There are so many ways you can make a cup of coffee but many coffee lovers swear by using a simple french press.
This is an incredibly popular way to make coffee in just a few basic steps. You take your ground coffee, pour in your not-quite boiling water and wait for a few minutes until it is ready to be pressed and enjoyed.
There are lots of french presses available and they vary in size, material and quality.
As they are not all made the same, the reviews and buyer’s guide below will help you find the best french press so you can get the most from your coffee beans.
1. Bodum French Press (Top Pick)
This classic French Press from Bodum is durable, high-quality and is large enough to make 8 cups of coffee (34oz). When using this press, your coffee will be ready to enjoy in just 4 minutes.
The large beaker is made from borosilicate glass which is lightweight, strong and heat-resistant.
The 3-part stainless steel plunger has a mesh filter that works to extract the oils and flavours from the coffee so you won’t lose any of the aroma or flavour but end up with an incredibly smooth and grit-free drink.
The press also comes with a safety lid that prevents spills and it can be washed in the dishwasher for effortless maintenance.
This Bodum french press is large, quality and comfortable to hold and pour from.
What We Like:
- Generous capacity
- High quality materials
- Dishwasher safe
What We Don’t Like:
- The plastic top does not feel as premium quality as the rest of the press
2. Bodum Coffee Maker Kenya French Press
This Kenya French Press from Bodum offers a modern design that delivers high-quality coffee. This is a popular model from industry leaders Bodum so you can be sure you’re investing in quality.
The glass beaker is durable and heat-resistant and the black frame looks sleek and covers the bottom of the beaker so you can place it directly onto the table without the need for a coaster or trivet.
The handle of this press coffee maker is comfortable to hold and is plastic so does not get hot.
This model is simple to use and comes with a 3-piece filter system made from stainless steel which helps you pull the most flavour from your coffee.
What We Like:
- Can be placed directly onto the tabletop
- Simple to use
- Stainless steel mesh
What We Don’t Like:
- There is no level/ measurement indicator
3. Avanti Capri 350ml Double Wall French Coffee Plunger
This plunger from Avanti allows you to brew delicious coffee at home with ease. The Avanti Capri is double-walled, heat resistant and has a 350ml capacity.
This model is made from stainless steel and borosilicate glass so it is durable, BPA free and dishwasher safe.
Unlike many models, the handle is made from stainless steel rather than plastic which gives the plunger a sleeker feel and appearance.
This french press is lightweight so you can take it with you camping or use it on the go and it comes with a 12 month warranty too.
What We Like:
- Stainless steel construction
- Dishwasher safe
- Double-walled
What We Don’t Like:
- Small capacity
4. Baccarat Brillante 965ml Double Wall Coffee Plunger
This double-walled plunger from Baccarat will keep your coffee warm for hours. It is ideal for making coffee grounds or loose leaf tea.
This all-steel mesh plunger is a generous size perfect for multiple cups of your favourite drinks. It can also be used to hold cold drinks.
Coffee can be brewed with hot water for 6-8 minutes for full flavoured results and the plunger can be pre-heated beforehand with boiling water to allow the coffee to brew at the proper temperature.
For convenience and ease of use, the plunger can be washed in the dishwasher after it has been used.
What We Like:
- Large size
- Can be used for hot or cold drinks
- Double-walled helps drinks keep their temperature
What We Don’t Like:
- No window to see measurements or how much is remaining
5. Bodum Coffee Maker Java French Press
This simple french press is perfect for getting the full flavour of coarse coffee grounds. This model is transparent so you can keep an eye on the brewing process.
The beaker is made from borosilicate glass, the plunger is made of stainless steel and the body, handle and lid are made from BPA free plastic making this coffee press durable and rust-resistant.
The glass beaker does not impact the flavour of the coffee and it is easy to clean. These french presses are available in black and white so you can choose the style that best suits your kitchen.
What We Like:
- Transparent glass beaker
- Simple to use
- Low cost
What We Don’t Like:
- Some users may find the plunger a bit stiff at first
6. Olympia Insulated Stainless Steel 6 Cup Coffee Plunger
This modern 6 cup coffee plunger is perfect for serving coffee at the table. It is ideal for larger groups as it has a holding capacity of 750ml.
This is a great choice for commercial use or for those wanting to make more coffee in one go.
The plunger has double wall insulation so it keeps the coffee warmer for longer. The mirror finish looks high-quality and gives a professional finish to these coffee makers.
The whole unit is made from stainless steel including the handle which is positioned a safe distance from the body so it will not get hot.
The Olympia coffee plungers are perfect for entertaining guests at breakfast.
What We Like:
- 6 cup capacity
- Keeps coffee warm
- Professional finish
What We Don’t Like:
- Will need to be placed onto a coaster as the bottom of the jug is not protected
7. Espro Travel Coffee French Press
Want delicious coffee on the go? These french presses are designed for travel so you can have your favourite coffee wherever you are. This press from Espro is efficient, clean and well-made.
The design of this french press coffee maker counteracts many of the issues faced with making coffee to go, the double micro-filter ensures your coffee is grit and sludge free so every sip can be savoured.
You can also stop extraction by pressing the filter so your coffee won’t get bitter over time meaning there is no rush to drink the coffee.
The travel mug is insulated and double-walled and will keep your coffee hot for hours. This travel french press is built to last so you can rely on it time and time again.
What We Like:
- Enjoy your coffee on the go
- No bitterness over time
- Insulated to keep your drink warm
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be difficult to clean on the go
Coffee Plunger Buyer’s Guide
A coffee plunger can transform your coffee drinking experience without breaking the bank.
It takes a little more time to prepare coffee with a french press coffee maker but it is worth the extra effort.
The great thing about french presses is that you can make a large amount of coffee in one go.
As there are so many coffee makers available, this guide takes a look at some of the most important factors to consider so you can find the best coffee plunger for your needs.
Materials
You will typically find that coffee plungers are made from either glass, stainless steel or plastic.
Glass is good as it won’t alter the flavour of the coffee but it is more fragile.
Stainless steel, on the other hand, is far more durable and is often well insulated (double-walled) but it can slightly impact the flavour of the coffee if left for too long.
Plastic is cheaper so can be good if you need a low-cost option but it tends to be less durable too.
Where possible, choose high quality over cost as glass or stainless steel are the best french press options.
Size
Common coffee plunger sizes include:
- 12oz/ 350ml – this is good for around 3 cups of coffee.
- 35oz/ 1000ml – this is a good size for around 8 cups of coffee.
- 53oz/ 1500ml – this is a good size for around 12 cups of coffee.
It is a good idea to get a french press that is slightly larger than one that is slightly smaller, remember you don’t have to use the press to full capacity every time you make coffee.
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Maintenance and Cleaning
French presses can be awkward to clean after use but it is very important they are properly cleaned otherwise it can impact the flavour of your coffee.
Some french press models are dishwasher friendly which can take the fuss and time out of cleaning after use.
A general clean with warm water and dish soap works too but you need to make sure you remove all of the oils and coffee grounds out of the plunger and mesh.
Design
There are lots of different plunger coffee designs. Whichever one you prefer, make sure the handle is sturdy and heat resistant and the plunger is effective.
Most plungers have multiple metal screens to keep the grounds out of your cup of coffee.
The finer the mesh material is, the small ground coffee particles it will catch so you will have a smooth cup of french press coffee to enjoy.
