A French press is already one of the cheapest ways to make a good pot of coffee. There is no motor, no heating element and no paper filter to buy, just a carafe, a plunger and a mesh screen. That is why the entry models from each maker work as well as they do: the coffee comes from your beans, your grind and your water, not from the price of the frame around the glass.
This guide looks only at the entry tier of each maker’s French press range, from GROSCHE, Bodum, Amazon Basics, Secura, BonJour, OXO, Primula, Mr. Coffee and Coffee Gator. We do not quote prices, which change daily. Instead, each pick explains what you get, what you give up compared with the presses in our main best French press guide, and what the maker says about parts and warranty.
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Quick verdict: which value French press to buy
For most kitchens, the best value French press is the GROSCHE Dublin: 34 ounces of double-wall stainless steel with no glass to break, a fine-mesh filter, and GROSCHE says all components go in the dishwasher. If you brew for one, the 12-ounce Bodum Brazil 3-Cup is a light, dishwasher-safe glass press; see the recall note below for the sizes CPSC names. For a big pot, the 50-ounce Secura holds the most.
Recall note: On October 29, 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced recall 27-055, covering about 5.9 million Bodum French presses: 8-cup and 12-cup Bistro, Brazil, Caffettiera, Chambord, Crema, Java, Jesper and Kenya models with replaceable glass carafes, sold from 1974 through October 2026. CPSC says the carafe can unexpectedly break during use if it is damaged or cracked, including by use of a metal spoon to stir the coffee, posing a risk of serious burn injuries. CPSC lists the remedy as a repair: stop using metal spoons or utensils to stir coffee in the glass carafe immediately, and contact Bodum at 888-879-8213 to receive a plastic Bodum stirring spoon and a warning label. The label reminds owners not to use cracked or damaged carafes. Those are the sizes CPSC names. The Bodum on this page is the 12-ounce, 3-cup Brazil, which is not one of them. The recall covers Bodum presses only; the other brands here are not part of it.
The table compares the five standouts, one for each kind of coffee drinker. All nine picks are reviewed in full below it.
Five budget French presses compared
Capacity, carafe and the main reason to buy each one, as the maker or Amazon listing states them.
| French press | Best for | Capacity & carafe | Dishwasher (as stated) | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
GROSCHE Dublin Stainless French Press, 34 ozBest overall
|
Most homes, no glass to break | 34 oz, double-wall steel | All parts | View on Amazon |
Bodum Brazil 3-Cup French Press, 12 ozBest for one
|
One or two small cups | 12 oz, borosilicate glass | Yes | View on Amazon |
Amazon Basics French Press, 34 ozBest plain press
|
A plain full-size glass press | 34 oz, borosilicate glass | Carafe, plunger, filter | View on Amazon |
Secura Stainless French Press, 50 ozBest big pot
|
A full table, no glass | 50 oz, insulated steel | All parts | View on Amazon |
BonJour Monet French Press, 33.8 ozBest steel frame and lid
|
Less plastic around the glass | 33.8 oz, glass | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Capacities are as each maker or listing states them; French press makers count a “cup” as about 4 ounces, so an 8-cup press fills two or three mugs.
Our picks for the best value French press
These nine cover the ways people save money on a press: three stainless steel presses for kitchens where glass keeps breaking, a small glass press for one, plain full-size glass presses, and presses from big coffee and housewares names. Each pick ends with one honest reason to skip it.
1. GROSCHE Dublin Stainless French Press, 34 oz – No Glass to Break
If you have already broken a glass carafe or two, a steel press is better value than a third one. The GROSCHE Dublin is made from double-walled 18/8 stainless steel, per the listing, so there is no glass to crack and the insulated walls hold heat longer than a single layer of glass.
The capacity is 1,000 ml, or 34 fluid ounces. GROSCHE describes a fine-mesh filter meant to reduce grit and says all components are dishwasher safe. The polished finish is the main thing that sets it apart in looks from the budget glass presses below.
America’s Test Kitchen did not review the Dublin, but in its French press review it found that insulated presses kept coffee hot for about an hour while uninsulated glass presses cooled much sooner. That is the practical reason to choose steel. The trade-off is that you cannot see the coffee as it brews, so use a timer.
