french press A simple piece of coffee making equipment. It doesn’t require electricity, yet experts agree that it can produce a richer and more full-bodied cup of joe than its more technologically advanced counterparts. For example, natural oils that would otherwise be filtered out in a drip coffee maker remain completely intact, making the coffee aromatic and strong.
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 a lot of counter space, especially if you’re using our top pick Aspro P3 ($40)Once you have your measurements down, it’s a quick process to steep coarse coffee grounds in nearly boiling water,
We tested these models using the James Hoffman French Press technique, in which he uses 30 grams of coffee mixed with 500 grams of water, waits four minutes, and stirs through the crust. Whether you choose a French press made of glass or stainless steel, a few factors make a difference depending on your personal coffee needs.
Want to make this process even easier? Take a look at our guides to the best Aeropresses, best electric kettles, and best coffee subscriptions.
UPDATE November 2025: We’ve added new French presses from Barista Warrior, DHPO, Yeti, Pure Over, and Arche, moved some selections to honorable mentions, and made sure the links and prices are up to date.