Best French Press for Rich, Full Bodied Coffee
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Our picks for the best French press, from the classic Bodum Chambord to the low sediment ESPRO P7 and insulated steel presses.
The best French press brews a rich, full bodied cup with nothing more than coarse grounds, hot water, four minutes and a gentle press. The differences between models come down to the carafe (glass, insulated stainless steel or double wall), how well the filter keeps sediment out of your mug, capacity, and how easy the plunger is to take apart and clean.
We compared five French presses for different needs, from the classic Bodum Chambord to a premium double filter ESPRO and a budget plastic-free option. After the picks you will find a buying guide, a simple brewing method, cleaning tips and answers to common questions.
Best French Press: Our Top Picks
We looked at carafe material and heat retention, filter design, capacity, safety features such as cool touch handles, dishwasher safety and how widely each press is bought and kept. Every model sells new on Amazon, and the product table lists more choices across sizes and budgets.
Bodum Chambord 34 oz: Best Overall French Press
The Bodum Chambord is the design most people picture when they think of a French press, and it is still one of the best. The 34 ounce carafe is made from heat resistant borosilicate glass held in a brushed stainless steel frame, and the press is made in Portugal according to the listing.
A three part stainless steel mesh filter lets the coffee's oils through for a rich cup without paper filters, and a patented safety lid helps prevent splashing while pressing. It brews in about four minutes and is dishwasher safe. Note that Bodum rates its presses in European cups of about 4 ounces, so the 8 cup Chambord makes roughly three to four standard mugs.
- 34 ounce borosilicate glass carafe in a steel frame
- Three part stainless steel mesh filter
- Safety lid to reduce splashing; dishwasher safe
The limitation is heat retention: glass loses heat faster than insulated steel, so pour the coffee off the grounds soon after brewing. Skip it if you want coffee to stay hot in the press for a long time. Expect to pay around $40.
Secura Stainless Steel French Press: Best Insulated Value
The Secura French press is built from 18/8 (304) stainless steel inside and out, with a double layer that helps keep coffee hot. Its 34 ounce (1 liter) capacity suits two to four people, and it is one of the most widely bought presses on Amazon.
A three layer stainless steel filter traps small particles, and two extra screens are included so you can stack screens for a cleaner cup or replace worn ones. The handle and knob stay cool to the touch, and every part is dishwasher safe. Unlike glass, it will not crack if knocked against the sink.
- 34 ounce insulated 304 stainless steel body
- Three layer filter plus two spare screens
- Cool touch handle; dishwasher safe parts
The limitation is visibility: you cannot see the brew or the level of coffee inside, so measure water carefully. Skip it if you enjoy watching the bloom through glass. Expect to pay around $28.
ESPRO P7: Best for a Clean, Low Sediment Cup
The ESPRO P7 targets the biggest complaint about French press coffee: sludge at the bottom of the cup. It uses a patented dual layer micro filter with an ultra fine stainless mesh that the listing describes as 12 times finer than a standard filter, capturing most grounds and fine particles.
The double walled stainless body keeps coffee hot while the outside stays cool, and it brews up to 18 ounces, about two cups. Ten bonus paper filters are included for an even cleaner, lighter style cup. It is rustproof, shatterproof, BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
- Dual layer micro filter for very little sediment
- Double walled stainless steel keeps coffee hot
- Includes 10 paper filters for a lighter cup
The limitation is size and price: 18 ounces serves one or two people, and it costs several times more than a basic press. Skip it if you brew for a crowd. Expect to pay around $115.
MuellerLiving 34 oz French Press: Best for Camping and Travel
The MuellerLiving French press is a rust-free stainless steel press with a double walled carafe that keeps coffee hot, which makes it a good choice for camping, the office or home. It brews 34 ounces, and the listing notes that it works for tea, hot chocolate and keeping frothed milk warm.
Its four level filtration system combines a coiled filter, two stainless steel screens and a metal cross plate to keep grounds out of the cup. It is dishwasher safe, and the plunger and filters come apart easily for hand washing. The manual includes a chart to help with coffee measurements.
- 34 ounce double walled stainless steel carafe
- Four level filtration to reduce grounds
- Durable for camping and travel
The limitation is weight: a double walled steel press is heavier than glass, which matters for backpacking. Skip it if you need an ultralight brewer. Expect to pay around $55.
Veken 34 oz French Press: Best Plastic-Free Budget Press
The Veken French press is designed so that no plastic touches the coffee. Brewing surfaces are 304 stainless steel and food grade silicone, and the carafe is thick borosilicate glass that the listing says resists thermal shock up to 302°F, suitable for hot coffee, cold brew or loose leaf tea.
