10 Best French Press Coffee Makers UK 2024 | Le Creuset, Eva Solo, Bodum and More
If a coffee is what you need to get your day started, then investing in a french press coffee maker is a great idea. Also known as cafetières, these handy coffee pots will let you quickly brew a fresh batch of ground coffee every morning with minimal effort.
French presses come in a range of different styles, from borosilicate glass to double-wall insulated stainless steel designed to keep your coffee piping hot. There's even stylish stoneware to choose from and plastic travel options for on the go. In this article, we've ranked the ten best in the UK available to buy from Amazon, John Lewis and Argos. The perfect addition to any kitchen that'll save you both money and time!
Quick List - Top French Press Coffee Makers
Following a decade-long career as a designer/art director in the fashion and beauty industry, I found my new calling in a coffee shop in Japan, where I met my husband who is a barista. We now run a coffee shop together in the countryside. My knowledge and passion for speciality coffee continues to grow, and I enjoy trying new beans and methods every day!
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Table of Contents
- With Specialist Advice From Coffee Shop Owner and Art Director Nicole Michalek
- How to Choose a French Press Coffee Maker in the UK
- Decide Between Glass, Metal, Stoneware and Plastic, Depending on How Long You Want to Keep Your Coffee Hot1
- Select a Capacity of 300-400ml to Make 1 or 2 Cups, or 1 Litre for up to 8 Cups2
- Pick a Portable French Press if You Want to Enjoy Fresh Coffee On-the-Go3
- French Presses Are Perfect for a Simpler Brew Without the High Cost of a Machine
- Nicole's Advice on Filtering Out Loose Grounds in Your Coffee
With Specialist Advice From Coffee Shop Owner and Art Director Nicole Michalek
Following a decade-long career as a designer/art director in the fashion and beauty industry, Nicole found her new calling in a coffee shop in Japan, where she met her husband who is a barista. They now run a coffee shop together in the countryside. Her knowledge and passion for speciality coffee continues to grow, and she enjoy trying new beans and methods every day!
Follow her coffee shops Instagram page for more coffee content and to see what new and exciting things they're getting up to!
How to Choose a French Press Coffee Maker in the UK
- Glass, Metal, Stoneware and Plastic, All Keep Different Temperatures
- Select Your Capacity Considering How Many Cups You'd Like To Make
- Pick a Portable French Press If You Want to Enjoy Fresh Coffee On-the-Go
Decide Between Glass, Metal, Stoneware and Plastic, Depending on How Long You Want to Keep Your Coffee Hot
Look For High-Quality, Shatter-Proof Glass if You Like to Keep an Eye on Your Coffee as It Brews
Glass is the most common material used in a more traditional French press. It is good for a number of reasons, the first of which being it makes it easier to see how much coffee and water you are putting in and the degree to which the coffee has brewed.
However, glass is more fragile. Even sturdy, heat-proof options like borosilicate glass (the main type used in french presses) is much more delicate than stainless steel. So you will need to be careful when cleaning and handling.
You’ll definitely want to invest in a reliable maker to ensure a high-quality, shatter-proof glass carafe. Accidents happen, so even if your carafe does break, a good one is generally easy to replace. Glass doesn’t hold heat quite as well as stainless, so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re in a cold environment. For most people, it’s an excellent choice for a French Press!
Metal Is Ideal for Retaining Heat Until You’re Ready to Drink, but Be Aware That It Can Affect the Taste of Your Coffee
Metal French presses tend to be the sleekest and stylish options. Stainless steel in particular is incredibly robust and, while not especially more insulating than glass by itself, metal cafetières will often have a double-layered insulating wall to keep your coffee warm for longer.
The one issue you might have with an all-metal press is a metallic taste potentially seeping into the coffee. So if you would prefer a pure, unadulterated coffee flavour, you might do well to look at other options instead.
Take a look at our coffee beans here, and if you need help with Grinders, check out this guide!
One thing to be aware of when considering a French Press is that unfiltered coffee contains substances that cause the body’s triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels (ie; “bad” cholesterol) to rise. So if you have existing health issues, especially with high cholesterol, this may not be the healthiest way to brew.
The good news is, using a special paper filter - or DIY’ing your own from cone filters - in your French Press has proven effective in filtering out the bad stuff. Unfortunately, some units come with replaceable metal filters, which do not have the same cholesterol-filtering effects as paper ones do.
Stoneware Is More Resilient Than Glass and Perfect for Those Who Don’t Want to Affect the Delicate Coffee Flavours
Stoneware isn't a particularly popular choice for cafetières, but it still has its advantages. It handles high temperatures well, and unlike metal beakers, the material of the press won't affect the flavour of the coffee.
When it comes to practicality, stoneware is more resilient than glass, although not as damage-proof as stainless steel. They are prone to chipping, but if you are careful, they are generally fine to go in the dishwasher.
To top off your morning coffee, you may want lovely frothy milk. Check out our guide to the best milk frothers, here.
With both stainless and stoneware, you lose the ability to see inside the carafe during the brewing process. This doesn’t just take away from the visual experience of enjoying coffee but also inhibits your ability to see how far down your plunger is, how much coffee is left, and whether or not sediment has entered your beverage.
