The Best French Press Coffee-Maker
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Coffee presses are a great invention, but sorting out which one to buy can be difficult. I think you will agree, after reading this post, that I have found the best coffee press out there–it's sturdy, non-toxic, and makes a decent amount of coffee so you're never lacking!
I was still drinking about a cup (sometimes translated as a mug filled up to the brim :-)) of coffee every morning, but now I am not.
In any case, every time I used my plastic electric coffee maker, I cringed, wondering what lethal or hormone-altering combination of BPA and other chemicals in the plastic might be doing to my health. (Here is an article in Science Daily regarding the issue of hot water and BPA.
Even if your coffee maker doesn't have BPA in it, combining heat and plastic isn't something I want to be applying to my food and drink.)
At first I thought I'd get a stainless coffee maker, but those too are completely plastic on the inside…just look at yours!
So I dove into the internet in search of a the best coffee press.
If you're not familiar with french presses, they are basically a container that allows you to brew coffee with just the coffee and hot water. No filters or plugs are needed. So you can even save money with one as well.
Now, one dilemma that I had was that I really wanted to stop drinking coffee. You too?
If so, I'm here to encourage you if you need someone to help you along! If I can do it, so can you.
Why Buy a Coffee Press?
1. One thing that appealed to me about a coffee press is that you can make not only coffee in it, but also tea.
2. You can make coffee substitutes in it. Here is my super rich and healthy Coffee Substitute. It is a nice warm cup of something to add some Easiest Coconut Milk to in the morning. 🙂
3. In the case of mine, you can avoid the plastic thing altogether.
In Search of the Best French Press
1. First, glass presses
I started out looking on Craigslist for a press, but only found a really small one that was made of glass. From what I had read in reviews online, the glass models made great-tasting coffee but tended to break after a few years of use.
As I've said before, I am definitely a bargain-hunter, but I am willing to spend when it comes to quality. And throwing something out after only a few years' use is not the definition of quality to me.
So my Craigslist search ended there.
2. Plastic Coffee Presses
The plastic presses, though not breakable, were clearly not an option due to my initial reason for wanting to ditch my coffee maker.
So, back to the drawing board.
3. Stainless Steel French Presses
I found two companies that made stainless french presses that interested me. One was Bodum and the other Frieling.
Bodum's models were a bit more visually appealing to me (not that that matters too much, but if you are going to use something everyday it is nice to like how it looks :-), and it was a bit less expensive. However, I soon found out that the plunger of this stainless french press was made from plastic.
So onto Frieling.
Finally – The Best French Press
Once I found out that it is made entirely from stainless steel and grilled talked with the company itself and a dealer about the press' quality, I purchased one from amazon.com.
I really couldn't be happier.
Why This is the Best French Press Coffee Maker
1. While it isn't fully insulated, it is to a point and keeps my in-process coffee substitute or tea warm throughout most of the morning, even in our home which is quite cool in the winter (emphasis on “cool”:-)). In fact, just this morning, I made my coffee substitute at about 7 am and 1 and a half hours later, I still needed to let a fresh cup cool for awhile before taking a sip.
2. For cleaning, the interior pieces come apart easily.
3. Since it's steel, it is super durable. A friend saw mine awhile ago and couldn't believe the nice quality of this press.
What Size Coffee Press Should You Buy?
You will also have to choose a size for your press. After sorting through the strange way that french press makers quantify a serving size (each cup of coffee equals only 4 ounces — go figure ??) I chose the 35-ounce press.
Basically, if you ever plan on making coffee, tea, or a substitute for guests, then you will certainly want the largest size. There are a lot of reviews on Amazon from disappointed shoppers who purchased a press only to find out that it was much too small for their needs.
So finally, here is my new press!
On the budget side, I know that for a lot of you, paying this much for a new coffee press might seem like a waste of money, and I will say that mine wasn't quite this expensive. However, when you consider:
- it is unbreakable so you won't have to replace it
- you will save approximately $14.40 per year on filters (based on the cost of $3.99 for a box of 100)
- you save on the cost of reheating warm beverages due to its insulating quality
- your health is priceless
I consider this a valid purchase for a healthy, budget-conscious home.
And if you happen to need something to keep your coffee (or substitute) warm, take a look at these Klean Kanteen insulated bottles. They keep warm things warm and cold things cold for a long time. I can frequently be seen with one of these in the morning hours when I have to be out and about.
Disclaimer: I was not paid by Frieling nor given anything in exchange for this review.
Have you ever owned or used a coffee press?
Adrienne, I would like to offer another suggestion. For some, $99 is absolutely out of the question. After my expensive Bunn coffee maker bit the dust $100+, money was very tight and I was adamant about not having a plastic coffee maker. I turned to an old fashioned solution, I remembered I had a beautiful stainless steel perculator for camping. It takes about the same same time as a press, and the coffee is way better than any drip coffee. I picked it up at a flea market for 5$.
