10 Best Cafetières and French Presses UK [In 2023]

Want to start shunning coffee shop prices and make your own morning brews at home? Do coffee machines seem a bit large/overpriced/complicated for what you need? A Cafetières and French Presses could help you take things back to basics, yet produce a quality brew time and time again.

Or perhaps you want to make your coffee in a green, eco-friendly way which won’t only keep your costs down but also means you’re doing your bit for the planet, with no waste produced.

More goes into choosing the best cafetière for you than you’d think, including how much coffee you need to make and how long it will need to be kept warm for.

We have found ten of the best French Presses on the UK market and reviewed how well they perform to make your decision easier.

Our Top Picks

The Best Cafetière/French Press

Secura French Press Coffee Maker

Overview

If you’re looking for the perfect way to make coffee, look no further than the Secura French Press Coffee Maker. Not only does it look good, but it’s great for your health.

The Secura French Press Coffee Maker is made of 304 grade stainless steel, which means that it won’t rust or corrode and will last you for years to come. It also comes with two extra screens, so you can make more coffee in one sitting!

And what about all those chemicals in your coffee? Well, they’re gone when you brew it using a French press! The Secura French Press Coffee Maker uses no electricity, so there are no chemical leaches from heating elements or other parts of the machine itself.

BODUM Brazil 8 Cup French Press Coffee Maker

Overview

Bodum is the big name when it comes to cafetières and insulated travel mugs, being one of the first companies to develop and popularise the design way back in the 1950s. This knowledge, along with their simplistic, aesthetic styling, makes them a firm favourite with coffee press fans.

The design is simplistic, with a large plastic handle and frame which is all heat resistant and keeps the bottom of the jug safe from any knocks or damage. Having a glass body means it is easy to see the contents of the cafetière, and you can watch it on its brewing journey.

This glass is heat resistant and durable to limit the risk of any accidents, but you do still have to be gentle with it. It seems much sturdier than cheaper imitation cafetière glass, anyway. All parts of the jug are dishwasher safe, or you can wash by hand if you prefer to treat it a bit more delicately.

The stainless steel filter makes pressing the coffee a breeze and rids the sediment away easily.

Available in black, off-white, red and bright green, it is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to add a pop of colour to their kitchen or blend in with the decor.

Getting the filter into the French Press can be a bit of a trial with the first few goes, as the handle of the jug sticks above and out of the glass slightly. The lid can therefore only go on one way, but it soon becomes the norm after a few uses. The handle is very sturdy and easy to grip though, so it’s a niggle we can all live with.

If you want to get the 3 cup model as you’ll be making 3 large cups at a time, we’d actually recommend getting the size up – we’d say its ability to make even 2 large cups is a bit of a push.

BAYKA French Press Coffee Maker

Overview

When you’re looking for a French press coffee maker, you want one that can do it all. You want to brew your coffee in the traditional way, but you also want to be able to make cold brew and heat-resistant borosilicate pots for camping. And then, of course, there’s the whole “gifts” thing—you need something that looks nice enough to give as a gift.

This BAYKA French Press Coffee Maker has all those things covered—and more! It’s made from glass and 304 stainless steel, so it’s durable enough for everyday use. It comes in three sizes: 34 ounces (the size we’re selling), 50 ounces, and 70 ounces. Its heat-resistant borosilicate makes it great for camping trips or trips where you might not have access to an electric kettle or stovetop, but you’ll still need hot coffee. And finally, its sleek design makes it perfect for giving as a gift or keeping around your kitchen to impress guests!

Le Creuset Stoneware Cafetière

Overview

Le Creuset is synonymous with their kitchenware, producing quality items which are designed to really stand the test of time.

Whether you have other products from the range which you want this to match, or just love the idea of a long-lasting cafetière and having something a bit different, there are so many reasons why it is a perfect choice.

Firstly, it is incredibly strong and durable. Despite being made from clay, the enamelling means it will resist getting chipped, damaged, or scratched with little knocks. It also won’t absorb either colouring or flavouring, so you have a clean, hygienic and fresh-tasting brew each and every time.

It isn’t insulated, like the majority of other cafetières, so heat only lasts about 15 minutes. Stoneware does stay warmer than glass or metal in general, however. Purchasing a cosy to fit over the top of it could help with this if it is a problem.

