There’s something uniquely satisfying about the ritual of using a French press. It’s a hands-on process that gives you complete control over every variable, from grind size to steep time, resulting in a cup that’s rich, full-bodied, and packed with flavor. While the method itself is simple, the quality of your press absolutely matters. A poorly built model can lead to sediment in your cup, inconsistent brews, or even a broken carafe. That’s why finding a reliable, well-designed machine is the real key to unlocking that perfect morning cup.
After testing dozens of models, from classic glass designs to modern insulated versions, we’ve narrowed it down to the absolute best French press coffee makers available right now. Our selections are based on durability, ease of use, filtration performance, and overall value. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee aficionado or just starting your brewing journey, one of these eight expert recommendations is sure to become your new daily driver for that impeccable brew.
Our Top Picks for the Best French Press Coffee Makers
- Espro P7 French Press
- Fellow Clarissa French Press
- Sterling Pro Dual Wall French Press
- Bodum Chambord French Press
- Le Creuset Stoneware French Press
- Grosche Madison French Press
- KONA French Press Coffee Maker
- Secura French Press
Espro P7 French Press
If you love French press coffee but could do without the grit at the bottom of your cup, the Espro P7 is a game-changer. Its standout feature is a patented dual micro-filter system that traps nearly all the fine coffee grounds, resulting in an incredibly clean and sediment-free brew that still maintains the method’s signature richness and oils. The build quality is exceptional, featuring thick, borosilicate glass that’s resistant to thermal shock and a sleek, stainless steel frame that feels substantial in your hands. It’s also available in multiple sizes and a variety of colors to match your kitchen aesthetic.
Beyond its superior filtration, the Espro P7 is also an excellent insulator, keeping your coffee hot for much longer than a standard glass press. The plunger mechanism is smooth and requires just the right amount of pressure, making the brewing process feel premium from start to finish. While it sits at a higher price point, the investment is justified by its durability and the noticeably superior quality of the coffee it produces. For those who are serious about their brew and want the cleanest possible result, the P7 is worth every penny.
Fellow Clarissa French Press
Fellow has built a reputation on stunning design and the Clarissa French Press is no exception. This press looks less like kitchenware and more like a modern art piece, with its elegant curved carafe and polished stainless steel finish. But it’s not just a pretty face; the design is highly functional. The wide base provides incredible stability, and the insulated walls do a fantastic job of maintaining your coffee’s temperature throughout your entire drinking session. The attention to detail is evident in every component, from the satisfyingly magnetic lid to the comfortable, ergonomic handle.
Where the Clarissa truly shines is in its unique filtration system. It uses a fine, double-layered stainless steel mesh filter that is both effective and durable. The plunger features a silicone seal that creates a tight lock against the carafe’s walls, ensuring a smooth press and a clean cup with minimal silt. The entire unit is also dishwasher safe, which is a huge bonus for easy cleanup. This is the perfect press for the design-conscious coffee drinker who refuses to compromise on either form or function.
Sterling Pro Dual Wall French Press
For anyone who has ever dreaded the inevitable cooling of their coffee in a standard glass press, the Sterling Pro is the solution. This model features a clever double-wall stainless steel construction that acts like a thermos, locking in heat for an impressively long time. I’ve left coffee in it for over an hour and was surprised to find it was still piping hot. This makes it ideal for slow weekend mornings or for taking your time with a second cup without rushing to reheat.
Durability is another major win here. Unlike glass carafes, the stainless steel body is virtually indestructible—it’s resistant to drops, dings, and won’t shatter if you accidentally knock it over. The filter is a fine stainless steel mesh that does a great job, though you might get a touch more sediment than with a top-tier filter like the Espro’s. For the price, however, the Sterling Pro offers outstanding value, combining superior heat retention, rugged build quality, and a sleek, modern look that works in any kitchen.
Bodum Chambord French Press
When you think of a classic French press, there’s a good chance you’re picturing something very close to the Bodum Chambord. It’s the iconic design that has been a staple in coffee shops and homes for decades, and for good reason. Its simplicity is its strength. The beaker is made from durable borosilicate glass, held securely in a frame of polished stainless steel with a classic, three-piece plunger assembly. It’s straightforward, effective, and has stood the test of time.
Using the Chambord is a lesson in coffee brewing fundamentals. There are no fancy extra filters or insulation tricks—just you, your coffee grounds, and hot water. The mesh filter plate does a respectable job for a single-filter system, though a bit of fine silt is to be expected, which is par for the course with traditional presses. It’s also remarkably affordable, making it the perfect entry point for someone new to the method. If you want a no-frills, reliable press that embodies the original spirit of the device, the Chambord is it.
Le Creuset Stoneware French Press
Le Creuset is synonymous with vibrant, high-quality cookware, and they’ve brought that same ethos to their French press. This model is a true statement piece, crafted from their signature stoneware that is both beautiful and exceptionally durable. It’s available in a wide array of their iconic colors, from Cherry to Ocean, allowing you to add a serious pop of style to your countertop. The enameled exterior is easy to clean and resistant to stains and odors, so it will look brand new for years.
Beyond its good looks, it’s also a highly functional brewer. The carafe is internally glazed, providing a non-porous surface that won’t absorb coffee oils or flavors. The stainless steel plunger and filter mechanism are simple and effective, providing a classic French press brew. The stoneware does a better job at heat retention than standard glass, though not quite as well as a double-walled stainless steel model. This is the perfect choice for someone who views their kitchen tools as part of their decor and values timeless design alongside performance.