Plastic Is Good for On-the-Go Presses and Those Who Aren't Too Fussed About Design
Plastic rarely makes up the body of coffee makers designed to be used at home, but it does feature more commonly in portable french presses. This because it is lightweight and can withstand knocks and bumps.
That being said, while it comes in a range of colours and designs, plastic is probably the least attractive of the main materials used. It's fine if you are looking for a french press to throw into your bag for coffee on the go, but no so great if you want it to be an eye-catching addition to your kitchen.
Plastic is surprisingly good at retaining heat. This coupled with durability makes it a great option if you’re on the go. However, it’s also the material that is most likely to affect the taste of your coffee if you’re not careful. You’ll definitely want to confirm that your plastic French Press is made from high-quality, BPA-free material!
Select a Capacity of 300-400ml to Make 1 or 2 Cups, or 1 Litre for up to 8 Cups
The size of the french press coffee maker you choose will depend on how many cups you plan to make. The larger the capacity, the more cups you will be able to prepare at one time.
A smaller French press with a 300 ml to 400 ml capacity, is the perfect size for making one or two cups. This is a good choice for smaller households or if you are planning to only make coffee for yourself. The more compact size is easier to store and you won't have the worry of wasting any leftover coffee.
Larger households will likely want a french press with a greater capacity. There are plenty of options for making multiple cups at a time. Avid dinner party hosts might even want to opt for one with a 1 litre, or 8 cup, capacity for when you're entertaining guests.
Keep in mind that different sizes, shapes, and materials of French Press vessels will lose heat at different rates too, which in turn impacts the ideal water temperature for immersion.
Although it sounds counter-intuitive, you can try using a slightly cooler water temperature for using a larger pot than you would for a smaller one. This is because the smaller container will lose heat faster. Also, regardless of what size you choose, it’s best to first rinse the French Press vessel with hot water to warm it up before adding your coffee.
Pick a Portable French Press if You Want to Enjoy Fresh Coffee On-the-Go
If you find that you are often in a rush in the morning, and let's be honest, who isn't once in a while, you can now find french presses which are designed to be taken with you on the go. These come in the form of travel mugs and cups with a plunger in the lid.
Once the plunger is depressed, the coffee maker becomes your coffee cup. So even if you face an early morning commute, you can still enjoy your fresh homemade coffee. You can then make yourself another whilst you are at the office with your portable cafetière!
These portable styles are great for enjoying a fresh cup of hot coffee wherever you go. However, keep in mind that, unlike a regular French Press which you would decant into another container after brewing, these keep the grounds and hot water right in the mug that you drink from. So wait too long and you could end up with an over-brewed, bitter cup of coffee. Or if you’re not careful, a mouthful of coffee grounds!
10 Best French Press Coffee Makers in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | French Press Coffee Maker Cafetière | | A Classic Coffee Maker That Keeps it Simple | |
2 | Coffee Gator Cafetière | | A Large Cafetière That Won't Weigh You Down | |
3 | Home Icon Travel Cafetière | | Rush Around Without Spilling Your Coffee | |
4 | Café Olé Floral Stainless Steel Cafetière | | A Traditional Cafetière with a Unique Floral Design | |
5 | Bodum Travel French Press Coffee Maker | | A Travel-Sized French Press With a Non-slip Rubber Bottom | |
6 | Meelio French Press Coffee Maker | | Elegant and Comes With Replacement Filters | |
7 | Le Creuset Stoneware Coffee Press | | Add a Splash of Colour with This Coffee Maker | |
8 | Zyliss Hot Mug | | A Cafetière That Doubles up as a Mug | |
9 | Eva Solo Nordic Thermo Cafetiere | | A Stylish Scandinavian Design Made With High Quality Materials | |
10 | BJØRN Small Cafetiere French Press Coffee Maker | | A Compact Coffee Maker For One |
A Classic Coffee Maker That Keeps it Simple
This coffee maker might not be the most innovative, but it will more than do the job. It's large enough for up to 6 cups, yet compact enough to be easily stored. The glass beaker allows you to see when your coffee has brewed to your desired strength, with a secure plastic handle to make sure your fingers don't get burnt.
The plunger comes with three replacement filters, so if the first one breaks or gets too dirty over time, it can be easily changed. It's also relatively cheap, so you won't have to break the bank to get a lovely cup of coffee in the morning.
A Large Cafetière That Won't Weigh You Down
The monochromatic look might split opinions, but it's hard to not to agree that the grey matte finish is undeniably cool. If you're looking for a large capacity cafetière, this one will easily provide enough coffee for everyone, without being as heavy and awkward to pour as some other options.
The double layer insulation keeps coffee warm for up to an hour, while leaving it less susceptible to dents and damage. Yet suprisingly, it's still one of the cheapest french presses on this list!
Rush Around Without Spilling Your Coffee
It's hard to find a portable French press coffee maker that's secure enough to avoid spillages while in transit. Luckily, this travel cafetière from Home Icon comes with a high-quality non-leak lid that will make sure your coffee stays in its cup when you're not drinking it.