A four layer stainless steel filter (a spiral plate, a cross plate and two fine mesh screens) helps produce a smooth, low sludge cup. Ounce markings on the glass and an included scoop help beginners measure, and the press disassembles for cleaning.
- No plastic in contact with coffee
- Thick borosilicate glass with ounce markings
- Four layer stainless steel filter and scoop included
The limitation is the glass carafe: it needs careful handling and does not hold heat as well as steel. Skip it if you want an insulated press. Expect to pay around $27.
French Press Buying Guide
Glass or Stainless Steel
Glass carafes let you watch the coffee bloom and are easy to inspect for cleanliness, but they lose heat faster and can break. Insulated stainless steel keeps coffee hot longer and survives bumps, which suits busy kitchens, offices and camping. Choose glass for the classic experience and steel for durability and heat.
Filter Quality
Standard mesh filters let some fine particles through, which adds body but can leave sediment. Multi layer filters and micro filters, like the ESPRO, reduce sludge. Whatever filter you choose, a good coarse grind matters more than anything else; see our guide to the best coffee grinder for French press.
Capacity
French press sizes are often listed in European cups of about 4 ounces. A 34 ounce press makes three to four standard mugs, while 12 to 18 ounce presses suit one person. Brewing a full press gives the most consistent results, so choose a size that matches your usual batch.
Ease of Cleaning
Look for a plunger that comes apart without tools and dishwasher safe parts. Cleaning the filter after each use prevents oils from building up and turning bitter.
Browse more brewers in our French press and pour over section.
How to Brew With a French Press
Start with about 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water, which is roughly 60 grams of coarse ground coffee for a full 34 ounce press. Heat water to just off the boil, around 195 to 205°F. Add the grounds, pour in about half the water, stir gently and wait 30 seconds, then add the rest.
Place the lid with the plunger pulled up and steep for four minutes. Press slowly and steadily, then pour all the coffee into mugs or a carafe so it does not keep extracting on the grounds.
If the coffee tastes bitter, grind coarser or shorten the steep. If it tastes weak or sour, grind slightly finer or add more coffee. Our full guide explains how to use a French press step by step, and the French press coffee ratio guide covers measurements in detail.
Common French Press Mistakes to Avoid
A French press is simple, but a few habits make a big difference in the cup. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Grinding too fine: fine grounds slip through the mesh, clog the filter and make pressing hard. Aim for a coarse grind similar to sea salt.
- Using boiling water straight from the kettle: let the water rest for about 30 seconds so it lands around 195 to 205°F.
- Leaving coffee in the press: coffee keeps extracting on the grounds and turns bitter. Pour it all out or decant into a thermal carafe.
- Pressing too hard or too fast: forcing the plunger stirs up sediment and can splash hot coffee. Press slowly with steady pressure.
- Skipping filter cleaning: oils trapped in the screens go stale and add off flavors. Rinse and take the plunger apart often.
Fixing just one or two of these, especially the grind size and pouring off promptly, usually turns a muddy, bitter press into a sweet, rich cup.
Cleaning and Care
Scoop or rinse out the spent grounds into a compost bin or trash, not the drain, since grounds can clog pipes. Take the plunger apart regularly and wash each screen with warm soapy water to remove oils. Most presses here are dishwasher safe, but check the manual. Replace worn or bent screens, since gaps let more grounds into your cup. Let all parts dry before reassembling.
If you prefer a paper filtered cup with less body, compare pour over brewers in our guide to the best pour over coffee maker.
How We Chose
This guide is based on research rather than in-person trials. We compared materials, filter designs, capacity, heat retention claims, safety features and cleaning, and considered how widely each press is bought and how owners describe long-term use. We picked one press for each common need rather than ranking only by price.
FAQs About French Presses
Is a glass or stainless steel French press better?
Neither is better for flavor. Glass lets you see the brew; insulated stainless steel keeps coffee hotter and resists breaking.
How do I stop sediment in French press coffee?
Use a coarse, even grind, press slowly, and leave the last bit of coffee in the press. A micro filter press like the ESPRO P7 further reduces sediment.
How long should French press coffee steep?
About four minutes is a good starting point. Adjust by taste and grind size.
Can I make cold brew in a French press?
Yes. Steep coarse grounds in cold water in the refrigerator for 12 to 18 hours, then press and pour off the concentrate.
How many cups does a 34 oz French press make?
About three to four standard mugs. Brands often count European cups of about 4 ounces, which is why it may be labeled 8 cups.
Final Verdict
The best French press for most people is the Bodum Chambord, a classic glass press that brews a rich cup and cleans easily. The Secura is the best insulated value, the ESPRO P7 delivers the cleanest cup, the MuellerLiving suits camping and travel, and the Veken offers a plastic-free brewing path on a budget. Pair your press with a coarse, fresh grind and a four minute steep for great coffee every morning.
