Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
There is nothing better than a hot cup of coffee in the morning, and while drip coffee is nice and easy it can’t hold a candle to classic French press. Sure the process is a bit more involved, but the resulting coffee is (at least in my mind) much better, and also more environmentally friendly as French presses have a built in filter and only use the beans you put in them. Once you have the mechanics down making the perfect French press coffee will be just another part of your morning routine.
1) Yama: Glass French Press
The Yama Glass French Press is a great entry level French press that will leave you with a smooth cup of coffee without breaking the bank. It’s quite a bit larger than many other presses at 30oz., and is made of heat resistant hand-blown glass. But best of all this piece is dishwasher safe, which solves one of the most commonly quoted issues with French presses–cleaning them before you have to rush out the door.
Available for $34 from Espresso Parts.
2) Le Creuset: French Press in Cashmere
It is hard to suggest kitchen wares without including Le Creuset, and while not many companies make stoneware French Presses they do. This one is 27oz., which is more than enough for your morning cup of Joe, and comes in a range of colors: all with an enamel exterior and glazed interior. And while many people don’t feel comfortable putting their Le Creuset in the dishwasher have no fear: this one is dishwasher safe and comes with their five-year stoneware warranty.
Available for $68 from Le Creuset.
3) Idylc Homes: KONA French Press
Idylc Homes’ KONA French Press is one of the most popular on the market, and it’s easy to see why. It comes in multiple sizes so that you can brew the perfect amount of coffee, it’s dishwasher safe and easy to clean, and the design is simple and attractive. And due to the popularity of this piece it is easy to find replacement screens in the exact size to make the press mechanism, preventing the gritty texture that is pervasive throughout far too many cups of coffee.
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Available for $20 from Amazon.
4) Yield: Ceramic French Press in Sand
Glass french presses are all well and good, but they are far from a conversation piece. Enter Yield’s Ceramic French Press. This piece is a beautiful, minimalist piece with its sandy/peach matte exterior, geometric handle, and copper press handle. And just because this piece is so thoroughly designed with aesthetics in mind doesn’t mean it’s any less functional, with its stainless steel filter, glazed interior, and heat retaining ceramic.
Available for $120 from Glasswing.
5) Frieling: Double Walled French Press in PVD Stainless Steel
Frieling’s Double Walled French Press is perfect for people who want a steaming hot cup of coffee in the morning. As the name implies this press is double-walled and vacuum insulted, which gives it the best heat retention possible. It’s constructed from stainless steel, but this model is coated with PVD giving it a shiny black finish. It comes in a large number of sizes, from 8 to 44oz., so you’ll be able to serve everyone a cup of coffee regardless of how many brunch guests you have over.
Available for $100 from Amazon.
Plus One – Bodum: Chambord French Press in Copper
Copper kitchenware is all the rage right now, and Bodum’s embraces that trend with their retro Chambord French Press. It features a Bakelite handle (yes you read that correctly), a copper plated stainless steel frame with curved feet, and replaceable glass carafe in the event that it breaks. It holds 34oz., which is perfect for you and five of your closest friends, or just you when you have an important deadline coming up.
Available for $50 from Crate & Barrel.
