Plastic may be affordable, but one of the greatest problems with it is it doesn’t feel reliable. It’s disappointing to pay sometimes large amounts for products, only to find that they have fragile plastic components.
It’s worse when you’re buying something that handles your food or drinks. With all the chemicals in plastic, such as BPA, there’s a growing concern for the health impacts it can have on people.
This is why some coffee lovers are flocking to French presses made out of entirely non-plastic materials. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’re here to help. Keep reading to find some of the best no plastic French press options we found.
Best No Plastic French Presses
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If you’re looking for the most long-lasting French presses on the market, stainless steel ones like the Mueller French press are a wise pick. Not only do they look sleek, but their metallic construction means they’re totally resistant to shattering if you drop them or knock them over.
Aside from its visual appeal and impressive longevity, though, there’s the convenience of this model. One of the things we like the most about it is the fact it comes with a tiny coffee canister. This coffee canister can store up two servings of your favorite coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, making it an excellent travel companion.
The French press also has a thorough filtration system. One of the weaknesses to French press coffee is that it can usually lead to grounds in your cup. However, with the four-level filtering design of this French press, that’s not as likely to happen.
Don’t like drinking cold coffee? That’s not a problem, as the heat insulating layer serves to preserve the temperature of your coffee up to an hour longer than some competing French presses.
- Capacity: 34 oz.
- Material: 310-grade stainless steel.
- Heat Insulating Layer: An extra layer in the French press’s walls works to stop your coffee from rapidly cooling.
- Cool-Touch Handle: No need to worry about burning yourself on this model, as its handle will always stay at a safe temperature.
- Four-Level Filtration: Additional filtration in the press traps your coffee grounds, separating them from your drink.
- Coffee Storage: Includes a free miniature jar that holds two more servings of grounds, so you can brew coffee when you’re away from home.
Read Also: Best Insulated French Press
One advantage plastic has over other materials is that it can be bought in a ton of colors. This makes it easier to fit into a range of settings, because it can blend into any color scheme.
Fortunately, the Poliviar French press demonstrates that other materials can be just as eye-catching as plastic. This stainless steel French press is sold in several colors, each one simple yet refined. We’d be willing to bet that this is one model you wouldn’t mind leaving out on your counter.
What makes it especially memorable is the handle and plunger knob. In addition to the stainless steel of the base, the handle and plunger knob are made from beautiful teak wood that gives the press an appearance that’s rustic.
- Capacity: 34 oz.
- Material: Stainless steel and wood.
- Various Colors: It’s sold in a few different colors, so you can find one that looks best in your home.
- Fine Mesh Filters: Two fine mesh milters work together to keep grounds out of your cup.
- Double Wall Vacuum Layer: The double-walled construction conserves the temperature of your coffee even longer.
- Teak Handle and Knob: The teak handle and knob are good-looking and don’t transfer heat, so you can safely handle the French press at all times.
The Secura French press is yet another example of a non-plastic option with flair. If you thought the Poliviar model had a lot of colors, you’ll love how many different shades you can get the Secura in.
With almost ten colors available, it’s safe to say that the Secura French press is likely available in your favorite color. Best of all, you get this versatility without a single plastic component in the entire French press.
As if that weren’t enough, consider the fact that you can purchase it in four sizes. Whether you just want enough to serve yourself or whether you need a coffee maker that can brew enough to go around, this press can handle your needs.
- Capacity: 12, 17, 34, and 50 oz.
- Material: Stainless steel.
- Wide Range of Colors: With almost ten colors available, this French press is guaranteed to fit in to any decorating style.
- Four Sizes: Because you can get it in a few sizes, you can purchase an option that makes exactly as much as you need.
- Extra Filters: This model comes with two extra filters, which you can stack on top of the first one for extra filtration or to use as replacements when necessary.
- Safety Knob and Handle: The plunger knob and handle stay cold so you can touch the French press safely while brewing.
Do you hate cold coffee? Then you’ll want to consider a coffee maker like the Veken French press. Its double-walled construction prevents your freshly brewed coffee or tea from rapidly cooling.
We also love how this option comes with just about everything you need to brew and care for your coffee maker. It includes a stirring spoon with a long handle, which helps ensure consistency in flavor and temperature. On top of that, it comes with a brush that you can use to keep the press clean.
