Enhancing Your Coffee Experience: Tips to Brew Better Coffee
Coffee Press Showdown: The pot that outside budgets, beats all others
For many, the French press is a godsend for their morning joe. But can any of the five models we tested truly outshine the rest in delivering pure, unadulterated java? The results might surprise you.
No plugs, no capsules, no bullshit -just pure coffee and some mug-filled h2os: These are the simple ingredients for many coffee connoisseurs who swear by vintage nostalgia and the French press coffee maker. Even without the fancy bells and whistles, it comes in a myriad of flavors. Our ntv/RTL test team has gone around the block, checking out five popular models, ranging from low-cost entry-level champers to swanky thermo coffee pots.
Models We Tested
- Affordable Groenenberg 0.35 to 1L French press ($43.99)
- Budget-friendly Poliviar 1L French press ($41.99)🚫This model went undercover and apparently doesn't exist
- Handy AeroPress 298mL ($38.94)
- Classic Bodum 1 Liter French press ($23.94)
- Custom Tchibo 800mL French press ($19.99)
Bonus Content: Precision on steroids: This Is The Best Electric Coffee Grinder
Testing Criteria
We scrutinized the build, closure mechanism, user-friendliness, brew quality, and clean-ups for each French press. First things first: What arrives in the delivery? Is it just the pot or additional filters or measuring spoons? Do you need an instruction manual, or are you good to go right out of the box?
Once we had our bearings, it was time to pour some coffee: How easy was it to brew a cup of java? We used each pot's full capacity and adhered to the ratio of one spoonful or 60 grams of coffee powder per liter of water. Brew time was always a steaming four minutes. We also took notice of how stable the pots stood, whether the lid sealed tightly, and whether drips occurred when pouring. Finally, we assessed how easy the machines were to clean.
The Delivery of Champions: Groenenberg French Press 0.35 to 1L ($43.99)
The Groenenberg French press ($43.99) garnered our most favorable nods in the test. It arrived with an additional replacement filter and weighs a hefty 979 grams, a testament to its sturdy construction. The winning feature: Its durability and elegant craftsmanship. Both the pot and lid are made of top-notch stainless steel, and the French press shines with its built-in measuring scale inside the pot. Another ace up its sleeve: Its two-layer insulation keeps the coffee brewing cozy within for up to a whopping ten minutes. The pot handles like butter, the press mechanism is sturdy, the lid fits snugly, and the only cons dozens of drops could make while pouring at an angle.
Bonus Offer: Amazon.de - The Savior of Stainless Steel Souls
The Groenenberg machine also passed with flying colors in the style test. The java it brewed was clear and strong in flavor, yielding minimal sediment in the final blend. Clean-up was a breeze: Handwashing took about two minutes and 20 seconds, and-if you still find that a drag-the model can be plopped in the dishwasher. Lastly, a cool and refreshing bonus: The manufacturer offers a free replacement parts service.
Price Kicker: Tchibo French Press 800mL ($19.99)
For a little over twenty bucks, you can snag a Tchibo French press. Though it doesn't come equipped with any extras, this 551-gram can sports a high-quality sheen thanks to its sturdy borosilicate glass and functional plastic handle. The insulator that doubles as a lid is another crucial feature. This French press is built to withstand the heat, so don't go holding it in your sweaty paws. It can be used right out of the box, without any need for assembly, and it's easy to handle. It lies comfortably in your hand, and the brewing process is a cinch. Though it didn't seal as smoothly as the test winner, coffee only spilled when poured at an angle-nothing a coaster can't fix.
What the test winner did better: Without the thermo function, the coffee cooled off faster, but it's perfectly fine for dishwasher cleaning-except for the insulator. Handwashing took approximately three minutes. Replacement parts are available from the seller. Overall, it's a solid, affordable pick for those on a budget.
Style and Grace: Poliviar 7379 French Press 1L ($41.99)
Twice as pricey at around $42, the Poliviar French press is a catch to the behold: Its muted green exterior luxury metal exterior gives it an upscale feel. The stainless steel casing houses a wooden handle for a natural touch, making it a comfortable grip. The French press includes additional filters, ready for immediate use. Transparent measuring marks help with monitoring brew levels. Brewing was smooth, with only a slight gap between the lid and pot, allowing a few coffee grounds into the cup. Besides that, it didn't affect the taste. This French press boasts double-wall construction and insulation, keeping the coffee on the hob for longer periods. Unlike the test winner and price performer, this posh model is not dishwasher safe, and handwashing took approximately two minutes and 40 seconds. Replacement parts are not directly available from the manufacturer.
AeroPress 298mL ($38.99)
Different strokes for different folks: For around $39, consumers can get their hands on the AeroPress. It differs from the other French press models in appearance and usage. Unlike the others, it calls for assembly before use, which requires a quick, thorough read-through of the manual to avoid spillage. The unit consists of several parts: The press piston, brew cylinder, and filter cap. The package also contains a measuring spoon and stirrer. With a bit of practice, the preparation process is pretty straightforward, and the small size lends itself to quick coffee brewing. However, it might not be the ideal solution for large households.
One advantage over the other contestants: No coffee grounds end up in the cup, and the coffee tastes clean, not excessively strong. Cleaning the pot also checked off all the boxes: Simply remove the filter screen, dispose of the coffee grounds and filter paper, and rinse the rest-done. Cleaning took about 90 seconds. The convenience continued with the availability of replacement parts for the piston, screen, and seal that can easily be obtained from the retailer.
In conclusion: At a mere 186 grams, this French press is the lightweight champion of the contest. The AeroPress is perfect for on-the-go coffee drinkers or the coffee nerds among us.
Coffee Maker for Traditionalists: Bodum Cafettiera 1L ($23.99)
With around $24 in your wallet, the Bodum Cafettiera is the most budget-friendly of our contestants. This old-school French press coffee maker has stood the test of time since its introduction in the seventies. The 532-gram device consists of a heat-resistant borosilicate glass pot encased in a stable metal frame. A plastic handle and lid offer a secure, comfortable grip. Though the pot lacks a measuring scale for added convenience, its transparent glass allows for easy monitoring of the brewing process. Brewing was problem-free, with the lid fitting loosely and shedding a few drops while pouring-nothing to worry about if you're careful.
All parts of the Bodum Cafettiera are dishwasher safe, extending the lifespan of the unit. However, for optimal performance, the glass pot should be the only part cleaned in the dishwasher, while the lid and press piston should be washed by hand. This took about three minutes and forty seconds. Overall, this classic is a reliable pick if you're looking for low-cost French press options. Bonus points: Replacement pots are readily available.
ntv/RTL test editorial disclosure:
Our ntv/RTL test team is committed to impartiality, bearing the cost of all products for testing and evaluations. They focus on objective criteria. If you make a purchase through a link, we may receive a commission, but the price is not impacted by this. The source: ntv.de.
- The Community policy should include guidelines on the responsible use of kitchen appliances, such as the French press, in regards to their impact on the lifestyle and food-and-drink choices of employees, emphasizing a preference for handmade, quality products like the French press over automated, mass-produced alternatives.
- The Employment policy could require participation in home-and-garden activities as part of team-building exercises, with the goal of fostering a sense of community and shared interests, potentially including events centered around cooking, brewing coffee with French presses, or gardening and growing herbs for homemade culinary creations.