Nice!!! I love bargains like that. Do they work the same way as a french press?
Adrienne,
Thanks for your response! One last question, have you ever traveled for trips/vacations with your filter? If so, how did that go? I’m just wondering if it really is too big/or too much of nuisance to put in the suitcase for trips. I think several comments stated that the 23 ounce filter was somewhat transportable. Oh and is it easily scratched?
Thanks again!
Lynn
I have taken mine on many trips. But I really want my coffee substitute wherever I go. And I do think the 23 ounce is a little small for what I want.
It doesn’t look as nice as it did when I bought it but I wouldn’t say it’s easily scratched. I think you will love it!
Hi,
I just stumbled on your blog and it has been so helpful. Especially this post and the one on making an alternative coffee. This post in particular saved me so much time on shopping around for a french press. I noticed that you purchased the 35 ounce press. On a daily basis, do you make your coffee alternative for just yourself or other family members. I like to make myself 2 coffee sized cups of coffee alternative in the morning and sometimes a little bit with lunch (not quite 1 coffee size cup). I am stuck between the 17, 23 and 36 and was wondering if you had any feedback. I was also wondering if the chicory root and dandelion root might take up extra space and thus less liquid output. Thanks!
Thanks for the kind words! I would definitely get the largest one. I make the coffee substitute daily and even use it for making tea concentrate. I have about 2 1/2 cups in the morning and then if I make tea I use the whole thing. The chicory and dandelion don’t take up much room – I only use 2 T total, but when I make the tea I use 1/4 of leaves. Hope that helps!
Hey there again. I wanted to let you know, that I found an American made French Press, in case anyone is interested. It is called “The Portland Press”. Almost every detail/piece of metal is made in America. And they use a Mason Jar as the glass container; so in case you were to break it, you would just use another Mason Jar.
It is quite expensive, but we thought it was worth it, especially with it having a lifetime warranty.
Hi there. Sounds interesting. I did look at it and at some reviews and they were very mixed. Only makes 1.5 cups of coffee and leaks / drips and is so hot one can’t pick it up. What do you think?
I have owned one for several months (almost a year, or maybe more than a year.. can’t remember). I bought one during the stage of their project where they were overpriced, because they were just trying to get the project funded. So it has gone through a trial and error stage with those who bought one early.
Mine hasn’t had any problems, except for one minor thing. Some people recently found a defect, which they are in the process of correcting (sending replacement parts out also).
So I would imagine negative reviews are because of this. I figure it doesn’t hurt either way, because of the lifetime warranty.
The only complaint I really have is that it is small, yes. But otherwise, I like it, and my wife loves it.
By the way, I plan to do a YouTube review on the product this month sometime, or next month. I finally started up a YouTube channel, which is long overdue.
Sorry! One more thing (I hope). There is a cozy that goes over the glass, so that it is not hot. If you remove the cozy, then, yes, the glass is going to be hot. But even if you don’t use the cozy (my wife doesn’t like to use it, but I do), you can pick it up by the wooden handle without a problem.
Got it. Will have to look at the reviews. I do make a lot at once so not likely my fave, but nice idea!
Thanks for the info. What would you advise then on a coarse-coffee grinder for the grounds?
If you don’t need one w/ a removal bowl, this one seems to be good on Amazon. I am personally looking for one that can be removed and cleaned. Mine just broke :(.
After doing a little bit of research I was ready to order the Frieling press, too, but then I read some reviews from people who said the filter scratched the inside of the press, which results in small amounts of steel powder coming off. Not really something I’d want in my coffee…:-(
I am now thinking about ordering the Le Creuset one, although it is breakable.
What is your thought on this issue?
That’s odd. I don’t have that problem. I wonder how they noticed the steel powder? Maybe contact Frieling about that?
I just went and looked for one review in particular, found it, and saw that it was NOT the Frieling, but the Sterling Pro and Bodum he tested. Here’s a link to that particular review
https://www.amazon.com/SterlingPro-Double-Stainless-French-Coffee/product-reviews/B00MMQOZ1U/ref=cm_cr_dp_qt_hist_one?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addOneStar&showViewpoints=0
I think I will go ahead and order the Frieling after reading all the good reviews on it. Thanks so much for taking the time and writing your blog, it sure has helped me make a confident choice…:-)
You are so welcome. I think you will love it. I use mine at least once every day. Take care!
One more thing…exactly which model is yours? I see they have different ones on Amazon, one is over $200,00…YIKES. I was prepared to spend 100,00, but that might be a little much….
