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Best french press for tea


What’s The Best French Press for Tea

Ahh, nothing like a nice cuppa tea!

Have you ever brewed a fresh cup of tea, only to realize there were particles floating around in your cup? If this happens entirely too often, it might be time to invest in a French press for your tea-brewing endeavors.

Here’s my favorite french press. Check pricing options at Amazon.

For thousands of years, steeping dried tea leaves and other spices was the primary method one used to enjoy a cup of hot tea. Many ancient societies brewed tea in clay pots and would remove the leaves once the tea was finished steeping.

Since the advent of tea bags in the early 1900s, the classic style of brewing tea has been supplanted in many parts of the world, especially in the West. Recently, however, old-style cooking methods seem to have undergone a kind of renaissance. This movement aligns perfectly with using a French press for brewing tea. I’m ecstatic that more people are taking the time to slow down and savor their food and drinks.

How do you brew tea in a French press?

The components of a French press.

Brewing tea in a French press doesn’t require much more time than steeping a tea bag in a cup of boiling hot water. By filling the container with loose tea and covering it with a press (which houses a screen), you are creating a filter for keeping tea leaves out of your cup.

Although brewing tea in a French press requires you to boil water in a separate container, many people will already be boiling water for traditional tea bags anyway. Once the water is sufficiently hot, pour it atop the loose tea leaves and spices to let the flavors fully develop. Once your tea has finished steeping, simply press down on the plunger and pour the tea into your favorite teacup.

Since a French press has a larger area in which the tea can steep, it is the preferred method of making tea among devout tea lovers. The difference in flavor is noticeable enough that many would never consider going back to using a tea ball or tea bag.

Are there any other suggestions regarding brewing tea in a French press?

Ever been up in the air on whether you wanted one cup of tea or two? Then you’ve probably boiled enough water to make two cups with the intention of throwing out the extra fluid. However, french presses perform best when they’re used to make the exact amount of tea that you’ll be drinking. This is because the tea will continue to steep after your press it to the bottom of the carafe.

Heat your water up in style. Here are the best whistling tea kettles.

An effective French press will press the tea leaves to the bottom of the glass container. This, theoretically, halts the steeping process. However, the leaves often continue to steep beyond their recommended limit. This releases tannins (the stuff that makes tea bitter) into the water. If you are concerned about over-steeping, use only as much loose tea as you’ll anticipate needing.

Essentially, using a French press requires a little more precision than microwaving a mug of water, tossing a tea bag in, and hoping for the best. But, it’s nothing you can’t handle! Besides, spending a little extra time brewing the tea is part of the fun!

Do you also love coffee? Here’s how much coffee is needed to make just one cup.

What features should I be looking for in the best French press?

Material

A good French press will be made from quality materials. A glass container is especially desirable in a French press, and many argue that a glass carafe produces a “cleaner” taste than stainless steel or plastic.

Glass can be incredibly fragile, however. As it breaks more easily than other materials, you might want to think about getting a French press constructed entirely of stainless steel. The downside to choosing this type of French press is mostly aesthetic.

Size

Even if you only intend on brewing one or two cups of tea, it’s a good idea to invest in a model large enough to let the tea fully unfurl and develop in the hot water. By using a French press, you are already making the move away from smaller tea receptacles like tea bags and tea balls. Avoid small, confined spaces if you wish to truly enjoy some finely-brewed tea.

Screen/Plunger

The screen and plunger are the two other important components of a French press. You’ll appreciate owning a press with a screen fine enough to filter out leaves as you sip a clear cup of tea. A sturdy plunger will help you halt the tea from steeping so that you aren’t left with a bitter beverage.

If you prefer brewing your loose leaf tea in a pot instead – here are my recommendations for functional and beautiful tea pots.

A Few Recommendations…

KONA French Press Coffee Tea & Espresso Maker

My first pick is highly rated online and a best selling product, so you know you’re making a good purchase. It’s the French press from KONA. Of course, it’s advertised as a coffee and espresso maker (like most french presses), but as we outlined earlier, you can easily use it for the perfect cup of tea as well.

It has a reusable, durable stainless steel filter, which is environmentally friendly and a better bet for the purity of your tea. It’s thick borosilicate glass container is durable and sleek, and protected by an outer black shell to ensure that there are no cracks or chips. The outer shell is also very aesthetically pleasing, even though it’s thick (unlike most other thin frames you usually see with french presses).

Check out the KONA French Press Coffee Tea & Espresso Maker at Amazon

The handle of this French press is also very large and easy to maneuver, giving you maximum pouring control when serving your tea. The lid is BPA free, and no plastic comes into contact with your tea as it’s steeping. With a rubber plunger knob, steeping is easy and straightforward.

Kuissential 8-Cup Stainless Steel French Press

Another great option is the Kuissential French press. At 34 oz., it’s only “8 cups” if you measure a cup as 4 oz., but for tea, most people serve small cups anyway. This was the only real complaint among reviewers, so if that’s not an issue for you, check this one out.

Check out the Kuissential 8-Cup Stainless Steel French Press at Amazon

It’s got double wall insulated 18/10 stainless steel, meaning that the temperature inside is regulated to hold an optimal brewing temperature of 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Because it’s made out of stainless steel, it’s also much more durable than the common glass material you find in most french presses, and easy to clean. It’s all dishwasher safe.

