Complete French Press Buying Guide

Although most French Presses look similar at first glance, different models can vary significantly. This guide explains the key factors you should consider before making a purchase.

What to Consider When Choosing a French Press

Before buying, think about:

• how often you make coffee;
• how many cups you want to brew at once;
• whether you’ll use it at home or while traveling;
• how important heat retention is for you;
• whether you prefer a model that’s easy to clean;
• what budget you have.

Once you know the answers to these questions, choosing the right model becomes much easier.

Choosing the Right Material

Borosilicate Glass

Most classic French Presses are made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass. This material handles hot water well, doesn’t absorb flavors, and allows you to watch the brewing process. Its advantages include a neutral taste, easy cleaning, elegant appearance, affordable price, and full visibility of the extraction.
Its disadvantages are lower durability compared to metal alternatives and faster heat loss, meaning the coffee cools down more quickly.

Recommended for: beginners and everyday home use.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel French Presses are more durable and offer significantly better heat retention. Premium models often feature double-wall construction, which keeps coffee hot for longer. Their advantages include excellent heat retention, high durability, resistance to breakage, and suitability for travel.
Their disadvantages are the higher price and the fact that you cannot see the brewing process.

Recommended for: daily use, office environments, or travel.

Plastic Frame with Glass Beaker

These models typically combine a borosilicate glass beaker with a plastic outer frame. They are entry-level options that are lightweight and budget-friendly. Their advantages include low price, light weight, and simple use.
Their disadvantages include weaker heat retention, a less premium feel, and lower overall durability.

Recommended for: occasional use or as a first French Press.

The Filter System

Many people focus only on the glass or the size, but the filter system is one of the most important parts of a French Press. It determines how much oil, fine particles, and sediment end up in your cup.

Traditional Single-Layer Metal Filter

This is the classic French Press design. It produces a fuller-bodied coffee, retains more natural oils, has a simple construction, and is easy to clean.
Its downside is that more fine sediment may end up in the cup.

Recommended for: those who enjoy rich, oily, full-textured coffee.

Multi-Layer or Micro-Filter Systems

Some premium manufacturers — such as Espro — use finer, multi-layer filter systems that significantly reduce sediment. These systems produce a cleaner cup, allow fewer fine particles through, and create a more refined flavor profile.
Their disadvantages are the higher price and the more time-consuming cleaning process.

Recommended for: those who want the richness of French Press coffee with a cleaner cup.

What Size French Press Should You Choose?

The right size depends on how many servings you typically prepare.

350 ml

• 1–2 small cups, approx. 18–22 g coffee
  Ideal for one person.

600 ml

• 2–3 cups, approx. 35 g coffee
  The most popular size, suitable for most households.

800–1000 ml

• 3–5 cups, 45–60 g coffee
  Recommended for larger families or serving guests.

Heat Retention

Heat retention greatly affects both brewing and drinking experience. Glass models cool down faster and can affect the drinking experience, so preheating them is recommended.
Double-wall stainless steel models retain heat much longer, are less sensitive to ambient temperature, and are ideal for slow, relaxed coffee drinking.

Ease of Cleaning

A French Press requires thorough cleaning after each use. Choose a model with a filter that can be fully disassembled, the plunger is easy to remove and the parts are dishwasher-safe.
Models that are easy to clean are far more convenient for daily use.

Spare Parts and Replaceability

A good French Press can last for many years, so it’s worth choosing one with available spare parts such as filters, plungers, glass beakers, and seals.
Reputable manufacturers usually offer replacement parts even years later, so you won’t need to replace the entire device due to minor damage.

Summary

Choosing the right French Press depends on how often you use it, how many cups you brew at once, and which features matter most to you. Material, filter system, size, heat retention, and ease of cleaning all play a role in the final experience.
By considering these factors, you’ll be able to select a French Press that suits your needs long-term and helps you get the most out of your coffee.