By Miles SinclairUpdated November 2026
Shopping for a french coffee press maker is simpler than it looks, but the differences between models still matter. Glass versus stainless steel, a single-wall versus double-wall body, filter quality and capacity all change how your coffee tastes and how the press holds up over time. This guide compares six models from the product list we reviewed against a short set of criteria: body material and heat tolerance, build quality as described by manufacturers, filter design, capacity, and the feedback patterns owners commonly report. We did not run these presses through our own brewing trials, so treat the comparisons as research-based guidance rather than hands-on results.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallVeken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, Dark PewterView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for budget-minded buyersUtopia Kitchen Borosilicate Glass French Press Coffee Maker 34 OzView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for a copper-toned kitchenVeken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, CopperView on Amazon - 4
Best for insulated brewingSecura French Press Coffee Maker, 34oz InsulatedView on Amazon - 5
Best for a classic lookBodum 12oz Chambord French Press Coffee MakerView on Amazon - 6
Best for travel and campingStainless Steel Clear Glass Coffee and Tea Brewer, 34 ozView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Veken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, Dark Pewter | Everyday home brewing | Thickened glass with stainless steel exterior |
| Utopia Kitchen Borosilicate Glass French Press 34 Oz | Budget-minded buyers | Borosilicate glass body |
| Veken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, Copper | Copper-toned kitchens | Stainless steel and borosilicate construction |
| Secura French Press Coffee Maker, 34oz Insulated | Keeping coffee hot | 304 stainless steel double-wall insulation |
| Bodum 12oz Chambord French Press Coffee Maker | Single cups and small households | High-heat borosilicate glass and polished stainless steel |
| Stainless Steel Clear Glass Coffee and Tea Brewer, 34 oz | Travel, camping and hiking | Four-level filtration and BPA-free materials |
Veken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, Dark Pewter
Thickened Glass Stainless Steel Brewer, Cold Brew Pot for Kitchen,Travel,Camping,Tea,Gifts,Bar Accessories, Decor,Dark Pewter Veken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, No Plastic Touching Cafe,1 L Cafeter
Best for: Everyday home brewing with a durable, modern look
This model suits people who want a thickened glass carafe paired with a stainless steel exterior, which many buyers prefer over an all-glass body for handling and durability. It is aimed at households that brew several cups a day.
Key specs
- Capacity: 34 oz (1 L)
- Body: thickened glass with stainless steel exterior
- Finish: dark pewter
Pros
- Thickened glass resists everyday knocks better than thin carafes.
- Stainless exterior keeps the carafe looking clean on the counter.
- Capacity suits two to three mugs per brew.
Cons
- The metal exterior can make the carafe harder to inspect for coffee residue.
- Glass still requires care when cleaning to avoid chips.
Bottom line: A strong all-round choice for home brewers who want a sturdy, good-looking press for daily use.
Utopia Kitchen Borosilicate Glass French Press Coffee Maker 34 Oz
Heat-Resistant Cafetiere & Tea Maker, Thickened Glass Coffee Press for Travel and Camping Utopia Kitchen Borosilicate Glass French Press Coffee Maker 34 Oz, Black
Best for: Budget-minded buyers who want a classic glass press
This is a straightforward glass press for people who want the traditional french press experience without a premium build. Owners often describe it as an easy first press for learning steep times and grind size.
Key specs
- Capacity: 34 oz
- Body: borosilicate glass
- Color: black
Pros
- Borosilicate glass handles hot water better than standard soda-lime glass.
- Simple design with few parts to clean.
- Good for travel-sized brewing when used with a carry case.
Cons
- Glass is more fragile than stainless steel in drop situations.
- Heat loss is faster than with insulated models.
Bottom line: Best for shoppers who want a dependable glass press without spending more than they need to.
Veken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, Copper
Heat Resistant Thickened Borosilicate Glass Stainless Steel Brewer, Cold Brew Pot for Kitchen,Travel,Camping,Tea,Gifts,Copper Veken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, No Plastic Touching Cafe,1 L Cafeter
Best for: Buyers who want a warm, copper-toned finish in the kitchen
This version shares the same construction approach as the dark pewter model but with a copper finish. It fits people who care about how their coffee station looks as much as how it brews.
