Last updated: October 20, 2026
The Bodum Chambord 34oz is the best all-round French press in this group: borosilicate glass, a stainless steel frame and plunger, and a brewing routine that has barely changed in decades. If you want a press that holds heat longer and cannot shatter, the double-wall Secura 34oz in 304 stainless steel is the stronger choice. A French press is an immersion brewer: coarse coffee steeps in hot water, then a mesh plunger holds the grounds down. Six listings follow, from a 21oz single-serve Veken to 34oz glass and steel models, with plain notes on what each listing states and what you should confirm before buying.
Quick List
- Bodum Chambord 34oz – best for a classic glass press with a long track record
- Secura 34oz stainless steel – best for keeping coffee hot and avoiding glass breakage
- Veken 34oz (thickened glass, stainless brewer) – best for a no-plastic-touching-the-coffee design in glass
- Veken 34oz (heat-resistant borosilicate listing) – best as the alternate color or listing of the same 34oz design
- Utopia Kitchen 34oz glass – best for a plain, budget-minded glass press
- Veken 21oz small pot – best for one or two mugs at a time
Which One Is Right for You?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want an insulated body that will not shatter on a counter or at a campsite | Secura 34oz stainless steel |
| Want the best-known glass press with a stainless frame and replaceable-style parts | Bodum Chambord 34oz |
| Prefer a listing that stresses no plastic touching the coffee | Either Veken 34oz |
| Want a simple glass beaker and plunger without extras | Utopia Kitchen 34oz glass |
| Brew for one person or want a smaller footprint on the shelf | Veken 21oz small pot |
| Serve a table of three or four people in a single batch | Any 34oz model; Bodum Chambord or Secura are the safest starting points |
The core decision is glass versus double-wall steel. Glass lets you watch the brew and is usually easier to judge for cleanliness, while steel keeps the pot warm after pressing and tolerates drops. Size is the second decision: a 34oz press suits two to four mugs, and the 21oz Veken suits one or two.
Veken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, No Plastic Touching Cafe,1 L Cafetera | Thickened Glass Stainless Steel Brewer, Cold Brew Pot for Kitchen,Travel,Camping,Tea,Gifts,Bar Accessories, Decor,Dark Pewter
Included for '6 Best French Presses (October 2026) Buying Guide' because the listing specifies No Plastic Touching Cafe and 1 L Cafetera, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Secura French Press Coffee Maker, 304 Grade Stainless Steel Insulated Coffee Press with 2 Extra Screens, 34oz (1 Litre), Silver
Included for '6 Best French Presses (October 2026) Buying Guide' because the listing specifies 34oz (1 Litre) and Silver, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Veken 34oz French Press Coffee Maker, No Plastic Touching Cafe,1 L Cafetera | Heat Resistant Thickened Borosilicate Glass Stainless Steel Brewer, Cold Brew Pot for Kitchen,Travel,Camping,Tea,Gifts,Copper
Included for '6 Best French Presses (October 2026) Buying Guide' because the listing specifies No Plastic Touching Cafe and 1 L Cafetera, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Utopia Kitchen Borosilicate Glass French Press Coffee Maker 34 Oz, Black | Heat-Resistant Cafetiere & Tea Maker, Thickened Glass Coffee Press for Travel and Camping
Included for '6 Best French Presses (October 2026) Buying Guide' because the listing specifies Black and Heat-Resistant Cafetiere & Tea Maker, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on AmazonAll 6 Picks in Detail
1. Veken 34oz Thickened Glass Press – Best for a Glass Press Without Plastic on the Coffee Path
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This listing describes a 34oz (1 L) press with a thickened glass beaker and a stainless steel brewer assembly, and it leans on a “no plastic touching” message. It suits people who want glass and steel in contact with the brew and a handle and base that can still be gripped comfortably. Veken product pages describe 304 stainless steel with food-grade silicone for the plunger parts, so confirm the exact materials on the listing you open.
- Capacity: 34oz (1 L) per the listing title
- Beaker: thickened glass; the family of listings describes borosilicate and a thermal shock rating that varies by color, so confirm the figure on the page
- Plunger and filter: stainless steel, described by Veken as a four-layer filter built from a spiral plate, cross plate and fine mesh screens
- Use: coffee, tea and cold brew according to the listing wording
- Care: the plunger parts come apart for cleaning; check the listing for dishwasher guidance on the glass
Pros
- Glass and steel contact surfaces
- Multi-layer filter aimed at reducing fine sediment
- Large enough for several mugs
Cons
- Glass can break if knocked or shocked with sudden temperature changes
- Single-wall glass loses heat faster than a double-wall steel press
This design also suits people who plan to use the press for more than hot coffee. The listing language mentions cold brew and tea, and a stainless filter with a wide mesh handles loose leaf better than most small strainers. If you do brew tea in it, rinse the filter thoroughly afterward so tea and coffee flavors do not carry over.
