Thanks to the mighty French press, your favourite morning routine doesn’t have to break the bank. Equal parts affordable and effective, this old-school brewing method cultivates unique texture and taste. Of course, you probably knew that as soon as you saw the words “French” and “coffee” occupying the same general space.
What’s more, the best French press coffee makers are usually artisanal by design, thereby doubling as modern decor-boosters. They’re also quite easy to use and similarly effortless to clean, making you wonder: why the heck don’t I have one of these in my kitchen? Since you asked, here are the best French press coffee makers of 2021.
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What is a French Press?
First introduced in the 1920s, the beloved French press has undergone various changes over the decades. These days it’s most often viewed as an artisanal and electricity-free counterpart to the standard machine. The design is relatively straightforward and it usually consists of the following components:
- Beaker – Typically made of either stainless steel or borosilicate glass, the beaker is the vessel in which you put the fresh ground coffee and hot water.
- Plunger – A multilayered top (with stem), which pushes the ground coffee through the hot water toward the bottom of the beaker.
- Filter – Located inside the plunger lid, the filter keeps the used grounds at the bottom of the beaker when you pour your coffee.
Using a French press tends to create a number of distinct advantages. For starters, it allows you to demonstrate absolute portion control over the coffee and water alike. It’s also known to generate a signature style of coffee, distinguished by a slightly viscous texture and full-bodied taste. That said, your mileage may vary depending on a number of factors, including the materials of the French press maker, the type of filter, and the coffee itself.
Those who drink French press coffee generally swear by the experience, but it is worth noting that this method isn’t for everyone. Since the filter can only be so effective, tiny grounds often make their way into the cup. Furthermore, some people simply aren’t looking for oily texture in their coffee or even robust taste. Last but not least, cleaning out a French press requires a little more effort than your standard machine.
How to Use a French Press Coffee Maker
Learning how to use a French press is more or less completely hassle-free. Here’s how it works:
- Coffee – You can buy pre-ground coffee or use a grinder at home. The coarser the grind, the better the odds that the coffee grounds won’t escape through the filter. As far as portions go, two tablespoons are fairly common but use your judgment based on your personal preferences.
- Water – Get your water to a full boil and then let it rest for about 30 seconds, so as not to burn the coffee (your target temperature is approximately 203°F). Once ready, pour the water over the ground coffee inside the French press. Place the top over the press but don’t push down yet.
- Ratio – The exact ratio is a matter of preference, but most people apply about 16 grams of water to 1 gram of coffee. Generally speaking, you can employ the same ratios as you would on a standard drip machine.
- Brew time – Let the coffee brew for approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Plunger – Once the coffee is brewed, push down on the plunger so that it presses the grounds toward the bottom of the beaker. Pour and enjoy.
- Clean-up – Scoop out the grounds and dump them in the trash or compost. Wash out the beaker and the remaining grounds in the kitchen sink or dishwasher (presuming your French press is dishwasher safe).
It’s no secret that people can get downright idiosyncratic when it comes to their coffee. Hence, you should use the above guide as a general outline, changing the quantities, temperatures, or brew times in accordance with your individual tastes.
Best French Press Coffee Machines
Now that you know how a French press works, it’s time to move on to the main event. Here are the best French press coffee makers in 2021.
1. Bodum Chambord
If you’re looking for a reliable French press, Bodum is your brand. Their flagship product has maintained the same design for the last five decades. The coffee it yields is no less consistent.
Beaker: glass
Plunger/Filter: stainless steel and mesh
Dishwasher safe: yes
2. Secura French Press Coffee Maker
One of Amazon’s best-selling French press coffee makers is also one of the best, period. Brought to you by Secura, it comes fully forged from high-quality stainless steel. All those five-star reviews can’t be wrong!
Beaker: stainless steel
Plunger/Filter: stainless steel
Dishwasher safe: yes
3. ESPRO P7
With its double-walled insulation and patented double micro-filter, this acclaimed French press keeps your coffee free from grit and full of flavour. It comes from ESPRO, one of the best names in the game.
Beaker: stainless steel
Plunger/Filter: steel, plastic, and mesh
Dishwasher safe: yes
4. Le Creuset Stoneware French Press
Remember when we said that the best French press coffee makers can also double as decor-boosters? That’s certainly the case with this one from Le Creuset, which features a ceramic body and a non-porous enamel finish.
Beaker: ceramic
Plunger/Filter: steel and mesh
Dishwasher safe: yes
5. Bodum Java
Masters of the French press, Bodum delivers yet another retro-themed classic. This one bears striking resemblance to the iconic Chambord (see above) but features plastic frames in lieu of steel.
Beaker: glass
Plunger/Filter: stainless steel and mesh
Dishwasher safe: yes
6. Cafe du Chateau
While not the best French press in existence, this one from Cafe du Chateau covers the basics and looks good in the process. Plus, it’s quite affordable.
Beaker: glass
Plunger/Filter: steel
Dishwasher safe: yes
7. Ritual Bamboo French Coffee Press
This French press from Ritual imparts a clean and stylish vibe, namely thanks to its copper-coloured framework and bamboo lid and handle. A recently added silicone barrier prevents the bamboo from warping.
Beaker: glass
Plunger/Filter: steel
Dishwasher safe: no
8. Bodum Eileen
This Bodum French press takes direct inspiration from legendary Irish designer Eileen Gray. It forges a path of its own through a bold and modern geometric framework, which is guaranteed to draw eyeballs.
Beaker: glass
Plunger/Filter: stainless steel and mesh
Dishwasher safe: yes
9. iwoxs French Press
Did we say that the best French presses were electricity-free? We obviously didn’t account for this ultra-modern vessel from iwoxs, which comes equipped with a built-in temperature sensor and adjoining display.
Beaker: glass
Plunger/Filter: stainless steel and mesh
Dishwasher safe: ???
10. Pukomc French Press
Wrapping heat-resistant borosilicate glass in a strikingly modern framework of stainless steel, Pukomc’s French press employs a four-level filtration system for the ultimate brew.
Beaker: glass
Plunger/Filter: stainless steel and mesh
Dishwasher safe: ???
11. Frieling French Press
More expensive than the average counterpart, Frieling’s French press delivers industrial-grade heat retention with an aggressive look to match. Using double-wall construction and a two-stage filter system, it brings forth a true coffee lover’s cup of java. Still, that lofty price tag is hard to justify when there are so many affordable competitors out there.
Beaker: steel
Plunger/Filter: steel and mesh
Dishwasher safe: yes
12. Kona French Press
Ergonomic, sturdy, and compact, Kona’s French press offers pure design at an unbeatable price. All the plastic is BPA-free and it never comes into contact with your hot beverage. Use this product at home or out in the wilderness or anywhere in between.
Beaker: glass
Plunger/Filter: steel and mesh
Dishwasher safe: yes
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General FAQ
A French press works by brewing fresh ground coffee with hot water inside a beaker. Once the coffee is brewed, the user presses down on a plunger and filter system. This traps the grounds at the bottom of the beaker as you pour.
Not just an artisanal and mechanical alternative to a drip machine, French press makers yield different textures and flavours from the coffee itself. Generally speaking, the coffee will have a slightly viscous texture and rich, full-bodied taste.
