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 guides to the Best Aeropresses, Best Electric Kettles, and Best Coffee Subscriptions.

Updated November 2025: We’ve added new French presses from Barista Warrior, DHPO, Yeti, Pure Over, and Aarke, moved some picks to Honorable Mentions, and ensured links and prices are up to date.

Best Overall

Courtesy of Amazon

Espro

P3 French Press

Out of all the strainers that many French presses tout, the Espro P3’s microfilters were the most effective at removing coffee grounds. Unlike most French press filters, the Espro press’s are made of fine mesh, and there are two of them, so the coffee grounds are filtered twice.

The filters are in the shape of a basket with a solid plastic bottom and fine mesh walls. One would probably do the trick on its own, but for extra assurance, the Espro adds another strainer of the same build. It locks onto the first one with a simple twisting motion et voilà, two microfilter strainers to block all pesky coffee grounds and sediment. An extra two silicone seals on the built-in strainer are an extra barrier against the coffee.

With less sediment and grounds making it into your cup, it delivers consistently smooth, clean, well-rounded coffee.

The 32-ounce press looks classic with the glass carafe protected by the black plastic frame. A safety lock keeps the carafe snug to the frame, so there’s less chance of it slipping out and breaking. Considering its affordability, this French press is hard to beat.

For the French Press Pros

Photograph: Tyler Shane

Espro

P7 French Press

Espro’s P7 has the unbeatable double mesh strainers filters the brand is known for and it’s a game changer for French press brewing. The P7 is similar to its P6 predecessor but offers just a few upgrades.

P7 has less plastic elements. The plunger knob and carafe handle are both made of stainless steel, unlike the P6. The P7 model also comes with measurements on the inside of the press that labels maximum and minimum fill lines for tea and coffee.

With double-insulated walls and double fine mesh strainers that lock together with two silicone seals, there’s no sediment or sludgy coffee. Just bold, full-strength flavor. The only nitpick I had with the P7 was that the spout could be slightly bigger to possibly prevent less leaks. Still, with such a similar price point to the P6, we recommend buying the P7 upgrade.