Fortunately for us, today we can enjoy coffee in many ways. We can find a wide variety of recipes with coffee, utensils, coffee machines, and even different fittings.
Therefore, on this blog, we will talk a little about one of the best-known coffee makers today: the French press. In this way, you can learn more about it and how it works, besides getting to know the market’s best options. Let’s start!
Table of Contents
What is the French press?
Although you may have already heard from the French press, you must be wondering what it is. But first, if the name is unfamiliar to you, it may be because it is known in several ways. In some places, it is called a coffee plunger or French coffee maker.
It consists of a cylindrical container or pot similar to a beaker with a plunger that fits tightly the cylinder, and a lid. In this case, the plunger has a filter that will prevent particles of ground coffee from remaining when serving.
You could consider it a manual coffee maker, such as the Chemex because it doesn’t require electricity or batteries to be used. Also, the process is not automatic, it must be performed by a person.
Its mechanism is really simple. The idea of the French press is that when you put the ground coffee and hot water in the jar, you lower the plunger with the filter while you “press” the drink. In this way, the coffee particles are pressed to the bottom and the beans are separated from the filtered drink.
How to use the French press?
We guarantee that it is easier than it looks, so let’s now see a step-by-step guide of how to use it.
- Put the ground coffee in the pot.
- Pour the hot water.
- Stir with a spoon for a few seconds and cover the pot. Let stand for 3 to 4 minutes.
- After that time, carefully insert the plunger and slowly press it down.
- Coffee’s ready! Serve in an espresso cup or in the cup of your choice.
To bear in mind:
As you could see, in 5 simple steps you can make a delicious cup of coffee in a French press. However, when using it, you should keep in mind the following:
- Measurements and proportions are important. Generally, for every 7-8 grams of coffee, about 180 to 200 ml (6 to 6.7 fl oz) of water is used. When coffee and water are disproportionate, it clearly affects the taste of the coffee. It can be very strong and bitter, or very watery.
- The water should be hot, but not boiling. When you add boiling water, it can affect the aromas of the coffee, so just don’t do it.
- You should use coarse or, failing that, medium grinding coffee. If it is very thin grinding, it can pass through the filter and leave residues in the final drink. If you are one of those who enjoy freshly ground coffee, you may be interested in our blog about the best coffee grinders.
- Ideally, grind the exact amount you want to drink. If you leave coffee in the pot after brewed, it will continue to be “brewed”. So, it can get a flavor that you don’t like. Also, if you want you can pour it into another container when it’s ready.
- It is better to clean it right after each use because of the filter. As it has coffee grounds, if it is not washed in time, these can affect the beverage and influence the taste of the next brews. Anyways, it is usually very easy to wash because its parts are removable. Even, depending on the material, they can be dishwasher safe.
What kinds of French presses can we find?
Although the French press has a simple mechanism and is easy to use, there are several models. Let’s see in more detail what it is about!
Material
The French press jug can be found in 3 different materials. The most common are glass, then plastic, and finally stainless steel. All can be a good option, depending on your tastes and needs.
- Glass: in this case, you should choose the borosilicate. This is not only soft and pore-free but also very heat-resistant, durable, and transparent. The pro is you can easily see the coffee through the glass without worrying about it overheating. However, you should not subject this type of glass to sudden changes in temperature because it can break. There are also French presses made of crystal. In both cases, it is still a material prone to break if dropped or not treated carefully. It depends on how you handle it.
- Plastic: the advantage of this material is that it is much more durable and does not break easily. You can use it not only in your home but also in other places as it is easy to carry. As it is resistant, you can even bring it on your holidays. But, for making coffee, it is not the most recommended. Many times plastic not only alters the taste of coffee but releases chemicals that can be bad for health.
- Stainless Steel: this material has the advantage of being very resistant and keeping drinks warm. So, it is a good choice. However, it’s not transparent, so you wouldn’t be able to see the inside of the jug.
On the other hand, there is the filter material. It is important that it is a good quality one because that will prevent coffee particles from passing into your drink. For the French press, the ideal material is metal. Metal filters not only last longer, but they also slide more easily when pressed. In addition, they give an extra touch to the taste and aroma of the drink. Not being paper, they allow the natural oils of coffee to pass into the cup and intensify the flavor.
Capacity
Like most coffee makers, there are a wide variety of sizes and capacities. The French press is usually used in homes and to make few cups. This clearly depends on the number of people and its use. Thanks to its size, it is also ideal for taking to the office and, depending on its material, on trips. Thanks to its versatility, today you can find the following sizes:
- 3 cups (about 12 ounces)
- 4 cups (about 17 ounces)
- 8 cups (about 34 ounces)
- 12 cups (about 51 ounces)
The size you choose clearly depends on how much coffee you want and need to make. But you will certainly have plenty to choose from.
The 7 best French presses
Now that we’ve learned about what the French press is and how it works, it’s time to look at what the market offers. Many times we are undecided about which models and brands to buy. It is also common that we don’t have much information about the options out there either.
That is why we will show you below 7 models of French presses of very good quality that the market currently offers.
Café Du Château French Press
This French press is one of the best-rated by Amazon users. It combines the best of both worlds, as the pitcher is made of glass and stainless steel. That means that it offers good visualization of the coffee and it is more resistant.
Let’s now look at its characteristics.
- It is made of thick borosilicate glass that withstands high temperatures and is resistant.
- One part of the pitcher has a 304 grade stainless steel piece. This protects the press from scratches, rust, drops and gives it a more sophisticated design.
- It has a capacity of 8 cups or about 34 ounces.
