10 Best French Presses in 2022 (Coffee Shop Owner-Reviewed)

Choosing the right French press for you depends on a few factors, like the filter, capacity, materials, insulation, and cleaning process. To learn more about each consideration, read on!

A French press consists of four main pieces: a body, mesh filter, plunger, and lid. It's important to consider the filter and body capacity.

The mesh filter is attached to the plunger and rests in the carafe. You press the filter down in order to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee. 

The filter should be firm and have a spring system that can tightly press against the sides of the body without letting any grounds escape. A multiple-layered filter has a better chance of catching all of the grounds. The filter's quality can be challenging to determine from the product description, so be sure to skim the customer reviews.

In general, we recommend larger sizes unless counter space is a concern. A large press gives you the option to brew for yourself or a group. After all, if you just want one serving, you can use less water in a larger press. However, if you prefer something more compact, look for capacities less than 16 ounces.

Four ounces is considered standard for a small cup of coffee, but most American coffee mugs hold eight to twelve ounces. So, if you want two mugs of coffee, you should look for a capacity of at least 16 ounces. If you're brewing for a group of people, consider sizes over 30 ounces.

Keep in mind that the actual yield will be a little less than the listed capacity since the coffee grounds take up some space in the carafe. 

The material of a French press affects its functionality and durability. However, it can also affect the flavor of your coffee!

Glass carafes are excellent for visual people since you get to watch the entire process of it brewing and see how much is left. Many glass options also have measurement markings for easier brewing and serving. Plus, glass doesn't affect the taste of your coffee or retain flavors, giving you a fresh coffee flavor. 

Glass French presses can last for a long time if handled and cleaned properly. For the best longevity, look for borosilicate glass, a type of glass that's stronger and resistant to thermal shock. However, even the strongest and thickest glass might break. If you have kids, pets, or are just accident-prone, you may want a sturdier option. 

Or, you can also look for glass options with protective frames or shells to prevent breakage. Generally speaking, shells with more coverage offer better protection. Thankfully, most glass French presses have some kind of metal or plastic frame! 

Most French presses with stainless steel carafes have insulating vacuumed-sealed double walls that help keep your coffee hot. Unlike glass, metal will only be dented if it is struck against something. Of course, dents may be hard to remove but it doesn't ruin its usability. Overall, stainless steel presses are the most durable option.

Depending on the quality of the stainless steel, you might get a slightly metallic taste in your coffee or have a harder time keeping it clean. We recommend 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel that's grade 304 or 316, with 316 being the best at resisting corrosion and the least likely to impart a metallic taste. 

To get the best coffee, it's recommended to preheat the press with boiling water for a few minutes in order to warm up the metal so that your coffee brews properly. You can do this with any type of press, but it's especially recommended for stainless steel models.

Plastic French presses are easy to handle, retain heat better than glass, and do not break easily. They are also lightweight, making them the best choice for travel. However, plastic will also retain odors and flavors over time. 

Sometimes plastic contains BPA, a chemical that can cause health concerns if consumed at high levels. Although the FDA deems it safe at low levels, you should consider using stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic if you are concerned. 

Ceramic may be a great option if you want something durable and aesthetically pleasing. Although it can break, it's not as fragile as glass. Plus, it has insulating properties and can help keep your coffee hot.

Ceramic is usually glazed with attractive colors, and this coating also gives it extra protection from scratches. However, ceramic presses are often handmade, so they can be quite expensive. 

Many French presses have double walls for better insulation and heat retention. The inner wall is usually stainless steel for the best brewing experience, and the vacuum-sealed air between the outer and inner walls minimizes heat transfer. This prevents your coffee from cooling quickly!

However, hot coffee left in a French press can lead to oversteeping, potentially causing bitterness. If this concerns you, consider transferring any undrunk coffee to a thermos.

French presses can be tricky to clean, but there are some features that make it easier. First off, not only do handles help you carry the press, but they also give you a better grip for cleaning. For example, a glass model without handles may slip out of your hands in the sink and shatter.