SterlingPro French Coffee Press

One of the top-notch French presses money can buy comes from SterlingPro. It’s such a high-quality option that many other French presses compare their features to this model! It’s the best selling and top-rated product in the French press category at Amazon.

Check out the SterlingPro French Coffee Press at Amazon

The SterlingPro brews 1 liter of tea at a time and is made from borosilicate glass with a durable frame. It also comes with 2 free replacement stainless steel screens and you can get it in sleek chrome or bold red. It’s a perfect combination of value and performance and quality.

Time for a cuppa!

Are you ready to ditch the tea bags once and for all and make the switch to a French press? Be sure to choose one that is personally tailored to your tea drinking needs! You can also use a French press to brew coffee.

Try something different and give Matcha Green Tea a swirl!

https://youtu.be/S9mGAqfGUNsVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: How to Make Perfect Tea Every Time with French Press (https://youtu.be/S9mGAqfGUNs)

Keep that tea steamy! Here are my picks for the best insulated cups to keep drinks hot and the best insulated tumblers. Heat up that water quick with my picks for the best electric tea kettles.

If you also love coffee, your french press is perfect for making a delicious cup of joe. Check out this post on the best grinders for coarse coffee grounds.

Then find out once and for all which travel mug is better: the Yeti Rambler or the Thermos.

The 7 Best French Press Coffee Makers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

French presses have been a trusted source of delicious coffee for over a century. Patented in 1929, the idea can be traced back to the early 1800s France. How has the item remained so popular for so long? Above all, the answer is taste. French presses utilize a technique known as immersion brewing, where coffee grounds are steeped in hot water for several minutes. The resulting flavor is richer than what many other coffee makers can accomplish. We're rounded up our favorite French pressed below.

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

After Lab testing over 20 French presses, our all-around favorite is the Espro Everyday P3. Its price is on par with the typical 32-ounce French press (that's the only size the P3 comes in), yet we found the coffee it brews to be tastier and to contain less sediment than nearly every competitor. This is partially due to Espro's patented double filter system; instead of a single filter to plunge coffee grounds, the P3 uses two extra-fine mesh filters to ensure a smoother cup of coffee.

One of our only criticisms is that the P3 has poor insulation. We brewed a full pot and it was lukewarm after 30 minutes, ranking near the bottom of the models we tested. Aside from that, our testers called it a tremendous bang for your buck.

It's dishwasher safe and the plunger is easy to take apart if you prefer to rinse by hand. There's noticeable resistance when removing the plunger because it forms a vacuum seal, but it's not too difficult. The design is simple yet stylish—a glass carafe with a black plastic frame—and should blend into any kitchen aesthetic.

Price at time of publish: $65

Material: Glass and polypropylene | Capacity: 32 ounces | Color/Finish: Black | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

The Spruce Eats / Fred Hardy

Testing Takeaway

"The P3 tied for the best brew quality, not so coincidentally with the Espro P7. The ultra fine, double-filter construction ensures a consistent, high-quality brew every time."

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

One reason French presses are so popular, aside from the tasty coffee they make, is that there are choices out there to fit any budget. In fact, some French presses cost little more than a bag of coffee beans. Our favorite low-price option is the Bodum Brazil. It stacks up against more expensive French presses, brewing similarly strong coffee and it's just as easy to use and clean. While the brew quality isn't at the absolute top, our Lab testers described it as exactly what you would expect from a French press.

One of our editors used the Bodum Brazil as an everyday brewing device for around four years and gave it high praise. It had to be replaced once during that time after the glass chipped from being hit against the sink, but other than that there were no durability issues. He adds that the stainless steel filter sufficiently kept coffee grounds out of his cup. Users may notice some coffee sediment when pouring the last cup, but that's typical of most French presses.

The Bodum Brazil is available in three sizes—12, 34, and 51 ounces—and the plastic frame comes in three colors, black, white, and red. The carafe is made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass, which many customers prefer because there's no scraping sound from the plunger and you can see how much coffee is left. However, the insulation doesn't last as long as stainless steel models. All parts are dishwasher safe.

Price at time of publish: $28

The Spruce Eats / Fred Hardy

Material: Glass | Capacity: 12, 34, and 51 ounces | Color/Finish: Black, red, and white | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Testing Takeaway

"The Bodum Brazil lasted several years as my daily coffee maker. I never had any issues with it. In short, I think this French press far exceeds its low price."

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Frieling Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker Review

The Frieling French Press is the ideal blend of style and function. Its highly polished stainless steel exterior creates a pretty presentation in the kitchen, while the full-length handle is easy to lift and pour. Plus, it brews bold coffee. It was one of the best batches we tried from more than 20 French presses. There was a moderate amount of sediment, but it's on par with most French presses.

The carafe is made from two layers of stainless steel—advertised as "double-walled"—so the coffee stays warm longer than in glass presses. We measured coffee temperature 10 minutes and 30 minutes after brewing for our insulation test, and the Frieling French Press ranked in the top half of all the models. So the insulation is better than average but not outstanding, which is a slight letdown considering its hefty price tag.

The product disassembles easily and is dishwasher safe. You don't even need to disassemble the plunger before washing, so it took us no more than a minute to take the press apart and put it back together. Our testers added that the stainless steel feels extremely durable and won't shatter like glass beakers. One of the few downsides is that this puts the item on the heavier side as far as French presses go. The item is available in four sizes: 17, 23, 36, and 44 ounces.

