Are you one of these people that need at the very least, one coffee to get your day off to a flying start? Do you feel a little lacking if you haven’t had that hot and tasty, maybe even frothy and slightly bitter burst of caffeine in your mouth?
There is obviously a great multitude of ways you can prepare coffee. Some like the instant stuff, some find that appalling and atrocious, whereas others swear by a black espresso hit. If you want a nice full-bodied, deep and oh-so bold coffee, then you may find the long, drawn-out flavours that a freshly brewed coffee in a cafeteria will hit all the right spots.
You are not alone in your love of coffee, which is why you will find there is an astonishing number of different cafetieres out there. To make things a little easier for you deciding one from another, therefore, we have put together this list of what we believe are 10 of the best cafetieres.
Table of Contents
Best Cafetiere 2020
1. Bodum 8-cup Cafetiere, 1-Litre, 34-ounce
First in our guide is this very affordably priced, retro-styled cafetiere from Portuguese-based Bodum. Bodum has a sterling reputation within the industry, which is why they are featured more than once. This particular cafetiere consists of a stainless-steel frame and filters, with the basin being made from borosilicate glass, noted for its heat-resistant properties.
Although available also as a 3-cup model, we chose the 8-cup to focus on because for the price tag, that’s a lot of tasty coffee you can make. It is not the most sophisticated or stunningly complex we’ve ever come across, but for making those tasty brews, but when it comes to making those tasty brews, this will not fail you.
The patented safety lid is designed to be leak-proof, with a sturdy and reliable bayonet-style closure. We feel we should add right now before going any further that with the Bodum models particularly, the cup capacity is based on espresso sized cups and not mugs.
All in all, though, this is a solid performer and worth investing in for no-fuss coffee brewing.
2. La Cafetiere Monaco 8-Cup, 1-litre, 35-fl-ounces
We really love the vintage look to the next cafetiere in our guide, from La Cafetiere. One of the oldest and most trusted designers and producers of warm beverages accessories and appliances, La Cafetiere, know a thing or two about what is involved in making the best cafetieres. They have been supplying households with their products since 1967.
There are 6 different shades available, though we are showcasing the beauty of the blue, so there is bound to be a colour to match your own unique taste and your kitchen décor. While it’s true, it’s incredibly understated, that seems to make it stand out even more from an aesthetic point of view.
Material-wise the frame and the mesh filter are constructed from durable stainless steel, while the basin is made from a hard glass bolstered by heat-resistant capabilities. Everything looks simplistic and refined about this cafetiere.
3. Kuyal Stainless Steel Cafetiere, 8-cup, 1-litre, 34-ounces
Beautiful and elegant are two words we would use to describe this tough little number from Kuyal. It features all the hallmarks of a good quality cafetiere – heat resistant glass and other parts like handle and lid too, that sits inside a fully-detachable frame made from 304 stainless-steel.
The company it seems have improved their filtration system for this model, so there is no need to worry about even the smallest of coffee grounds getting through the filter and into your cup to ruin your caffeinated start to your day.
From a safety point of view, it is worth noting that this cafetiere is made from materials that are both 100% BPA-free and fully FDA certified. The 304 stainless steel refers to the fact it is food grade, so don’t worry about the price, as this has been made to a very high standard.
4. KICHLY Double Walled 1005 Stainless Steel French Coffee Press 1-litre, 32-ounces
Next, we have a very metallic and clean looking cafetiere from a company called KICHLY. This has a double-walled design which not only helps preserve the heat of the coffee but protects the important components from accidental damage.
The filtration system has been impeccably made and includes all the necessary parts to ensure that just the essence and oils are what makes it to your mug or coffee and not the coffee grounds. We love the high percentage of stainless steel in this design because it means it is protected from rust and is less likely to break quickly.
As it is very similarly priced to the models we’ve already featured, it will really depend on the look and feel you are after whether this is right for you.
5. Bodum Kenya French Press Coffee – 4-Cup, 0.5-litre
A smaller model from Bodum now, this is just a 4-cup edition, although there are 8-cup and 3-cup models available of the Kenya cafetiere line. As you’d expect from one of the leading manufacturers of hot drinkware in the world, this features a basin that is made from high-quality borosilicate glass that is fully capable of handling the hot temperatures you are likely to expose it to.
It has a similar safety lid as others in their range, and all of the most important parts are made from food-grade stainless-steel, there is not a hint of plastic in the frame or filter. We really love how the black sits against the transparent colouring of the glass basin and think this would be ideal for smaller kitchens with a very contemporary look and feel.
As it’s a bit smaller, it’s also a bit cheaper than the others, which is worth noting if you are on a tight budget.
