Best Cafetiere in 2025: Top French Press Coffee Makers Compared

What Is a Cafetiere? What Is the Difference Between a Cafetiere and a French Press?

You’re looking for the best cafetière? A cafetière, also known as a French press or French press coffee maker, is a manual brewing device that uses immersion brewing to extract coffee. Ground coffee is steeped directly in hot water before being separated by a metal mesh plunger.

The origins of the French press are widely debated. The earliest known design dates back to 1852 in France, but the modern version was patented in Italy in 1929. Today, the French press coffee machine remains one of the most popular brewing methods worldwide.

The terms cafetière, French press, coffee press, and coffee pot French press all refer to the same brewing device. In the UK, cafetière is the most commonly used term, while French press is more widely used internationally.

A French press coffee maker consists of:

• A jug (glass or metal)
• A plunger with a mesh filter
• A lid

Coffee is brewed by steeping coarse ground coffee in hot water, then pressing the plunger down to separate the grounds from the liquid. There is no functional difference between a cafetiere and a French press, only a difference in terminology.

Why Choose a Cafetiere? Is It the Best Cafetiere Coffee Method for You?

How to Make Best Cafetiere Coffee at Home

A cafetiere allows you to control:

• Coffee-to-water ratio
• Brew time
• Water temperature
• Grind size

This level of control is why many coffee professionals still consider the cafetiere one of the best methods for brewing French press coffee with depth and texture.

Advantages of a Cafetiere

• Simple, manual brewing
• No paper filters or pods
• Ideal for experimenting with different coffees
• Affordable and durable
• Excellent for small cafetiere or large group brewing

When a Cafetiere May Not Be Ideal

• If you dislike any sediment in your cup
• If you want coffee kept hot for hours (unless using a thermal model)
• If you prefer push-button convenience

How Best to Use a Cafetiere? Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a first-time French press user, here’s how to prepare a delicious cup of coffee with this coffee maker:

How We Made This List

At MaxiCoffee, we draw on over 20 years of expertise in coffee and coffee equipment to help you find the best cafetierefor your needs.

Our selection of the best French press coffee makers is the result of a careful process combining hands-on experience, in-depth market research, and real customer feedback. Each French press included in this list has been evaluated for its brewing performance, build quality, ease of use, and value for money.

From affordable everyday options like the Pylano French press to more premium models, all the cafetières featured here are durable, well-designed, and suited to different budgets and lifestyles, ensuring there’s a coffee press for everyone.

Which Are the Best Cafetieres? Our Top 5 French Press Coffee Makers

After extensive testing, customer feedback analysis, and expert evaluation, here is our updated list of the best cafetiere options available in the UK.

Pylano Cali Cafetiere – 8 Cups

Enjoy rich, well-balanced French press coffee with the Pylano Cali Cafetière, an affordable yet cleverly designed coffee press ideal for everyday use.

Designed to reduce bitterness, this cafetiere features a unique double filtration system that limits coffee grounds and delivers a smoother cup. This filtartion system combines a conventional sieve and a stainless steel mesh. Its generous 1-litre capacity makes it perfect for sharing coffee with family or friends, while its clean, minimalist design fits effortlessly into any kitchen.

Easy to handle and dishwasher safe, it’s a great option for anyone looking for the best cafetiere at an accessible price point, this French press coffee maker combines simplicity, performance and reliability.

Bodum Chambord Copper Cafetiere – 1L

A true classic, the Bodum Chambord Cafetière is one of the most recognisable and trusted French press coffee makers in the world.

Featuring a striking copper finish, this Bodum cafetiere combines timeless design with exceptional brewing performance. Made from borosilicate glass and stainless steel, it preserves the full aroma and natural oils of French press coffee, resulting in a rich and flavourful cup every time.

Perfect for coffee lovers who appreciate both style and substance, the Chambord is easy to use, durable, and dishwasher safe, making it a long-term investment for your daily coffee ritual.

Hario U Cafetière in Black – 600ml

Enjoy a refined and hands-on coffee experience with the Hario U Cafetière in Black – 600ml, a beautifully designed French press crafted by one of Japan’s most respected coffee brands. Combining minimalist aesthetics with high-quality materials, this cafetière is ideal for coffee lovers who value both flavour and design. The Hario U French press can brew up to 4 cups of coffee in a single preparation, making it perfect for sharing or for enjoying multiple cups throughout the morning.

Made from heat-resistant glass, it allows you to watch the brewing process unfold, enhancing both the ritual and the pleasure of manual coffee making. The cafetière features a durable stainless steel filter, designed to deliver a clean, well-balanced cup while preserving the coffee’s natural oils and aromas. Its polypropylene stem, combined with a matte black handle and lid, provides a modern, understated look that fits effortlessly into any kitchen.

Designed and made in Japan, the Hario U Cafetière reflects the brand’s long-standing expertise in glassware and manual brewing. Practical and versatile, it can also be used to prepare loose-leaf tea or herbal infusions, making it a reliable everyday companion beyond coffee alone. Easy to clean, the glass jug rinses effortlessly under water, while the stainless steel components are dishwasher safe.

Bialetti Preziosa Cafetiere – 8 Cups

Combining Italian design heritage with everyday practicality, the Bialetti Preziosa Cafetière is a stylish and reliable French press coffee maker. With an 8-cup capacity, the Preziosa is ideal for shared coffee moments and can also be used to prepare teas and herbal infusions, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.

Featuring a borosilicate glass jug framed with 18/10 stainless steel, this caffetiere delivers clean, full-bodied coffee while remaining resistant to thermal shock. Its ergonomic handle, inspired by the iconic Moka Express, ensures a comfortable and secure grip.

A great choice for those seeking the best cafetiere coffee with a touch of Italian flair.

Espro P5 Double Filter French Press – 1L

For coffee lovers seeking exceptional clarity, the Espro P5 French Press redefines what a French press coffee maker can do.

Thanks to its patented double micro-filter system, this innovative stainless steel coffee pot french press produces an ultra-clean cup with minimal sediment, closer to a pour-over style brew while preserving the richness of immersion brewing.

Crafted from durable materials, like stainless steel, and designed for precision, the Espro P5 is ideal for those who want full control over extraction and flavour. Its robust construction and thoughtful design make it a premium choice among top-rated french presses.

Top Tips for Better French Press Coffee

Brewing the perfect French press coffee with your best cafetiere is all about attention to detail. Small adjustments in grind size, water temperature, steeping time, and maintenance can dramatically improve the flavour, aroma, and texture of your coffee. Here’s how to get the most out of your French press coffee maker:

What Is the Best Cafetiere Coffee?

The best cafetiere coffee is typically:

• Medium to dark roast
• Freshly ground
• Coarse grind size

Single-origin coffees and blends designed for immersion brewing work particularly well.

French press coffee grounds

Choosing the best cafetiere depends on how you drink your coffee, how often you brew, and what you value most, whether that is simplicity, durability, heat retention, or flavour clarity. From classic glass designs like the Bodum cafetiere, to innovative insulated models such as the Hydro Flask stainless steel cafetiere, there is a perfect French press coffee maker for every type of coffee drinker.

A cafetiere remains one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to brew coffee at home. With minimal equipment, no wasteful pods, and full control over extraction, it is easy to see why the cafetiere continues to be a favourite in UK kitchens. Explore our full range to find your ideal best cafetiere and enjoy consistently delicious French press coffee every day.