Better yet, the Veken French press includes a milk frother. If you’re looking to make a rich latte from the comfort of your own home, this is probably one of the best options for you.
- Capacity: 34 or 50 oz.
- Material: Stainless steel.
- Milk Frother: You can use the included milk frother to make delicious homemade lattes or cappuccinos.
- Cleaning Brush: Includes a brush that makes cleaning all parts of the press simple.
- Stirring Spoon: A long-handled stirring spoon allows you to stir each coffee to perfection.
- Dual-Walled Construction: Because of its dual-walled construction, the coffee in this press stays warmer even longer.
- Color Options: There are four colors you can get the press in.
Are you searching for other French presses with the best insulation? You can take a look at our guide to the best double wall French press.
You won’t find any cheap materials in this Bakya French press. The entire coffee maker is made from high-quality 304-grade stainless steel. You can trust in its durability and chic polish.
In fact, this might just be one of the sturdiest French presses on this list. The handle is welded to the side, so you won’t need to worry about it falling apart.
One aspect that really sets it apart is the fact that it’s dishwasher-friendly. When you’re done brewing an inviting batch of coffee, you won’t need to waste time cleaning up because you can just put it through a cycle in your dishwasher.
- Capacity: 21, 34, and 50 oz.
- Material: Stainless steel.
- Welded Handle: A handle firmly welded to the side of the coffee maker increases the durability of the coffee maker.
- Four-Level Filtering: An impressive four levels of filtration stops the grounds from getting into your drink.
- Wide U-Shaped Spout: The shape of the spout channels coffee neatly so you don’t make a mess when you pour.
In terms of appearance, the Mueller Soho French press isn’t one you’re likely to forget anytime soon. The combination of horizontal and vertical cutouts on the sides give it an additional layer of visual intrigue.
The base of the coffee maker is made from tough and heat-resistant borosilicate glass. Wrapping around the base and in the lid, however, you’ll find food-grade stainless steel.
One thing we’re not entirely sure about, though, is whether or not the handle on the side of the base is made from plastic. It’s worth noting that the parts that come into contact with your coffee are either glass or stainless steel.
- Capacity: 34 oz.
- Material: Heat-resistant glass and stainless steel.
- Four-Level Filtering System: Ensures each cup is as smooth and grit-free as possible with a four-level filtration design.
- Durability: Unlike most other glass, the glass in this French press is made to be heat-resistant so it won’t shatter when there’s hot coffee in it.
- Intriguing Cutout Pattern: The stainless steel wrapped around the base protects the glass and looks appealing.
If you like the look of wood accents on coffee makers, this Sivaphe Bamboo French press could be the one for you. As you can see, the wood and handle are made from durable bamboo.
The base, on the other hand, is made completely from thickened glass. Aside from the fact there’s no plastic in the whole French press, the glass is extra long-lasting because of its increased thickness.
- Capacity: 12 or 34 oz.
- Material: Heat-resistant glass and bamboo.
- Thickened Glass: The Borosilicate glass in the base is extra-thick so you can enjoy use of the French press for a long time to come.
- Fine Mesh Filter: Fine mesh captures coffee grounds before they can end up in your cup.
- Easy Cleaning: Disassembling the plunger and base is quick, making cleaning all parts a snap.
The Coffee Gator French press is another great option for anyone who’s in search of portability. That’s because, on top of being extra tough, the press comes with a useful jar.
This jar is perfect for storing a little extra coffee when you’re on the move. Now, no matter where you are, you’ll have the ability to brew some more when you’re in need of caffeine.
Furthermore, the sides of the French press are even thicker than competitors. This preserves the temperature of the coffee more, so you won’t feel as if you need to drink it all in a rush before it gets cold.
- Capacity: 34 oz.
- Material: Stainless steel.
- Coffee Jar: Comes with a free coffee jar you can use to store a bit of extra coffee while you’re on the go.
- Thick Walls: The walls of this press are 33% thicker, meaning the coffee inside stays hot.
- Dual Filters: Two fine filters protect your drinks from coffee sediment.
What the SterlingPro French press has going for it is an increased size that makes it one of the largest presses we could find. That’s why we included it on our list of the best extra large French presses.
If you don’t want to get such a large French press, it comes in two other slightly smaller sizes. Overall, it’s probably one of the best presses you can get when you need to serve a group of people.
The cleanup is easy, as well. Because it’s resistant to rust, you can put it in your dishwasher when you’re finished brewing a fresh batch.
