In a world of pour-overs, espresso machines, and AeroPresses, the humble French press often gets overlooked. Yet this wonderfully simple brewer remains one of our favourite ways to make coffee here at Rounton Coffee - and for good reason.
A Brief History Lesson
Confusion often arises due to the different names given to this brewer, and this feels worth addressing. Both French Press and Cafetière are used to refer to the same device, depending on where you are in the world, and this stems from the brewer's multi-national origins.
In 1852, two Frenchmen, Mayer and Delforge, patented the first recognisable ancestor of the brewer we know today. However, their design was still quite primitive and was superseded by a much more refined version in 1929 designed by Italians Calimani and Moneta.
A final evolution of the design came in 1958 from Swiss inventor Faliero Bondanini. Bondanini’s brewer was manufactured in France as the 'Chambord'. This brewer gained immense popularity throughout France, cementing the device's French identity, despite its mixed heritage. Bondanini later marketed the same design in the United Kingdom as 'La Cafetière Classic'.
Regardless of which name you use, this brewer’s enduring relevance is remarkable. In an age of increasingly sophisticated coffee technology, this elegantly simple device has maintained its place in kitchens worldwide for over 170 years.
The Beauty of Simplicity
Much of the charm of the French Press lies in its simplicity. It asks very little of you, yet produces outstanding results.
The French Press is what we call an infusion brewer. Unlike pour-over methods, where water passes through the coffee, here the grounds and water steep together for several minutes. This creates a more uniform extraction, with every particle of coffee getting equal contact with the water.
But here's where it gets interesting - the metal filter. Unlike paper filters, the metal filter allows oils from the coffee into your cup. The result is a brew with a bigger, richer body and a texture you can actually feel on your palate. It's coffee with presence.
Brewing for a Crowd
Ever tried making coffee for six people with a V60 or AeroPress? It's tedious at best. Scaling up is another area where the French press truly shines. Whether you're brewing for just yourself or hosting friends for dinner, the process remains identical.
This versatility is genuinely hard to beat without spending a considerable amount of money on more advanced brewing gadgets like the Fellow Aiden.
Why We Keep Coming Back
We love the cafetière for its ability to bring out bold, rich flavours in every cup. Whether you're brewing for one or for a group, this versatile brewer is perfect for anyone who values simplicity without sacrificing quality.
It's cheap, reliable, and there's only a small learning curve. Just honest, full-bodied coffee that tastes like coffee should.
Looking for some tips? You can read our French Press brew guide here.
Choosing the Right French Press
Not all French presses are created equal, but you don't need to spend a fortune to get a great one. Here are some of our top picks.
Best for One-to-Two Cups: Timemore French Press U
With a sleek, minimalist design, the Timemore French Press U balances style with practicality. It has a 450ml capacity, so is perfect for brewing one to two cups at a time.
Here you'll find a brewer with impressive build quality - precision-engineered components that feel substantial without being heavy. If aesthetics matter to you, this one also looks stunning on the counter.
Best for a Crowd: Bodum Brazil 8 Cup
The Bodum Brazil French Press is the gold standard when it comes to traditional French press design - reliable, affordable and from a trusted brand with decades of experience.
It's ideal if you prefer a classic approach and need to brew larger quantities. With a 1L capacity, you'll be able to brew enough coffee for 2 to 4 people at a time.
Final Thoughts
In an industry that often obsesses over complexity and expensive equipment, the French press is a gentle reminder that sometimes the best tools are the simplest ones. It just requires good coffee, hot water, and a bit of patience.
Whether you're new to the world of speciality coffee or a seasoned enthusiast, we think the French press deserves a place in your brewing rotation.
Ready to try it out? Shop our selection of French presses here.