5 Best 4-Cup French Press Coffee Makers: Made For Simple Manual Use




Have you been trying to find the best 4 cup french press?

Then my post might help with your search!

I found and reviewed five of the best models that provide versitile user-friendly features. Check them out and find a model that accommodates your needs the most.

The Rundown

Bodum Chambord French Press RundownBodum Chambord French Press
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★
A dishwasher-safe french press coffee maker that comes with a specially designed three-part stainless steel mesh filter.
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Primula Classic Coffee Press RundownPrimula Classic Coffee Press
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★☆
A durable borosilicate french press coffee maker that features an ergonomic and heat resistant handle and is made without BPA-s.
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Progressive International Coffee Press RundownProgressive International Coffee Press
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★☆
A french press coffee maker that features a tempered borosilicate glass body and comes with a measuring spoon.
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Is 4 Cups Standard Capacity For The French Press?

Yes, 4 cups is a standard brewing capacity for a French press coffee maker. It is also most commonly used amongst those who enjoy this brewing type.

How Much Coffee Do I Put In A 4 Cup Brewer?

For optimal brewing results, you should mix about 27 grams or 4-5 tablespoons of coffee with 430 mL of water. That way your brew won’t taste watery and you will get all the deliious flavors and aromas from yoru coffee grounds.

Design, Quality…What To Expect?

Before you decide which coffee maker works the best for you, you need to know more about what you can expect from 4-cup models:

How Big Are These Brewers?

Generally, these machines range from 4 to 10 inches in length, 4 to 8 inches in width, and 5 to 10 inches in height. They are all considered to be somewhat smaller, meaning, they take up very little space and are easy to store away.

Are They Lightweight?

Yes, since they are small, they weight very little too. You can find them from less than a single pound to 2 pounds.

What Impact Does This Have On Their Portability?

Size and weight are the most important factors when it comes to portability. For this reason, these models are the easiest to carry around and use while on the road.

Using A French Press On The Road

How Much Coffee Do They Actually Make?

When it comes to French presses, a cup measurement is not your usual 8 fl ounces but actually 4 fl ounces. This means that with a standard press brewer you can get only 2 standard-size (16 fl oz) cups of coffee.

What Are They Made Out Of

These 4 cup brewers are usually made out of 4 materials:

  • glass – always make sure that it is borosilicate glass that can withstand both high and low temperatures.
  • stainless steel – always provides top quality.
  • plastic – be sure that all the plastic components are completely BPA-free to ensure that the brewer is safe for use.
  • silicone – it is usually used only as a seal to ensure that the press does not drip.

Is Heat Retention Important To You?

If you want your French press to keep your brew at an optimal temperature for a somewhat longer time, be sure to choose a stainless steel model. This is because stainless steel retains heat very well.

Let Us Talk About The Plunger

Now, since these brewers are all about the press, the plunger is the most important part of the coffee maker. Usually, these models have a triple-mesh stainless steel filter that can easily filter out all the small coffee grounds from your brew. In case you notice that the filter that comes with the press isn’t doing its job efficiently, you can purchase one of higher quality.

French Press Plunger Quality

Are There Any Additional Accessories You Need?

The only thing you need to have is a measuring spoon that will help you scoop up the perfect amount of coffee grounds to ensure that you don’t end up with a watery brew. Some models even come with replacement filters to ensure that you can keep using your brewer even if you accidentally damage the original filter mesh.

5 Best 4-Cup French Press Coffee Makers

Bodum Chambord French Press

SPECIFICATION:

Dimensions: 6.38 x 4.63 x 8 In
Weight: 1.71 Pounds
Material: Glass, Steel, Plastic
Color: Chrome
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Accessories: None

Three-Part Filter
The best thing about this Bodum model is that it comes with a three-part stainless steel mesh filter. It is designed to help you extract all the delicious oils and flavors from your coffee grounds and provide the most perfect brew.

Best Dishwasher-Safe 4 Cup French Press

Quick Performance
This french press maker will also provide a very quick brewing performance. Once you add your favorite coffee ground and water, it will take about four minutes for the brewing process to complete and provide you with delicious results.

Specially Designed Lid
The included lid is specially designed to close the coffee maker’s pouring spout. By doing so, it will prevent accidental spills and help the unit maintain the temperature of its brew at an optimal level for a much longer period.

