The Best French Press

If you’re looking to brew a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee at home without spending a lot on equipment, a French press is an excellent choice. This brewing method is quick, consistent, and takes up minimal counter space compared to a drip machine or pour-over setup.

After testing 15 French presses and making over 75 pots of coffee over the years, we believe the Espro P3 is the best option. This stylish press is easy to use and clean, and its unique double-filter system produces a richer, smoother coffee with less grit than its competitors.

Everything we recommend

For a French press with smooth, consistent flavor, we recommend the Espro P3. Its fine, double-filter design keeps coffee nearly grit-free, like a pour-over, and prevents over-steeping for balanced taste in every cup. Plus, it has a sleek frame and is dishwasher-safe.

The Bodum Chambord brews a consistently flavorful cup of coffee with a classic 1970s design. While the Espro P3 offers a brighter, grit-free brew, some may prefer the Chambord’s deeper flavor. Its glass beaker and smooth steel filter provide a refined look, and all parts are dishwasher-safe and replaceable.

For the Chambord’s flavor at a lower price, try the Bodum Caffettiera. It has the same filter and glass beaker but features a plastic top, making it more affordable. Plus, it comes in stylish pastel colors if you like a pop of color on your counter.

The Espro P6 is a premium, durable stainless steel French press with ultra-fine double filters. Its double-walled design keeps coffee hot for over an hour, and it prevents over-extraction, ensuring a consistently smooth flavor even if left in the press.

When choosing our picks, we focused on several key factors:

• Tight-fitting plunger: A snug mesh screen prevents grounds from escaping and ensures the screen is durable and replaceable.

• Easy to clean: All our picks are dishwasher-safe (Espro models are top-rack only) and easy to maintain.

• Beaker material: Glass French presses are made from borosilicate, resistant to temperature changes, but may crack if mishandled. Steel versions are more durable but pricier and often feature double-walled insulation to retain heat. Both types should have replacement parts available.

• Capacity: We recommend the 8-cup (32-34 oz) version for those who drink multiple cups or share. Larger presses still allow for smaller batches, though the Espro P6 requires at least 24 oz due to its double-basket design.

In our initial testing, we brewed three batches of Dunkin’ Donuts pre-ground coffee in each press, noting how well they handled a finer grind and how much grounds ended up in our cups. We assessed the clarity, acidity, and taste, as well as the amount of grounds left behind.

For the next round, we brewed Counter Culture Coffee’s Forty-Six using a commercial Ditting grinder and the same ratio and timing. We then tested presses by brand (Bodum, Espro, and others by price point).

A panel of professional testers, including barista and coffee roaster Nicholas Oddo, evaluated the coffee from our six finalists. Each press was hand-washed, and dishwasher-safe models were tested in the dishwasher, noting ease of cleaning.

Our pick: Espro P3 French Press

For the brightest, most balanced coffee, the Espro P3 (32 ounces) is an excellent choice. It delivers the cleanest, smoothest brew of all the presses we tested. Its two micro-filters trap stray grounds, and while the lock feature takes a bit of practice, it’s easy to master. The rubber-rimmed plunger ensures a tight seal, though it can be tougher to press compared to Bodum’s. The filters are 9 to 12 times finer than typical French press filters, keeping even the smallest grounds out.

The Espro P3 prevents over-extraction by locking grounds and a small amount of coffee at the bottom after plunging, stopping the brewing process. This keeps your coffee from becoming bitter, even if left in the beaker for over four minutes. In testing, coffee left for up to an hour showed only a slight increase in bitterness. The P3’s thicker glass beaker retains heat better than other presses and is sturdier, with replacement parts available if needed.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Espro P3’s design is less attractive compared to Espro’s pricier models or Bodum presses. While it prioritizes performance over aesthetics, some users have found a way to extract more coffee by giving the grounds an extra half-pump. The P3’s glass beaker is costly to replace, though this is typical for glass presses. For those worried about breakage, the stainless steel Espro P6 might be a better option. Additionally, the P3 cannot brew smaller batches, but the Espro P7 offers an 18-ounce model for those who need less coffee.

The Chambord’s glass beaker is thinner and less insulating than the Espro’s, making it more delicate. However, heat loss isn’t a major concern for most users, as coffee isn’t typically left in the press too long. If the beaker breaks, Bodum offers replacement parts, including beakers for about $28.

Budget pick: Bodum Caffettiera

The Bodum Caffettiera (34 ounces) delivers the same quality brew as the Chambord at nearly half the price. It has a plastic lid and handle but shares the same beaker, plunger, and filters. The glass beaker is as fragile as the Chambord’s, and replacing it costs more than the press. The plastic lid may also scratch more easily, though it doesn’t affect functionality.

The stainless steel Espro P6 French Press (32 ounces) offers a sleek, durable design and produces the same high-quality brew as the P3. Its double-walled insulation keeps coffee hot longer, and its ultra-fine double filter preserves flavor while trapping grit. The P6 is shatter-resistant, making it a more durable option than glass presses. While more expensive, it’s a solid investment for those who want durability and style. For a lower-priced stainless steel option, the Coffee Gator press is a decent choice under $50, though it doesn’t match the performance of our top picks.