A cafetiere, also known as a French press or coffee plunger, is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to brew coffee at home. This humble device delivers a rich, full-bodied cup that captures the natural oils and flavours often lost in paper-filtered machines. In 2026, the cafetiere remains a favourite among coffee enthusiasts for its affordability, ease of use, and superior taste. This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing, using and caring for your cafetiere.
What Is a Cafetiere?
A cafetiere is a coffee brewing device that uses a metal mesh plunger to separate ground coffee from hot water. The French press design has remained largely unchanged since its invention by Italian designer Attilio Calimani in 1929 [citation:10][citation:6]. Unlike drip coffee makers that use paper filters, a cafetiere allows the coffee’s natural oils and fine particles to remain in the final cup. This creates a richer, more full-bodied flavour that many coffee lovers prefer.
The device typically consists of a glass or stainless steel carafe, a plunger rod, and a fine metal mesh filter. When you press the plunger down, it separates the brewed coffee from the grounds, stopping the extraction process. The word “cafetière” comes from French, meaning “coffeepot” [citation:1]. In British English, it’s commonly called a cafetiere, while Americans tend to use “French press” [citation:3].
Why Choose a Cafetiere?
There are several reasons why the cafetiere remains a popular choice among coffee drinkers. Cost is a major factor – a good cafetiere costs between £15 and £40, making it significantly cheaper than espresso machines or pod systems. Simplicity is another advantage – you don’t need electricity or complicated settings. Just add coffee, pour hot water, wait four minutes, and press.
The flavour produced by a cafetiere is also superior to many other methods. Because there’s no paper filter to trap oils, you get a cup that’s richer and more aromatic [citation:6]. Eco-friendliness is another benefit – there are no pods or paper filters to throw away, reducing waste significantly [citation:3].
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Cafetiere
Follow these simple steps for the perfect cup of cafetiere coffee [citation:7]:
1. Preheat the cafetiere
Pour hot water into the empty cafetiere to warm the glass. This helps maintain the correct brewing temperature. Discard the water before adding coffee.
2. Add coarsely ground coffee
Use a coarse grind, similar to sea salt. Finer grinds can pass through the mesh filter and leave sludge in your cup. A good ratio is one rounded tablespoon of coffee per 4 ounces (approx 120ml) of water.
3. Heat water to the right temperature
Heat filtered water to between 90-96°C (195-205°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, bring the water to a boil and let it sit for 30 seconds before pouring.
4. Pour and stir
Pour the hot water over the coffee grounds, ensuring all grounds are saturated. Stir gently with a plastic or wooden spoon (metal can crack the glass). Place the plunger on top but don’t press down yet.
5. Steep for 4 minutes
Let the coffee brew for exactly 4 minutes. Any longer can extract bitter compounds [citation:7].
6. Press and pour
Slowly and gently press the plunger down in a steady motion. If it’s hard to push, your grind is too fine. Pour immediately to prevent over-extraction.
Cafetiere Grind Size: Why It Matters
The most common mistake people make with a cafetiere is using the wrong grind size. Coffee grounds that are too fine will slip through the mesh filter, leaving sediment in your cup. They can also make pressing difficult and lead to bitter, over-extracted coffee.
For a cafetiere, you need a coarse grind. The grounds should look like coarse sea salt or breadcrumbs [citation:7]. If you’re grinding at home, use a burr grinder set to the coarsest setting. Blade grinders produce inconsistent results and are not recommended.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Cafetiere
Proper cleaning is essential for great-tasting coffee. Coffee oils build up over time and can turn rancid, ruining future brews. Here’s how to keep your cafetiere in top condition:
After each use: Discard the used grounds, disassemble the plunger, and rinse all parts with warm water. The glass carafe and metal filter are usually dishwasher safe, but hand washing extends their life [citation:3].
Weekly deep clean: Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush to scrub the mesh filter. Pay special attention to the area where the filter meets the plunger rod, as grounds can get trapped there.
