Anyone for Coffee? French Presses are the best way to have barista style coffee at home
Coffee, as far as we’re concerned, makes the world go round. If someone nearby isn’t brewing up a good cup of java, then something is seriously wrong. Known for its super smooth brew, and full-bodied flavor, a French press provides a simple way of creating the perfect coffee. So, how can you get the very best out of your press?
A French press is an immersion brewing technique; that is, you put the grounds in the jug and add water from your best kettle then let it sit. After a few minutes, using a plunger, you push the ground coffee to the base of the jug and hold it there.
There are three main components of a French press – the carafe, plunger and lid.
The carafe holds the coffee, having a spout to pour out once it’s brewed. They are made of various materials.
• Glass carafes look stylish, but can break easily
• Plastic is stronger, but scratches easily, and can affect the taste of the coffee
• Stainless steel doesn’t break and keeps the coffee hot for longer. But being opaque, it’s impossible to see the color of the brewed coffee
• Some carafes are insulated to keep in the heat
The plunger contains the filter – this is what plunges down on the coffee grounds and separates them from the hot water, and as a result is a crucial component in the French press.
It’s important to think about the best material for your filter’s composition. If the filter has plastic or rubber around the edge, this may well break down with usage, allowing the grounds to get through and end up in your cup. In contrast, metal won’t degrade and will be effective forever.
French presses come in a variety of sizes, so if you want your coffee to be at its freshest, and therefore best, it’s a good idea to have several sizes in the cupboard. They can range from a single cup size right up to 48oz, perfect for a social occasion.
Here we reveal our shortlist for the best French Presses of August, 2019:
1) French Press by Secura
Overview
This stylishly sleek French press would suit any kitchen, looking stylish on your countertop. Every part of this product is stainless steel, even the collar around the plunger.
What We Like
We had the perfect brew from this, and it retained its heat for nearly three hours thanks to the insulated carafe. The 3-ply filter meant nothing contaminated our coffee – it was smooth and completely clear. This French Press is made from the highest quality stainless steel and there is a cool touch handle to avoid you burning yourself. It’s also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. It’s great that extra filters are included.
What Needs Improving
Make sure you thoroughly wash this press before its first use as we found the screw threads had been greased.
Secura Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker 18/10 Bonus Stainless Steel Screen (1000ML)
- Secura stainless steel French Press coffee maker is made from top quality 18/10 stainless steel, both the interior and exterior. It is made to outlast other coffee makers
- 3-LAYERED STAINLESS STEEL FILTER STRUCTURE traps the smallest coffee grounds to produce an exceptional full-bodied flavor
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2) Rose Gold French Press by Cantankerous Chef
Overview
This French press in trendy rose gold is gorgeous – with curves in just the right places. The glass carafe fits snuggly inside the stainless steel sleeve, and the four layer filter is impressive.
What We Like
We all love the look of the slightly art deco-esque design – it seems to echo old style Hollywood glamour. Every part fits together so well, and while the four-layer filter may be slight overkill, there is no doubting the smoothness of the ensuing coffee. In terms of features, this fantastic French Press is BPA free (non toxic!), comes with a 3 x layer filtration system for even tastier coffee and is made from stainless steel. It’s dishwasher safe.
What Needs Improving
Because of its design, this French Press feels different to a conventional model. It takes a little getting used to and may feel flimsy, but be assured, it will last.
Cantankerous Chef Rose Gold French Press - Large 8 Cup Coffee Press - Best Coffee Maker - Elegant Original Finishing...
- EASY TO USE! Pour hot water on the grounds, push down on the steel plunger, wait 4 minutes, and you will make a great cup of coffee - Effortlessly
- EASY TO CLEAN! Simple to hand wash, and dishwasher safe allowing you to easily clean up your press with no muss and no fuss - In A Snap
3) French Press Coffee Maker by Bodum
Overview
Most of us have owned similar Bodum presses before, and like those, this is plain, simple and well made.
What We Like
This press proves that you don’t need either chic or expensive to make a decent cup of Joe. This is reliable, functional, and works well. The simple design just needs coffee and water to look perfect. This French Press is also BPA free, and the glass carafe is made from borosilicate glass, which is highly durable. It’s dishwasher safe for convenience, and pours well.
What Needs Improving
The capacity is 3 large cups of coffee, which is perfect for a small household or for work. But if you’re living in a busy house, you may need 2 x of them!
Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee Maker, 51 Ounce, 1.5 Liter, (12 Cup), Black
- French press: Brazil French press brews an excellent cup of Coffee in the greenest way possible, just add course ground Coffee, hot water and press
- Coffee carafe: made of durable, heat-resistant borosilicate glass with a BPA free plastic handle and base; easy to use and easy to clean
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4) Large French Press by Coffee Gator
Overview
This is a great looking press; it feels so solid and slightly heavier than the others we tried. It comes in several colors, including orange and purple, and different sizes too. The coffee canister is a nice touch.
What We Like
The vacuum layer that is a feature of this product kept our coffee steaming hot for nearly three hours, and with the innovative double filtration system, there wasn’t a single ground in our cup. It brews a great coffee and pours like a dream.
What Needs Improving
It’s in the upper price bracket for French presses, but if you want something trendy that works brilliantly – it’s well worth the extra.
Large French Press Coffee Maker – Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel (Grey, 34floz)
- Hate boring, cold coffee? Us too. Our huge capacity kit is vacuum-layered and double-filtered for flavor fuller than a centipede's sock drawer and a piping-hot brew for longer. Oh yeah, you even get a mini canister for storing your next caffeine hit
5) French Press by Mueller Austria
Overview
This is an incredibly stylish coffee maker, with a good, solid base – no chance of it being knocked over. It feels very solidly made with double walled stainless steel, and is a decent size.
What We Like
This press not only looks good but performs well too. With the quality triple layered filter, there’s no way any rogue grounds are sneaking through, and our coffee was grit free and delicious. It remained warm for ages, keeping the fresh java taste and aroma. The huge capacity is perfect even for a family. We liked the double stainless steel walls that keep coffee warm for hours, and double encapsulated lid, making this press feel extra hard wearing.
What Needs Improving
The extra fine filter, if you choose to use it, requires steady pressure to push down, but it does prevent even the finest, most determined grounds getting through.
French Press Double-Wall Stainless Steel Mirror Finish (34oz) 20% Heavier Duty Coffee/Tea Maker: Multi-Screen System 100% No Coffee Grounds Guarantee,...
- ☕ IF YOU REALLY CARE ABOUT YOUR COFFEE - We tested enough mechanisms and filters to make your head spin to tweak and uniquely design our press with a triple layered filter structure to stop the sediment, but let the yummy coffee oils through for a full-bodied delicious brew that will make you a very happy camper. And to share the java love, we give you a bonus matching travel canister that holds enough beans or grounds for two full batches.
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