We put a number of French coffee machines to the test to find out which one was the best.
Brian Bennett / CNET
For some, French press coffee is the ultimate style. If done well, it is rich, strong, and darkly delicious. It also competes cold brew‘s concentration, but grabs the full flavors of hot brewed Joe. Choosing a French press for home work can be difficult, however. While these coffee makers are one of the easiest ways to Brew coffeecome in a countless styles, shapes and materials.
Fortunately, I personally used and tested a group of the best-selling models. And then Grind pounds Here’s what I’ve learned in my search for the best French press you can buy.
Brian Bennett / CNET
The Bodum Chambord has a classic French press design that has hardly changed since its introduction in the 1950s. Nevertheless, this model brews coffee that is strong, balanced and rich in aromas. The steel parts are also available in different versions. I particularly like the bright red version here.
Brian Bennett / CNET
For just $ 20, the Bodum Brazil delivers hot coffee as well as the company’s more expensive Chambord model. To reduce the price, Bodum uses plastic instead of steel to construct some parts of the coffee machine. However, the carafe is made of borosilicate glass. The coffee I brewed in Brazil was satisfactorily strong, but still balanced.
Brian Bennett / CNET
Veken’s French press is very well equipped given its reasonable price. In the kit you will find various tools that you will not find in other French press models: a chic wooden mixing spoon, a cleaning stick and a battery-operated milk frother for opening café-style drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos.
I also like the elegant copper finish of this French press. It really sets it apart from other French press models I’ve seen. Most importantly, the Veken prepares exceptionally delicious cups of French press coffee.
Brian Bennett / CNET
The most expensive model in this group, the Frieling French Press, is not cheap. What you get for the high price is a heavy-duty stainless steel construction that’s built to last. Of all the French press coffee machines I’ve used, it felt by far the most durable. Its metal body also has double insulating walls that keep the coffee hot for hours.
Coffee that I brewed in the Frieling came out well extracted and still came out strongly. So if money is not an obstacle, this is the French press for you.
We tested others
Mueller French Press
Hamilton Beach French Press
Coffee Gator French press
Kona Press
SterlingPro French Press
OXO Brew Venture French Press coffee machine
How we rated it
I test French press brewers similar to standard filter coffee machines. I start hand washing and drying each product by hand. Then I grind enough coffee beans to achieve a certain brewing ratio. For a French press that comes to 4 ounces of ground coffee to 32 Ounces of water.
We test French press coffee machines like standard drip machines.
Brian Bennett / CNET
I then add hot water Put (203 F, 95 C) in the brewing chamber, stir the bottom and let rest for 4 minutes. Then I drop the plunger for each press and pour a sample cup. Next, I take a sample of the brewed coffee and measure its percentage of total dissolved solids. I use a pocket reflectometer for this test. From there, I can calculate the extraction percentage for each batch of coffee that I brew.
Ideally, the extraction percentage is from brewed coffee should be in the range of 19% to 22%. This number alone does not guarantee a delicious Joe, but is a strong indicator of it. Ultimately, the truth lies in a proper taste test.
Percentage of coffee extraction
Bodum Chambord French press
Bodum Brazil French press
Hamilton Beach French Press
Coffee Gator French press
OXO Brew Venture French Press coffee machine
Note:
The ideal range is between 19% and 22%.
Look at that:
Atomo: coffee without coffee beans
7:54