Hi there. I remember mine was about 35 oz so I think this is it. (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/18k4SI6
Thank you, Adrienne, I very much appreciate your help. I wanted to show you the review I saw about the stainless steel presses leaching powder into the coffee. Here’s a link to it, let me know what you think, please…
http://www.amazon.com/SterlingPro-Double-Stainless-French-Coffee/product-reviews/B00MMQOZ1U/ref=cm_cr_dp_qt_hist_one?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addOneStar&showViewpoints=0
Hi there. Gosh I’m so sorry for the late reply on this. I don’t see it….am I missing something? I think I noticed something a long time ago though..I wonder if it was a one time problem??
Hi! Thanks Marita for the link! The review does say he tested Frieling presses too 🙁 I just bought mine and had the question in my mind about the metal on metal contact. Ugh, I guess it is back to the glass models for me!
You were right because he says, “The worst offenders, with 100% of the surface of the interior being scraped in this fashion by the mesh/plunger assembly, were the Bodums and the Frielings that I tested, possibly because they are the most popular brands..”
It’s unfortunate that this item appears to be made in China, and not in the USA.
Hi there. I’m not sure why you put in a non working URL for your site – perhaps you made an error?
I understand not wanting to buy things made in China, but sometimes it can’t be helped to get good quality. Besides, my husband lived in China for 2 years and not everything about the country is bad. I feel mixed about boycotting countries and companies over different issues. Sometimes it seems justified and easy to do. Other times I think it’s not worth the bother and/or that we’d need to live in a commune to avoid dealing with those w/ whom we disgree. Thanks for commenting.
Sorry about that! I added an “s” where I should not have. Too much in a hurry when I was typing, LOL.
I ran across your site because I was looking for a new French press, preferably made in USA. We had good one that was vintage, and made in Germany, but our daughter accidentally broke the glass of it this morning.
Anyhow, I am not necessarily trying to pick on China. I just prefer to support Americans because most of our jobs have been shipped overseas and Americans can barely earn a living wage anymore. China just happens to be the major manufacturer of our products, and from what I understand, they make a low wage; but regardless of their wage, I prefer to support Americans. My 2nd choice is always Germany or Switzerland because that is where my heritage traces back to, and usually products are made very well by those people.
I agree though, we cannot avoid certain things a lot of times. I usually buy things second hand, or from local shops as another way to support Americans. And in my opinion, we need to get back to local communities that support one another instead of a global or even national economy.
Thanks for the kind response, God bless.
No problem -thanks for clarifying! I got a little concerned b/c I get all kinds commenting here and trying to get people to their sites or get comments approved so spammy ones will be approved automatically later so glad to know you’re not doing that :).
I prefer USA too but my sanity rules out sometimes :).
Almost all of our clothes are second hand and I have donated literally thousands of dollars worth in the past few months alone. Take care!
You too, and I think you are doing a great thing with many of the decisions you are making as a family! (from what I have browsed so far on your site). We are doing many of the same things you do and have a family of 10 (so far). It’s challenging but fun! Thanks again and thanks for your kindness and understanding.
You are so welcome!!!! Thanks for the encouragement. I need it!
Hey Adrienne!
What a great article! I just purchased a Le Creuset Stoneware French Press because I was trying to avoid plastic. I noticed even the Bodum French Press has a plastic lid inside with the number “7” Anyway, what do you think of a french press made of stoneware? I’m considering taking it back and getting the Frieling (read this article after I purchased it) but curious if you thought what I just purchased was safe? Thanks for any input!!
Interesting. i would think so since LC is typically safe but it’s of course breakable. I am happy at least THIS won’t break in my home :). Thanks!
OH I SO LOVE YOU RIGHT ABOUT NOW! Do you even know how many glass french presses I’ve broken in the past year or two?~! I saw one like this in Home Goods one time but couldn’t make the purchase at the time, but have kept it in the back of my mind. I’ve added this one to my shopping cart and am hoping I can get it for myself by Mother’s Day or something! 😉 YAY!
Yea!!!! I LOVE this thing. Takes a lickin’………and keeps on brewin’.
I second everything you just wrote on this page. I did exactly the same thing: tried to avoid plastic, looked at glass, then Bodum, then Frieling in ascending order of cost and quality, and am completely in love with my Frieling press.
Here’s how I’ve made the most of it: I use a stainless electric tea-kettle to heat a liter of water; it is super efficient because of the direct heating and the automatic shutoff. I use part of that water for the press, and part goes into my oatmeal (mixed grains actually).
I put about half a cup of grain into a double wall titanium mug and pour the water over it and put a lid on it. It cooks without any further electricity. Before eating I mix in cinnamon and raisins. I’m pretty sure this is the cleanest and most efficient way you can possibly have breakfast! Its also convenient because it is impossible to burn your food this way. I used to burn my oatmeal all the time.
I was just thinking about this post the other day…that I should redo it and share it again. I am still using it and LOVE it. Thanks!