French Press Coffee: A Detailed Buying Guide. If you’re wondering what a French Coffee Press is, you’re in the right place. It’s smooth, rich and indulgent, Quite… Français. Pair it with a fluffy croissant or Suzette crêpes, and you’re going to be in paradise. Naturally, this doesn’t mean that every day you can’t get it. You ought to be absolute! But perhaps you can improve it a bit. Actually, we are sure that you can.
You would know clearly by now that a drip coffee maker doesn’t make coffee. It is not easy to extract the clean flavors, aromas, and texture of coffee. And you can’t do this optimally until you are in a French press (also known as a coffee machine, a press pot, a cafe, or a coffee-maker).
There is no other coffee brewing method that works like a French press, which makes it a favorite of coffee connoisseurs, including us. You can control the process in no time while it takes a little more patience than with a coffee-maker. Just take care that you begin with a good coffee maker in a French press.
Origin of French Press Coffee
If you think the French press (also called a cafetière in England) is a new way of making coffee, then you’ve just recently heard about this brewing method. Although its origins are uncertain, it has been around for more than 100 years in different iterations.
However, Attilio Calimani, surprisingly Italian: not French, patented the current design in 1929. The modern design itself, consisting of a carafe and a plunger assembly, is pretty simple.
French Press Coffee Makers
You’ll find that the French press coffee makers are made of stoneware, stainless steel, or plastic, typically made from a special type of glass. Here are a few variations of raw materials used for making a carafe or what’s commonly known as a French press coffee maker.
- Borosilicate Glass
This special material has silica and boron trioxide to make it extremely thermal shock resistant. This does not cause the glass to explode by pouring hot water into a borosilicate carafe. Most glass bakers are made of the same thing. Sadly, the glass composition will probably not help you if you drop your glass press into your tile floor.
- Stoneware or Ceramic
This less frequent French press carafe style tends to be a little expensive but lovely. Often available in an enamel rainbow, French press carafes are stoneware and ceramic to resist odor and stains. Most carafes of stoneware are safe to wash. They are robust and resistant but also breakable to extreme temperatures.
- Stainless Steel
If you want a French press that doesn’t break easily, choose a carafe of stainless steel. They are usually double-walled and sealed with the vacuum, like heavy travel bowls, so that they keep their coffee hot for hours. French presses in brushed or polished finishes are available in stainless steel. Some color options can be found within the brushed finish, whereas polished ones are almost fine silver in a mirror finish. Durability depends on the model, but surely your kitchen floor will not be able to break stainless steel.
- Plastic
If you buy a reputable French press, it is made out of styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) and free of bisphenol A (BPA). It is a plastic carafe. SAN is a particularly durable plastic-type that resists high temperatures without chemical warping or leaching. BPA can have potential negative health effects and find a way into food and drinks when plastics, such as boiling water, are exposed to heat. Since you are brewing your French press coffee with hot water, you can look for a BPA-free SAN carafe.
How Does French Press Work?
Your French press coffee is given life by this simple mechanism happening inside your carafe.
Plunger: The way you brew the best cup of coffee you ever taste is the same way that you get a stubborn sink to drink : with a dip. This is a time, however, when you want to dive gently. A handle is attached to the plunger rod above the top of the cloth, and the rod extends to the bottom of the disk and of the filter via your French press. You will brew and obviously need to clean it.
Filter screen: The plunger base is a filter and disk, which the surrounding spring rests firmly on the glass. Some models use four mesh filters for stainless steel to ensure your French press remains in the lower part as you immerse yourself. You’ll end up with a sweet braw if your grind isn’t too good or your filters aren’t good enough. Metal filters were also accused of allowing increasing cholesterol oils to remain in your coffee. In this case, you may buy paper filters or bags for your French press, which trap those oil that has been accused of the increased cholesterol content of low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
How to Make French Press Coffee (Step by Step Guide)
You’ll need to let the coffee steep in hot water to produce its full flavor before you push the ground to extract any drop of delicious oil. Brewing coffee in a French press is easy, but braiding the perfect cup requires a little practical practice.
Coffee To Water Ratios You want to learn how to grind coffee beans first when you’re new to this method. Refrigerated beans make the best coffee, irrespective of the brewing method that you use.
- Add ground coffee to your carafe, preferably frisk and ground. Use one cubicle per serving.
- In a kettle, boil the water, then cool to 205 ° F. Per tablespoon of ground, you will need a cup.
- Give your French press approximately half the water and let the coffee bloom for one minute.
- Add the remaining hot water and leave to sit down to allow the coffee to steep for at least three minutes. You can leave it for a little more time if you want a strong brew.
- Press the plunger, using your hand’s weight as far as it goes.
- Serve immediately for the best taste possible.
French Press Cold Brew
Not a warm coffee fan? Does it hot summer yet want to enjoy your coffee every day? Give an attempt to the cold brew.