Price at time of publish: $140

The Spruce Eats / Fred Hady

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 17, 23, 36, and 44 ounces | Color/Finish: Mirror and brushed | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Testing Takeaway

"This brews a pretty bold, strong cup of coffee with clean flavor and has an aesthetic that looks like it belongs in a nice hotel or restaurant. "

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Bodum CHAMBORD French Press Coffee Maker Review

Bodum is a trusted brand that's manufactured coffee makers for decades, including many types of French presses. The Chambord is extremely popular thanks, in part, to its classic design of a glass carafe with an outer steel frame. It's available in a number of sizes, starting at 12 ounces and going all the way up to 51 ounces, as well as different colors so that you can match your kitchen aesthetic. It's more than a chic kitchen accessory, though. We were impressed by the Chambord's consistency and ease of use.

The plunger is made from stainless steel with a mesh filter that helps extract the aromatic oils while leaving the grounds behind. Our home tester said it's a great value-for-money buy and an excellent starter choice for those new to French presses. The plunger felt a little wobbly at times during our testing process, which might lead to some stray coffee grounds in your mug—an issue that higher-end French presses typically avoid. The steel frame can also move around at times, but this is not a sign of durability issues. We expect the Chambord to hold up after years of use as an everyday brewing device.

Price at time of publish: $39

The Spruce Eats / Fred Hardy

Material: Glass | Capacity: 12, 17, 34, and 51 ounces | Color/Finish: Black, chrome, copper, cork, white, and gold | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Testing Takeaway

"This is your classic French press; it features excellent and consistent brew quality."

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

The Espro P7 stands out as one of the best French presses we tested, especially in the most important department: taste. The coffee it brews is rich, flavorful, and sediment-free, largely because of its unique double filter. The majority of French presses have a single mesh filter to press down coffee grounds, but the P7 uses two filters with extra-fine mesh to ensure that no grounds or grit get into your cup. The plunger can be difficult to remove from the carafe, however, because there's a silicone gasket that sticks to the interior.

We found the P7 to have above-average insulation and expect it to last for years. It was the heaviest French press we tested, weighing a little less than 3 pounds when empty, which illustrates the quality of the stainless steel. Yet, it wasn't too heavy or cumbersome for our tester to pour. Espro backs the item with a lifetime guarantee as well, excluding personal damage. While the P7 is very expensive for a French press, its overall quality along with this long-lasting assurance justify the price for those who don't mind spending more.

The P7 is available in two sizes, 18 and 32 ounces; we tested the latter and found it to be a suitable size for both personal and household use. You can also choose between four attractive finishes, including brushed stainless steel, polished stainless steel, matte white, and matte black.

Price at time of publish: $150

The Spruce Eats / Fred Hardy

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 18 and 32 ounces | Color/Finish: Brushed, white, polished, and matte black | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes (top rack only)

Testing Takeaway

"The Espro P7 makes coffee that's noticeably richer and devoid of any unpleasant sediment. It's one of the best French presses I've ever used."

Indulge in the Best High-End Coffee Makers for the Perfect Cup

Fellow

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

The Fellow Clara French Press showcases our favorite design not only because of how stylish it looks in the kitchen but because of its quality materials and overall usability. The lid fits securely onto the carafe and seals well. Plunging is smooth. And pouring is mess free. One design-related shortcoming is that the interior can scratch easily, especially if you use a metal spoon to stir the coffee; the brand compensates for this, however, by including a wooden stirring stick with the purchase.

Slow coffee drinkers will be happy to hear that this French press has the best heat retention out of all the options we tested. It remained piping hot more than 30 minutes after brewing, and our taste testers gave the flavor high marks. The long-lasting insulation is owed to the double-walled stainless steel body and the Clara's small 24-ounce capacity. Despite the high temperatures, both the handle and carafe itself stay cool to the touch. The carafe has to be rinsed by hand when you're finished brewing. Nonetheless, we found it quick and easy to clean. Unfortunately, there are only two colors to choose from—matte black and matte black with walnut accents—but both are universal enough to suit any décor.

Price at time of publish: $99

The Spruce Eats / Fred Hardy

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 24 ounces | Color/Finish: Black and Walnut | Dishwasher-Safe: No (except for mesh filter)

Testing Takeaway

"The Fellow Clara French Press is pricey, but the brew quality and design features make it a worthwhile purchase. Its modern aesthetic and matte finish make it something you would be proud to display on the countertop."

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Stoneware is a type of ceramic known for its sturdiness and versatility. Whether it's used for bowls, plates, or French presses, the aesthetic suits many kitchens. Le Creuset's Stoneware French Press is no different. It's available in 10 striking colors, including the brand's signature Cerise option. The material has a glossy sheen that makes it pop even brighter.

It's not just the design that we love, though. The brewing performance makes the press worth purchasing, too. There were some inconsistencies in the batches we made, but overall the flavor is strong, balanced, and everything you could want out of a French press.

One downside is that this French press doesn't keep coffee hot as long as glass or stainless steel unless you pre-heat the inside before brewing. To test this out, we left hot water in the carafe for a couple of minutes to prime the material before brewing, which did improve matters. Lastly, the press can drip a bit after pouring, as if a small amount of coffee collects underneath the spout. It isn't a major issue, however, and we recommend the item as a whole, even if it has some drawbacks.