It's essential that all of the pieces come apart for easy cleaning, especially the plunger and filter.  Some French presses are dishwasher-safe, but some may be damaged by the high heat. A dishwasher-safe option offers easier cleaning, but be sure to disassemble it first!

If you're concerned about breakage, handwash your press. Some vacuumed-sealed and ceramic options may not be dishwasher-safe, so be sure to read the manufacturer's cleaning instructions! The high heat of the dishwasher may ruin the vacuum seal or damage the ceramic glaze. 

These French presses were carefully selected based on the criteria in the buying guide as well as reviewer satisfaction.  

*Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Nicole Michalek.

After allowing your press to cool, use your hands, a wooden spoon, or a rubber spoon to remove the grounds. You can also gently tip most of the grounds out first. 

Use warm water and dish soap for quick daily cleaning. Then pump the plunger to remove excess coffee oils and stains. Use a soft sponge or bottle brush to clean the filter and rinse until the water runs clear. 

For a deeper cleanse, disassemble the plunger. Make a paste with baking soda and water and clean each piece. For hard water buildup, submerge the pieces in diluted white vinegar and rinse. If your machine is dishwasher-safe, occasional deep cleaning may be a good idea.

For stainless steel, use filtered or distilled water since some tap water can be harsh or leave stains. For a deeper clean, use distilled white vinegar, olive oil, and two microfiber cloths. First, go in with the vinegar and a cloth to remove stains. Then, use the other cloth to rub in olive oil to protect the metal. 

Here is an easy, step-by-step tutorial on how to make French press coffee. Thanks to French Press Coffee for making this video to help any coffee novice. On their website, you can find a more detailed guide as well. 

Generally, coarser grinds are recommended for French press, but you can experiment with grind size and brew time.

Directions:

1. Preheat your coffee press.
2. Weigh your coffee grounds.
3. Boil your water.
4. Grind the coffee beans.
5. Prep your french press.
6. Pour the hot water and stir.
7. Wait, letting it brew for one to eight minutes depending on your flavor preferences.
8. Press slowly.
9. Pour and enjoy!

Using a French press for the first time may seem daunting, but it's actually quite straightforward. To help you out, we've provided answers to some common questions below!

French press coffee is a great alternative if you like having control over your coffee. You can experiment with the amount of water and coffee grinds, water temperature, and brew time. Larger sizes are also versatile, letting you make large batches or individual servings of coffee without sacrificing flavor. 

Since French presses usually don't use paper filters, you will also be able to enjoy the natural oils in your coffee. These oils offer a richer, bolder cup of coffee! You may get some grounds in your coffee, however. Some people enjoy the extra punch of flavor from the grounds.

French presses have some unique features that aren't true of other styles of coffee makers. They are portable since they don't require electricity, and they usually don't take up much counter space. Many also have insulation properties that help keep your coffee hot. 

Nicole Michalek says, "Out of the many methods and gadgets available, coffee brewed with French Press has one of the strongest and most unique characters. It’s a great choice for those who are busy, as it takes such little time and effort and is relatively “hands-off” compared to pour-over.

It’s also one of the most direct deliveries of the coffee’s flavor and quality, which is attractive to those who enjoy strong and texturally interesting coffee."

There is no set brew time for French press coffee, but there are some recommendations. Generally, four minutes is the baseline. After the first minute, gently stir the grounds and continue to let it brew.

However, some recommend brewing for six to eight minutes to get the most flavor from the grounds. You may have to experiment with brew time, especially if you prefer lighter or stronger coffee. 

Brew time is also influenced by the grind size. A coarser grind is recommended for French press since it's less likely to pass through the filter. Since it's a larger particle, a coarse grind may need to be steeped longer. Medium and fine grinds will take less time to brew due to their smaller size.

For cold brew, the preparation process is similar. However, you don't need to warm your press, and you use chilled water. Let it sit for at least 12 hours before straining. Keep in mind that a longer brew time will yield a richer cold brew.

Now that you've found the best French press, it's time to get brewing. We've provided some of our favorite coffees below!

If you're still searching for a perfect French press, take a look at some of Amazon's best selling coffee presses!

Author: Biji Bella Ravindran

Updated by: Sara Chittenden, 12/8/2021

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