As it is stoneware, it isn’t completely resistant to breaking. It will smash if it is dropped onto a hard surface, or falls over on the bench. The handle is also quite hard to grip, as it is very thin and curved like a mug handle. We found it a bit difficult to lift and pour when it was completely full, so its capability to make four mugs may have to be adjusted for anyone who finds it hard to control.

The colour choices available are some of the strongest, though. The Almond, Satin Black, Teal, Cerise, Volcanic (orange) and Marseille Blue all look brilliant, and would really add something to any kitchen. If you do go for this choice, make full use of the 5-year guarantee.

Coffee Gator French Press Coffee Maker

Overview

Overview

The Coffee Gator French Press Coffee Maker is a stainless steel manual coffee maker for home, camping and travel. It presses 4 cups of delicious coffee or tea with its heavy duty stainless steel construction, insulated carafe and BPA free plastic parts. Its large size allows you to make enough for the whole family or for entertaining guests at your next party.

The Coffee Gator French Press Coffee Maker comes in three different colors to choose from: silver, red and blue. The silver model comes with a travel canister that is vacuum sealed to keep your coffee hot while travelling.

BODUM Chambord French Press

Overview

You’re quite happy using your pod coffee machine or an instant blend when it is just you having a coffee, but when the family is all having a cup at the weekend, or you have guests over, sometimes the finest quality is all that will do.

Most of the cafetières we have featured boast they make either 3 or 8 cups, which turns out to make 1 or 4 mugs. And as we all love a big mug of coffee rather than a measly cup, this isn’t great. Thankfully, this model goes up to a generous 1.5L version, which gives you 12 cups or around six mugs.

It is available in copper, black or black/chrome, the latter of which we particularly liked thanks to the contrast between the colours. The glass is obviously breakable if it isn’t cared for and handled properly, but with the correct care and cleaning it will look like new for a long time to come.

The metal frame is a bit loose around the glass, meaning it can spin slightly when you go to move it, but on a positive note, this seems to make it easier to take apart and clean when the time comes.

Lining up the filter with the spout is also tricky at times, as it doesn’t seem to always slot into place the first time when moved. But once it is all set, the pouring is hassle-free, and there is none spilt thanks to the speed it pours.

If you’re after a large capacity French Press, then this Bodum model is a fine pick.

Café Du Chateau French Press Coffee Maker

Overview

When it comes to your cup of coffee, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the most authentic experience.

That’s why you should always choose a cafetiere which helps you brew just like a barista and this stunning European inspired french press from Cafe Du Chateau could be that very model!

Coming with an easy to follow brewing guide to educate you in the ways of the barista, it takes just four easy steps to brew up a full-bodied, decadent cuppa from pressed leaves or delectable coffee beans and it’s constructed from 304 stainless steel to promise incredible longevity.

It’s a major feature though is a unique 4-level filtration system to ensure the smoothest java possible and an incredible mouth-feel to savour, while thick borosilicate glass helps withstand high temperatures.

Considering most models have just one or two filters inside, this is a recommended choice for people who just can’t seem to escape sludge and thick overpowering blobs sneaking into their mugs.

Best of all, it also breaks down into three easy parts, meaning throwing everything in the dishwasher and keeping our cafetiere clean has never been easier!

bonVIVO GAZETARO I French Press

Overview

Providing aesthetics as well as high-quality coffee pressing, the Gazetaro I by bonVIVO is an elegant and functional addition to any kitchen.

Available in copper, silver or gold, there is an option for anyone and any decor. This metallic sleeve only acts as an outer to the glass insert jug, which feels strong enough to withstand regular use and hot water.

Size-wise, there are two options available. As with most 350ml options, you can get three very small cups of coffee out of it or about one large cup (two at a push). The bigger size is the best option for anyone who may occasionally be entertaining or for multiple people, but still only manages about five big cups at one time.

The plunger and lid didn’t feel overly secure when fitted, especially compared to the other models, and it all has to be positioned correctly in order to pour. Contrast this to some similar-priced models where it feels a bit more natural and seamless to all fit together.

Another slight issue was the fact that water got trapped in between the glass and sleeve when washing, which we feel could become a problem over time if it doesn’t get thoroughly dry. It also left some marks which were visible from the inside.

We did like the curved, full handle though, which was easy to grip and hold to pour.