Key specs
- Capacity: 34 oz (1 L)
- Body: heat-resistant borosilicate glass with stainless steel exterior
- Finish: copper
Pros
- Copper finish pairs well with warm kitchen palettes.
- Heat-resistant glass suits hot water steeping.
- Same capacity as the pewter version for easy comparison.
Cons
- Finishes can show fingerprints more readily than matte surfaces.
- Like all glass carafes, it needs gentle handling.
Bottom line: A good pick if design matters and you want the same functional build as the pewter model in a different color.
Secura French Press Coffee Maker, 34oz Insulated
Secura French Press Coffee Maker, 304 Grade Stainless Steel Insulated Coffee Press with 2 Extra Screens, 34oz (1 Litre), Silver
Best for: Keeping coffee hot over a longer pour or a slow morning
An insulated stainless steel press suits people who do not drink their coffee right away or who brew for several people. The double-wall body is the main reason owners tend to recommend it.
Key specs
- Capacity: 34 oz (1 L)
- Body: 304 grade stainless steel, double-wall insulated
- Filter: two extra screens included, per listing
Pros
- Double-wall insulation slows heat loss noticeably compared with glass.
- Stainless steel is unbreakable and suits travel.
- Extra screens give you a spare if one wears out.
Cons
- You cannot see the brew through the body, so timing relies on the clock.
- Stainless models are typically heavier than glass.
Bottom line: Ideal for people who want hot coffee to stay hot and who value durability over visibility.
Bodum 12oz Chambord French Press Coffee Maker
Bodum 12oz Chambord French Press Coffee Maker, High-Heat Borosilicate Glass, Polished Stainless Steel – Made in Portugal
Best for: Single cups and small households with a classic design
The Chambord is one of the most widely recognized french press designs and is often the reference point for the category. The smaller 12 oz size suits one or two people who brew in small batches.
Key specs
- Capacity: 12 oz
- Body: high-heat borosilicate glass with polished stainless steel frame
- Origin: made in Portugal, per listing
Pros
- Iconic design with a long track record among home brewers.
- Small capacity suits single servings without waste.
- Stainless frame adds stability on the counter.
Cons
- Too small for households brewing for three or more people.
- Glass body requires care when cleaning the frame and filter.
Bottom line: A dependable, recognizable press for solo drinkers who want a classic brewing vessel.
Stainless Steel Clear Glass Coffee and Tea Brewer, 34 oz
Stainless Steel, Clear Glass, 4-level Filtration, Coffee & Tea Brewer for Travel, Camping, Hiking, BPA-Free Materials French Press Coffee Maker, 34 oz, Coffee & Tea Pot for Kitchen, Camping
Best for: Travel, camping and hiking where weight and durability matter
This model combines stainless steel with a clear glass body and a multi-level filter, and its listing emphasizes travel and outdoor use. It also brews tea, which broadens its use.
Key specs
- Capacity: 34 oz
- Filtration: four-level, per listing
- Materials: stainless steel and clear glass, BPA-free
Pros
- Multi-level filtration aims for a cleaner cup with less sediment.
- Works for both coffee and tea.
- Sturdy construction suits outdoor trips.
Cons
- Multi-stage filters take longer to clean than a single screen.
- Filtration claims vary by user, so grind size still matters most.
Bottom line: A versatile pick for travelers and campers who also drink tea.
Buying Guide
Body material: glass, stainless steel or both
Glass lets you see the brew, which helps when you are learning timing. Stainless steel resists breakage and holds heat better. Owners often report that glass is the first thing they replace after an accident, while steel models last longer on the road. Look for borosilicate glass if you will pour near-boiling water.
Good picks for this: Utopia Kitchen Borosilicate Glass French Press 34 Oz, Secura French Press Coffee Maker 34oz Insulated
Capacity and household size
Measure by the cup you actually drink. Many manufacturers list capacity in ounces, and a 34 oz press yields roughly four to five standard cups. A 12 oz press suits one person. Choosing too small forces you to brew twice, while too large wastes coffee and makes small batches hard to balance.