6. Meelio 12-ounces 350-ml Double Wall 18/8 Stainless Steel Cafetiere with 2 Additional Filter Screens
Next in our guide, we have another very straightforward, but classy looking stainless-steel cafetiere. Produced using 19/8 stainless-steel, this heat resistant model offers 350ml capacity, which is roughly 12-ounces.
Like the others we’ve looked at, the filtration system comes apart, making it easy to clean. Additionally, Meelio has included not just one filter screen, but two additional filter screens, so when one is not performing as it should and on the way out, you have others to use without needing to buy them.
Melia may not be a brand you are familiar with but trust us, and if you don’t want to trust us, trust the many reviews customers have submitted about using this French press. For the very reasonable price, you can have tasty hot coffee every day that has that sublime freshly brewed flavouring.
7. Rayett Stainless Steel 600ML French Press Coffee Maker With filters, Spoon and Sealing Clip
Opting for a design that allows you to have the full fresh coffee brewing experience, the basin is transparent and clearly visible through the stainless-steel frame. This allows you to smell, taste in the air and see the most beautiful coffees come to life.
In addition to the sturdy and very user-friendly design, other plus points this cafetiere has over the rivals is that it comes with not just one or two filters, but three additional filters, along with a measuring spoon for making the right amount of coffee and sealing clip to reseal your bag of coffee grounds or beans.
As is the case with most we’ve considered, the most important parts are all made from stainless steel, so you can trust that this French press will stand the test of time and rigorous use.
8. La Cafetiere Thermique Insulated 8-Cup French Press, Steel
Another great product from La Cafetiere is further evidence of just how astonishing the design and manufacturing team that works for the company are. We love the elegance of this cafetiere that almost has a birdlike quality to it, aesthetically at least.
Made from high-grade stainless steel, it is robust and durable. Although it is a little pricier than others in our guide, we feel that the design lives up to the hike in cost it has over alternatives. According to La Cafetiere, this French press will keep coffee for longer than other models – up to 3 times longer to be exact.
Smooth, slick and curvy is how we would describe this. Not only will it make you a great cup of coffee, but it will look good doing it.
9. bonVIVO Gazetaro Stainless Steel Cafetiere with Copper Finish
Want something a little different from all that silvery, mirror-like stainless-steel? How about something like this cafetiere from bonVIVO. It is still made from stainless steel, and as such is very durable and robust. However, as it has a copper finish, it stands out from the sea of silver with a lot more colour.
Although mostly covered, there is a viewing window at either side of the cafetiere that allows you to see how much you have added and how much you have left. As is the case with most, the glass of the jug or basin, whichever term you prefer, is made from highly effective borosilicate glass, which not only is heat resistant but does not absorb odours and flavours that could make every subsequent cup of coffee you make with this, a little less appealing.
As well as the cafetiere, this set also comes with a free coffee grounds scoop and a replacement filter for when the other is a little worse for wear.
10. KitchenCraft Le’Xpress Classic 3-Cup Stainless Steel Cafetiere, 350ml, 12.5 Fl-ounces
We don’t think we really could do a best cafetiere guide without including one of the numerous great products that KitchenCraft have produced over the years. In terms of aesthetics, user-friendliness and providing delicious coffee all the time, we opted for the Le’Xpress model. This is a classic stainless-steel French press that is made from stainless steel and features a fine metallic mesh filter that can be reused multiple times.
We like the upmarket feel to the model, even if it is not the most expensive, and the fact that it comes in a smart gift box and a 12-month guarantee, making it an excellent present to send someone, or if you want to know you are covered, and your drinking habits won’t need to change if it breaks down.
Best Cafetiere 2020 – Buying Guide
Although there have been many huge developments over the years when it comes to making a good cup of coffee from the comfort of your own home or office, there is no substitute for many of the core basics. Many machines and automatic brewing devices can compete in terms of convenience and speed of delivery, but for that perfectly punchy and complex flavour, you need a good quality cafetiere. In addition to our shortlist (trust us, 10 may not sound like much of a shortlist but when compared to the literal 100s of models out there, it is indeed shorter than it could have been), we have put together a buying guide.
In this buying guide that follows, you will find everything else; you need to know about choosing a cafetiere. We will look at how to make coffee using a cafetiere (if you are a complete newbie, this section will be perfect, but we also think If it’s been a while since you’ve used one, it will be like a nice refresher). We will also highlight the most important features you need to consider.
That should be more than enough information to help you get your hands on the perfect cafetiere for your available budget and needs.