Price at time of publish: $85

The Spruce Eats / Fred Hardy

Material: Stoneware | Capacity: 34 ounces | Color/Finish: Cerise, Flame, Caribbean, Marseille, Artichaut, White, Meringue, Oyster, Licorice, and Deep Teal | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Testing Takeaway

"Not only is this a reliable French press that will keep grounds out of your coffee, it also has an eye-catching design and a high-end feel. "

We Tested the Best Non-electric Coffee Makers—Here Are Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

The Espro Everyday P3 French Press is our overall winner because of its accessible price and top-notch performance in Lab tests. If you're looking for a budget option, go with the Bodum Brazil French Press. It also performed well in Lab tests and stands up to long-term use as well.

The Spruce Eats / Isaac Nunn

How We Tested

We researched top-rated French presses in a variety of sizes and materials and sent 20 models to our Lab to be tested side by side. The testing methods included making multiple cups of coffee and assessing consistency and brew quality, filling the French presses with hot water and measuring the temperature after a period of time to gauge the insulation, and taking them apart to clean. Our testers then rated each French press on its design, brew quality, and ease of use. We use a 1-5 scale with set criteria to ensure accurate and consistent reviews of all the products we test. We also sent several models to at-home testers for additional insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the French presses.

Learn More About How We Test Products

Other Options We Tested

The Spruce Eats / Isaac Nunn

What to Look for When Buying a French Press

Material

The material is a great place to start narrowing down your options. French presses can be made from glass, stainless steel, or stoneware. Each one has its own pros and cons and will bring a unique aesthetic to your kitchen. Glass is by far the most common material, as well as the most affordable, but it's the easiest to break and leads to poor heat retention. Stoneware and stainless steel, on the other hand, are pricier but make up for it with better durability and heat retention.

Fortunately, the flavor is not affected by the material that you choose. The coffee will be delicious no matter what.

Heat Retention

While this key consideration is directly tied to a French press's material, it is worth mentioning on its own. Coffee drinkers who have gotten used to drip machines with two-hour hot plates may, at first, be disappointed when switching to a French press. All non-electric coffee makers, not just French presses, naturally struggle to keep coffee hot for as long as electric brewing devices can.

If you only make a cup or two and drink it quickly, this isn't an issue. But if keeping coffee hot for a long time is important to you, consider buying a thermal or insulated French press.

Hot Tip

"If you’re using a super light-roasted coffee, you may need to go a little hotter with the water and a little longer steeping. With darker-roasted coffees, you maybe want to go a little cooler with your water and a little shorter steeping. Think of it as: the lighter your coffee, the more flavor components that are still in there. So you’re going to need to basically “cook it” for a little longer and a little hotter." — Timothy Johnson, Head of Education and Training at Vibe Coffee Group

Capacity

French presses only make a few cups of coffee at once, with capacities ranging anywhere from 12 to 51 ounces. If you intend to use a French press for an entire household, go with a larger option, roughly 8 cups and up. Just know that size and price are linked together: Larger French presses are more expensive, and smaller French presses are cheaper.

One last detail to keep in mind is that the coffee world is a little misleading with its measurements. Many customers assume that each "cup" equals 8 ounces. However, coffee brands consider a cup to be 4 to 6 ounces. For example, the popular 8-Cup Bodum Chambord French Press has a capacity of just 34 ounces, not the 64 ounces you would expect using standard measurements.

Ease of Cleaning

Making the coffee is only half of the process. When you're done, you need to remove the plunger, discard the used coffee grounds, and clean the carafe for the next use. Dishwasher-safe components will speed up the process, although some people prefer to wash their press by hand right after so that it's ready to go whenever they need it. It's not difficult or time-consuming to clean a French press by hand, but some may grow tired of having to clean it after every batch of coffee.

The Spruce Eats / Isaac Nunn

Warranty

French presses with a glass carafe are an extremely fragile type of coffee maker, quicker to chip or break than most. Brand instructions typically advise against using metal spoons when stirring so as not to damage the glass. Take a look at an item's warranty beforehand to see what damages may or may not be covered.

The Spruce Eats / Jordan Provost

Types of French Presses

Glass

The instinctive image when picturing a French press usually involves a gleaming glass carafe. Not only are these the most popular kind of French press, they are also the most affordable. Other advantages of going with glass include its light weight and that you can see the amount of coffee left inside. Many glass French presses are dishwasher safe too, which makes the cleaning process quicker. However, they can break more easily, so avoid stirring them with a metal spoon when preparing your coffee.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is the second most popular type of French press. They are more expensive than glass ones (some even pass the $100 mark) but have several advantages, especially heat retention and durability. Most are dishwasher safe, too; just check the manufacturer's instructions ahead of time. As far as designs go, you can choose between the classic silver steel or find a variety of bold colors. The last thing to keep in mind is that stainless steel presses can be heavy when lifting and pouring, so if you prefer a lightweight option, go with glass.

Ceramic


Ceramic, or stoneware, French presses are a favorite among design-oriented people. The material is often more striking and provides a more personal touch than glass and stainless steel. While prices vary, ceramic French presses drift toward the more expensive end, at least compared to glass. As for insulation, a ceramic French press should keep coffee hot longer than a glass one but not as long as a stainless steel model. Make sure to rinse ceramic French presses with boiling water before brewing to preheat them and maximize their insulation.

Portable

Yes, there is such a thing as a truly portable French press. These wondrous little devices look like travel mugs but, inside, have a filter and plunger to make delicious coffee on the go. They are typically constructed from stainless steel, so you can toss them in a bag or suitcase when camping or traveling. Designed for personal use, expect portable French presses to have a smaller capacity than household ones. The best part, though? They are just as affordable as standard French presses.