This french press has a special form of vacuum-insulation, meaning that your coffee will stay warm for up to three hours. Perfect if you find yourself out at the park with chidren in tow, or you simply get distracted throughout the day.
A Traditional Cafetière with a Unique Floral Design
This elegant, medium-sized cafetière ticks all the boxes when it comes to making coffee, as well as looking very lovely. With a 600 ml capacity, it's a versatile size and is good for serving up to 6 cups at a time.
What makes this cafetière stand out is the metallic floral design. It provides an interesting twist to the rather subdued colour scheme and style, without being too garish. It even comes in a gorgeous presentation box, making it a fantastic gift option for any coffee lover.
A Travel-Sized French Press With a Non-slip Rubber Bottom
Whilst there are a few portable coffee makers on this list, this is the one that most resembles a normal reusable coffee cup. With its plastic holder so you don't burn your fingers and a top that is easy to securely screw on and press down, there is no reason you can't have your fresh coffee on the go.
It fits up to 350 ml of coffee, which is plenty enough to provide you with your caffeine fix. Even better, it has a non-slip rubber bottom to avoid accidentally ending up with coffee all over your lap.
Elegant and Comes With Replacement Filters
If you're looking for a stylish option that comes with a lower price tag, then look no further than this french press. It's double stainless steel insulating walls keep coffee piping hot inside, while the outside remains safe to the touch. And with a no-drip spout, when pouring you'll never miss a drop!
This cafetière comes with replacement filters, so you can guarantee this one is going to last. Of course, being a larger french press, we only recommend it if you intend to make multiple cups.
Add a Splash of Colour with This Coffee Maker
Le Creuset is known for its high-quality and brightly-coloured stoneware products, and this french press is no different. Although this coffee maker has a more traditional look, the flash of orange means it wouldn't look out of place in a more modern kitchen.
Best of all, it can be put into the dishwasher, ready to go again after each use. The only drawback of this french press is it's fairly heavy, which for some may cause issues when pouring or moving around the house.
A Cafetière That Doubles up as a Mug
This portable cafetière comes with a handle on the side that lets it double as a mug. A convenient option to take with you on the go, it's incredibly lightweight and less burdensome to carry than similar designs. Available in three colours, we like the bright red as it stands out from the crowd!
This mug cafetière doesn't have quite the same multi-layered filtering system that other bigger, and more expensive options do. However, it does the job, if you need a quick and easy solution to your coffee needs.
A Stylish Scandinavian Design Made With High Quality Materials
This is certainly not the kind of kitchen equipment that needs to be hidden away in a drawer or cupboard. The impressive and innovative Scandinavian design reinvents the cafetière, using top quality materials that are made to last.
As is to be expected, this high end product comes at a price, and this cafetière is the most expensive on this list. The oak handle, whilst adding a nice finish, also means that it can't be put in the dishwasher.
A Compact Coffee Maker For One
If you're looking to buy a coffee maker for one, then this may be the french press for you. It's the perfect size for preparing one big mug of coffee, or two smaller cups, so you don't have to worry about any wastage.
The wooden handle and plunger, although nice, does mean you will need to wash this one by hand. It is also has quite a high price tag for such a small, and relatively simple, piece of kitchen equipment.
French Presses Are Perfect for a Simpler Brew Without the High Cost of a Machine
There are many different ways of making coffee, all of which require different levels of machinery and gadgets. A French press is a good choice for those wanting a no-fuss coffee maker as its much cheaper than an espresso machine, but tastes more authentic than the alternative of instant granules.
It is also a more environmentally-friendly option as, unlike pod machines, it doesn't require any plastic capsules and the speed and ease of use might make you think twice about picking up a take-away coffee in a non-recyclable cup.
Out of the many methods and gadgets available, coffee brewed with French Press has one of the most strong and unique characters. It’s a great choice for those who are busy, as it takes such little time and effort and is relatively “hands-off” compared with pour-over. It’s also one of the most direct deliveries of the coffee’s flavour and quality, which is attractive to those who enjoy strong and texturally interesting coffee.
Nicole's Advice on Filtering Out Loose Grounds in Your Coffee
"Regardless of which device you choose, a little bit of loose grounds seeping out into your coffee is practically inevitable with the French Press. Some people like the taste and texture of it, but if it bothers you, there are ways to minimize the leaking of fine powder before the coffee is extracted."
"You could use a paper filter (which has extra health benefits), or you can use a special mesh to filter out the ultrafine particles before placing the grounds in the vessel. Shaking off the ultra-fine powder after grinding your coffee beans will also help. A coarse grind is the basic go-to for French Press. Add the amount of coffee you want to use and factor in +2~4g (loss) and grind with a grinder or mill. Shake to remove fine powder and weigh on a scale."
Top 5 French Press Coffee Makers
No. 1: French Press Coffee Maker ｜Cafetière
No. 2: Coffee Gator｜Cafetière
No. 3: Home Icon ｜Travel Cafetière
No. 4: Café Olé｜Floral Stainless Steel Cafetière
No. 5: Bodum ｜Travel French Press Coffee Maker
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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