Bodum Chambord French Press

Easy To Clean
You won’t have any trouble cleaning up this french press coffee maker once you are done using it. It easily disassembles into smaller parts and the best thing is that it is safe to clean both manually and inside a dishwasher.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★★
Weight: ★★★★★
Quality: ★★★★★
Functionality: ★★★★★
Size: ★★★★★
Safety: ★★★★★

PRICE RANGE

from $30 to $40
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • provides a quick four-minute performance
  • three-part stainless steel mesh filter
  • comes with a specially designed lid
  • entirely safe for a dishwasher
  • comes with BPA-free plastic parts

Primula Classic Coffee Press

SPECIFICATION:

Dimensions: 4 x 5 x 6.5 In
Weight: 0.90 Lbs
Material: Glass
Color: Chrome
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Accessories: None

Stainless Steel Filter
Just like the rest of these models, this press also comes with a high-quality stainless steel filter that won’t get damaged due to long-term use. Its design makes it very easy to clean and ensures a much longer life span of the appliance.

Best Chrome 4 Cup French Press

Borosilicate Glass Body
Another great thing about this model is that it features a temperature safe durable borosilicate glass body. Thanks to this feature you will be able to enjoy a delicious cup of hot coffee or tea long after the brewing process is completed.

Ergonomic Handle
The included handle features an ergonomic design to ensure that it perfectly fits into the palm of your hand. The handle and the top knob are also resistant to heat to ensure that you don’t accidentally suffer a heat-burn while pouring the coffee.

Primula Classic Coffee Press

BPA-Free
The best thing about this model is that it is entirely made out of food-grade materials that contain no harmful BPA-s. This is a very important feature because it ensures that the quality of your coffee won’t be affected and you will get a perfect brew with every single use.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Quality: ★★★★☆
Functionality: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★★
Safety: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $15 to $25
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair) and discounts

Short Description:

  • modern chrome lid and accents
  • high-quality stainless steel coffee filter
  • a durable borosilicate glass body
  • ergonomic cool-touch handle and top knob
  • safe to clean manually and inside a dishwasher
  • made without the use of harmful BPA-s

Progressive International Coffee Press

SPECIFICATION:

Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 8.75 In
Weight: 1.4 Pounds
Material: Glass, Plastic
Color: Black
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Accessories: Measuring Spoon

Space-Saving Design
This French press comes in a compact, space-saving size. This means that it will take up a very small amount of your counter space. Also, you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect storage space for it inside your kitchen cabinets.

Permanent Filter
Another great thing about this model is that it comes with a permanent stainless steel filter. Thanks to this feature you won’t have to use any additional paper coffee or tea filters that create unnecessary waste.

Best Glass 4 Cup French Press

Easy To Disassemble
This model easily disassembles into multiple smaller pieces. This is a great thing because it means that the cleaning process will be much easier. Make sure that you thoroughly dry all parts of the coffee maker before you assemble it again.

Measuring Spoon
Alongside this french press coffee maker, you will also get a measuring spoon that will help you add just the right amount of coffee to your brew.¸It will take all the guesswork out of the brewing process and ensure that you always get the most perfect results.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Quality: ★★★☆
Functionality: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★★
Safety: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $20 to $30
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon) and discounts

Short Description:

  • compact, space-saving design
  • permanent stainless steel filter
  • very easy to disassemble, clean, and dry
  • measuring spoon comes included in the package

Sumatra French Press Coffee Maker

SPECIFICATION:

Dimensions: 4.5 x 8 x 5.5 In
Weight: 1.1 Pounds
Material: Glass, Plastic
Color: Brown
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Accessories: Filters, Spoon

Simple Performance
Like all models I reviewed in this post, this 4 cup French coffee press is also very easy to use. Everything you need to do is add your favorite coffee grounds to it, pour hot water over them, press the top piston down, and you will have a completed brew in about four minutes.

Best Travel 4 Cup French Press

Multipurpose Use
This coffee maker is also suitable for use with both ground coffee beans and with tea leaves, depending on what beverage you want to brew. It is the perfect choice for everyone who loves to enjoy versitile beverages with only one kitchen appliance.

Brew Size Options
Another great thing about this model is that it provides you with different brew size options. You can make two, four, or even six, oz coffee cups, and even two large travel cups. Either way, you will be able to enjoy delicious and flavorful cups of freshly brewed coffee.