Compared with the Bodum Chambord, this Veken puts more emphasis on the material message, while the Chambord has the longer reputation and a classic frame.
2. Secura 34oz Stainless Steel Press – Best for Heat Retention and Durability
The Secura is the only insulated, all-steel press among the 34oz options here. The listing names 304 grade stainless steel, a double-wall body and two extra filter screens, which makes it a practical choice for a busy kitchen, an office or a camping box. Because the walls are steel, you give up the ability to watch the brew, but you gain a pot that will not shatter and that keeps its contents warm longer than a glass beaker.
- Capacity: 34oz (1 L)
- Body: 304 grade stainless steel, double-wall insulated
- Filter: a layered stainless steel filter, with two additional screens included per the listing title
- Handle: cool-touch handle and knob are described on the manufacturer pages; steel grade (18/10 versus 18/8) and dishwasher status are stated differently across retail pages, so check the one you buy
- Colors: several finishes are sold
Pros
- No glass to break
- Insulation helps coffee stay warm after pressing
- Spare screens are included
Cons
- Cannot see the brew or the bloom
- Heavier than a glass press of the same capacity
- Leaving coffee on the grounds in a warm body keeps extracting, so pour it all out after pressing
In daily use, the double wall means the outside stays comfortable to hold while the inside stays hot, which matters if you brew a full pot and pour it over an hour or two. The trade-off is that the steel body keeps extracting-friendly heat around the grounds after you press, so decant any coffee you do not drink right away into a mug or carafe. It also suits a household that has already lost a glass press to a counter edge. Rinse the extra screens after each use and keep spares together so you can swap in a clean one when the mesh begins to clog.
Next to the Utopia glass press, the Secura gives up visibility but gains insulation and durability.
3. Veken 34oz Heat-Resistant Borosilicate Press – Best as the Alternate Listing of the Same 34oz Design
This is a second Veken 34oz listing with nearly identical wording to the first: heat-resistant, thickened borosilicate glass with a stainless steel brewer and a no-plastic-touching claim. The most likely differences are color and pack configuration, so treat it as an alternate version rather than a separate model. It suits the same buyer as the first Veken: someone who wants a 1 L glass press and a stainless filter set.
- Capacity: 34oz (1 L) per the listing title
- Beaker: heat-resistant, thickened borosilicate glass
- Brewer parts: stainless steel plunger and filter set
- Care: Veken describes a beaker that comes apart for hand washing; confirm the dishwasher status on the page
- Sold in several finishes; confirm which one this listing shows
Pros
- Same 1 L capacity as the other 34oz picks
- Steel frame parts around a glass beaker
Cons
- Nearly identical to the first Veken listing, so it offers little extra choice
- Glass heat limits are stated differently across the Veken family, so confirm before pouring in boiling water
Because the two Veken titles overlap so closely, the practical advice is to read the listing details side by side. Look at the stated glass heat rating, the color, whether a cleaning brush or spare screens are included, and the pack size. Veken pages for related colors quote different thermal shock figures, which is exactly the kind of detail worth confirming before you pour in water near boiling. As a general habit with any glass press, warm the beaker with a little hot water first so the glass is not hit with a sudden temperature jump.
If you are choosing between the two Veken 34oz listings, pick the color you prefer and compare the care instructions on each page, because the design looks the same.
4. Utopia Kitchen 34oz Borosilicate Glass Press – Best for a Plain, Budget-Minded Glass Press
Utopia Kitchen sells a straightforward 34oz press with a heat-resistant borosilicate beaker and a black frame. It is the simplest glass option in this guide, with no insulation, no special finish and no unusual features beyond a stacked filter plate. It suits a first-time press buyer who wants to learn grind size and steep time before investing in something more refined.
