By Miles SinclairUpdated November 2026
If you want a smooth, bold glass of iced coffee without a drip machine or a pricey cold brew system, a french press is one of the simplest tools you can own. Steeping coarse grounds in cold or room-temperature water and plunging them out gives you a concentrate you can dilute over ice. Choosing the right pot matters, though: the filter quality, the carafe material, the capacity and how well it insulates all affect the final cup. This guide compares seven French presses that people commonly use for iced coffee, based on specifications, brand reputation and the patterns owners tend to report.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallVeken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, Dark PewterView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for cold brew batchesBodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker, WhiteView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for insulationSecura French Press Coffee Maker, 304 Grade Stainless Steel InsulatedView on Amazon - 4
Best for a silver finishVeken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, SilverView on Amazon - 5
Best for travelStainless Steel Clear Glass Coffee and Tea Brewer, 34 ozView on Amazon - 6
Best for filtrationUtopia Kitchen 304 Grade Stainless Steel French Press, 34 OzView on Amazon - 7
Best budget pickUtopia Kitchen Borosilicate Glass French Press Coffee Maker, 34 Oz, BlackView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
How We Selected These French Presses
Every model here was chosen against the same criteria. We looked at filter design (mesh density, number of stages and whether spare screens are included), carafe material and heat resistance, capacity relative to typical iced coffee batches, insulation, ease of cleaning, and brand reputation. Because iced coffee is usually brewed as a concentrate, we also favored designs that handle long steep times without leaking or letting fine sediment through. The comparison below summarizes the picks; the sections after it explain each one.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Veken 34oz Dark Pewter French Press | Overall home use | Thickened glass with stainless steel exterior |
| Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker | Making larger cold brew batches | 51oz capacity |
| Secura Insulated French Press | Keeping coffee at a steady temperature | Double-wall stainless steel with extra screens |
| Veken 34oz Silver French Press | Matching a stainless kitchen | Silver stainless exterior |
| Stainless Steel Clear Glass Coffee and Tea Brewer | Travel and camping | Four-level filtration |
| Utopia Kitchen Double Wall Insulated Press | Fine sediment control | Four-level filtration with two extra filters |
| Utopia Kitchen Borosilicate Glass French Press | Budget-minded buyers | Heat-resistant borosilicate glass |
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: Overall home use
This is a good all-round choice for someone who wants one pot for hot coffee, cold brew and iced tea. The thickened glass carafe sits inside a stainless steel frame, which many owners find more durable than all-glass designs.
Key specs
- 34 oz (1 liter) capacity
- Thickened heat-resistant glass carafe
- Stainless steel exterior and frame
- Dark pewter finish
Pros
- Glass lets you see the steeping color, which helps judge strength
- Stainless frame adds protection against drops
- Capacity suits two large iced coffees or a concentrate for several servings
Cons
- Glass still requires care when handling hot and cold temperature changes
- Not insulated, so the coffee cools faster than in double-wall models
Bottom line: A strong default pick for anyone who wants a versatile pot that handles both hot and iced brewing.
Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker, White
Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker, White – Made in Portugal
Best for: Making larger cold brew batches
Bodum is a long-established French press brand, and this larger model is aimed at people who brew a full batch of concentrate at once and keep it in the fridge. It suits households where several people drink iced coffee.
Key specs
- 51 oz (about 1.5 liter) capacity
- Made in Portugal, according to the listing
- White finish
Pros
- Large capacity reduces how often you need to brew
- Designed around cold steeping, which many owners use for overnight batches
- Brand has a broad base of replacement parts and guidance
Cons
- Large footprint takes up more counter and fridge space
- Pot is heavier to lift when full
Bottom line: Best for households or anyone who makes cold brew concentrate in bulk and wants a dedicated large pot.
Secura French Press Coffee Maker, 304 Grade Stainless Steel 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 at a steady temperature
A stainless steel, double-wall press is useful if you steep for a long time or want your brew to stay consistent while you wait to dilute it. Owners often mention the extra screens as a practical bonus.
Key specs
- 34 oz (1 liter) capacity
- 304 grade stainless steel construction
- Insulated double-wall body
- Includes two extra screens, according to the listing
Pros
- Stainless steel does not break like glass
- Insulation slows heat loss during steeping
- Spare screens let you replace a worn filter without buying a new pot
Cons
- You cannot see the brew as it steeps
- Stainless models can be harder to clean around the screen edge
Bottom line: A durable, insulated choice for people who want a sturdy pot that keeps coffee steady during a long steep.
