A French press (cafetière) is the fastest way to make full-bodied coffee without paper filters or electricity. Bodum, Le Creuset, Espro and Hario all make versions worth considering — we’ve ranked them by build, heat retention and filter quality.
At a glance — our top three picks
Top Pick
Bodum Chambord 8-cup French Press
The iconic stainless-and-glass French press. Still the one to buy after 50 years.
Runner-up
Espro P7 32oz French Press
Double-filter design that produces a cleaner cup than any other press on the market.
Budget
Bodum Brazil 8-cup French Press
The entry-level Chambord without the stainless frame. Same brew, cheaper materials.
Our top picks compared
| Product | Best for | Rating | Price | Jump to review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bodum Chambord 8-cup French Press | Overall best buy | ★★★★★ | £££ | Read review ↓ |
| Espro P7 32oz French Press | Enthusiast upgrade | ★★★★½ | ££££ | Read review ↓ |
| Bodum Brazil 8-cup French Press | Best under budget | ★★★★ | £ | Read review ↓ |
Top Pick: Bodum Chambord 8-cup French Press
The iconic stainless-and-glass French press. Still the one to buy after 50 years.
Pros
- ✅ Classic looks that last decades
- ✅ Dishwasher-safe
- ✅ Replacement parts easy to find
Cons
- ❌ Glass is breakable
- ❌ No double-wall insulation
Runner-up: Espro P7 32oz French Press
Double-filter design that produces a cleaner cup than any other press on the market.
Pros
- ✅ Double micro-filter removes fines
- ✅ Stainless double-wall insulation
- ✅ Keeps coffee hot 1 hour+
Cons
- ❌ £70+ price
- ❌ Harder to clean than Bodum
Budget: Bodum Brazil 8-cup French Press
The entry-level Chambord without the stainless frame. Same brew, cheaper materials.
Pros
- ✅ Under £20
- ✅ Full 1L capacity
- ✅ Dishwasher safe
Cons
- ❌ Plastic frame feels cheap
- ❌ Glass shatters easily
Buying guide
Filter quality
Double- or triple-layer metal mesh filters (Espro P3, P7) drastically reduce sediment. Single-mesh presses are cheaper but muddier.
Thermal vs glass
Double-walled stainless presses keep coffee hot for an hour. Glass presses look nicer but cool fast and break if dropped.
Size
A 1L press makes 3 mugs. Don’t brew at half-capacity — it over-extracts. Buy the size you actually drink.
Grind and ratio
Coarse grind, 60–70g/L, 4-minute brew is a reliable starting point. Stir the crust at the 1-minute mark for cleaner extraction.
Frequently asked questions
Is French press bad for cholesterol?
Can I froth milk in a French press?
How do I stop grit in the cup?
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