- Capacity: 34oz (1 L)
- Beaker: borosilicate glass, described as heat-resistant and thickened
- Filter: a multi-screen plunger; Utopia describes a four-filter sieve system on some pages, so confirm what is in the box
- Frame: black; the lid is usually recommended for hand washing
- Also marketed for tea and cold brew
Pros
- Simple design that is easy to understand
- Glass lets you watch the steep
- Suitable for a shared household
Cons
- Handle and lid materials are not stated in the listing title, so confirm them if you want to avoid plastic parts
- The beaker can break
The Utopia works well as a learning tool. Because it is a plain press, it is easy to experiment with grind size, steep time and ratio without worrying about a fancy finish. A sensible first batch is a coarse grind, a ratio near 1:16 and a four-minute steep, then you adjust one variable at a time. It is also a reasonable second press to keep for guests or for the office kitchen, where a breakage matters less.
Compared with the Bodum Chambord, the Utopia gives up the premium frame and Portuguese manufacturing in exchange for a plainer package.
5. Veken 21oz Small Pot – Best for One or Two Mugs
The 21oz (0.6 L) Veken is the compact option. It applies the same borosilicate glass, stainless steel brewer and no-plastic-touching messaging to a smaller carafe, so it suits one person making a large mug or two people sharing a small pot. It also fits on a crowded shelf or in a travel bag better than the 34oz models, though it is still a glass pot rather than a purpose-built travel press.
- Capacity: 21oz (0.6 L) per the listing title
- Beaker: heat-resistant thickened borosilicate glass
- Brewer: stainless steel plunger and filter
- Best batch size: a single large mug or two small cups; leave headspace in the beaker
- Care: confirm dishwasher guidance on the listing
Pros
- Right-sized for solo brewing
- Smaller storage footprint
Cons
- Too small for a table of four
- Glass still needs careful handling
A smaller press also changes the brewing math. With about 350 milliliters of water, a 1:16 ratio calls for roughly 22 grams of coffee, which is easy to weigh on a kitchen scale. Smaller volumes lose heat faster, so preheating the beaker is more important here than with the 34oz models. It is a good match for a desk, a dorm room or a second home where you only ever brew for yourself, and it is easier to wash in a small sink.
Compared with the 34oz Vekens, it trades volume for convenience; if you regularly pour more than two mugs, step up to the larger size.
6. Bodum Chambord 34oz – Best Classic Glass Press
The Chambord is the design most people picture when they hear “French press.” Bodum describes the 34oz model as 8 cups in its own 4oz cup measure, with a non-stain, heat-resistant borosilicate carafe, a stainless steel frame and plunger, a matte polypropylene handle and a three-part stainless steel mesh filter. The listing states it is made in Portugal. Bodum recommends roughly a four-minute brew, and the safety lid is designed to limit splashing while you press.
- Capacity: 34oz (1 L), called 8 cups by Bodum
- Carafe: high-heat borosilicate glass; Bodum notes it is not shatter proof
- Frame, lid and plunger: stainless steel; handle: polypropylene
- Filter: three-part stainless steel mesh
- Origin: made in Portugal per the listing
Pros
- Well-known design with a long record
- Available in several colors and in smaller and larger sizes
- Steel plunger and frame
Cons
- Single-wall glass cools quickly
- The handle is plastic, so it is not a no-plastic press
The Chambord is also the easiest of the six to find in other sizes: the line includes 12oz, 17oz and 51oz versions, so you can match a smaller or larger household later. Bodum lists dishwasher-safe parts in most descriptions, with some retailers specifying top rack, so follow the care card in the box. Because the frame is chrome-plated stainless steel with a plastic handle, treat it as a sturdy but not indestructible kitchen tool, and keep the glass away from hard counter edges.
Compared with the Secura, the Chambord lets you see the brew but needs more care and will not stay warm as long.
Specs Compared
| Pick | Capacity | Body | Insulated | Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veken 34oz (thickened glass) | 34oz (1 L) | Thickened glass, stainless brewer | No (single-wall glass; confirm on listing) | Multi-layer stainless, four-level per Veken wording | No-plastic-touching claim; confirm care instructions |
| Secura 34oz | 34oz (1 L) | 304 stainless steel, double-wall | Yes | Layered stainless plus 2 extra screens | Steel grade and dishwasher notes differ by retailer |
| Veken 34oz (borosilicate listing) | 34oz (1 L) | Heat-resistant borosilicate, stainless brewer | No (confirm on listing) | Multi-layer stainless; confirm | Alternate listing of the same design |
| Utopia Kitchen 34oz glass | 34oz (1 L) | Borosilicate glass, stainless plunger, black frame | No | Multi-screen; confirm count | Hand wash lid recommended on some pages |
| Veken 21oz | 21oz (0.6 L) | Borosilicate glass, stainless brewer | No (confirm on listing) | Multi-layer stainless; confirm | Single-serve to two-mug size |
| Bodum Chambord 34oz | 34oz (1 L) | Borosilicate glass, stainless frame, polypropylene handle | No | Three-part stainless mesh | Made in Portugal per listing; not shatter proof |
How We Chose These
This guide is built from document research on the listings and manufacturer pages. We started from the six products in the current catalog set and read each listing title, manufacturer description and specification field. Where Bodum, Veken, Secura and Utopia Kitchen publish their own pages, we preferred those over retailer text. We then compared the products on the things that decide whether a press works well in a kitchen: capacity, what the body is made of, how it holds heat, how the filter is built and how easy it is to clean. When pages disagreed, we say so and tell you to confirm the detail on the listing rather than guess.