The Spruce Eats / Isaac Nunn

Brands/Manufacturers

Bodum

Bodum is the number one brand to know if you're interested in buying a French press. Founded in 1944, the company manufactures all sorts of coffee-related products, from grinders to milk frothers, but it is best known for its line of budget-friendly French presses. Many start as low as $10. Few other brands offer the sheer variety that Bodum does. The company makes several different kinds of French presses, from ones constructed of glass and stainless steel to travel presses. The sleek Chambord is its most popular option, but the Brazil, Eileen, and Columbia are all worth considering, too.

Frieling

Founded in 1988, Frieling is a well-known American manufacturer of high-end kitchenware. The brand's most popular French press—simply called the Frieling French Press—is constructed from heavy-duty stainless steel and comes in a number of sizes. Others include the all-glass Aroma French Press and the uniquely designed Perfetto French Press.

Le Creuset

This French brand has long been heralded for its colorful cast-iron cookware. For almost 100 years, Le Creuset has manufactured everything from skillets to Dutch ovens to French presses. It does not have a wide selection to offer, but its best-known French press stands out compared to others on the market. The Le Creuset Stoneware French Press is a high-end option made from sturdy enamel and available in 10 colors.

Brewing

It can be daunting to brew your first pot of French press coffee, so here are quick, simple instructions to ensure tasty results every time. First, use coarsely ground coffee. Too fine a grind and you'll end up with coffee silt in the bottom of your cup. Second, scoop in roughly 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water you intend to use. Third, once the water is heated to 195 to 205 degrees, slowly and evenly pour it over the coffee grounds. Many experts recommend blooming the coffee for 30 seconds before pouring in all of the water, but others say blooming is unnecessary with a French press because they are immersion brewers, not pour overs. Either way, it doesn't hurt to bloom the coffee, just to ensure the grounds have had time to de-gas. Finally, let the coffee steep for about four minutes. That's it! Plunge it, pour it, and enjoy.

Good to Know

"With a French press, I would say my standard amount of time for steeping is four minutes. You don’t really need to steep it for as long as we were led to believe in the past. Four minutes is totally fine." — Timothy Johnson, Head of Education and Training at Vibe Coffee Group

Maintenance

French presses need to be cleaned after every use. Check to see if yours is dishwasher safe beforehand, as this will speed up the process. If not, start by dumping the wet coffee grounds into a strainer and then trash or compost them. After that, disassemble the plunger into its individual parts—the mesh, the spring, and the cross plate—and rinse each one. Place the parts on a towel to dry and finish by cleaning the carafe with a soapy sponge.

Accessories

One accessory specifically useful for French press owners is a gooseneck kettle. With their elegant and sloped spouts, gooseneck kettles provide better precision when pouring. This, in turn, helps thoroughly cover the coffee grounds in a French press, leading to a tastier cup of joe. Gooseneck kettles can be designed for stovetop use (typically made from stainless steel) or they can be electric. The latter is certainly more expensive but has added convenience and can include unique features like specific temperature control.

Another accessory worth looking into is a coffee grinder. This is recommended for any kind of coffee maker, not just French presses. Coffee beans release the most flavor just minutes after being ground, when all the aromas have been freshly cracked open. You can choose from manual coffee grinders, which are more affordable, or electric ones. Bodum, Breville, and KitchenAid all manufacture dependable grinders.

FAQs

Is French press coffee better than drip coffee?

Neither French press nor drip coffee is truly better than the other. They each have different pros and cons. French press coffee tends to be stronger, more acidic, and have a heavier, more noticeable mouthfeel because the coffee grounds stay in contact with water for several minutes. On the other hand, drip coffee is often lighter, smoother, and contains less sediment because the water passes through the coffee grounds so quickly.

The brewing methods themselves have different advantages too. French presses take up less room, can be more aesthetically pleasing, and are often more affordable than drip machines. That said, drip coffee makers require less effort, have a lower chance of user error, and generally brew larger batches of coffee. So, it's not about figuring out which method is best, just which method is best for you.

How much coffee should I use for a French press?

There's a phrase in the coffee industry called "The Golden Ratio," which is a general recommendation for the amount of coffee grounds and water to use when brewing. The Golden Ratio is typically 1 gram of coffee for every 18 grams of water (1:18). While this is an excellent rule of thumb overall, some brewing devices produce better results with a slightly different ratio. When using a French press, Timothy Johnson, the Head of Education and Training at Vibe Coffee Group, recommends a ratio of 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water (1:15). "We like to use a little bit more coffee per water to punch through and get that body from the French press,” he says.

What grind size should I use?

French press coffee is best made by using coarse or medium-coarse ground beans. If the grounds are too fine, the coffee may end up bitter and over-extracted, not to mention that small grinds can slip through the filter and ruin the entire pot. Coarse-ground beans, on the other hand, will lead to a balanced and sediment-free brew. We asked Timothy Johnson of Vibe Coffee Group what the recommended grind size for a French press is and he added that, while coarser is the way to go, experts are "finding that taking your grounds and going a little more fine than we traditionally thought works. You should do about a medium coarse, not super coarse."

Finding coarse to medium-coarse beans in the grocery store or grinding them at home may be an extra step, but it's worth it in the end for delicious coffee.

Is French press coffee more caffeinated?