Veken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, Silver
Heat Resistant Thickened Borosilicate Glass Stainless Steel Brewer, Cold Brew Pot for Kitchen,Travel,Camping,Tea,Gifts,Silver Veken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, No Plastic Touching Cafe,1 L Cafeter
Best for: Matching a stainless kitchen
This is the same general design as the dark pewter version, in a lighter silver finish. It suits kitchens with stainless appliances and buyers who prefer a brighter look on the counter.
Key specs
- 34 oz (1 liter) capacity
- Heat-resistant thickened borosilicate glass carafe
- Stainless steel exterior and frame
- Silver finish
Pros
- Glass carafe shows steeping color clearly
- Stainless frame adds structure
- Good size for a pitcher of iced coffee concentrate
Cons
- Glass is less forgiving of sudden temperature shifts than stainless
- Not insulated
Bottom line: Pick this if you like the Veken design but want the silver look to match your kitchen.
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 and camping
This brewer is marketed for portable use, with a four-level filter that many campers prefer because it reduces grounds in the cup. It can brew coffee or tea and is a reasonable option for making iced coffee away from home.
Key specs
- 34 oz capacity
- Stainless steel and clear glass construction
- Four-level filtration system
- BPA-free materials, according to the listing
Pros
- Multi-stage filter helps keep fine sediment out of the cup
- Stainless construction resists breakage on the road
- Works for coffee and tea, so one pot covers several uses
Cons
- Multi-stage filters take more time to clean
- Glass carafe still needs careful packing when traveling
Bottom line: A practical choice for campers, hikers and anyone who brews iced coffee on the move.
Utopia Kitchen 304 Grade Stainless Steel French Press, 34 Oz
Double Wall Insulated Coffee Press with 4-Level Filtration System, Include 2 Extra Filters, Rust-Free, Dishwasher Safe Utopia Kitchen 304 Grade Stainless Steel French Press 34 Oz, Silver
Best for: Fine sediment control
This double-wall stainless press comes with a four-level filtration system and two extra filters. It is aimed at people who find that a single screen lets too much fine material into their iced coffee.
Key specs
- 34 oz capacity
- 304 grade stainless steel
- Double-wall insulated body
- Four-level filtration with two extra filters
- Rust-free and dishwasher safe, according to the listing
Pros
- Multi-level filtration reduces sediment in the final cup
- Insulation helps during longer steeps
- Spare filters are included, which owners tend to appreciate
Cons
- Multiple filter layers can slow down the plunge
- No view of the brew because the body is opaque
Bottom line: Best for buyers who want the cleanest possible iced coffee with minimal grit.
Utopia Kitchen Borosilicate Glass French Press Coffee Maker, 34 Oz, Black
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
This is a straightforward glass press with a heat-resistant carafe and a black frame. It covers the basics of French press iced coffee at a lower entry point than the stainless or insulated models.
Key specs
- 34 oz capacity
- Borosilicate glass carafe
- Black finish
- Heat-resistant design for hot and cold use
Pros
- Simple design is easy to learn and clean
- Glass lets you monitor the steep
- Good capacity for a standard iced coffee batch
Cons
- Glass is more fragile than stainless
- Not insulated, so cold coffee warms slowly and hot coffee cools faster
Bottom line: A sensible starting point for anyone who wants to try French press iced coffee without a large commitment.
Buying Guide
Capacity and Batch Size
Most iced coffee recipes call for a concentrate, so capacity should match how many servings you make at once. A 34-ounce pot typically yields two or three glasses after dilution with ice and milk, while a 51-ounce pot suits households or weekly batches. Check the rated volume against the brewing ratio you plan to use, not just the marketing size.
Good picks for this: Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker, Veken 34oz Dark Pewter French Press
Filter Design and Sediment
The screen decides how much fine material reaches your cup. Single-screen presses are simpler to clean but can leave more grit, especially in cold brew where steeping is long. Multi-level filters and spare screens are useful if you want a smoother result, though they add cleaning time.
Good picks for this: Utopia Kitchen Double Wall Insulated Press, Stainless Steel Clear Glass Coffee and Tea Brewer
Carafe Material
Glass lets you watch the steep and is easy to clean, but it can crack with sudden temperature changes and sharp impacts. Stainless steel is more durable and usually insulated, but you cannot see inside. Borosilicate glass is designed to tolerate heat better than standard glass, which matters if you ever pour hot water into the pot.
Good picks for this: Veken 34oz Silver French Press, Utopia Kitchen Borosilicate Glass French Press
Insulation and Temperature Control
Insulation slows heat loss during steeping and keeps brewed coffee at a steadier temperature while you wait to dilute it. For iced coffee made with hot water and then chilled, a double-wall body can help you keep the concentrate warm enough to pour evenly before it cools. For cold brew, insulation matters less because the coffee stays cold anyway.