What to Look For
Glass or Stainless Steel Body
Borosilicate glass handles heat well and lets you watch the steep, but it is breakable and loses heat quickly because the wall is thin. Double-wall stainless steel will not shatter and keeps the pot warm, but you cannot see the brew, and the pot continues to hold heat that can keep extracting if the coffee stays on the grounds. If your kitchen is busy or you travel with the press, steel is the safer pick. If you like to watch the bloom and judge clarity, glass is more rewarding.
Capacity and the “Cup” Problem
A 34oz press is labeled 1 L, or 8 cups by Bodum, but those cups are 4oz each, which is smaller than a typical mug. A real 10oz mug takes roughly a quarter of a full 34oz batch, so a full press serves about three mugs once you leave headspace for the plunger. The 21oz size serves about two small mugs. Fill below the plunger seal line and confirm the usable volume on the specific listing.
Filter Design
A French press uses a metal mesh, which lets oils and some fine particles through, which is why the cup tastes full-bodied and slightly silty. Multi-layer filters, such as the stacked plates on the Secura and the Veken, try to reduce the fine sediment. Grind size matters more than screen count: a coarse grind, similar to coarse sea salt, produces less silt and slower extraction than a fine grind. Spare screens are useful because mesh wears and clogs over time.
Ratio, Time and Temperature: A Worked Example
The Specialty Coffee Association guidance for filter brewing uses about 55 grams of coffee per liter of water, or roughly 1:18, with water between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Many people brew presses a bit stronger, around 1:15 to 1:16. For a 34oz press, if you add 500 milliliters of water, a 1:16 ratio calls for about 31 grams of coffee. Bodum suggests around four minutes of steeping for its press. Stir gently, wait, press slowly, then pour everything out so the coffee does not keep extracting.
Care and Parts
Take the plunger apart and rinse the screen after every use, because trapped oils turn rancid and affect flavor. Dishwasher guidance varies by brand and by retail page, so follow the instruction booklet that comes with the press. Replacement screens are worth checking before you buy, since the mesh is the part that wears out first.
Questions
How coarse should I grind coffee for a French press?
Aim for a coarse grind, with particles about the size of coarse sea salt. Finer grinds slip through the mesh and over-extract, which gives a silty, bitter cup. If your grinder has numbered settings, start at the coarse end and adjust one step at a time.
How long should I steep coffee in a French press?
Bodum suggests about four minutes for its Chambord. That is a good starting point for any press. Shorten it a little if the cup tastes bitter, and lengthen it slightly if it tastes weak or sour.
Is a 34oz press the right size for me?
A 34oz press makes about three average mugs, so it suits a couple or a small household. If you only make one mug, the 21oz Veken is a better fit. A press brewed half full works, but results are more consistent near the intended capacity.
Why does my French press coffee have sediment at the bottom?
Some silt is normal because a metal mesh lets fine particles through. A coarser grind, a gentle press and leaving the last sip in the carafe all reduce it. A multi-layer filter helps, but it will not match a paper filter.
Can I make cold brew in these presses?
Several listings, including the Veken and Utopia Kitchen pages, mention cold brew as a use. Steep coarse coffee in cold water in the refrigerator and press when it is ready. Use a stronger ratio than for hot coffee and confirm the manufacturer’s care guidance for long steeps.
Which is better, glass or stainless steel?
Neither wins in every kitchen. Glass shows the brew and is easy to judge for cleanliness, while stainless steel survives drops and holds heat. Pick based on how you will actually use the press.
Update History
- October 20, 2026 – Initial publication; product set drawn from current catalog listings.
- Check the product page for current specifications and availability before buying.
Sources
- Manufacturer product and specification pages for Bodum, Secura, Veken and Utopia Kitchen
- Retailer listing titles and specification fields
- Specialty Coffee Association brewing guidance for ratio and water temperature