It's logical to assume that French press coffee is more caffeinated than standard drip coffee. After all, it certainly tastes stronger when brewed properly. But caffeine content depends more on the type of coffee being used and the number of scoops you put in than the brew method. Sometimes French press coffee is slightly more caffeinated than, say, drip coffee because it's common to use a higher ratio of coffee grounds to water. Yet, French press coffee can often wind up less caffeinated than both drip and pour-over coffee. This is because the grounds used are coarser than that of other brewing methods and, as a result, don't extract as quickly. So, in short, caffeine content varies too much for there to be a definitive answer.

Can a French press be used to make other drinks?

Absolutely! Even though French presses are primarily designed for brewing hot coffee, there are many other ways to use the device. Cold brew is perhaps the most popular alternative drink to make with a French press, but users can also whip up tea, juices, and fruit-infused water. French presses can even froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

This piece was written by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He tested many of the French presses that appear on this list, including the Bodum Brazil, which lasted several years as his everyday brewing device, and the Espro P7, which he found to be one of the best French presses he has ever used. Derek received an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University and a BA in Communications from Marist College.

Sources

The author of this article spoke with Timothy Johnson, the Head of Education and Training at Vibe Coffee Group, to gain more insight into French presses. Timothy has worked in the coffee industry for 16 years. Vibe Coffee Group is the parent company of three Washington-based coffee brands: Victrola Coffee Roasters, Whidbey Coffee, and Seattle Coffee Works.

The Spruce Eats / Jordan Provost

The 9 Best Pour Over Coffee Makers of 2023, Tested by The Spruce Eats

Which French press to choose for tea and coffee: top 10 models Eldorado's choice

Modern coffee machines and kettles prepare hot drinks effortlessly. However, there are those who are faithful to traditions and like to brew aromatic coffee or tea. For them, Eldoblog has prepared a review of the best French presses.

How to choose a French press?

French press - large flask for making coffee, tea, herbal teas and other hot drinks. It's easy to brew in them. Remove the lid with a movable piston, rinse the container with boiling water or hot water. Put tea leaves on the bottom and carefully fill the vessel 3/4 full. Replace the lid and wait 3-5 minutes. Slowly lower the piston to squeeze out the thick. The drink is ready!

Top-of-the-line French presses are made from ultra-strong borosilicate glass. This material is durable and easy to clean - it withstands strong impacts and stays smooth for a long time. Regular heat-resistant glass is almost as good as its premium counterpart, but it needs to be handled with care. The most affordable models use a plastic bulb. With frequent falls and contacts with other dishes, they quickly become chipped and scratched. However, it weighs much less than glass and is much more difficult to break.

Pay attention to the materials of the lid and handle. Most often we are talking about hard plastic - polycarbonate or bakelite. They almost do not conduct heat, so feel free to take a French press in your hands and do not be afraid to burn your palms. And high-tech lovers will love stainless steel and chrome. The metal is beautiful and durable, but in this case it is not very practical - it heats up quickly, so you should be careful when touching it.

When choosing a French press for coffee and tea, consider the volume of the flask. The model with a capacity of up to 500 ml brews 2 cups of strong coffee at the same time. 700–1000 ml is enough for a gathering with a couple of guests. For a large family, we recommend French press up to 1. 5-2 liters .

Top 10 Coffee & Tea French Presses in 2020

TalleR TR-2311

Most affordable model with stainless steel frame. She got into the rating of French presses, thanks to the design thought out to the smallest detail. The long spout is raised up, and when pouring drinks, you will not miss a single drop on the countertop. The handle is coated with heat-resistant Bakelite. It does not heat up even with the longest brewing. The fine coil spring presses the piston very tightly against the walls, significantly reducing the amount of coffee grounds in your cup.

Rondell Crystal Gray RDS-838

One of the reasons to include this model in the top of the best French presses for coffee and tea is the comfortable and pleasant to the touch handle. Thanks to the soft-touch coating, it does not slip even from a wet palm. The teapot is really safe - a flat, weighted stainless steel bottom helps it stay stable on a smooth countertop.

Axon Press-Filter C-125

The perfect choice for those trying a new way to make their favorite drinks for the first time. The handle and frame made of heat-resistant plastic will protect your palms from burns. An additional filter in the lid will retain coffee grounds and tea leaves. A large button will help to gently lower the piston without splashing hot liquid through the spout.

Coolinar

An interesting detail of this French press is the glass handle molded in one piece with the flask. It does not heat up during brewing - it is separated from the main container by an air gap, which plays the role of a thermos. A wide stand made of cool plastic protects countertops made of natural wood and other sensitive materials.

TalleR TR-2303

This stylish French press will look great in modern and classic kitchens. The metal frame made of brushed stainless steel does not glare on a sunny day and will easily fit into any interior. The durable glass flask perfectly tolerates sudden changes in temperature and withstands washing in the dishwasher.

Rondell Mocco RDS-1232

Probably the best modern French press design. His flask is closed with a wide metal plate and decorated with a floral pattern of many dots of different sizes. A strong steel lining reliably protects the glass from impacts. Also included is a mini-booklet with recipes for making hot drinks.

Vitesse VS-1656

If you're looking for a retro French press, check out this teapot. Its tall flask, elongated lid and spherical piston handle are reminiscent of 19th century cookware, but with modern technology. The bakelite frame does not heat up when brewing, and the durable glass container is dishwasher safe.