- Add to the carafe an additional tablespoon of coarse coffee.
- Add one cup of water per serving at room temperature and stir.
- Put the deck back on and dip on without pressing the dip down.
- Into your fridge overnight, but the French press.
- Use the weight of your hand to depress and there. You have cold brew right away!
How to Brew the French Press?
If you’re the kind of person who wants the best taste out of everything, here are some tips. You can do a few more things to make sure you always have delicious French Press Coffee and take time to make your coffee flower and steep properly.
- Rinse the hot water of your French press carafe before brewing your coffee.
- When brewing is complete, do not leave your coffee in the French Press. Please put it in a carafe to prevent it from further brewing and growing bitter.
- Use rough French coffee grinds at all times. Larger grains mean easier filtering. Without grain in your cup, the perfect taste can be gained.
- Use one cup of water per serving to a tablespoon of coffee. Balance is the key to delicious coffee from the French press. Use too much or too little water, and your coffee will not taste correct.
- Keep your French press clean so that you won’t have old grounds stuck the next time you brew.
Things to Consider Before Buying a French Press?
-
Material
The material of the french press is an important thing to pay attention to when choosing a product. There is no hardbound rule on the best material, but judging the merits and demerits, you can make a pick. The most common materials are glass, stainless steel, and stoneware. If you are on a budget, we would recommend opting for the glass french press coffee maker. But, do keep in mind that you need to sacrifice heat retention and durability by doing so.
On the other hand, if you are willing to pay a bit more for the product, stainless steel or stoneware could be your best option as they offer high durability and good heat retention. Nonetheless, the coffee’s taste won’t be affected by the material. So, you won’t have to worry about its impact on your java.
-
Capacity
The capacity of french presses can vary from product to product. The larger the capacity, the more expensive it will be. So, if you are planning to brew a few cups of coffee, you might want to stick to the lower capacity and vice versa.
Usually, you will find french press coffee maker capacities ranging from 12-51 ounces. But, do keep in mind that not all brands guarantee per cup to be 8 ounces. So, if you are making a purchase based on the cup count, it would be best if you calculated a lower ounce quantity than usual.
-
Ease of Cleaning
Drinking can be pleasant. But, when it comes to cleaning, not so pleasant. So, if you are not willing to hand-wash your french press after brewing every batch, you might want to get a product that is dishwasher-safe. Especially for glass materials, you need to be very careful when cleaning the product as it is very fragile and sensitive.
Now that you know about the things to consider before buying a french press, you are well set to jump straight to the list. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Top 5 Best French Press Coffee Makers 2022 (Reviewed)
1. Freiling Double-Walled Stainless Steel French Press
Our first pick is none other than the Freiling Double-Walled Stainless Steel French Press. The first thing we need to mention is its stainless steel body. Undoubtedly, it has a superior quality of heat retention. And as the 18/10 stainless steel is used, you won’t have to question its durability. That also makes this product completely dishwasher-safe.
Another exceptional feature of this coffee maker is the dual-screen zero sediment filter. It will essentially help you to get a smooth coffee experience by keeping the coffee grounds out of your cup.
However, we found some minor faults in this product. We cannot but say that it is a bit heavy product. This can be inconvenient for some users. In addition to that, the product is slightly leaning on the pricier side. But, the overall design and engineering of the french press are worth every penny. So, if you are looking for a quality product, don’t hesitate to go and buy this one.
2. ESPRO P7 Coffee French Press
Our next product is for those who are willing to pay some extra bucks for their french press. The ESPRO P7 Coffee French Press is a product that delivers superior quality to its customers.
It is much like the previous product we just showed. The double-walled stainless steel material ensures high durability and heat retention capacity. It is safe to say that once you buy this product, it will cling to your kitchen space for quite a long time. And with its sleek design, your kitchen will surely have a premium look for a long time as well.
This coffee maker has a double micro-filter. This will keep your cup grit and sludge-free. So, drinking the coffee will be fairly soothing. But, as we mentioned before, you are gonna have to pay a bit more than usual. And in addition to that, another small problem with this french press is its smaller capacity. While it’s true that the product is expensive, it is also true that you are going to get an expensive long duration service from this baby.
3. Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee and Tea Maker
Don’t like the above products because of their price? Don’t worry; this next french press coffee maker will work like magic in a budget-friendly way.
The Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee and Tea Maker is an excellent choice for those who are looking for an affordable french press coffee maker. It has a borosilicate glass carafe that has a good heat retention capacity. The plunger is made of stainless steel. And, the base and handle are made of BPA-free polypropylene. So, at a reasonable price, the combination of the materials at different parts isn’t that bad.
