| Material | Strength | Best for | Downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat-resistant glass | You see the strength develop; cheap | The first press; kitchen-only use | Breaks when dropped — or knocked in the sink |
| Double-wall stainless | Unbreakable; water stays hot through the steep | Outdoors; kitchens with kids | You can't see inside, so grounds left sitting over-extract unnoticed |
| Plastic (Tritan etc.) | Light, unbreakable, cheapest | A beater for the office or camping | Picks up fine scratches and odors |
| Ceramic | Looks good on the table, holds heat decently | Slow, looks-first drinkers | Heavy, and you can't see the brew either |
Glass or Stainless: Which French Press?
Published: ·Updated:
Heat-resistant glass first. You watch the brew darken and it costs little — switch to double-wall stainless only if breakage is a pattern in your house or you brew outdoors.