Axon Press-Filter С-124

Spacious French press will be appropriate both at home and in the office. With it, you can prepare tea and coffee for 4-5 people. The teapot is decorated in a minimalist style — a metal frame and a thin plastic handle are barely visible against the background of a tall transparent flask. The elongated spout is raised up - not a single drop will spill past the cup.

TalleR TR-32311

This compact model made from premium materials is also at the top of the 2020 French press. The flask is made of heavy-duty borosilicate glass, and the piston is made of food-grade stainless steel. No scratches, no chips and no harmful substances! Just prepare two small cups of your favorite drink and enjoy the moment.

Rondell Ajour RDS-1057

This model tops the list of the best French presses with a classic design. Its frame is adorned with an oriental openwork pattern and creates a nice contrast with the wide, stable base and smooth matte lid. The graceful metal handle is securely held on the flask, but does not heat up during brewing.

Already have an idea how you make strong coffee with a soft rich taste in the morning? Or a delicate white tea for the afternoon? Then go to the Eldorado online store catalog and order your favorite French press!

Earlier, we told you how to get enough sleep and wake up refreshed .

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TOP 10 Best French Presses for Tea - Rating 2023

The French press, which was invented in France back in the 19th century, is considered the most convenient device for drinking tea. The main functions are brewing, insisting, squeezing the sediment. Visually, it resembles a small glass teapot, but only with a mesh piston, which, after pressing, separates the drink from the brew or coffee grounds. There are numerous brands on the market, among which it is difficult to make a choice. The rating compiled will help in this, where the best French presses for tea in 2023 will be named. The review considers metal, plastic, silicone models. A list of leading manufacturers will also be offered, the main criteria for choosing such products.

Contents

French press for tea which company is better to choose

To buy a French press for tea and get confused in a huge variety of brands and models, experts recommend that you first identify a reliable manufacturer for yourself. And after that, you can choose the best product from the proposed range. The following firms enjoy the greatest confidence of buyers:

Tea French Press Rating

On the one hand, the French press seems like a simple, uncomplicated device for preparing hot drinks. But when the question arises of what to choose from a huge range from the declared manufacturers, the buyer is lost. Before naming the rating nominees, the experts got acquainted with the assessments of specialists, user reviews, and tests. The following criteria were also taken into account:

Also the best French presses for tea and coffee were selected according to price tags and their quality ratio. For many buyers, the determining factor is the price, service life. Expert assessments were made on the basis of characteristics, pros and cons, user reviews, manufacturers' warranties.

Best Metal French Presses for Tea

The most common French tea presses are made of metal, or to be more precise, stainless steel. Judging by the recommendations of experts and user reviews, these are also the most durable models. In addition, the material retains heat well, is resistant to corrosion and other mechanical damage. The best metal models will be presented below based on the percentage of positive reviews, analysis of characteristics, popularity and demand.

Walmer George

The world leader in the production of luxury tableware in its line offered the George teapot in three colors - antique copper, rose gold, black anthracite. Despite the metal base of the case, it is light (only 360 g) and not bulky (height 16 cm). The shape of the elongated flask is easy to clean and dishwasher safe. The squeeze plunger is equipped with a special filter under the lid itself, so that there is no splashing when pouring the drink. Thorough purification from small particles is guaranteed by the main filter with a fine mesh, an o-ring around it. The steel case has a galvanized coating, the flask is made of heat-resistant glass, the volume of 600 ml is enough for a standard family. Heat-resistant plastic handle does not get hot.

Advantages

Drawbacks

Judging by the reviews, this is a popular model that users like with high-quality materials, stylish design, convenient shape of the flask and handle. The service life can exceed a decade. Negative responses relate to the price, as well as the fact that the container cannot be removed from the metal base.

Rondell Mocco&Latte RDS-491

The original appearance of this device is expressed in thematic stencil inserts on the metal case. It is very convenient that the manufacturer noted the volume so that the user can observe the exact proportions of the brewing drink. The silicone-coated nylon handle does not heat up and does not slip in the hand. The final decoration is a heat-saving cover made of stainless steel. On average, 2 cups of tea (volume 1 liter) can be obtained from this device, it is stable during use, it does not splash liquid. The spring securely holds the filter, the mesh squeezes out the sediment well. The set is supplemented with a measuring spoon, a spare glass flask.

Advantages

Drawbacks

This is a demanded product from a German brand with production in China due to the high quality of assembly, good fit of structural elements. Convenient, roomy teapot with a decent filtration rate. Some consider a strict, laconic design to be a minus, which will fit more into the office atmosphere than home comfort.

BergHOFF Neo 3501695

This unit is ideal for brewing coffee, as the small holes in the mesh do not allow cake and grains to pass through. The piston with a smooth stroke fits snugly against the walls of the flask. Pressing the tea leaves to the bottom, you can control the degree of brewing. The basis of the case is durable stainless steel, which is not afraid of temperature changes. Volume - 800 ml. The frame is complemented by a relief pattern, the rest of the surface is well polished. The collapsible design makes it easy to clean all parts of the structure.

Advantages

Drawbacks

Users praise in this product the appearance, long service life, thorough filtering of the cake. But it is recommended to wash immediately after use, otherwise the smell of the drink may remain for a long time. Not entirely happy with the price, as it is above average when compared with similar offers on the market.

