French Press Coffee

My last coffee maker was a decent DeLonghi. I had to temporarily move for work. I didn’t want to splurge on a coffee set yet. After some research, I decided to get a French press.

Coffee flavors really stand out with a French press. Meaning the flavors really pop and it will be smoother than your typical drip coffee maker. Therefore, you should really spend a moment to figure out which type of coffee is best for you.

Benefits of a French Press Coffee Maker

Small foot print – I live alone in an apartment. Not much counter space for a big 3-in-1. I don’t want a huge machine to hog all cooking real estate. French press for the win!
Tastes Amazing - Tastes better and has more of a caffeine kick. Zing!
Easy to Clean – I rinse it out and throw it in the dishwasher. Done.
Affordable – Didn’t know if I would keep it, so I got a cheap borosilicate glass & plastic one made by Bodum for $15. I will upgrade if it breaks or wears down.
Durable – Don’t worry if you drop it, worry about cleaning up the mess
No noise – No humming, gurgling or vibrations or noise in the morning

Cons

Takes a little attention - If you're the type of person that is always in a hurry then this isn't for you. Takes about 3 minutes to prepare and do everything. I use an electric kettle to boil the water and then wait 20 seconds before pouring. That being said, if you're used to an automated drip machine then you might get annoyed with this.
Not insulated - Insulated kinds are available, but adds a little bulk. Best to drink within 15 minutes of pouring hot water.
There is some grit or residue from the coffee beans that sometimes get in my cup. Not a deal breaker for me but you may want to consider.

Bodum French Press

There are tons of French presses out there. We narrowed down the choice to just a few, 2 of which are from Bodum, a leader in all things coffee, all of them are less than $30.

Bodum Chambord

Our favorite french press coffee maker is Bodum Chambord French Press because of the design & ease of use.

This stainless steel Bodum coffee maker looks pretty good on the kitchen counter.

Bodum Travel French Press

Another one that may suit many people’s needs if you’re on the go.

Brew the coffee and take the whole thing with you. This one claims to keep it warm for hours thanks the double wall insulation.

Less dishes since you drink right out of the carafe.

Click here if you’re looking for the best portable coffee maker.

Best French Press on Amazon

The current best seller on Amazon is the Kona French Press and has 11k+ of mostly positive reviews. One review said it looked the same as when it was first bought after a few months. People swear by this French press.

Best French Press at Walmart

Wallmart has a selection of French Press Coffee makers. They have the BODUM French press online, but I have never seen it in the store. There was a stainless steel French press in store from MIRA.

To summarize, it depends on the store. But the BODUM French Press is the best French press at Walmart. If you’re not sure, best to shop online. It will arrive in 2 days.

How to Make French Press Coffee

Making coffee with a Bodrum French press is the same as any other. You don’t need special instructions for a Bodrum French Press.

French Press Grind Size

French press grind size should be the size of sea salt. Keep in mind that the coffee is immersed in the water. Which different than a drip coffee maker where it filters through. That’s why courser coffee is best for french press.

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure about the coarseness of the coffee grind you can get an idea while you’re pushing the plunger.

When you press down on the plunger and it’s very easy, meaning there isn’t much resistant, that’s a sign that the grinds are too coarse.

On the flip side, if you press the plunger down and it’s a bit difficult then your grounds are too coarse.

French Press Instructions

Add in 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds, per cup of water. (2 tablespoons to start, you may prefer more or less.)
Add hot water ideally between 195-215f. If you don’t have a thermometer, boil water and wait 20 seconds before pouring
Replace the French Press lid, but do not push the plunger.
Let it percolate for at least 3-4 minutes.
Push plunger and pour