The best French presses we tested make elite coffee without the usual sludge

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The best French presses we tested
Best French press: Espro P3
Best French press for multiple cups: Yeti Rambler French Press Adding one of the best French presses to your at-home coffee arsenal is wise, no matter what you're trying to get out of your morning joe. If you're strictly sipping for caffeine, I'd argue brewing with a French press is simpler than using a clunky drip coffee maker. And if you're on the hunt for the best-tasting java you can make, French press coffee is so robust and flavorful that it's what turned me from a coffee skeptic to an all-out obsessive.
Further proof: During testing for this guide, a fresh French press coffee convinced one of my colleagues — a lifelong coffee drinker with decades of opting for cream and sugar — that black coffee can actually taste good.
What's the trick to delicious results, then? Is it really a good idea to try a French press if you're stuck in your coffee ways? And what constitutes an upgrade if you're a French press vet in need of a new one? I've been drinking French press coffee for about seven years, so I put my favorite presses and a few popular options to the test to see which can pull off this basic brewing method better than the rest. Two in particular came away as clear winners.
Espro P3 French Press
Espro's French presses feature dual filters that eliminate the sludge synonymous with this style of coffee. As the brand's entry-level model, the P3 delivers a clean, rich cup without extra features that drive up the price.
Yeti Rambler French Press
Sized at 34 or 64 ounces, Yeti's French press has the capacity to share and the temperature retention to stay hot for your second (and third and fourth) cup of coffee. When one product differs considerably from everything else in the category, it's wise to be suspicious of what makes it stand out. But the basket-style dual-filter system on the Espro P3, which is unlike any of the filters in my testing pool, is not a gimmick; it's a game changer.
Even if you grind your coffee beans coarsely, the filters on most French presses are going to allow very fine bits of coffee to pass through into what you'll drink. It's a byproduct of the process, not a defect. And while that sandy finish can ruin your last few sips, it's part of what makes French press coffee taste so good.
Espro, though, blocks out that nasty sludge with not one but two filters. The result is better-tasting coffee. It's brighter, more defined and richer than what you'd normally expect from a French press, elevating the tasting notes of that specialty blend you picked up from your favorite shop or coffee subscription. The system allows more flexibility in the grind size of your coffee, letting you skew slightly finer without worrying about clogged filters or an overly muddy drink.
The two filters in the system nest within each other, easily snapping into place with a quick twist. Instead of being flat discs, they're plastic baskets outfitted with micro mesh. The upper filter is wrapped by the silicone gasket to create a tight seal when plunging, separating the brew from any excess debris at the bottom of the carafe. That divide means your coffee won't continue to extract after you've plunged. It's a feature that's better suited for pricier Espro models better at retaining heat, but it's still worthwhile.
The carafe is made of borosilicate glass, which is far more durable than a standard glass cup. While testing for this guide, my hand slipped as I tried to unplug an appliance from a stubborn outlet. I accidentally knocked the Espro P3 off a countertop and across the room. It didn't suffer even a minor scratch, let alone shatter. Part of the reason is the locking plastic handle that surrounds the carafe, but I attribute most of its toughness to the borosilicate.
Like most French presses, the P3 is easy to take apart for cleaning. The plunger screws out of the filters, the filters separate with a simple twist, and the carafe, which has a rounded bottom so there are no pesky corners, slips out of the plastic casing. All parts are dishwasher-safe, though I typically hand-wash to avoid any harsh treatment.
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Espro has several tiers of French presses equipped with the same filter technology that makes the P3 special. The P5 replaces the plastic housing and lid with stainless steel. The P7 has no glass carafe but is instead made of double-walled stainless steel.
While the fancier P7 is a great French press (and a wonderful gift idea for the coffee lover in your life), the value of the Espro P3 is unbeaten by anything in my testing pool. The smaller 18-ounce size is $35, while the larger 32-ounce remains just below $40. It's a steal to get a standout brewer for those prices, especially one that has the durability and ingenuity to become a daily fixture of your life for years to come.
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Whether you're the kind of person who needs a few cups to wake up or you want to make brag-worthy joe for you and your friends, the Yeti Rambler French Press has the size to meet your needs while also being one of the best models I tested for taste and heat retention.
The Yeti Rambler French Press is available in 34- and 64-ounce variations. To put that into perspective, the smaller version is bigger than the max size of several of the French presses I tested. None of the other presses I tested was available in something as massive as 64 ounces, which can also double as a heavy-duty pitcher.
