A French press is one of the simplest ways to make rich, full-bodied coffee. No electricity, no filters (except the mesh in the press), and full control over brew time and coffee-to-water ratio. The best French press is one that’s sturdy, easy to clean, and the right size for how much you typically brew. This guide covers why people love French press coffee, what to look for in a press, and how to get the most from your brew so you’re not left with a muddy cup or a flimsy carafe.

Why French Press?

French press is immersion brewing: you add coffee and water together, let them steep for a few minutes, then press a mesh plunger to separate the grounds from the liquid. Because the coffee sits in the water the whole time and there’s no paper filter, you get more oils and body than with drip—flavor that many people describe as richer and heavier. It’s also cheap to get started: a decent press costs very little compared to a best espresso machine or even a good drip machine. You only need the press, a kettle, and a burr grinder (or pre-ground coffee) to make great coffee. No pods, no electricity at brew time, and no complicated parts. The downsides are sediment at the bottom of the cup (some people don’t mind; you can pour carefully or use a coarser grind to minimize it) and the need to clean the mesh and plunger. For a deeper comparison of manual vs. automatic brewing, see our best coffee makers guide.

What to Look For in a French Press

Build quality: The carafe should feel solid. Glass is classic and lets you see the brew, but it can break if you knock it over or put it on a cold surface right after heating. Double-wall or metal options are more durable and can keep coffee hotter longer. Capacity: French presses come in sizes from single-cup (about 12 oz) to 1 liter or more. Choose based on how many cups you usually make at once—if you often brew for two, a 34 oz (1 liter) press is handy; if you’re solo, a smaller one avoids waste. Filter design: The mesh filter is what keeps grounds out of your cup. Fine mesh reduces sediment; some presses have multiple mesh layers or a “double-wall” filter. Ease of cleaning: The plunger and mesh need to be taken apart and rinsed. Some designs disassemble easily; others are a bit fiddly. Spout and pour: A good spout helps you pour without dripping or splashing. Small details, but they matter when you use it every day.

Grind Size and Brew Technique

French press works best with a coarse grind. Fine grind will slip through the mesh and make the cup gritty and over-extracted. Use a burr grinder set to a coarse setting—chunky, not powdery. A typical ratio is about 1:15 to 1:17 coffee to water (e.g. 30 g coffee to 500 ml water). Steep for 4 minutes (or 3–5 depending on taste), then press slowly and pour. Don’t squeeze the grounds at the bottom when you press—that can release bitter compounds. If you get too much sediment, try a slightly coarser grind or let the grounds settle for 30 seconds after pressing before you pour. For more on grind size and other manual methods, check out our article on eggshells in coffee if you’re curious about old-school tricks; for equipment, our best burr grinders roundup will help.

Glass vs. Double-Wall vs. Metal

Glass carafes are traditional, easy to see through, and inexpensive. They can crack with thermal shock (e.g. cold water in a hot carafe) or if dropped. Double-wall (often stainless or plastic) insulates the coffee and is more durable; you can’t see the brew, but cleanup and durability are better. Metal (stainless steel) presses are tough and travel-friendly; they’re often used for camping or the office. Choose based on where you’ll use it and how much you care about durability vs. aesthetics.

Conclusion

You don’t need to spend a lot to get a great French press. Choose one that matches your typical serving size, prefer glass or metal based on durability needs, and pair it with a coarse grind and a few minutes of steep time. The best French press is the one that fits your routine and makes coffee you look forward to drinking.

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