- Capacity: 33.8, 44, and 59 oz.
- Material: Stainless steel.
- Dishwasher-Friendly: You can quickly wash it in your dishwasher when you’re done brewing.
- Double-Walled Design: Double stainless steel walls lock in the heat of your coffee.
If you want one of the prettiest French presses on the market, then you want something like this Le Creuset stoneware press. The entire press is made from stoneware coated with a non-porous enamel finish that gives it durability and keeps your coffee warm.
Aside from the looks, the glaze makes the press resistant to odors and staining. This isn’t a French press that will get smelly over years of brewing coffee.
On top of that, the press is safe for your dishwasher. No need to wash it out by hand every time when you can just put it through a cycle in your dishwasher.
- Capacity: 27 oz.
- Material: Stoneware, enamel, and stainless steel.
- Durability: The glaze protects the French press from scratches, stains, and odors.
- Attractive Design: A bright blue color makes this press a beautiful centerpiece.
- Easy Cleaning: You can quickly clean it in your dishwasher.
Important French Press Features
Lid
The lid is one of the most vital parts of any French press. This is not only because it holds the plunger, but because its design can aid in preserving the temperature of your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Some French presses use a thickened lid, which is designed to seal in the heat. This is something to look for if you’re concerned about your coffee growing cold too quickly.
Plunger
Going through the center of the lid on any French press, you’ll find a plunger. It looks like a metal stick with round screens on the end.
The screens are there to push the floating coffee grounds down to the bottom when you press the plunger. Higher quality French presses will have more screens attached to the plunger, which enables them to capture more of the grounds.
At the end of the brewing process, this means there’s less silt sitting at the bottom of your mug, so you can enjoy each sip down to the very last.
Material
If you’re looking at this post, chances are you’ve decided you don’t want a French press with any plastic in it. However, that still leaves you a lot of options to consider when it comes to other materials.
Ceramic, stainless steel, and glass will be the three most common materials you’ll run into. All of them are good for different reasons.
Stainless steel is one of the best materials when it comes to durability and insulation. Ceramic is one of the more attractive materials because it’s often covered in beautiful glazes. Glass also tends to be pretty, but it’s not the best in terms of durability because it’s prone to shattering or cracking.
Insulation
Worried that your coffee is going to get cold too fast? Then it’s insulation you’ll want to pay attention to.
French presses have a number of different designs to increase their insulation. Stainless steel ones, for instance, often have two walls that allow them to hold in heat. Ceramic French presses will usually have thickened walls or glazes that prevent heat from escaping.
If you think you need your coffee to stay warm for as long as possible, you probably just want to avoid glass French presses. They’re a better option for instances where you feel like you can finish batches quickly, such as when you’re sharing them with a group.
Picking the Right Non-Plastic French Press
Size
To decide which French press will work best for your needs, start by thinking about the size. Those that are searching for a portable French press probably want to look for smaller ones.
On the other hand, if you’re keeping your French press at home or you need one with a brewing capacity fit for serving a whole family, consider looking for bigger French presses. On average, the largest French presses available tend to be around 50 ounces. This is enough for several cups of coffee.
Aesthetic
Thinking about the look of your French press is anything but frivolous. Some of them can get expensive, and if you’re going to invest in one, you might as well get something you enjoy looking at.
There are French presses out there created to delight the eye as much your tastebuds. Ceramic French presses, for instance, are oftentimes gorgeous because of their glazes.
Glass presses also look appealing. Their transparent sides give them an almost vintage look that appeals to many people.
Filtration System
Finally, it’s important to think about the filtration design of your French press. If your coffee maker’s filters are not good enough, you’ll find yourself drinking mouthfuls of coffee grounds whenever you sip from your cup.
In the best presses, the filters will be either extra-fine or there will be more than one. Make sure you check out the number of filters in the product descriptions for each French press to ensure you purchase the one that will keep your coffee smoothest for you.
Wrap Up
As you can see, there are tons of options available to you if you’ve decided you don’t want a plastic French press. You’re not really limiting the number of choices you have.
We’re confident in the quality of all the French presses we included in this list. If you asked us to pick only one, however, we’d recommend the Secura French Press. We think it gives you the best combination of looks and size options. Furthermore, you’ll get two extra filters when you purchase it, which you can use to heighten the filtering capabilities of the coffee maker.