This French press has more going for it than just its capacity. The double-wall vacuum insulation kept my coffee hot for hours, so it's no big deal if life gets in the way of you drinking it as soon as brewing is done. Like any Yeti product, this press is supremely durable with a stainless steel shell and ceramic interior. Its Twist-to-Lock Lid shifts into place for secure pouring and storage.
The Yeti's filtration and resulting flavor were also a favorite during recent testing. Every member of my tasting panel lauded the brew for being rich and flavorful when brewed with both store-bought pre-ground coffee and freshly ground beans. The brand's 'GroundsControl' filter includes a silicone gasket above the metal filter that separates the grounds from the brewed coffee to prevent overextraction, just as the Espro does. If I had any gripes, they'd be that the filter doesn't eliminate sludge and the plunger can require a little extra oomph to get it moving in either direction.
The cost of the Yeti Rambler French Press is steep, no doubt. Only two other models I tested waded into triple-digit prices. If you like everything else besides how expensive it is, my recommendation (with all Yeti products) is to keep an eye on discontinued colors. Because the brand often releases new seasonal hues, last year's colors need to go. As of this writing, the Key Lime green was on sale for $88 for the 34-ounce size and $104 for the 64-ounce size at Yeti, Amazon and REI.
Even without those 20% discounts, the Yeti Rambler French Press is a durable option backed by a five-year warranty and the expectation it will keep churning out top-tier quality far longer.
As I brewed copious amounts of coffee in these French presses, the following criteria guided my evaluations.
Brewing performance
Plunge: Ah, that oh so satisfying push of the plunger. I graded each French press on how smooth a plunge it produced, docking points for any significant resistance. The plunger should descend with only slight pushback; a fast plunge usually means there isn't a good enough seal between the filter and carafe walls.
Filtration and sediment: Some would argue the grit at the bottom of a cup of French press coffee is a trademark quality, while others avoid this method solely to steer clear of that sandy final sip. I assessed the filter on each French press to see what kind of clarity it created in the resulting joe.
Flavor: In the end, the coffee from your French press has to taste good. Much of what goes into it depends on the quality of the coffee beans. I used several varieties — some pre-ground from grocery stores and others fresh from specialty roasters — in each press to find out which model brewed the best cup. While this is subjective, I relied on several CNN Underscored writers and editors to also taste the coffee so I could account for varying preferences.
Temperature retention: The ability to retain heat is especially important to French presses that brew more than one serving. I measured the temperature of coffee in each French press over time to see how well its insulation and design kept the coffee hot for later.
Design
Durability: Different materials made up the French presses I tested, including stainless steel, glass, plastic and wood. I looked at how durable these made each model and its parts, such as the plunger and filter.
Special features: While most French presses follow the same basic construction — a plunging filter within a round carafe — some of the models I tested included extras that made the process easier during different steps. I took each feature into account when assessing the overall experience with the pool of French presses.
Cleaning and parts: Cleaning a French press isn't much more complicated than disassembling the parts and washing them. I evaluated this action with each model to identify any bothersome elements. I also noted which French presses were dishwasher-safe.
Aesthetics: Looks matter, especially if your French Press resides on a shelf or counter. Though appearances weren't my primary qualification, I did take them into account.
Value
Replacement parts: Years of consistent use could wear down the components of your French press, so I checked which manufacturers sell replacement pieces.
Price: Does the overall quality match the price? How much should a French press realistically cost? I tested models that were cheaper than a trip to Starbucks and others that were more of a triple-digit splurge to find which presented the best value.
Warranty: I looked at the warranty of each French press to see what it covered and for how long.
Grind size
If you're new to French press coffee (or any type of manual brewing style), you might be unfamiliar with the different grind sizes. Generally speaking, grind sizes can vary from fine to medium to coarse, the last of which is best suited for French presses.
Because the water and coffee fully mix for several minutes — a process called immersion brewing — a finer grind would lead to more of the coffee making contact with the water and, in turn, overextracting. A coarse grind allows for the proper extraction and prevents the filter from clogging during the plunge.
How much equipment do you want?
The greatest part of buying a French press is that it doesn't require as much equipment as other brewing styles. While pour-overs and the beloved Aeropress call for filters, the French press has its filter built in. Once you make that initial purchase, all you'll need to start using it (and continue to use it for years) is the actual coffee.
The only accessory I recommend for a French press is a stirring device made of something more delicate than metal. You probably already have one in your kitchen, as a wooden spoon or small rubber spatula will do just fine. This is because you don't want to damage the glass or metal of your carafe with a metal utensil. Case in point: While working on this article, CNN Underscored associate testing writer Carolina Gazal told me she shattered her last French press because she stirred her hot coffee with a metal spoon.
