If you want to make flavorful, full-bodied coffee at home and don’t want to spend a lot of money on equipment, a French press is a great option. This brewing method is brisk and consistent, and a French press doesn’t take up countertop space (like a drip coffee maker) or require a perfect pouring technique. After testing 15 presses and brewing over 75 pots of coffee over the years, we think the Espro P3 is the best French press. This sleek-looking press is effortless to employ and relatively basic to immaculate. And thanks to its unique double filter, the P3 makes richer, more flavorful coffee with less sediment than its competitors.
Our choice
The creative Espro P3 filter allows you to brew airy coffee without impurities.
If you’re looking for a French press that delivers a sleek, consistent taste, we recommend the Espro P3 French Press. All Espro models share the same double bucket-shaped filter, which is much finer than most and will make your coffee almost as grain-free as a pour-over. Once the press is submerged, the filter effectively keeps the water away from the grounds, so the water doesn’t pull out too many of the bitter flavors that come with over-brewing. The first cup you pour tastes just as good as the last, even if you leave the coffee in the press for an hour. We like the immaculate lines of the frame and the fact that it’s dishwasher sheltered. The P3 was our improved choice, but its price has dropped a bit, making it much more competitive with our previous choice, the Bodum Chambord. And we think the P3 makes better-tasting coffee. Demand for French presses has been high for a few years now, and we’ve seen Espro come and go. A spokesperson told us that the company has responded by taking steps to enhance availability, but if you’re having trouble getting your hands on the P3, you can try another Espro model which works similarly.
Runner-up
Popularised in the 1970s by Jørgen Bodum, the press delivers consistently high-quality pour-over coffee at an affordable price, and we love its classic lines.
The Bodum Chambord makes an admirably consistent and flavorful cup of coffee. While the Espro P3 coffee turned out lighter and less grainy, some may prefer the deeper flavor of the Chambord coffee. We also love that this model has been a classic since the 1970s. The basic glass cup and elegant frame have a refined aesthetic, and the stainless steel filter clicks in without scratching or getting sticky, which is an issue with other presses. Since all the Chambord parts are dishwasher sheltered, cleanup is a breeze. And if something breaks, the company sells replacement parts.
Budget choice
Caffettiera has the same classic lines as Chambord, but with plastic elements. It is also available in shades such as Pistachio and Strawberry.
If you want the same flavor that Chambord offers for almost half the price, we recommend the Bodum Caffettiera. It has the same filter and glass jug as the Chambord, as well as the same lines. But this model has an all-plastic top, which brings the price down considerably. If you leave your French press on the counter and prefer a little color, the Caffettiera comes in a variety of stylish pastels.
Select update
The P6 offers the same excellent filtration as other Espro models, plus improved heat retention thanks to its double-walled jug (available in brushed stainless steel or matte black).
