How to Choose a French Coffee Press

Bodum Chambord coffee press

Many coffee aficionados believe a French press makes the best-tasting coffee. A French coffee press is a cylindrical glass carafe which comes with a filter plate on a plunger attached to a lid. You pour boiling water into the carafe, add ground coffee to the water, then place the lid assembly on top. After several minutes, slowly press the plunger down to the bottom, then pour the coffee and enjoy. You may find the flavor to be fuller and richer than when you make coffee by the drip method. Several styles of French coffee presses are available through online retail stores, department stores and shops that sell specialty coffee beans.

Instructions

1. Choose a glass coffee press if you especially like the flavor of coffee from a glass pot, and if you prefer the stylish look of glass. Consider a thicker glass version, which will keep the coffee hot longer and is less likely to break.

2. Pick a stainless steel coffee press if you prefer material which is much more durable than glass, or if you like the shiny silver appearance for your kitchen decor. A steel pot also keeps the coffee hot longer than most glass pots will. The flavor will be a bit different than coffee from a glass pot, but as long as you keep the stainless steel clean, the coffee will taste fresh and delicious.

3. Decide on an insulated French coffee press if you tend to take your time drinking coffee in the morning. Some thermal press manufacturers advertise that the pots keep coffee hot for two hours. These pots are available in stainless steel around glass or in double-walled glass.

4. Choose a plastic coffee press for camping and traveling. A plastic press is difficult to break, and you'll be less likely to worry about it getting scratched than if you bring the classier-looking stainless steel pot.

5. Consider a French coffee press with an electric base. The heating element boils water in the pot rather than you having to do it with a microwave or stove top, and you also won't need to pour boiling water into the carafe. You can also use this convenient small appliance to boil water for tea or instant soup.

6. Choose the size that best fits your needs, or buy more than one French coffee press for different occasions. Single-serve presses are available, as well as several larger sizes. The 12-cup model is perfect for a get-together with family and friends.