Why we like it
- Double-wall 18/8 stainless steel, per GROSCHE
- No glass to break
- Fine-mesh filter to reduce grit
- All components dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | GR 344 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 34 oz (1,000 ml) |
| Carafe | Double-wall 18/8 stainless steel |
| Frame and lid | Stainless steel |
| Filter | Fine-mesh filter |
| Dishwasher safe | All components |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits most kitchens: a full 34-ounce pot, no carafe to crack, and all components dishwasher safe. It is also the one to choose if you take coffee out to the patio and want it to stay warm a while.
Skip it if you like to watch the coffee bloom and settle; steel walls hide it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Will not shatter
- Insulated walls hold heat longer
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Cannot see the brew
- Warranty term not given in the listing
- Heavier than a glass press
2. Bodum Brazil 3-Cup French Press, 12 oz – Small, Light and Simple
The Brazil is the most basic press in Bodum’s line: a borosilicate glass carafe in a light plastic body, with a stainless steel plunger and filter. Bodum describes the body, handle and lid as BPA-free plastic, and the listing title says it is made in Portugal.
The 12-ounce size makes one large mug or two small cups, which is the right amount for most people who drink coffee alone. A small press is also easier to use well, because you can brew exactly what you will drink and not leave coffee sitting on the grounds, where it keeps extracting and turns bitter.
Bodum says the whole press is dishwasher safe. The plastic frame is lighter than steel and does not dent, though it looks plainer on the table. Check the size before you buy. This is the 12-ounce, 3-cup Brazil, which is not one of the sizes CPSC names in the recall described at the top of this page; the 8-cup and 12-cup Brazil are. Whatever the size, stir it with a wooden or plastic spoon, not metal.
Why we like it
- Borosilicate glass carafe, per Bodum
- BPA-free plastic body, handle and lid
- Stainless steel plunger and filter
- Dishwasher safe; made in Portugal, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 10948-01BUS |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 oz (3 cups) |
| Carafe | Borosilicate glass |
| Frame and lid | BPA-free plastic |
| Filter | Stainless steel plunger and mesh |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Made in | Portugal (per listing) |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you drink one mug in the morning and want a press that is easy to clean and quick to rinse.
Skip it if you brew for guests; 12 ounces goes quickly.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Right size for one
- Light, dishwasher-safe body
- Made in Portugal, per the listing
Cons
- Plastic frame and lid
- Small capacity
- No heat retention to speak of
- 8-cup and 12-cup Brazil sizes are in the CPSC recall
3. Amazon Basics French Press, 34 oz – Plain Glass, Triple Filter
If all you want is a 34-ounce glass press, this is the plain option. The listing describes a lead-free, BPA-free borosilicate glass carafe and a three-level filter made up of a fine mesh screen, a spring disk and a cross plate. It also names tea, cold brew and hot chocolate as uses, so it need not sit idle between pots of coffee.
Amazon Basics says the glass carafe, plunger and filter all go in the dishwasher. It counts the capacity as up to five or six cups, a more honest reading of 34 ounces than the eight 4-ounce “cups” on most boxes, and it is a good size for a pot of café de olla style coffee made with cinnamon and piloncillo, strained through the plunger.
The listing does not describe the frame or lid material, where the press is made or how long the warranty runs, and it does not mention a spare carafe. Search for a replacement that fits before you count on saving it when the glass breaks.
Why we like it
- Lead-free borosilicate glass carafe, per the listing
- Three-level filter
- Carafe, plunger and filter dishwasher safe
- Full 34-ounce size
Key specifications
| Model | LN200278 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 34 oz (5 to 6 cups, per the listing) |
| Carafe | Borosilicate glass |
| Frame and lid | Not stated |
| Filter | Mesh screen, spring disk and cross plate |
| Dishwasher safe | Carafe, plunger and filter |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a kitchen that wants a plain full-size glass press from a familiar store brand, with no locking lid or steel frame.
Skip it if spare parts matter to you; the listing does not mention any.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Lead-free borosilicate carafe, per the listing
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Full 34-ounce size
Cons
- No spare carafe mentioned
- Frame and lid material not stated
- Single-wall glass cools quickly
4. Secura Stainless French Press, 50 oz – The Big Pot
Most budget presses stop at 34 ounces. If you pour for a table, Secura’s 50-ounce press holds nearly half as much again. The listing describes 304 stainless steel inside and out, a three-layer stainless steel filter and a cool-touch handle and knob, and an extra screen comes in the box.