Good picks for this: Secura Insulated French Press, Utopia Kitchen Double Wall Insulated Press
Durability and Materials
Stainless steel bodies handle drops and knocks well and rarely need replacing. Thickened glass with a metal frame strikes a middle ground, protecting the carafe while keeping the look you may want. Check whether the frame and plunger are stainless, since rust-resistant parts matter for a pot you wash often.
Good picks for this: Veken 34oz Dark Pewter French Press, Secura French Press Coffee Maker
Portability and Use Case
If you plan to bring your press outdoors or on trips, weight, packing and breakage risk matter more than capacity. A stainless brewer with a compact filter is easier to carry than a large glass pot. Consider whether you also want to use it for tea, which some of these models support.
Good picks for this: Stainless Steel Clear Glass Coffee and Tea Brewer, Utopia Kitchen Borosilicate Glass French Press
Cleaning and Care
Coffee oils and fine grounds build up around the filter and in seams, so the design affects how often you need to disassemble the press. Dishwasher-safe parts save time, and spare screens let you replace a worn filter rather than the whole pot. Hand-wash glass gently and avoid abrasive pads that scratch the carafe.
Good picks for this: Utopia Kitchen Double Wall Insulated Press, Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker
FAQ
Can you make iced coffee in a French press?
Yes. The usual method is to brew a concentrate with coarse grounds and water, plunge it, and pour it over ice. You can use hot water for a quicker brew, or cold water over a longer steep for a smoother cup. Dilute the concentrate to taste, since it is stronger than regular coffee.
What grind size should I use for iced coffee in a French press?
Use a coarse grind, similar to rough sea salt. Fine grounds pass through the filter more easily and can make the iced coffee cloudy or gritty. Coarse grounds also extract more evenly during a long steep, which is important when you are making a concentrate.
How long should I steep French press cold brew?
Many people steep cold brew in a French press for 12 to 18 hours in the refrigerator. Shorter steeps produce a lighter flavor, while longer steeps can taste more bitter. Start at the lower end of the range and adjust on your next batch.
Does a French press make cloudy iced coffee?
It can, especially if the grounds are too fine or the filter is worn. Using coarse grounds, a finer mesh filter or an extra screen, and letting the sediment settle before pouring usually reduces cloudiness. Some sediment is normal with this method.
What is the best ratio of coffee to water for French press iced coffee?
A common starting point for concentrate is around 1 part coffee to 4 to 6 parts water by weight, then dilute with ice and milk. Because ratios vary by taste and roast, adjust gradually and keep notes on what you change. Readers often start with a moderate concentrate and dilute more if it tastes too strong.
Is a glass or stainless French press better for iced coffee?
Neither is better in every case. Glass lets you monitor the steep and is easy to clean, while stainless steel is more durable and often insulated. Choose glass if you like to see the brew and handle your press carefully, and stainless if you want a sturdier pot for travel or a busy kitchen.
How do I clean a French press after making iced coffee?
Remove the plunger and disassemble the filter, then rinse away grounds and oils with warm water. Use a soft brush for seams and screens, and dishwasher-safe parts can go on the top rack if the manufacturer allows it. Clean the carafe thoroughly to prevent a stale taste in the next batch.
Conclusion
For most home brewers, the Veken 34oz Dark Pewter French Press offers a balanced combination of glass visibility, stainless protection and a practical size. If you make large batches of concentrate, the Bodum 51oz Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the most appropriate choice. Buyers who want steady temperature during longer steeps should consider the Secura Insulated French Press, while those focused on the cleanest possible cup may prefer the Utopia Kitchen Double Wall Insulated Press with its extra filters. Campers should look at the Stainless Steel Clear Glass Coffee and Tea Brewer, and budget-minded buyers can start with the Utopia Kitchen Borosilicate Glass French Press. Match the pot to your batch size, filter preference and how you plan to use it.
Sources
- Food safety guidance on handling and storing brewed beverages and food-contact materials (fda.gov)
- Standards and certification information for food-contact equipment and materials (nsf.org)
- Specialty Coffee Association resources on brewing ratios, extraction and grind
Related reading
- Top 7 French Press Cold Press Coffee Makers Compared (2026)
- Top 6 Coarse Ground Coffees for French Press Compared (2026)
- How to Make French Press Coffee: 8 Steps to a Better Cup
- French Press Coffee Ratio: 3 Best Picks for Perfect Brews
- French Coffee Press Bodum: How to Brew a Better Cup in 8 Steps (2026)
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.
