A french press is one of the most popular coffee brewing methods in the world. It’s achieved through a french press coffee maker also known as a plunger. The best designs consists of a pot and a plunger and filter system. This design has remained relatively consistent over the decades that coffee lovers have brewed french press coffee.
The brewing process is simple and requires use of coarse grind beans. It involves pouring in hot water half way into the pot, adding your coffee grounds, stirring and then filling the pot with hot water. After letting the coffee steep for 2 to 4 minutes, you press on the plunger which separates the brew from the grind. There are many french press coffee makers to choose from. Here are the four best units.
KONA French Press Coffee Tea & Espresso Maker Review
The pot is well insulated to protect you hands from scalding and also includes a comfortable handle for easy pouring and handling. The insulator is also quite attractive. The quality of the plunger and filter system is also worth noting. It consists of a 3 piece stainless steel infuser filter system that’s detachable.
You won’t have to worry about rust or low quality parts that break or wear down easily. It’s a versatile unit that can be used to extract flavor and aroma from coffee grind and tea leaves.
Overall, it’s a good coffee maker although a detachable insulator would be better, to make it easy to clean.
Secura Stainless Steel French Press Review
The handle and lid are also made from polished steel. They’re designed such that even when brewing, they’re cool to handle thus protecting your hands. Its infuser system consists of a 3 layered stainless steel structure which traps even the smallest grounds. This assures you of a richer full bodied flavor in every brew you prepare. It’s a 34 ounce capacity plunger which makes it an excellent choice for small families or camping.
The Secura stainless steel french press coffee maker is a great unit, however the lid isn’t well sealed meaning water might seep through its seams when cleaning.
SterlingPro French Coffee Press 8 Cup Review
It includes a comfortable handle that makes it easy to pour out your brew. This coffee maker features a unique plunger that includes a dual screen. This ensures that you get a full bodied brew with no grind residue.
The SterlingPro also comes with two additional replacement screens. You won’t have to worry about replacing your plunger any time soon! It’s a high capacity 34 ounce coffee maker that’s ideal for camping and small families. This plunger can also be used to brew tea. The lid could be a bit tighter such that you don’t have to hold it down when pouring.
Bodum Brazil 3 cup French Press Review
All parts are dishwasher safe making it easy to clean. If you want residue free brews, you’ll appreciate the 3 part stainless steel mesh infuser system which traps even the smallest grounds.
The stainless steel filter system won’t rust or alter the flavor of your coffee. This 12 ounce french press coffee maker is available in 5 different colors and is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Like with the SterlingPro, the Bodum Brazil’s plastic lid could be better. It tends to be loose and requires you to hold onto it when pouring out your brew.
Best French Press Coffee Maker Buying Guide
Before investing in a new french press coffee maker, here are the things to consider.
Pot Design:
A high quality pot will go a long way in ensuring that your plunger lasts a long time. Borosilicate glass is lightweight, transparent and highly resistant to cracking and scratching. It’s also cheaper compared to stainless steel. Stainless steel on the other hand is stronger and highly durable. Both materials are dishwasher safe.
Ease Of Handling:
You’ll be dealing with hot coffee when preparing your french press brew. Therefore, a plunger that’s easy to handle is a must if you’re to avoid getting burned or spilling your coffee. Look for a unit with a well designed cool touch handle, a supporting base and tight lid.
Infuser/Plunger
It’s recommended that you go for plungers made from stainless steel. These are easy to clean and won’t alter the flavor of your coffee. Double or triple mesh filters are the best since they will trap even the smallest grind particles.
Capacity
This consideration is important if you wish to brew more than one cup of coffee at a go. As you’ve seen in the reviews, some units can hold up to 34 ounces worth of fresh coffee making them great for small families.