Secura says all parts are dishwasher safe, and the listing gives a two-year warranty, which is more than most presses on this page state. The title calls the press insulated, but the listing gives no figure for how long it holds heat.
Secura’s 34-ounce press is a pick on our no-plastic coffee maker guide. We chose the 50-ounce here because no other press on this page brews a pot this size. Coffee left on the grounds keeps extracting, so brew only what you will pour.
Why we like it
- 304 stainless steel inside and out, per the listing
- Three-layer stainless steel filter
- Extra screen included
- All parts dishwasher safe, per Secura
Key specifications
| Model | SFP-50DSC |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 50 oz (1.5 liters) |
| Carafe | Insulated 304 stainless steel |
| Frame and lid | Stainless steel body; cool-touch handle and knob |
| Filter | 3-layer stainless steel |
| Dishwasher safe | All parts |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | 2 years, per the listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household that brews for three or more and wants one steel press that does the whole pot.
Skip it if you brew for one or two; the GROSCHE or the Brazil is a better fit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest press on this page
- All parts dishwasher safe
- Two-year warranty, per the listing
Cons
- Too big for a single mug
- Cannot see the brew
- No heat-retention figure in the listing
5. BonJour Monet French Press, 33.8 oz – Steel Frame and Steel Lid
BonJour’s Monet keeps plastic to the handle and plunger knob. The listing describes a stainless steel frame and lid, a stainless steel filter, rod and screen, and a glass carafe with an easy-pour spout. It holds 33.8 ounces, which BonJour says makes three to four mugs, and a measuring scoop comes in the box.
The value detail is the warranty wording: BonJour states a lifetime warranty against rusting on the stainless steel parts. That does not cover the glass, so it is worth knowing that BonJour also sells a universal 8-cup replacement carafe on Amazon.
The listing does not say whether the press is dishwasher safe, so treat it as hand-wash until you check the instructions in the box.
Why we like it
- Stainless steel frame and lid
- Stainless filter, rod and screen
- Lifetime warranty against rusting on steel parts, per BonJour
- Measuring scoop included
Key specifications
| Model | 53336 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 33.8 oz (3–4 mugs) |
| Carafe | Glass |
| Frame and lid | Stainless steel; plastic handle and knob |
| Filter | Stainless steel filter and screen |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Lifetime against rust on steel parts |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a press that looks good on the table and keeps plastic away from the lid.
Skip it if you want everything to go in the dishwasher; the listing does not say it can.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Steel lid, not plastic
- Rust warranty on steel parts
- Replacement carafe sold by BonJour
Cons
- Dishwasher safety not stated
- Glass not covered by the rust warranty
- Plastic handle and knob
6. OXO Brew 8-Cup French Press with GroundsLifter – Easier Grounds Removal
OXO’s glass press adds one idea to the usual design: a GroundsLifter, a basket that sits under the plunger so you can lift most of the spent grounds out in one go instead of scooping them from the bottom of the carafe. OXO also describes an integrated fine-mesh filter, a borosilicate glass carafe, a stainless steel exterior and a soft, nonslip grip.
It is OXO’s standard glass press; the other OXO press on Amazon is a larger, shatter-resistant travel model. OXO backs its products with what it calls the OXO Better Guarantee: if you have a problem, OXO says to get in touch for a repair or replacement.
Be aware that America’s Test Kitchen rated this press “recommended with reservations.” Its tasters found the coffee a bit too acidic, and the reviewers said the grounds lifter did not really work as intended. We include it because the guarantee is strong and the design is sound, but go in with fair expectations.
Why we like it
- GroundsLifter basket for removing grounds
- Integrated fine-mesh filter
- Borosilicate glass in a stainless steel frame
- OXO Better Guarantee for repair or replacement
Key specifications
| Model | 11294500 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 8 cups |
| Carafe | Borosilicate glass |
| Frame and lid | Stainless steel exterior; nonslip grip |
| Filter | Integrated fine mesh with GroundsLifter |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated in listing |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | OXO Better Guarantee |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who dislikes cleaning out a press and values a maker that will repair or replace a faulty product.
Skip it if cup quality is your first concern; ATK’s tasters preferred other presses.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Grounds lift out in a basket
- Strong maker guarantee
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Recommended only with reservations by ATK
- Capacity in ounces not stated in the listing
- Dishwasher safety not stated
7. Primula 8-Cup French Press, 34 oz – Glass with a Protective Holder
Primula makes tea and coffee gear, and this is its 8-cup glass press. The listing describes a heat-resistant borosilicate glass carafe in a protective holder, and a stainless steel plunger with fine stainless mesh meant to keep sediment down.
