A French press is a great choice if you want to make a rich and delicious cup of coffee at home without having to invest in expensive equipment. This brewing method is both quick and consistent, and unlike a drip machine, a French press doesn’t take up much counter space or require special pouring skills. After trying out 15 different French presses and brewing over 75 pots of coffee, we’ve found that the Espro P3 stands out as the best French press. Not only does it look elegant, but it’s also easy to use and relatively simple to clean. Thanks to its unique double filter, the P3 produces coffee with a richer, more flavorful taste and less residue compared to its competitors.
Our recommendation
The Espro P3’s inventive filter consistently produces smooth, grit-free coffee.
If you’re looking for a French press that consistently delivers smooth, delicious flavor, we recommend the Espro P3 French Press. All Espro models feature the same double filter, which is much finer than most, resulting in almost grit-free coffee similar to that made with a pour-over. After plunging the press, the filter effectively keeps the water away from the grounds, preventing the extraction of too many bitter flavors from over-steeped coffee. The first cup you pour will taste as good as the last, even if you leave the coffee in the press for up to an hour. We appreciate the sleek design of the frame and the fact that it’s dishwasher-safe. The P3 used to be our upgrade pick, but its price has dropped, making it much more competitive with our previous pick, the Bodum Chambord. In our opinion, the P3 produces better-tasting coffee. The demand for French presses has been high in recent years, and the Espro P3 has been in and out of stock. A spokesperson has confirmed that the company has worked to improve availability in response, but if you are having trouble purchasing a P3, you may want to consider trying another Espro model that performs similarly.
Runner-up
The press popularized by Jørgen Bodum in the ’70s produces a consistent pour for the price, and we love its classic lines.
The Bodum Chambord produces a consistently flavorful and delicious cup of coffee. Although the coffee from the Espro P3 is brighter and has less grit, some may prefer the richer flavor of the Chambord’s coffee. We also appreciate that this model has been a classic since the 1970s. The simple glass beaker and elegant frame give it a refined look, and the steel filter pushes down without scratching or sticking, which can be an issue with other presses. Since all of the Chambord’s parts are dishwasher-safe, cleaning is easy. Additionally, replacement parts are readily available.
Budget pick
The Caffettiera has the same classic lines as the Chambord, but with plastic features. It also comes in shades like Pistachio and Strawberry.
If you want the same taste as the Chambord but at nearly half the price, we recommend the Bodum Caffettiera. It features the same filter and glass beaker as the Chambord, along with the same classic design. However, this model has an all-plastic top, significantly lowering the price. If you like to display your French press on the counter and prefer some color, the Caffettiera is available in a variety of stylish pastel shades.
Upgrade pick
The P6 offers the same superior filtration as the other Espro models, plus better heat retention thanks to a double-walled carafe (which comes in brushed stainless steel or matte black).
We recommend the more expensive Espro P6 French Press as a top-of-the-line model. This stainless steel press features the same ultra-fine double filters as the P3. Even though it comes at a high price, it is durable and will not shatter if dropped. Furthermore, its double walls keep the coffee hot for over an hour. Like all Espro models, the P6 is designed to prevent over-extraction once pressed, so your coffee won’t become bitter or sour if left in the press for a couple of hours. As of now, stock of the P6 is limited. If you are willing to pay a bit more, the Espro P7 offers all the same features, with the addition of a curved stainless steel handle instead of a plastic one.
