Best French Press Coffee Makers: Buyer’s Guide for Beginners

What are the best French press coffee makers to buy? The coffee maker market has slowly been saturated with coffee maker models and this makes it difficult to choose the right French press pot for coffee lovers, especially beginners.

If you are looking for a coffee press, you have come to the right place. In this French press coffee maker reviews, we will talk about the best coffee machines for everyday use.

It’s worth noting that if you are new to the entire French Press scene, you must make sure you are knowledgeable about the different coffee machines there is in the market before you make a purchase decision. Besides, the marketplace is saturated with plenty of variations of French presses each of which claim to be the best. As someone new to the scene, you can get confused.

After reading this article, you will never get confused no matter how many variations of French presses you come across.

We are also going to show you what you should look for in a press pot before you decide to invest your money in it.

Summary

After thorough research, we have found the Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker as our top pick. With a waiting time of around 4 minutes, this press pot is ideal for people who are always on the go.

Besides, it has a durable design and it features a 3-part stainless steel plunger that comes with a mesh filter which can extract and keep your coffee’s aromatic oils and flavors from being trapped by the paper filter. The press pot can brew 4 cups of coffee as well.

If you are on a tight budget, the Bodum Travel Press would make the best option for you. Brewing coffee with this press pot is quick and easy. It is also built to last and you can carry it wherever you go.

What is a French Press?

A French Press, also known as a Press Pot, Coffee Plunger or a Coffee Press is a simple coffee brewer that was invented by a Frenchman but patented by an Italian innovator Atillio Calimani in 1929. Dating back in the early 1800s, French presses were designed using cheese clothes. It is believed that a designer tied the cheesecloth to a coffee pot to prevent the bean grounds from entering his coffee and from there the innovation started advancing.

Since then, the overall concept has remained the same in that, you steep the coffee in warm water and filter the grounds.

A Danish manufacturer Bodum took over the patented French press in 1958 and as you will see in our list of the best coffee makers we have reviewed several machines from this company. Reason? It is trusted as the manufacturer of the best French presses up to now.

For coffee enthusiast, pot brewing is the simplest way to make a great-tasting cup of coffee fast. And French presses use a similar concept.

Why Use a French Press?

Press pot brewing is the preferred coffee making way since it doesn’t sieve out the vital oils from coffee grounds. Other coffee brewing methods filter out these essential oils.

Another reason why most coffee lovers prefer French presses is that they are suitable for campers, hikers, and frequent travelers.  No need of electricity, you just need a source of heat, a pot, water, fine coffee grounds, a cup, and you are good to brew a perfect cup of joe.

French presses are also ideal for at-home coffee brewing since you can brew several cups at a time.

Having said that, let’s get into the list of the best French Press coffee makers. You proceed to read our French press coffee maker buying guide that’s right after this list to get a starting point.

5 Best French Press Coffee Makers Reviews

1. Bodum Chambord- Best Press Pot for Beginners

Bodum is a household name when it comes to the manufacture of classic coffee or tea glassware and the Bodum Chambord is no exception. Designed in the 1950s, this press pot has a true original classic appearance.

When purchasing a coffee maker, you want a unit that will brew a perfect cup of coffee and that’s what the Bodum Chambord does. Its filtration system is excellent. Unlike other models that are made of plastic, this unit is made of stainless steel and will filter out coffee grounds.

Although it has a lengthy brewing process, it will extract the full flavors out of coffee grounds. Many leading coffee maker brands favor double-walled stainless steel. However, Bodum utilizes glass carafe, but for a reason. The carafe is superior and can withstand wear and resist heat.

The glass carafe is also dishwasher safe. Although the carafe is sturdy, you need to be careful with it as it may not handle too much torture.

The Bodum Chambord is a premium French press Coffee brewer and can make up to 4 cups of Coffee.

What’s more, the carafe can be removed easily for smooth cleaning. Besides, the French press uses a three-layer filtration system to filter out any grounds in the coffee.

On the downsides, this brewer is not insulated.

Overall, this coffee maker is ideal for beginners. It’s simple to use and a quick brewing method. Cleaning the unit is also easy. You will just enjoy using this unit.

Pros

• The unit has a three-layer filter to sieve out coffee grounds
• It’s a simple press pot
• It has a durable design for longevity
• It is a classic brewer
• The carafe is sturdy although it might not handle too much torture

Cons

• The unit is not insulated
• It may not be a suitable machine for brewing coffee for many people

2. SterlingPro – Best Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker

Stainless steel French presses are the most favored among coffee lovers these days and the SterlingPro Double Wall French Press gives you right that.

If you are not into a classic press pot but are interested in a unit that brews delicious and high-quality coffee, then your search should stop right here.

The SterlingPro is the best-seller and is one of the best rated French press coffee makers out there. There is just plenty of evidence to back up our claim.

To begin with, the unit has a double-screen system that assures 100% no coffee grounds in your coffee. It does not rust and is dishwasher safe.

What’s more, your coffee will stay warmer for a long time (Its carafe is made up of two layers of high-quality18/10 stainless steel). The outer part of the unit does not heat up. Unlike other models which are made with plastic material, this one is pure stainless steel.