Sumatra French Press Coffee Maker

Additional Accessories
Alongside this french press model, you will get three additional replacement filters and a measuring spoon. Thanks to this feature, the french press will have a much longer life-span and you will always be able to brew the most delicious cup of your favorite beverage.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Quality: ★★★★☆
Functionality: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★★
Safety: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $15 to $25
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart) and discounts

Short Description:

  • provides a very simple performance
  • specially designed to brew both coffee and tea
  • comes with three additional replacement filters
  • measuring spoon is included in the package

Opux Insulated French Press

SPECIFICATION:

Dimensions: 9.37 x 6.5 x 5.12 In
Weight: 1 Pounds
Material: Stainless Steel
Color: Steel
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Accessories: Measuring Spoon

Stainless Steel Construction
All parts of this 4 cup brewer, except for the clear glass body, are made out of high-quality stainless steel material. It will provide the coffee maker with much higher durability and ensure its resistance to versitile exterior damages.

Best Of Best 4 Cup French Press

Durable Insulation
A very important thing worth mentioning is that its entire glass body is equipped with double-wall insulation. Thanks to this feature your coffee or tea will remain at its optimal temperature for a long time after the brewing process is over.

High-Quality Filtration
Another great thing about this model is that it features a specially designed high-quality four-level filtration system. It ensures that even the smallest grounds of coffee or the dry tea leaves, depending on what you are brewing, don’t reach your cup.

Opux Insulated French Press

Affordable Price
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly french press that offers amazing features and performance, this is your model. It costs less than twenty dollars which means that it is the most affordable coffee maker on this list.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Quality: ★★★★☆
Functionality: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★★
Safety: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $20 to $30
depending on eCommerce offer (Walmart) and discounts

Short Description:

  • simple pour-over brewing system
  • high-quality stainless steel construction
  • a durable double-wall insulated glass body
  • a specially designed 4-level filtration system
  • dual outlet for different pouring options
  • a coffee spoon comes included in the package
  • comes at the most affordable price

What About Smaller And Larger Models?

In case you drink only one cup of coffee per day, you might benefit more from a somewhat smaller 2-cup brewer or a single cup model. Its function is the same but the brewer itself is smaller and lighter, meaning it takes up less space and is easier to carry around.

2 Cup French Press

On the other hand, if you drink more coffee, or you have a full household of people that simply can’t function without a fresh brew in the morning, a somewaht larger 8 or 12-cup model might be a much more suitable choice.

Large French Press

How Do You Use A 4 Cup French Press?

French press coffee is very easy to make. Here are some tips that will help you make the most perfect brew:

  1. Start by heating the water and preheating your press. This will help to keep the temperature from fluctuating as the cool press and hot water get in contact. Simply add some hot water into the press, swirl it around, and then dispose of it.
  2. At this point, you want to measure or weigh your coffee grounds. A medium-coarse grind size will give you the best results. Mix 1 part of coffee for every 15 parts of water to get the rich brew flavor.
  3. Add your coffee grounds to the press and pour hot water over them.
  4. Now, put the lid on the press and give the coffee about 4 minutes to brew.
  5. Once the time runs out, slowly, but with enough force, push the plunger down.

That is it, once the filter removes all the grounds from the brew, you can pour yourself a cup of coffee.

What If You Plunge It Too Early/Too Late?

In case you plunge your brew too early, the coffee grounds won’t have enough time to release all their flavors and aromas into the brew and it will taste watery. On the other hand, if you leave the grounds to steep for too long, your brew will have a bitter taste.

French Press Coffee

How Easy Are These Brewers To Clean?

Very, you just need to disassemble them into parts you can easily wash under tap water and that is it. Most models are even dishwasher-safe so you can avoid the hassle of cleaning them altogether.

Are They Complicated To Assemble/Dissasemble?

No, not at all. Everything you need to do is:

  1. Hold the end of the stainless steel handle that is connected to the filter.
  2. Twist the filter clockwise (in the right direction).
  3. Take apart the 3 mesh filters from the plunger.

To Wrap It Up

To conclude, we recommend Bodum Chambord French Press. It is constructed out of borosilicate glass and has a chrome-plated steel housing that provides it with additional protection from scratches and similar damages. Although these coffee makers are fairly easy to use, beginners might have some trouble at first adjusting the amount of water, coffee, pressure, etc. Don’t give up as the results are worth the effort.



Patricia
As a former cook and a pastry chef, Patricia knows how to recognize fresh ingredients and appreciates their quality above all else. Her ideal day is spent at a local farmer’s market looking for the fruits, vegetables, and herbs she can combine and use to make meals for her loved ones. She is also a big coffee enthusiast and enjoys trying out different coffee brews while traveling.