It holds 34 ounces and comes in several colors, including black, cream and caramel. Primula pitches it for both coffee and loose-leaf tea, and a press is a handy way to brew a pot of hibiscus or cinnamon tea as well as coffee.
The listing does not give a dishwasher rating, a frame material for the holder or a warranty term, so this is the press to choose on looks and color rather than on documented extras.
Why we like it
- Borosilicate glass carafe, per the listing
- Stainless steel plunger and fine mesh filter
- Protective holder around the glass
- Several colors to choose from
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated (8-cup, black) |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 34 oz (8 cups) |
| Carafe | Borosilicate glass |
| Frame and lid | Protective holder; material not stated |
| Filter | Stainless steel fine mesh |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a kitchen that wants a full-size glass press in a color other than black or chrome.
Skip it if you want documented spare parts or a warranty; the BonJour and OXO picks give you more to go on.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Full 34-ounce size
- Choice of colors
- Works for tea as well as coffee
Cons
- Few details in the listing
- Warranty not stated
- Single-wall glass cools quickly
8. Mr. Coffee Daily Brew French Press, 30 oz – Steel Wrap, Scoop Included
Mr. Coffee is best known for drip machines, and the Daily Brew is its plain glass press. The listing describes a 30-ounce borosilicate glass carafe in a stainless steel frame with a gunmetal plated finish, a fine mesh filter and a stainless steel plunger. A coffee scoop is included.
Two care notes matter. Mr. Coffee says it is hand wash only, and it warns not to put the press on any stovetop. That second point applies to every glass press on this page: heat the water in a kettle, never in the carafe.
At 30 ounces it is a little smaller than the 34-ounce presses, but it still fills two large mugs.
Why we like it
- Borosilicate glass carafe
- Stainless steel frame and plunger
- Fine mesh filter
- Coffee scoop included
Key specifications
| Model | 149949.01R |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 30 oz |
| Carafe | Borosilicate glass |
| Frame and lid | Stainless steel, gunmetal finish |
| Filter | Fine mesh, stainless plunger |
| Dishwasher safe | No, hand wash only |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who likes a darker finish and does not mind washing a press by hand.
Skip it if you want to put the press in the dishwasher; the listing says hand wash only.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Steel frame around the glass
- Scoop in the box
- Distinct gunmetal finish
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Slightly smaller than the 34-ounce presses
- Warranty not stated
9. Coffee Gator Stainless French Press, 34 oz – Insulated, with Storage Canister
Coffee Gator is a brand that sells mainly through Amazon, and this is its insulated steel press. The listing describes double-wall, vacuum-layered 304 stainless steel, a spring-loaded double-screen filter, built-in measurement markings and a cool-touch handle. A small canister for storing ground coffee comes with it.
The maker claims it keeps coffee warm for 60 minutes longer than glass. We could not find an independent measurement to confirm that, but ATK’s general finding that insulated presses hold heat for about an hour, against much less for glass, points the same way.
The measurement markings are useful if you are still finding the right ratio of coffee to water, because you can repeat the same fill every morning without a measuring jug.
Why we like it
- Double-wall 304 stainless steel
- Measurement markings inside
- Spring-loaded double-screen filter
- Coffee storage canister included
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated (34 oz, black) |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 34 oz |
| Carafe | Double-wall 304 stainless steel |
| Frame and lid | Stainless steel; cool-touch handle |
| Filter | Spring-loaded double screen |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants an unbreakable, insulated press and a little help getting the ratio right.
Skip it if you prefer a maker with a long track record in shops and a stated warranty; the GROSCHE is the steel alternative.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Will not shatter
- Markings help with ratios
- Canister included
Cons
- Sold mainly through Amazon
- Heat claim is the maker’s own
- Warranty and dishwasher use not stated
How to judge value in a cheap French press
A French press has so few parts that the differences between a cheap one and an expensive one are easy to list. These are the points worth checking before you buy.
Can you replace the glass?
The carafe is the part that breaks, and BonJour sells a universal 8-cup replacement carafe. Before you buy any glass press, search for a replacement carafe that fits it. A press you can repair for the cost of a beaker is better value than one you have to throw away.