Grosche Madison French Press
The Grosche Madison stands out for its commitment to both quality and social responsibility. This press is part of Grosche’s various humanitarian programs, which means your purchase helps provide clean water to families in need. But you’re not just buying for a good cause; you’re getting a seriously well-made product. It features a heavy-duty, heat-resistant borosilicate glass beaker and a sturdy stainless steel frame that feels solid and reliable.
The filtration system is a highlight, utilizing a four-layer design that includes a fine mesh screen and a micro-filter to significantly reduce the amount of sediment that makes it into your cup. The plunger action is smooth and the lid fits snugly to prevent any spills during pressing. It also comes with a bonus stainless steel scoop, which is a nice touch. For its very reasonable price, the Madison delivers excellent brewing performance, great build quality, and the added benefit of supporting a meaningful cause.
KONA French Press Coffee Maker
If you need a French press that can cater to a crowd or just guarantee you enough caffeine to power through a long day, the KONA is your best bet. This is a large-capacity press, available in a 51 oz size that can brew enough for several people at once. Despite its size, it remains remarkably user-friendly. The design is robust, with a stainless steel body and frame that feels built to last, and a wide base that keeps it stable even when full.
The brewing mechanism is straightforward and effective. It uses a standard three-part stainless steel filter that does its job well. Because of its size, you do need to use a bit more muscle when pressing, but it’s not overly difficult. The real advantage is the insulation; the stainless steel construction keeps a large volume of coffee hot for a long time, making it perfect for office settings, family gatherings, or anyone who doesn’t want to brew a new pot every time they want a cup. It’s a workhorse designed for volume and convenience.
Secura French Press
The Secura French Press is the champion of value, offering a feature set that rivals much more expensive models without breaking the bank. Its core advantage is its triple-layer filtration system, which includes a disposable paper filter option on top of the standard stainless steel mesh. This allows you to choose your preferred level of filtration—use just the metal filters for a traditional brew, or add the paper filter for an ultra-clean cup that’s virtually free of silt.
The carafe is made from high-quality, heat-resistant borosilicate glass, and it’s encased in a protective stainless steel frame with a handle that stays cool to the touch. The plunger assembly is well-constructed and moves smoothly. For its remarkably low price, you get a surprising amount of flexibility and performance. It’s an ideal choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to sacrifice quality or features, and for those who like to experiment with different levels of filtration in their coffee.
Best French Press Coffee Makers of 2025 – 8 Expert Recommendations
Choosing the right French press can feel overwhelming with so many options. I have tested dozens to find what really matters. The best French press coffee makers of 2025 share a few key traits: durability, a good filter, and ease of use. You do not need to spend a fortune to get a great cup, but some features are worth the extra cost.
First, consider the material. Glass carafes are classic and let you see the brew, but they can break. Stainless steel models are durable and excellent at retaining heat, which is perfect if you like to savor your coffee slowly. Insulated, double-walled steel is my top pick for keeping things hot without a warmer. For materials, avoid cheap plastic as it can retain odors and might not be as sturdy over time.
The filter system is the heart of a French press. Look for a plunger with a tight-sealing, fine mesh screen. Many of the best French press coffee makers of 2025 use multiple layers of mesh or a spring-loaded design to prevent gritty grounds from ending up in your cup. A solid, sturdy rod attached to the plunger is also crucial for a smooth press without wobbling.
Capacity is another big factor. A standard 34-ounce press makes about four cups, which is ideal for a couple or a small group. If you are a solo drinker, an 18-ounce model is more practical. For entertaining, larger 50-ounce presses exist, but remember that the coffee can cool before you finish it unless it is well-insulated.
Finally, think about cleaning. Models with few parts are easiest. Some presses have filters that disassemble completely for a thorough scrub, which is necessary to prevent old oil buildup from affecting the taste of your coffee. A good French press is an investment in your daily routine, so pick one that feels good to use and is built to last.
FAQ
How do I choose the right size French press?
Think about how much coffee you usually make. A standard “cup” on a French press is about 4 ounces, which is much smaller than a mug. An 18-ounce press is great for one or two people, yielding about two large mugs. A 34-ounce press is the most common and is perfect for serving three to four people. If you often have guests, consider a 50-ounce model.
Why is my French press coffee coming out gritty?
Grittiness usually means your grind is too fine or your filter isn’t sealing properly. For a French press, you need a coarse, even grind—similar to breadcrumbs. A fine grind will slip through the mesh. Also, check that your filter screen is clean and assembled correctly. Over time, screens can bend or wear out, so it might be time for a replacement.
What’s the best grind size for a French press?
You want a coarse grind. It should feel gritty, like coarse sea salt or breadcrumbs. If your coffee tastes bitter and over-extracted, your grind is likely too fine. If it tastes weak and sour, it might be too coarse. A consistent coarse grind is key to a clean, full-bodied cup without sediment.
Can I use a French press for things other than coffee?
Absolutely! A French press is incredibly versatile. I use mine all the time to make loose-leaf tea, as it steeps the leaves perfectly and then separates them cleanly. You can also use it to make cold brew concentrate, froth milk (by pumping the plunger rapidly), or even strain broth and infuse oils with herbs.
How long should I steep the coffee?
The general rule is four minutes. I start my timer as soon as I pour the hot water over the grounds. After one minute, I give it a gentle stir to make sure all the grounds are saturated, then place the lid on and let it sit for the remaining three minutes before pressing. Adjust the time slightly to suit your taste—less for a lighter brew, more for a stronger one.