Bodum Columbia Thermal French Press Coffee Maker

Overview

The Bodum Columbia Thermal French Press Coffee Maker is a classic design that’s perfect for your kitchen. It has a 34-ounce capacity, which makes it perfect for making 8 cups of coffee. The stainless steel exterior provides a stylish and durable look that will last for years to come.

The double-wall stainless steel thermal carafe will keep your coffee hot and fresh for hours. The double-wall design means your coffee will stay at the optimal temperature of 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit, so you’ll always get the best flavor from your beans.

The plunger is made of stainless steel, so it won’t rust or corrode over time like plastic plungers do. It also comes with a lid that makes it virtually spill-proof when you’re transporting it to work or school!

It’s easy to clean as well—just throw all the pieces into the dishwasher!

Easyworkz Eclipse French Press

Overview

The Easyworkz Eclipse French Press Coffee Tea Maker has a borosilicate glass carafe that’s sturdy, heat-resistant, and easy to clean. It holds 27 oz of liquid, so it’s perfect for sharing with a friend or keeping your coffee or tea hot all day long.

The plunger is made from stainless steel. It’s designed to fit snugly into the carafe so that it doesn’t move around while you’re pressing down on it.

The lid fits over the top of the carafe to prevent spills and splatters when pouring out your coffee or tea. It also keeps your drink warm longer because it keeps in heat from steam rising up through the glass walls of the carafe as well as from ambient air temperature surrounding it outside its chamber.

Cafetière/French Press Buying Guide

What is a cafetière?

It is a coffee brewing device which combines ground coffee with hot water and allows it to blend, before being served. Most allow the coffee to stay warm for a certain time period.

They don’t require any electricity or extra appliances to work, so are a popular choice for anyone looking to save energy and money, as well as anybody looking for a device which they can take on holiday or camping etc.

How to use a French Press

Pour the ground coffee into the bottom of the cafetière (usually around one spoonful per cup), and then pour hot water over the top. After about four minutes (or the recommended time), press down on the plunger, so the mesh/filter separates all of the coffee grounds from the rest of the water for a smooth brew.

The grounds will be held at the bottom of the jug, but not compressed which is important as not to release any bitter taste.

Coffee will stay warm for an amount of time in the jug. This can be anywhere between 10 minutes and an hour but is if it held too long it could become bitter.

Price

The price of cafetières can vary widely, from around £10 to over £100.

There isn’t much difference in the way they operate to change the price. To find the best one for you, look out for how many cups it will prepare, how long it keeps the drink warm and also how well the mesh/filter works.

The price may increase for more well-known brands, or for larger/more substantial models, so think about how often you’ll be using it and your lifestyle.

FAQs

What is the difference between a cafetière and a French Press?

There is no difference; they are just interchangeable terms. You may also see them referred to as a press pot, coffee press or coffee plunger.

The name cafetière comes from the French “cafetière à piston”, and is the name most commonly used in the UK and Europe. It is most commonly referred to as a French Press in the USA and Canada.

Most companies will choose one version to market their products over another. Bodum has registered ‘FrenchPress’ as a trademark in certain parts of the world, as the original inventors of the product, for instance.

What is the best coffee for a cafetière?

All coffee presses require ground coffee to work and blend with the boiling water. Most users recommend that you use a slightly coarse grind, as a fine blend may leave sediment behind if it can get through the filter.

Pre-prepared ground coffee usually states if it is suitable for a coffee press or whether it is just for machines. If you want to grind your own coffee, you may like to experiment to see which works best in terms of flavour and texture.

Grind size is an important factor to consider when giving coffee-related gifts, such as coffee advent calendars. After all, you don’t want the giftee blaming you for ruining their favourite cafetière!

What is the best temperature for the water?

Most manufacturers recommend between 93–96 °C. This won’t only be suitable for the jug, but will also provide the best taste for the coffee. It needs to be warm in order to blend, but too close to boiling point, and it can damage the taste of the coffee.

How do I clean a cafetière?

Most can be cleaned by hand in warm soapy water and rinsed well. You may have to take some of the cafetière apart in order to achieve a full clean, such as removing a glass container from the outer stainless steel sleeve.

There are some models, in particular the fully stainless steel ones, which are dishwasher safe. If yours is particularly delicate or breakable, dishwasher cleaning may not be the best option.