- It comes with a 4-level filtering system. It consists of two stainless steel filters, a base that helps seal the edges, and a strainer lid that helps prevent lumps or grains from remaining in the beverage.
- All materials are suitable for use in food and beverages. Plastic parts, such as the lid, are BPA free.
- It comes with a brewing guide for you to make coffee like a barista.
To bear in mind:
- It is easy to clean, but you should know that there are delicate or sharp parts. Therefore, you have to be careful when washing it.
Müeller Austria French press
This French press is another of the most popular, and the special choice of Amazon. It is made of stainless steel and is very resistant. It has a mirror finish and in addition, it can be used for other drinks such as tea.
Let’s take a look at its highlights.
- It is made of grade 304 stainless steel. It has two layers to keep your coffee warm for longer.
- It’s 33% thicker and 20% longer, so it’s almost foolproof. That is, drops and rust-proof.
- It has a capacity of 8 cups or about 34 ounces.
- The filter is stainless steel and has 4 layers. In this way, it ensures that only the delicious taste of the coffee is filtered, and no lumps or grinding residues.
- You can also use it to prepare tea, fruit or herbal infusions, among other beverages.
- Being thicker, you might need to press harder.
To bear in mind:
- The jug does not have guide measurements, so the amount of water and coffee must be calculated before using the press.
- Due to its material, it can’t be put directly on the stove.
QUQIYSO French press
This model, unlike the ones we have already shown you, has a 100% glass jar. As a special plus, the jug comes on a special tripod-shaped base. This ensures that the base is more stable, strong and does not wobble. It is one of the most modern and high-quality models.
Let’s check its specifications.
- It is made of heat-resistant borosilicate glass.
- It has a capacity of 8 cups or about 34 ounces.
- The jar has the measurements of the cups so you know with certainty how much coffee you are going to brew.
- Its triangle-shaped base makes it better to stand on flat surfaces, without slipping or wobbling.
- It is easy to clean. Its parts are removable, so you can wash each separately and then put them back together.
Kitchen Supreme French press
This is another French press with very good ratings due to its excellent quality and zero plastics. It also has a large capacity, so it is perfect for the whole family. Thanks to its filter, you can have pure, creamy, and tasty coffee.
Let’s look at its specifications.
- Its capacity is 8 cups or about 34 ounces.
- Unlike other French presses, it is 100% plastic-free.
- The lid is stainless steel so it withstands high temperatures and keeps your fingers safe. Besides, it perfectly seals the jug to ensure that the aromas and flavors of the coffee are better preserved.
- The jug is made of German glass. It is 3 times more resistant to temperature changes than borosilicate glass. It is also less likely to break or chip from falls.
- It has a 4-level filter system suitable for more types of grinding. It is also made of stainless steel.
- It’s very affordable. You can also use it to prepare tea, infusions, chocolate and even foamed milk.
- It comes with a coffee brewing guide and recipes.
Fihoo French press
This model is another of the top-rated and preferred by Amazon users. It is ideally sized for use at home or in the office and is very durable. In addition, its design and color give it an elegant and sophisticated look.
Let’s see a little more about what it is.
- It has a maximum capacity of 34 ounces, which is about 8 cups of coffee.
- The jug is borosilicate glass, so it is heat resistant.
- It has visible measurements so that they serve as a guide to measuring the number of cups.
- It features a stainless steel tripod-shaped stand. This gives it greater balance and firmness.
- The filter is made of 304 grade stainless steel and has 4 levels. Thus the drink is very well filtered and with excellent flavor.
- It is easy to clean.
- The product is BPA free
- You can also use it to make tea, fruit or herbal infusions, chocolate and even foamed milk.
Coffee Gator French Press
This French press not only has a cute and unique design but is of excellent quality. Its 304-grade stainless steel material makes it perfect for use outside the home thanks to its resistance.
Let’s check its particularities.
- It can make up to 8 cups of coffee, or about 34 ounces.
- The jug is made of 304 stainless steel, so it is much stronger than a glass one.
- The jug’s walls have two layers to ensure the better preservation of the heat of the coffee.
- Its shape is comfortable to use. In addition, it has a firm, soft-touch handle.
- It has a dual stainless steel filter system, but a smooth, sediment-free drink is guaranteed.
- It is easy to clean.
- It includes a mini container for storing coffee beans.
To bear in mind:
- The jug does not have guide measurements, so the amount of water and coffee must be calculated before using the press.
BAYKA French press
This is another of the best models of stainless steel French presses. Its versatility and material allow you to use it both at home and in the office. You can even take it on your travels or when you go camping.
Let’s now look at its characteristics.
- The jug has two layers of high-quality stainless steel. The first receives the heat from the coffee and keeps it that way. Therefore, the second layer will be at normal temperature, there is no risk of burns!
- It has a capacity of 34 ounces, that is about 8 cups of coffee.
- The whole filter mechanism is made of stainless steel. It also has 4 levels to ensure the best filtration. The button on the top is easy to press.
- It is easy to clean.
- You can also use it to prepare infusions, tea, chocolate, among other preparations.
To bear in mind:
- The jug does not have guide measurements, so the amount of water and coffee must be calculated before using the press.
Conclusions
Once again we see that the world of coffee offers us all kinds of machines to prepare it. It all depends on your needs and tastes.
Although at first, the French press might seem a bit challenging, we assure you that it is one of the simplest to use. You don’t have to be an expert barista to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee made in the French press. After you start using it, you will find your own tricks and manners. Don’t forget to clean it!
We hope you now have a clearer idea of its wonders and advantages. We encourage you to try it.
