The classic will always flow forever.
From the time French press maker was discovered until now, they have been loved by people and become one of the choices of coffee fans. Nowadays, French press makers have innovated and improved in different versions, capacities, and materials. So how should we choose a suitable French press maker for ourselves?
We always see many people on the internet boasting that they are the best French press makers and that their design is the most innovative. Before deciding which one to buy, do you know what kinds of French press pots are there? Let's take a look before deciding which one to buy.
How Should We Choose the Right French Press
We have been using a French press for several years, how to choose the right French press pot? First of all, you need to know what materials are available in French press pots. What sizes are they? How many people do you want to share it with?
French press capacity and size:
3 cups (0.35 liters or 12 ounces)
4 cups (0.5 liters or 17 ounces)
8 cups (1 liter or 34 ounces)
12 cups (1.5 liters or 50.7 ounces)
These are the standard French press sizes, but not every brand has the above size options. The 12oz and 34oz are more common, and most travel-size French press jugs are 12oz so you can choose according to your needs.
Let's continue to see what materials are available for French press pots.
Three components of the French press pot:
1. The cup body: typically made of high borosilicate heat-resistant glass, stainless steel (mainly food grade 304 stainless steel, cheap also has 201 stainless steel), and plastic three materials. The stainless steel cup body is drop-proof, has heat insulation, and has better thermal insulation. Transparent glass can see the production process, but in comparison, the glass will always be a little fragile. And the advantage of plastic is lightweight.
2. Outer frame: the glass body of the French press will normally use the plastic or metal outer frame, to play a reinforcing and protective role. Although the plastic frame does not look as exquisite as the metal, the protection effect is better and will not damage the glass. The stainless steel body of the French press pot does not need an external frame.
3. Filter: generally made of pure stainless steel or stainless steel + plastic. Compared to the filter paper, the French press filter can retain the oil of coffee, but more or less residual coffee powder, high-quality multi-layer filter can reduce the coffee grounds.
Having used several French press makers, what I feel most is not that the expensive and famous brand is the best, but that as long as the filter is well-sealed enough, this French press maker is the best. When choosing, please pay attention to how many layers the filter is, it is suggested that it is more than two layers, and I believe you do not want to drink a mouth full of coffee grounds.
When we use a French press maker, the coarseness of the coffee powder grind is also an important influencing factor. If you grind to the ultra-fine coffee powder for espresso, no matter how good the French press pot you buy is, you will be able to drink coffee grounds. How to grind the proper coffee powder, please click to learn more.
#1 Glass French Press
From the material: our regular glass French press is mainly high borosilicate glass, a glass material with high-temperature resistance, high hardness, and stability. Even if we brew it at high temperatures or use it at low temperatures, it will not break. In addition, the high borosilicate glass has a very high transmission rate, so if you enjoy seeing the coffee brewing process, the glass will be particularly suitable for you.
From the insulation function: based on the glass body of the cup, the insulation function is the weakest, part of the glass French press has two layers Inside, it can also play a certain role in insulation, but the maintenance time is not long. Suitable for a short time to enjoy.
From the weight: glass models of French press jugs all weigh about 1 pound to 2 pounds, the larger the capacity, the heavier the weight for sure.
Advantages: Usually this type of glass French press has a double layer of high borosilicate glass, which is resistant to high temperatures, withstands temperature differences, and allows you to see the coffee-making process directly, which is a great visual sensation. Not expensive.
Disadvantages: easy to break when dropped. The larger the capacity, the easier it is to break, and also the heavier
Overall, the glass model of the French press pot is particularly suitable for 1-2 people. The exterior looks good and is great for use in the office.
#2 Stainless Steel French Press
From the material: first of all, I would only consider using edible grade stainless steel material, most of the market is 304 stainless steel. At the same time, you will see that normally are double layers of stainless steel, and the filter can usually do 3 layers and more.
From the insulation function: the double-layer stainless steel material creates its excellent insulation effect. Of course, when making coffee, it is not possible to stay inside the French press for a long time, otherwise, the coffee flavor will not become what you think it is, so it is not recommended to soak for a long time.
From the weight: Based on the stainless steel material, this French press pot is particularly heavy about 2 pounds. So, when you buy a larger capacity, it may help you build muscle!
Advantages: good insulation, not easy to break, not easy to rust, easy to clean, multi-layer filter, easier to isolate the coffee grounds. Retro appearance, especially suitable for use inside the home.
Disadvantages: the style will be relatively single, with more than 3 people points the French press pot is heavy, and not suitable for outdoor use.
#3 Plastic&Metal&Glass French press
From the material: mainly PP plastic / Metal + a single layer of high borosilicate glass combination. This type of French press pot style is relatively wealthy and selective.
From the insulation function: although not a single glass material, this combination of plastic + glass for insulation will be relatively weak.
From the weight: PP plastic is lightweight, plus a single layer of glass, so this type of glass will be relatively light, mainly weighing within 1 pound.
Advantages: reasonable price, rich style, plastic material protection is not accessible to hot hands. The product is lightweight and suitable for outdoor carry.
Disadvantages: Most plastic French press pots have 1 or 2 layers of filters, which are not as effective as stainless steel when it comes to filtering coffee grounds.
#4 Plastic&Stainless Steel French Press
From the material: this combination of French press pot style is rich, combining their respective advantages, both to meet the visual pleasure, but also good insulation function, especially for cold weather use. But the price will also be relatively high.
From the insulation function: like the stainless steel French press kettle, it also has a good insulation capacity.
From the weight: I guess, you can imagine. Yes, the weight is the heaviest of the four styles. Of course, it is also within the normal weight range.
Advantages: rich style, trendy design, excellent insulation, no fear of scalding, no fear of falling and cracking, excellent filtration.
Disadvantages: comparatively heavier, usually more than 2 pounds in weight. Unable to see the coffee brewing process, you need to count your own time to avoid over-extraction of coffee.
Conclusion
Above are the types of French press pots that we often see. After reading this article, I hope you can choose the type you like and then choose the capacity size and style design. I believe that soon you will be able to choose a French press that you love!
