The French press is an unassuming piece of coffee-making equipment. It doesn’t require electricity, yet experts agree that it can brew a richer and more full-bodied cup of joe in comparison with its more technologically advanced peers. For example, natural oils that would otherwise be filtered out in a drip coffee maker remain fully intact, making the coffee aromatic and robust.
The French press method of making coffee is straightforward, cost-effective, easy to do, and hard to mess up. The device also doesn’t take up too much counter space, especially if you're using our top pick, the Espro P3 ($40). Once you have your measurements down, it’s a quick process of steeping coarse coffee grounds in near-boiling water.
We tested these models using the James Hoffmann French press technique, in which he uses 30 grams of coffee to 500 grams of water, waits for four minutes, and stirs through the crust. Whether you choose a French press made from glass or stainless steel, a few factors make a difference based on your personal coffee needs.
Want to make the process even easier? Take a look at our favorite electric kettles and our guide to coffee subscriptions.
Updated June 2025: We’ve added the BruTrek BaseCamp Coffee Press, Secura French Press, and Espro P7, and ensured links and prices are up to date.