Glass or steel
Glass lets you see the brew and is easy to keep clean, but a single wall of glass loses heat fast. America’s Test Kitchen found that uninsulated presses cooled noticeably within about 30 minutes, while insulated ones stayed hot for about an hour. If you drink your coffee slowly, or keep breaking carafes, an insulated steel press such as the GROSCHE, Secura or Coffee Gator is worth it.
The filter
Every press here uses a stainless steel mesh screen, which lets through some fine particles and the coffee’s oils. That is what gives French press coffee its body. Better presses add a second screen or a gasket to hold back more of the fine sediment. You can reduce grit with any press by using a coarse, even grind and not pouring the last ounce from the bottom.
Dishwasher and care
Bodum, GROSCHE and Secura say their presses here can go in the dishwasher; Mr. Coffee says hand wash only, and several listings do not say. A press that is easy to clean gets used more and lasts longer, because old coffee oils turn rancid in the mesh.
Size
Buy for how much you actually drink. Coffee left sitting on the grounds keeps extracting and gets bitter, so a 12-ounce press for one person often makes better coffee than an 8-cup press half full.
What you give up compared with our top picks
The presses in our main guide, such as the Espro P7, Bodum Columbia and Stanley Stay-Hot, cost more because of what they add: double filters or silicone gaskets that hold back more sediment, insulated walls, and heavier materials. Entry presses mostly swap those for a single mesh screen and a single wall of glass. You can close much of the gap yourself. The grinder matters more than the press: a burr grinder from our coffee grinder for French press guide gives the even, coarse grind that keeps sediment down. Fresh beans, water just off the boil and a four-minute steep do the rest.
How we chose these nine French presses
We started from each maker’s French press range and picked the entry model, or a basic press near the bottom of the line (the Secura is the exception, chosen for its size), then checked that each one was in stock on Amazon when we wrote this. Specifications come from the makers’ Amazon listings. We read America’s Test Kitchen’s French press review for its findings on heat retention, sediment and the OXO press, and we did not repeat any listing from our main French press guide or its sister pages. We also checked the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall notices for these brands again on October 31, 2026; the Bodum recall is described at the top of this page. We did not brew coffee with these presses for this guide, and we do not quote prices, which change constantly.
Budget French press questions, answered
What is the best French press on a budget?
For most people, the GROSCHE Dublin: 34 ounces of double-wall stainless steel, no glass to break and all components dishwasher safe. If you brew for one, the 12-ounce Bodum Brazil 3-Cup is smaller and lighter.
Is an affordable French press worth it?
Yes. The design is simple enough that an entry press brews much the same way as an expensive one. What you give up is mostly heat retention and extra filtering, and a good grinder makes up for much of that.
Is a stainless steel French press better than glass?
Steel will not shatter and insulated steel keeps coffee hot longer. Glass lets you watch the brew, is lighter and often costs less. Choose steel if you break things or drink slowly.
How do I stop grounds getting into my cup?
Use a coarse, even grind, steep for about four minutes, press slowly and leave the last bit of coffee in the carafe. A burr grinder helps more than any change of press.
Can I make cold brew in a French press?
Yes. Steep coarse grounds in cold water in the fridge, then press and pour. For larger batches, see our cold brew coffee maker guide.
Is the Bodum press on this page recalled?
The CPSC recall covers 8-cup and 12-cup Bistro, Brazil, Caffettiera, Chambord, Crema, Java, Jesper and Kenya models with replaceable glass carafes. The Brazil on this page is the 12-ounce, 3-cup size, which is not one of the sizes CPSC names. If you own an 8-cup or 12-cup press from that list, follow the remedy in the recall note at the top of this page.
How long does a cheap French press last?
The metal parts last for years with care; the glass carafe is what usually fails. Pick a press with a replacement carafe you can buy, and it can last as long as an expensive one.
Our final pick for a press on a budget
Buy the GROSCHE Dublin if you want one press that will not shatter. Choose the 12-ounce Bodum Brazil for a single mug, the Amazon Basics press for a plain 34-ounce option, the Secura for a big pot and the BonJour Monet for a steel lid and frame. For the premium end of the range, see our full best French press guide, and if you want to avoid plastic altogether, our no-plastic coffee maker guide.
And when you would rather someone else made the coffee and breakfast, see Julia’s menu or call to order.