Also, it’s easy to brew coffee with this machine and cleaning it is also a breeze.

Ideally, the reason why you chose a French Press over a Drip brewer is the taste and the SterlingPro Double Wall French Press delivers delicious coffee.

Well, it takes a bit longer to brew coffee but the result is worth the wait. The good thing is that the carafe will stay cool so you don’t have to worry about burning your hand.

Incredibly, the carafe lasts longer. You can stir without having to worry about breaking it.

Another good thing about this unit is that it is durable and has a big handle with a solid grip so, you will not drop it easily- well, just be careful not to drop it.

If you are going to need a French Press coffee maker for outdoor adventures (camping, hiking, traveling, etc.) why not pick this unit? It can fit in your backpack. It can also brew up to 8 cups of coffee.

Pros

• Keeps coffee warmer for a  long time
• It resists heat well
• It is solidly designed to last longer
• Has a big handle with a solid grip
• Brews perfect coffee
• It has a pocket-friendly price tag
• It comes with a double-screen feature that assures 100% no coffee grounds on your cup of coffee
• It is designed with high-quality stainless steel material

Cons

• It’s not as classy as other models we have reviewed in this post
• It tends to have poor plunger construction

3. Bodum Columbia- Best Bodum French Press Coffee Maker

Once you place your eyes on the Bodum Columbia French press coffee maker for the first time, you will not hesitate to continue to checkout. But there is more about this unit than the looks. And that’s what we will talk about here. Keep reading to know whether it is worth the try.

First, Bodum is a legend when it comes to the manufacturing of elegant French presses coffee machines and this unit is no exception. You can brew coffee and make tea with it.

Well, unlike other models, the Columbia comes with a slightly higher price tag but the build quality is worth the price.

If you have been a die-hard user of French presses, you must agree that many models out there have design flaws that end up splashing coffee all over the counter. This unit has a safety lid that prevents this from happening.

Generally, the reason why we have mentioned it in our list of the best French press coffee makers of 2019 is the performance it offers.

It delivers amazingly good coffee in no time. The three-layer filter keeps the grounds from entering your cup. However, you need to use coarse grounds.

It can also keep coffee warmer for about two hours.

Another thing you will love about this press pot is the ease of cleaning. It has fewer parts which you can take out easily during cleaning. Again, it does not have glass carafe which so you can put it into a dishwasher for cleaning.

The downside with this unit is perhaps the fact that it has parts that are made with plastic, however, longevity is assured here.

If you are looking for the best value French press coffee maker that’s neither too expensive nor cheap, then the Bodum Columbia would make a good pick for you.

Pros

• Dishwasher safe
• Solidly designed
• Makes strikingly good coffee
• It is durable
• It has an elegant design

Cons

• Its other parts are made of plastic
• Coffee tends to cool down fast

4. Bodum Travel Press- Best Single Serve French Press

If you are on a tight budget then Bodum Travel Press is the best unit for you. It is suitable for who want to make coffee or tea while on the go. You do not need to carry a cup with you. Just brew your coffee and drink it from the same pot.

Life is busy and you can also attest to that. Because of that everyone doesn’t want to waste even a minute. As such, you will want to get up early and head to your place of work immediately. With this unit, you have a travel companion.

Bodum has worked tirelessly to design this coffee mug in a way that coffee does not spill. Furthermore, the insulated travel press pot is made of stainless steel and plastic. You can make a cup of coffee while sitting at the morning meeting. You don’t have to waste time queuing at a coffee shop for a cup of coffee since you can make a barista-type of coffee while on the go with this unit.

What’s more, this French press comes in different colors- black, green, red, and white; it’s easy to spot your coffee mug even when it is surrounded by other mugs at the lunchroom counter.

The brewing process is also fast with this unit. Add your coffee grounds-preferably coarse coffee grounds or tea leaves and then pour hot water. Wait for a few minutes.

The unit has a wide slip-resistant grip around the middle so you can hold it properly, unluckily; the design might not fit your hand ergonomically, although it’s narrow to fit your hand.

Also read: The best single serve coffee makers

All in all, the Bodum Travel Press is a durable travel mug; completely dishwasher safe so cleaning it is a breeze.

Pros

• Dishwasher safe
• Best suitable for people who are always on the run
• It is made with double-wall stainless steel to keep coffee warmer for several hours
• Coffee doesn’t spill over

Cons

• The plastic around the top tends to peel after a short period of using the French press.
• It is not ergonomically designed

5. KONA French Press Coffee Maker- Best French Press Coffee Maker for the Money

So you want a durable, ergonomic, easy to clean and attractive French press, Right? This is the press pot you are looking for then.

Why?

The Kona French Press Coffee maker has a sleek design; it’s durable and comes with a reusable stainless steel filter. Well, don’t get surprised if you find coffee grounds in your cup of coffee in most French press coffee makers but this unit is different in that the filter will not allow that to happen.

You can get it in red and black. These are the favorite colors for most people and we hope you will like any of these colors.