Let’s get started. First…
How to Use a Cafetiere
Now we are aware that some of you will know how to use a cafetiere and may have used one up until the point you decided to replace it, which is why we would suggest you skip this section. However, if you need a little refresher or are completely new to the wonderful world of cafetiere coffee, stick around for a basic, step-by-step guide to making a truly mouth-wateringly delicious cup of coffee in just five minutes. You could even bookmark this page for when you order and receive your cafetiere.
- Step One – Rinse the basin. That’s very self-explanatory we feel. Rinse the basin using hot water.
- Step Two – Measure Coffee Using a Scoop. There is a bit of an exact science to this step. As this may well be the first time you have ever made a cup of coffee from scratch, you need to give yourself some room to experiment with intensity. If you have ground coffee, use the number of scoops it suggests per cup that you want to make. Whereas, if you are grinding your own coffee and have made too much, save it for later.
- Step Three – Boil the Water. Again, this is another simple step. Boil the required amount of water in a kettle. Though, if you prefer a more traditional method, boil it in a saucepan on your hotplate or hob.
- Step Four – Pour the Water into the Basin. Straightforward, we are sure you will agree. Once you have poured in enough boiled water, you need to leave it to sit for a maximum of 5 minutes.
- Step Five – Stir it Up. You now need to stir the coffee and water so that the coffee oil and fibre are blended properly together. Coffee is known for its oily/greasiness, so use a long-stemmed spoon and give it a good stir. Don’t cut corners on this step, is what we are basically saying here.
- Step Six – Plunge Time. It’s that special time when you can now take the cafetiere’s plunger and start to push it down. Remember to take your time, because if you go too fast you will produce a lot of pressure quickly and then the water and coffee grinds will get trapped between the plunger’s outer ring seal. When that happens, this part of the process has been completed in vain.
- Step Seven – Pouring Time. Wait a few seconds for the coffee to settle and then pour into your favourite cup or mug to enjoy an earth-shatteringly tasty cup of hot coffee.
Important Features to Consider
Now that we’ve given you the steps necessary to make a gorgeous dark and luxuriously deep cup of coffee, it’s time to take a look at some of the most important features you need to consider when choosing the best cafetiere to follow those instructions.
The Materials Used in Construction
Probably the first thing you need to consider is the materials that have been used to make the cafetiere. You will find that there is usually some acrylic, stainless steel and plastic used in most cafeterias. Where the materials used really matter is in the spire section of the plunger. If possible, take a close look at how durable, and thick specific parts are. If you can’t physically see it in person because you are looking at it on your computer or device at home, on that commute or in the office, it would be a good idea to refer to customer reviews too.
You want to know that it is going to perform the job well, will last for a long enough time to be a good investment and that it is not a hunk of junk that will fall apart within minutes or even days.
The Size
This is where it comes down to your own personal preferences and situation. Are you just getting a cafetiere for your own home or office and not looking to treat anyone else to the deliciousness? Then a one serves cafetiere or something similarly small will probably be enough.
However, if you plan on using your new cafetiere to wow your guests and want to share sophisticated and strong coffee freshly brewed with visitors to your home or work or even your colleagues, look at getting something that will offer four cups or more.
A word of warning – the larger the capacity the cafetiere is, the more expensive it is likely to be.
The Design
Another important piece of the puzzle is the design of the cafetiere. Generally speaking, you will find that most are made the same. What you should be looking for, though, is one that is easy to use and easy to clean as these factors will ensure it is a pleasurable experience making that coffee.
Durability
Although this has been touched on under in other sections, it’s worth highlighting that you want a sturdy piece of equipment that’s not going to break within the first couple of uses. We’re not suggesting that you need to spend a lot on your cafetiere, though, because all models have a lifespan. As a general rule of thumb, the simplest designs are usually the easiest to maintain. The less moving parts that there are, the less there is that can break or go wrong.
Additional Features
Like just about anything you can buy these days, some cafetieres will come loaded with additional features. How you weigh up whether these are actually necessary or not, will depend on what you are looking for. If you want to make an awesome cup of the black stuff, as long as it does that, and the additional features a model offers do not impede or negatively affect its ability to do that, you’re onto a winner.
One little word of warning with regards to additional features is, though, the more additional features there are, and the more sophisticated they are, the higher the price tag is likely to be.
So, if a budget cafetiere is what you are after, stick to one that does what you need it to and nothing else.
Conclusion
So, now you’ve seen the best of the best cafetieres out there, do you know which one you are going to buy? Any of the above models, all of which are very similarly priced, would look great and perform their intended role perfectly well. By thinking about what’s important to you and keeping the important features we noted in our buying guide in mind, you should be able to choose one from the 10 that’s right for you.
