Top 10 Best French Press Coffee Makers in the UK 2021 (Le Creuset, Eva Solo and More)

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. 

If you think a french press sounds like the perfect coffee-making solution for you, then there are a few things to take into consideration. Here's what you need to know to make the perfect cup of french press coffee. 

The most important component of a french press is the beaker. This is where you put your ground coffee and hot water, before pushing down the plunger. The beaker section can be made from a number of different materials, all of which have their own benefits. 

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. 

Metal french presses tend to be the most sleek 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 walls 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. 

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.

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. 

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.

The colour of your french press won't make a difference to the taste of the coffee, but it might still be important an important factor for you. French presses come in a wide range of designs so you'll be able to find one that fits in with your kitchen and your personal style.

Finding the right design will make for an interesting addition to your counter top. Some french presses, especially those made from ceramics or plastics, are available in more than one colour. Even metallic options can come in an array of colours with different finishes to choose from. 

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!

Being able to put your cafetière straight into the dishwasher will save you a lot of time. French presses have a few different components that can be quite fiddly to keep clean.

Most cafetières are made from materials that are dishwasher-proof, such as stainless steel, glass and certain plastics. Just be careful if the design you choose contains wood, as this material can split or become damaged if not washed by hand. 

Whether you'd prefer a traditional, or more contemporary design, it's time to start looking for your new cafetière. In ranking order, here are the top 10 best french coffee presses in the UK!

Now that you've hopefully found the perfect french press, it's time to pick something to go in it. What better way to get the most out of your new gadget than with some freshly ground beans topped off with warm frothy milk? lovely!

With people becoming more and more conscious of reducing their plastic usage and waste, now is the perfect time to invest in a french press coffee maker. Finding the right one will quickly and conveniently turn your ground beans of choice into comforting warm beverages that you can enjoy all year round!

Author: Emma Cramp