TAC TK 0344

This 600 ml French press is designed in an oriental style. We are talking about a carved metal case of noble copper color. Visually, the teapot looks like a retro model. The good quality of the filter and the piston cope with the extraction of the drink from the cake. Additionally, under the lid there is another filter, it enhances the degree of purification, prevents the tea from splashing when pouring. The bowl is made of glass resistant to temperature fluctuations. The teapot stands steadily on the table, and even without use it decorates the interior of the kitchen.

Advantages

Drawbacks

It is at the same time a reliable, durable device with good performance, but a simple, heavy option in comparison with other similar products. Some rejoice at the low price, oriental style of execution. Others complain about the metal handle, which heats up during the infusion of the drink.

Mallony Olimpia 003569

Mallony Olimpia French press with a capacity of 600 ml will be a worthy offer for a picky buyer. The laconic design is the first thing that attracts attention. The metal base is made in a patterned way in the form of interlacing rings, which looks simple but tasteful. The flask is made of durable glass that tolerates sudden changes in temperature. A good degree of filtration allows you to brew both tea and coffee, even the finest grinding.

Advantages

Drawbacks

Like most standard budget French presses, this item has both pros and cons. Along with all the most requested features, Mallony Olimpia is heavy due to the metal base, and the handle tends to heat up after some time after pouring boiling water.

Best Plastic French Tea Presses

Judging by the reviews, French presses with a plastic base are in greater demand today than products from the previous category. There are several reasons for this - an interesting appearance, compactness and light weight, inexpensive price. In addition, modern plastic does not heat up, which is important for a device containing boiling water inside. Yes, and there will be many more color solutions. Based on expert assessments, recommendations of specialists, customer reviews, the leaders of the rating were chosen.

Vetta Floor 850074

Stylish plastic French press with a small volume of only 350 ml. A distinctive feature is the absence of a cup holder, here the handle and lid are made of plastic, the bulb is made of glass, and the piston is completely metal. Thanks to the transparent base, the entire brewing process is visible to the user. The handle and lid do not heat up even when filled with boiling water, which means that the risks of getting burned will be almost zero.

Advantages

Drawbacks

This model is suitable for personal use as it is a compact teapot. The feature in the absence of a cup holder looks unusual, but can be perceived as a weak point of the device. Because of this, the bottom is more quickly exposed to scratches and other mechanical stress.

Rondell Wonder RDS-426

All Rondell French Presses are made with high quality materials. This nominee is made of heat-resistant glass, stainless steel, plastic. The maximum allowable temperature is +180 degrees. A well-designed filtering and pressing system allows you to properly brew tea / coffee, control the degree of saturation, strength. As soon as the piston is lowered, the infusion process is completed. Permissible capacity - 600 ml. The thoughtful shape of the plastic handle allows you to securely hold the unit in your hand.

Advantages

Drawbacks

This Röndell model has received a lot of good reviews, but for the popular brand and the reliability of the manufacturer, you will have to pay a little more than in other cases. Many people like the ease of disassembly, cleaning. It performs the functions of a solid five, except that when the press is completely lowered, it is impossible to pour the drink to the very end.

Apollo Tokyo

Multifunctional device for preparing various drinks and herbal tinctures. In it, you can not only adjust the degree of saturation, but also add berries, fruits, spices to the composition. The stainless steel mesh filter guarantees high quality extraction, filtration even with finely ground ingredients. Flexible plastic base protects surfaces from scratches from metal or glass, contact with a hot device. The wide plastic handle with an embossed surface will allow you to comfortably hold it in your hands. Maximum capacity - 850 ml.

Advantages

Drawbacks

This budget model is in great demand because of the inexpensive price tag, but it does not guarantee a decade of service. But it copes with all the standard functions, which is confirmed by numerous reviews.

Best Silicone French Tea Presses

The safest, cheapest, highest quality material used in the production of French presses is silicone. It is flexible, durable, does not have the ability to heat up from hot water, does not slip in the hand, and has good contact with surfaces. This means that models with a silicone base are environmentally friendly, they retain their presentation for the longest time. After a review of the presented silicone teapots according to reviews, the leaders were selected by expert opinion.

Mayer&Boch 21263

A bright solution for those who want to complement the kitchen with a stylish functional device. Experts note the eco-friendly, inert silicone of different colors, from which the stand is made. The case here is made of high-quality heat-resistant glass, it is resistant to high temperatures, staining from drinks. The piston with a good degree of filtration is made according to the “press-up” technology of stainless steel, guarantees many years of service and uniform circulation of water.

Advantages

Drawbacks

The Chinese brand is in great demand in the Russian market. Modern production technologies, environmentally friendly materials, and most importantly, low prices make goods in demand. But don't expect more from this device than it has to offer. Over time, the bottom of some users moved away, which led to an unstable position.

Bohmann BH-9760

Stylish teapot made of several materials - durable glass flask, stainless steel handle, lid and filter, eco-friendly silicone stand. The latter fact guarantees the protection of surfaces from heating, scratches, and the stable position of the device. Most often on sale you can see a black model, although there are other colors. Capacity - 600 ml. Can be washed by hand or dishwasher for cleaning.

Advantages

Drawbacks

Finding reviews of Bohmann brand French presses is not so easy due to the fact that such products have been on the Russian market relatively recently. This is the only drawback that can be identified. Otherwise model BH-9760 is characterized by a good price tag, excellent quality, and environmental friendliness.

What is the best tea french press to buy

Any teapot from the review above has its own individual advantages and disadvantages. Finding one product that is definitely worth buying is not easy.

Learn more