Technique
Look online for French press advice and you'll probably find several different methods for actually using this brewing device. Popular coffee YouTuber James Hoffman, for example, doesn't plunge the filter to the bottom in his recommended method. That's fine. I enjoy trying different processes, though I typically gravitate back to the standard approach, which is abundantly simple.
Start by boiling some water and rinsing both your carafe and your mug with the hot water (205 degrees Fahrenheit is about right if you have a temperature-specific electric kettle). You'll want to coarsely grind your beans fresh for the best flavor, though pre-ground beans work as well. Add those grounds to your pre-heated French press, then pour water at a 1:15 ratio, meaning 15 grams of water for every gram of coffee. If you don't have a kitchen scale or coffee scale, some French presses will come with scoops that approximate measurements for you.
I like to start that pour of water with a bloom, a slight moistening of the grounds. This essentially activates them, releasing oils that will produce a more flavorful coffee. Give that about 30 seconds, then pour in the rest of your water. Stir the mixture gently, cap the carafe and wait about five minutes before plunging. The filter will push the grounds to the bottom of the press and leave you with delicious ready-to-pour coffee.
Oxo 8-Cup French Press With Grounds Lifter
If cleaning up after brewing is your primary concern, Oxo's Grounds Lifter is a singular feature that makes this model stand out. This Oxo French press didn't retain heat as well as the heavily insulated models, and its traditional-style filter didn't brew coffee that tasted as good as my favorite presses I tested.
But it still has a feature that is so clever and convenient that it might be the French press you want. Before adding your grounds to the device, a plastic ladle-like 'Grounds Lifter' goes into the bottom of the carafe. It is not used in filtration or plunging, but when your coffee is gone and it's time to toss the used grounds, this nifty scoop scrapes almost all of it out for easy disposal.
A true story to illustrate the effect of the Grounds Lifter: When I showed it to CNN Underscored senior video producer Enrique Perez during the video shoot for this guide, he almost put his camera down and bought this French press for himself right then and there.
Bodum Brazil French Press
Available in sizes as small as 12 ounces and outfitted with a glass carafe, the Bodum Brazil is an ideal entry point for anyone interested in brewing with a French press. When I first started to care about how my coffee tasted about seven years ago, the Bodum Brazil French press was how I made it. There's nothing flashy about this budget brewer, but it's still nothing to sneeze at. Its glass carafe remained intact after years of near-daily use. And while it comes in a 34-ounce model that's right for most people, I've loved my 12-ouncer for a smaller dose of caffeine when I need it. I've since graduated to more refined brewers, but if your budget is too tight for an Espro or Yeti, you'll still get tasty joe from the Bodum Brazil.
Stanley Classic Stay Hot French Press
This Stanley French press is more affordable than its insulated peers I tested, but I prefer the alternatives in just about every way if you can afford them. The vintage Stanley design on this Classic Stay Hot French press would pair nicely with your viral tumbler. It makes a fine cup of coffee too. Its no-frills filter produces a clean brew with minimal grit and fits into a similar category as the other well-insulated models I tested.
Although I preferred options from Yeti, Espro and Fellow to the Stanley, this model has an expansive 48-ounce capacity for a better price. Still, the Yeti lid twists to lock while Stanley's clunky lid feels loose. And more importantly, the Stanley didn't keep my coffee as hot as the competition.
Fellow Clara French Press
The best-looking French press I tested is no slouch when it comes to performance. It doesn't have great capacity for the price, but it was still a personal favorite. The Fellow Clara was one of the French presses that got great marks from all CNN Underscored staffers during my taste test. it's not a shocker, as Fellow's upscale coffee gear usually delivers (we've tested and love the brand's Aiden brewer, Tally coffee scale and Stagg electric kettle, among other products).
With a matte-black stainless steel exterior and optional walnut accents, it was easily the best-looking French press I tested during this round. Fellow also simplifies brewing, with indicators on the inside of the press for grounds and water, showing the way for anyone who doesn't have a scale handy. The included wooden spoon for stirring was another great touch, and this French press was near the top of the rankings for heat retention. The mesh filter is designed to cut out sludge, though I still saw some at the bottom of my mug.
Ultimately, the Clara didn't claim a top spot because it was far more expensive than the Espro P3 and lagged behind the Yeti's capacity. It's a 24-ounce container, giving you roughly 71% of the smaller Yeti's output.
Espro P7 French Press
The P7 is a souped-up version of my top pick. For triple the price, you get that same dual-filter design, plus a glamorous stainless steel finish and elite temperature retention. If you're intrigued by the two filters in my top pick, the Espro P3, the Espro P7 deploys the same concept in a premium way. Before this latest round of testing, it was CNN Underscored's splurge pick.