It comes in a variety of colors and sizes. So, you can pick one that matches your tastes and preferences. And, as the brewing time is very less, the size isn’t gonna be a problem even if the demand is a lot higher. But, although the manufacturers label it to be durable and heat-resistant, you simply can’t compare it with a product that has a full stainless steel body. Nonetheless, we cannot but appreciate the quality service that this french press provides at such a price range.
4. KONA French Press Coffee Maker
If durability is your first priority, then this product is for you. The KONA French Press Coffee Maker is an absolute gem when we are talking about a protective body. An insulated outer shell protects the borosilicate glass carafe inside to give additional protection.
The coffee maker is also dishwasher and microwave safe. So, that is a big relief for people who don’t want to take the extra burden of handwashing them. It also has an aesthetic look to it. Simply keeping it in a kitchen space will surely impress anyone who gets in its way. And the most exciting thing about this coffee maker is its reasonable price. It provides great value for the price you pay.
Be that as it may, the filtering accuracy was not much satisfying. We found some of the coffee grounds to escape through the filter. So, that can create inconvenience for the drinkers.
5. Bodum Stainless Steel Travel Press
Want to carry your french press on the go? Then the best french press for travel is the Bodum Stainless Steel Travel Press. Whether you want to carry tea or coffee, you can easily carry it in the baby without worrying one bit. The double-walled, vacuum-sealed stainless steel construction of the body makes it very durable. Especially because you want to carry it with you, you simply cannot compromise the durability factor. In addition to that, this engineering helps the container to retain heat for a longer period too.
The price of this product is another attractive thing. You can get this amazing french press at an affordable price. And at this same price, you are getting a product that ensures easy cleaning. That’s right; it is also dishwasher-safe. But, although the company claims it to be spill-proof, it is actually not. The plunger cuts down the accuracy of preventing any spills. So, you need to be extra careful while putting it in the bag.
Conclusion: Best French Press Coffee Maker 2022
Final Words: Our Recommendations
We have tried to provide an honest and comprehensive review of each of the products mentioned above. In addition to that, we also included a buying guide for your convenience in making a choice. So, judging the pros and cons and evaluating your requirements, we hope that you can make a wise pick.
However, we also kept in mind that some of you might still be confused about what to pick. Maybe you have the budget, or maybe you don’t. Maybe you have a special requirement that needs to be met by a product. So, we have decided to make a recommendation. But, please do keep in mind that this is solely objective and is completely based on our best judgment.
Best Overall French Press Coffee Maker
If you have a high budget, then the best overall French press would be the Freiling Double-Walled Stainless Steel French Press. Its service is unmatchable. But, if the weight of the product isn’t one that favors you, then you can opt for the ESPRO P7 Coffee French Press. However, do keep in mind that this one has a smaller capacity than the regular French press coffee makers.
Read more about How to Make Cold Brew in a French Press: Quick Easy Steps
Best Budget-Friendly French Press Coffee Maker
On the other hand, for those who want to make an economical pick, we have two great products for you. Each of them has its own strengths. The KONA French Press Coffee Maker is the best budget-friendly product with high durability. Conversely, the Bodum Stainless Steel Travel Press is our favorite budget pick that is great for portability.
How to Clean the French Press Coffee Maker?
Dirty coffee makers can make the coffee disgusting. Regardless of what type, be sure to clean up your coffee maker.
In a French press, coffee will not be contaminated in mildew or limescale as in a drip machine that is not frequently cleaned. But from a freshly cleaned carafe, it’ll still taste a lot better.
For cleaning, most French presses can be easily disassembled. In secret, your French press has a mesh filter on its hand to clean quickly and easily. Here is the process of how you can clean your French press coffee maker:
- Remove your French press from the plunger.
- Fill it with warm water approximately halfway through. Swallow the water to loosen any coffee grounds on the bottom.
- Hold the mesh strainer over the sink of your kitchen and add the contents of your French press. You can now dump the strainer in your garbage with coffee. Better yet, put your compost on the used coffee grounds.
- Add a little warm water and some dish soap, then re-insert the plunger.
- To remove oil or coffee stains, pump it a couple of times.
- To rub off any stubborn residues, use a brush with baking soda.
- Then dry with a soft tissue after rinsing.
Most French press coffee makers are safe for dishwashers in case you are short on time. If you rely on a dishwasher to clean your French press at all times, you may risk broking or glass grafting, but it is sometimes easy to clean deep.
In less than 5 minutes, you can have a fresh cup of coffee with a French press maker if you want. It doesn’t have to get used to it, it is extremely affordable, and if you take care of it properly, it will probably last for always. Happy drinking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is French press coffee more caffeinated?
Yes, French press coffee is comparatively more caffeine-rich than other types of coffee.
Can a French press be used to make other drinks?
Yes, French press coffee makers can be used to make multiple drinks such as cold brew, espresso, tea, latte, juices, etc.
Why do you stir a French press?
A French press needs to be stirred because the coffee grounds need to get completely soaked in water to fully extract the flavor.