To remove stains: Make a paste of baking soda and water, scrub gently, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can scratch the glass [citation:5].
Popular Cafetiere Brands and Models
Bodum is the most recognised brand in the cafetiere market. Their iconic CHAMBORD model has been a bestseller for decades, featuring a heat-resistant borosilicate glass carafe and a chrome-plated steel frame [citation:3]. Bodum’s CAFFETTIERA range offers excellent value and classic design [citation:3].
La Cafetiere is another well-regarded brand, offering both traditional French presses and stovetop espresso makers. Their aluminium stovetop percolators are popular for those who want stronger espresso-style coffee [citation:2].
Fellow produces the Clara French press, which features a double-wall stainless steel design for better heat retention. It’s more expensive but excellent for serious coffee enthusiasts [citation:4].
Cafetiere Sizes: Which One Should You Buy?
Cafetieres come in various sizes, typically measured in cups or millilitres. A “cup” in this context is about 120-150ml, smaller than a standard mug. Common sizes include:
- 3-cup (350ml): Perfect for one person or a single large mug
- 6-cup (800ml): Ideal for two people or a couple of mugs each
- 8-cup (1 litre): Good for small gatherings or three coffee drinkers
- 12-cup (1.5 litres): Best for entertaining or offices
The 3-cup and 6-cup sizes are the most popular for home use [citation:2]. Remember that the coffee produced is stronger than drip coffee, so a little goes a long way.
Glass vs Stainless Steel Cafetieres
Why Your Coffee Tastes Bitter: Common Mistakes
If your cafetiere coffee tastes bitter or unpleasant, you’re likely making one of these common mistakes:
- Water too hot: Boiling water extracts bitter compounds. Let it cool for 30 seconds after boiling [citation:7].
- Steeping too long: Coffee left to brew for more than 4-5 minutes becomes bitter. Set a timer.
- Grind too fine: Fine grounds over-extract quickly and can slip through the filter. Use a coarse grind.
- Old coffee beans: Coffee is at its best within 2-4 weeks of roasting. Stale beans produce flat, bitter coffee.
- Dirty equipment: Old coffee oils turn rancid and ruin the flavour. Clean your cafetiere thoroughly after each use [citation:5].
Why the Cafetiere Is Trending in 2026
The cafetiere continues to enjoy renewed popularity for several reasons. The cost of living crisis has made people more budget-conscious, and a cafetiere offers cafe-quality coffee at a fraction of the price. Environmental concerns have also driven interest away from single-use pods and toward more sustainable brewing methods. The slow coffee movement celebrates the ritual of manual brewing, and the cafetiere sits at the heart of this trend.
From its humble beginnings in 1920s Italy to its status as a kitchen staple in 2026, the cafetiere has earned its place in coffee history. It’s simple, affordable, and delivers a cup that rivals machines costing hundreds of pounds. Whether you’re a coffee novice or a seasoned enthusiast, the cafetiere belongs in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a cafetiere and a French press?
They are the same thing. “Cafetiere” is the British English term, while “French press” is used in American English [citation:1][citation:10]. Both refer to a coffee plunger pot.
Can you put a cafetiere in the dishwasher?
Most glass cafetieres have dishwasher-safe components, but hand washing is recommended to extend the life of the glass and maintain the seal [citation:3].
What grind for cafetiere?
Coarse grind, similar to sea salt or breadcrumbs. Fine grinds will pass through the filter and make the coffee bitter [citation:7].
How long should you steep coffee in a cafetiere?
Four minutes is the standard steeping time. Adjust up or down based on your taste preferences [citation:7].
Can you make tea in a cafetiere?
Yes. A cafetiere works perfectly for loose-leaf tea. Use the same method but steep according to the tea type (2-5 minutes).
Why does my cafetiere coffee have sludge at the bottom?
This is normal. The metal filter allows some fine particles to pass through. Using a coarser grind and pressing slowly can reduce the amount.
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