The P7 ditches a glass carafe and plastic shell for a double-walled stainless steel, which was just as good as the Yeti at maintaining a drinkable temperature for hours. And it looks great. I tested the brushed stainless steel finish, which was sharp enough to remain on my kitchen counter as a statement piece. A matte coating is also available in black, white, red or blue. Just as with the P3, you can choose from 18- and 32-ounce sizes.
So, why does the P3 rank ahead of the P7 in this test? It all comes down to value. For a third of the price, the P3 delivers delicious, clean coffee. The P7 does just as good of a job — better, if temperature is vital to you — but it lacks the size of our other leading recommendation, the Yeti Rambler French Press. While the P7 maxes out at 32 ounces, Yeti doubles that capacity at 64 ounces.
Hydro Flask 32-Ounce Insulated French Press
While I liked other insulated French presses more, getting above-average temperature retention for this price is a win. Consider the Hydro Flask if you're on a budget and want your coffee hot for hours. Below $70 at full price and often discounted at other retailers, Hydro Flask's Insulated French Press is a solid value buy because it has good capacity and heat retention. There's nothing fancy about its appearance, though I do love the look of the new Agave green/gold color scheme (I tested an older stainless steel/gray combo).
In the end, I like other insulated options more, as long as you're willing to pay. The Yeti had room for more capacity with the 64-ounce size, and the Espro P7 sported the double filter that creates a clearer cup of coffee. The Hydro Flask's filter was more traditional, leading to a decent amount of sludge.
What is a French press?
What is a French press?
A French press is a manual coffee brewer in which coffee grounds steep in water within a carafe before a plunger pushes the grounds to the bottom to filter out the coffee.
Is French press coffee better than drip coffee?
Is French press coffee better than drip coffee?
Personal preference is the prevailing factor in this answer, but French press coffee is generally considered to taste more robust than coffee from a drip machine. Because most French presses don't use paper filters, the oils released by the grounds aren't removed in the brewing process, resulting in a richer, stronger flavor than what you'd get from a typical drip brewer.
How much coffee do I weigh out for a French press?
How much coffee do I weigh out for a French press?
One gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water (a 1:15 ratio) is a good place to start when measuring with your kitchen scale. Of course, the exact amount of grounds you'll use depends on how much coffee you want to brew. You can always adjust that ratio up or down depending on factors like roast type, grind size and water temperature. The fun thing about specialty coffee is that it can be a game of tinkering if you want it to be.
What grind size do I use for French press coffee?
What grind size do I use for French press coffee?
Coarse-ground coffee is the go-to grind size when brewing coffee with a French press, as finer grinds can clog the filter when plunging and cause overextraction. That said, the double-filter system in our favorite presses from Espro gives you the flexibility to try different grind sizes. Two layers of fine metal mesh and a tight silicone seal will still block out the sludgy grit that French presses are known for.
How long does it take to steep a French press?
How long does it take to steep a French press?
While some methods require different timing, the most common French press technique calls for four or five minutes of steeping after you've stirred the contents and before you plunge and pour.
How do I clean a French press?
How do I clean a French press?
Most parts of a French press are safe to be cleaned on the top rack of a dishwasher. However, I prefer to disassemble my French presses and clean with soap and water by hand. This is less aggressive and can prolong the life of delicate parts, such as the filter. Always check your manufacturer's guidance for specific cleaning instructions.
Is a French press better than a pour-over coffee maker?
Is a French press better than a pour-over coffee maker?
It depends on what you value. A French press is easier to brew with than a pour-over coffee maker because it doesn't require a skilled, swirling pour. Both methods produce delicious coffee, though the lack of a paper filter in French press brewing allows more oils to make it into the final cup, leading to a richer-tasting coffee. A pour-over will be cleaner and brighter.
Is a French press better than the Aeropress?
Is a French press better than the Aeropress?
I'm a big fan of both, so it's hard to say. The Aeropress can be deployed in various ways, one of them being immersion brewing similar to that of a French press. The Aeropress gets points for its versatility, portability and room for error, but it's not a direct replacement for a great French press. Just as a pour-over uses different filtration, so too does the Aeropress. You'll likely get more full-bodied results from the French press.
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item.
For this article, associate testing writer Joe Bloss brewed hundreds of cups of coffee in this pool of French presses. Bloss is an avid coffee drinker who first took an interest in making his own coffee by purchasing a French press seven years ago. His product testing for CNN Underscored features various coffee products, including pour-over brewers and the best coffee makers, including the Fellow Aiden.