also suffer from their inability to be properly and thoroughly cleaned. Over time, residue inevitably builds up around the inner-workings of your coffee machine. This can cause your coffee to taste old or stale.

Unless it’s fresh, a drip coffee pot sits on a warmed surface, which continues to slowly cook and burn the coffee after it’s brewed, again making it taste stale. Coffee is best when it’s fresh, and a French press is a simple way to always have fresh coffee.

The French press is one of the most environmentally-friendly methods of brewing coffee; it creates virtually no waste. It doesn’t require paper filters, and unlike a Keurig, which was our winner in our test of the best single-cup coffee makers, it doesn’t use plastic pods. A French press isn’t plugged into the wall either.

How to brew coffee with a French press

According to James Hoffman, World Barista Champion in 2007, the best way to brew a carafe is the “break-and-clean” method, which helps reduce the bitterness that some people taste with French press coffee. Another way to reduce bitterness is to use a water filter to purify your water before making coffee.

The following steps will help you get the smoothest, fullest flavor of coffee:

1. Start boiling water.
2. Measure one scoop (a tablespoon) of French press ground coffee for every 4 ounces of water.
3. Add the coffee to the bottom of the carafe.
4. Once the water is boiling, let it cool for about 30 seconds until it drops to 200°F.
5. Gently stir the coffee grounds and water together.
6. Carefully place the plunger in the carafe, stopping it just above the water level.
7. If your French press has a lid that spins to close, close it to keep in heat.
8. Let it brew for four minutes, and carefully stir it again.
9. Scoop out the upper layer of grounds that are floating on the surface. There will still be some grounds remaining in the carafe.
10. Push the plunger down almost to the bottom of the carafe.
11. Serve immediately or pour into a thermos. Any coffee remaining in the press will keep brewing and become bitter.

How to brew tea with a French press

A French press can also be used to make tea. While you can add tea bags to a press, it’s best to use loose leaf tea. Follow these steps to make tea with a French press:

1. Start boiling water.
2. Measure 1½ teaspoons of loose leaf tea for every 8 ounces of water you plan to use.
3. Add the tea to the bottom of the carafe.
4. Pour hot water over the leaves. Use water over 200° for black tea and 160-180° for green tea.
5. Carefully place the plunger in the carafe, just above the water level, and spin the lid closed to keep in heat.
6. Allow black tea to steep for three to five minutes and green tea to steep for one to three minutes.
7. After the steeping time finishes, push the plunger down almost all the way to the bottom, taking care to not crush the leaves.
8. Pour the freshly brewed tea into a teapot or mugs. Like coffee, if the tea remains in the French press, it’ll continue to steep and will become bitter, so move it from the press as soon as you can.

Creative ways to use a French press in the kitchen

The French press is much more versatile than most other brewing methods and isn’t limited to a single use, like many other coffee makers.

A French press can be used for the following kitchen tasks:

• Steep and filter loose-leaf tea
• Froth warm milk by gently pumping the plunger
• Infuse oils or liquor with herbs and spices
• Emulsify ingredients for vinaigrettes
• Soak and rinse rice or quinoa
• Strain chicken or vegetable stock

In fact, you can use a French press for any task in the kitchen that requires rinsing or straining. It’s a versatile tool.

Important features to consider

Material

A product’s material is the most important thing to look for when considering a French press. It’s also one of the easiest things to determine.

The material used for the carafe, the plunger, and the frame will all impact the functionality and experience of using the French press, and can impact the taste as well.

We tested six glass French presses and two stainless steel French presses. All of the glass carafes are constructed with borosilicate. The addition of boric acid to the glass mixture increases its resilience to heat and sudden temperature change. It is the standard not just for coffee presses but for all glass cookware and scientific laboratory equipment as well.

The advantage of glass is that you can see inside the press, which allows you to see the press in action and makes pouring the correct amount of water easier. However, it loses heat quicker than steel and is more vulnerable to breaking.

The two stainless steel French presses, made by Frieling and SterlingPro, are both designed with two layered walls of 18/10 stainless steel for insulation. Stainless steel has two distinct advantages over glass: it keeps liquids hotter for longer and it is nearly impossible to break. There’s also no need for a protective frame. This is a major reason why insulated French presses made from stainless steel are so popular among professionals and aficionados.

The structure and material of the frame should protect a glass carafe, because they can — and do — break. A plastic frame, while not as visually appealing, offers a bit more protection than a metal frame because it’s less likely to break the glass.

Consumers should avoid BPA plastics in any part of the French press that comes into contact with the coffee. BPA, a widely used chemical, is a carcinogen and has been proven to increase the risk of cancer.

Some coffee drinkers believe that even BPA-free plastic can have a subtle influence on the flavor profile of their drink. Look for a spout made of steel or glass.

Capacity

Coffee presses come in a variety of sizes, ranging from single servings to 12 cups. Our top nine presses ranged from the 13.5-ounce Hario, about three cups, to the 35-ounce SterlingPro, about eight cups.

Think about storage and usability. Do you have space and a use for a large French press? Or will you typically make one cup at a time? Whatever the case, most brands come in several sizes.

When looking at the number of advertised cups, keep in mind that 4 ounces is the standard size for a cup of French press coffee.

Cost

The products we tested ranged from $15 to over $90. Some of the more expensive presses are made from the same materials as the ones in the under-$25 range. The main reasons for higher cost are aesthetics and, often, craftsmanship.

Design

The choice between a glass and steel carafe is largely an aesthetic preference. The Hario has a modern, streamlined look, with a glass carafe and a simple olive wood grip and plunger, while the mirrored finish of the SterlingPro makes it look particularly sharp.

Portability

Think about where you plan to use the French press. Will it live in your kitchen or accompany you on camping trips and picnics?

The Aeropress is designed to be lightweight and portable, making it an easy travel companion. Steel products are easy to transport without breaking but will be heavier and more difficult to pack. Glass French presses require extra care when transporting.

The bottom line

For a robust, flavorful cup of coffee, a French press is the best and easiest way to get it done at home.

We like the SterlingPro because it keeps coffee hotter longer than any other brand we tested. The two walls of insulated stainless steel and a lid designed to trap heat inside until it is time to pour make it our top pick for the best French press.

Because the handle, plunger, and lid are all made of stainless steel, it is incredibly durable and should last for decades of use and cleaning. It makes delicious coffee, and the cleanup is easy and straightforward.

We also recommend the Bodum Chambord. Bodum is a premier brand in the French press world and for good reason. Their press is the best representation of the traditional glass French press. The steel screen design and the addition of a second slotted filter in the lid kept coffee made with a Bodum press nearly free of grounds.

Our Top Pick: SterlingPro - Double Wall Stainless

Heat retention and impressive product design made the SterlingPro our preferred choice.

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Bryan Vu, Editor

Bryan is our cooking and kitchen expert, with more than 15 years of experience of cooking and testing kitchen products. When outside of the kitchen, he enjoys woodworking, photography, videography and figuring out how to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. He thoroughly enjoys discovering the best, whether it’s ingredients or equipment, and finding products that can stand the rigors of daily use.