Unlike the Bodum and SterlingPro, the outer frame of this unit is made with durable insulated plastic material and not stainless steel. This makes it dishwasher safe.

What’s more, it is heat resistant and comes with a thick and clear Borosilicate glass carafe. The large handle makes it comfortable to hold, especially if you are a frequent traveler.

Did we mention that the Kona French Pres is a tea, coffee and Espresso Maker? Yes, it is and it is a very fierce competitor to the SterlingPro and it is expected to rule the industry.

What makes this press pot unique?

While many French Press brewers are made with fragile and finite glass, the Kona is has a glass protecting the durable shell.  

When it comes to extracting the perfect cup of coffee with essential oils and grinds, this unit takes the lead.

If you are always on the run and you love your French press, then look further than this unit.

We know cleaning is a hard task but this coffee machine is dishwasher safe and has a removable filter system so cleaning it is a breeze.

Pros

• The French press has a sleek design
• It can make tea and coffee
• The outer shell is heat resistant
• It is a pocket-friendly high-quality French press coffee maker
• Cleaning this unit is a breeze
• It comes with a reusable stainless steel filter
• Easy to travel with

Cons

• It is fragile to some extent
• It has limitations in size

Best French Press Coffee Makers Buyer’s Guide- Things to Consider

Now that you have known the best French presses available on the market today. Let’s take a look at the things to consider when buying one.

Here at Hot Coffee World, we not only recommend the best products but we also share the tips on how to choose your next French press.

If it’s your first time trying to figure out what is the best French press coffee maker to buy, it can get confusing given that there are plenty of brands and models of French presses out there.

For that reason here is our guide to help you choose the right one for your coffee needs.

Material

The material used to make a product is something you should not avoid, especially when buying kitchen appliances.

French presses come with a carafe, plunger, and have a frame. The material used to make all these parts can make or break the functionality and the experience of using the unit. The material can impact the flavor and taste of the coffee.

Although many people when it comes to French press coffee makers think of a glass carafe and a mental plunger, different machines are made with different materials.

For instance, glass is favored for it is clear and you can see inside the press, however, it is fragile. Metal on the other side is durable. Steel is also durable, can keep coffee hot for longer, and cannot break easily.

Remember, the frame of a French press is important as it keeps the carafe safe. As such a plastic frame can do the trick even though it’s not as visually stunning.

Besides, you must avoid BPA plastics that come into contact with the coffee.

Size

How many people are going to drink coffee? In our reviews, if you are going to use the French press coffee maker to brew a single cup at a time, the Bodum Travel Press would make the best option for you.

On the other hand, a small French press won’t be suitable if you are going to need two or more cups of coffee. In this case, Bodum Chambord and SterlingPro can make the best French press coffee makers for you.

However, large French presses take up more space so if you are going to travel with the pot, you better choose a small one.

Ease of cleaning

Brewing coffee with a French press is easy but washing it can be a hustle. Once you are done making the coffee, you need to take apart the plunger, pour out down the used coffee grounds, and clean the carafe.

It is, therefore, important to choose a unit with dishwasher safe parts since it’s easy to clean.

Durability

Buying a French press is an investment since the best one will cost you several dollars. For that reason, you want to spend money on a unit that is built to last. Concerning French presses, the material used to make the carafe will determine whether it is durable or not.

Also, the choice of material boils down to one’s specific needs. There are those made with glass, others with stainless steel carafe, with a plastic frame or metal. Steel is preferred for its ability to keep the coffee warmer for longer. The material is also favored for it can withstand torture.

On the other hand, although Glass French presses are strikingly appealing, they tend to be fragile.

Ease of use

Most French presses are simple to use. But others are a bit complicated. If you value your time, then you should consider buying a coffee maker that’s easy to use.

Brand

Some companies have made a name when it comes to the manufacture of reliable products. When buying a Press Pot, you should try your best to get it from a trusted brand.

In our list of the best French press coffee makers, we have reviewed units that come from reputable brands. We have considered several factors such as durability, portability, size, etc.

You can also ask around or research to learn about the best coffee maker brands before making a purchase decision.

Portability

Where do you intend to use the French press? Do you intend to carry your press pot with you everywhere or it will be stationed in your kitchen?

If you intend to make coffee while on the go, you should choose a lightweight and portable French press. Besides, the material should also allow for portability of the press pot. For instance, steel can withstand knocks while glass can break easily.

Price

We hate to talk about the price when it comes to buying the best French press coffee makers because you should not always base your selection criteria solely on price.

French presses come with different price tags; some as low as $20 while others as high as $100. Just choose one that has all the features you need and is pocket-friendly.

In our opinion, the Bodum Travel Press is the best budget French press coffee maker.

Conclusion

We are hopeful that this best French press coffee makers reviews were helpful and will guide you when buying your next French press. If you are more into a stainless steel Press pot, we hope you will find one in our list. Equally, if you prefer glass carafe; we have also covered it here.

Good Luck With Your Selection!!

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Sources:

• Is French Press Coffee bad for you?
• 6 Reasons Why French Press Makes the Best Coffee
• How to Use French Press – Instructions for The Perfect Coffee