Good picks for this: Veken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, Dark Pewter, Bodum 12oz Chambord French Press Coffee Maker
Insulation and heat retention
A double-wall body slows heat loss, which matters if you sip slowly. Single-wall glass cools faster. This is one of the clearest differences between models, and it has more effect on your experience than most accessory choices.
Good picks for this: Secura French Press Coffee Maker 34oz Insulated, Stainless Steel Clear Glass Coffee and Tea Brewer 34 oz
Filter design and screen quality
The plunger screen controls how much fine sediment reaches your cup. Multi-level or fine-mesh screens generally produce a cleaner cup, though they can clog faster. Check whether spare screens are included, since a replacement is cheaper than a new press when a mesh wears out.
Good picks for this: Secura French Press Coffee Maker 34oz Insulated, Stainless Steel Clear Glass Coffee and Tea Brewer 34 oz
Portability and use case
If you travel or camp, weight and breakage risk matter more than appearance. A stainless body or a press with a protective frame is easier to carry. For home use on a counter, design and stability count more.
Good picks for this: Stainless Steel Clear Glass Coffee and Tea Brewer 34 oz, Bodum 12oz Chambord French Press Coffee Maker
Durability and cleaning
Check whether the frame and lid separate for cleaning and whether parts are dishwasher-safe, according to manufacturer instructions. Thickened glass and high-heat borosilicate handle temperature changes better than thin glass. Hand washing extends the life of most presses.
Good picks for this: Veken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, Dark Pewter, Veken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, Copper
Finish and kitchen style
Finish matters if the press lives on the counter. Matte and dark finishes hide fingerprints, while polished metal shows them. Copper and pewter tones suit different palettes. This factor is personal, so choose the look you will keep out on display.
Good picks for this: Veken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, Copper, Bodum 12oz Chambord French Press Coffee Maker
FAQ
What size french coffee press maker should I buy?
Choose capacity by how many cups you brew at once. A 12 oz press suits one person, while 34 oz covers two to four people, based on standard mug sizes.
Is glass or stainless steel better for a french press?
Neither is universally better. Glass lets you see the brew and suits learning timing, while stainless steel is more durable and holds heat longer.
How hot should water be for french press coffee?
Many coffee resources recommend water just off the boil, around 195 to 205°F (90 to 96°C). Let boiling water rest briefly before pouring.
How long should I steep french press coffee?
A common starting point is about four minutes. Adjust by taste: longer steeping gives more body and bitterness, shorter gives a lighter cup.
What grind size works best in a french press?
Use a coarse grind, similar to coarse sea salt. Fine grounds pass through the screen and cause sediment in the cup.
How do I clean a french press properly?
Empty the grounds, rinse the carafe and screen, and wash with warm water and mild soap. Check manufacturer instructions for dishwasher safety and for disassembling the plunger.
Does a french press need a special filter?
Most presses come with a built-in metal mesh. Spare screens can replace worn parts, and some owners prefer finer or multi-level filters for a cleaner cup.
Conclusion
For most home brewers, the Veken 34oz in dark pewter offers a balanced mix of durability and capacity. Buyers who keep coffee hot over longer periods should look at the insulated Secura model, while those who want a basic glass press for learning will find the Utopia Kitchen model practical. The Bodum Chambord suits single servings and a classic look, and the stainless and glass travel brewer is the most flexible choice for camping and tea. Match the press to your household size, your travel habits and how much you value visibility versus durability.
Sources
- Guidance on home appliance efficiency and general brewing energy considerations (energy.gov)
- Consumer safety information on glass and kitchen product hazards (cpsc.gov)
- Specialty Coffee Association resources on brewing ratios, water temperature and extraction
Related reading
- How to Make French Press Coffee: 8 Steps to a Better Cup
- French Press Coffee Ratio: 7 Best Picks and Tools for Perfect Brews
- 8 Best Coffee Beans for French Press: Expert Picks Compared
- Choosing a Drip Coffee Maker: Features That Matter
- Best Coffee Makers for Home: 6 Coffee Makers Compared
About Miles Sinclair
Miles Sinclair is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our coffee beans & brewing methods guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
