Every coffee aficionado would agree that there is a big difference in the taste of your coffee when using different brewing methods. Some people alter their preferences on a day-to-day basis while others stay loyal to their favorite.
The French Press brewing method is considered one of the best ways of making coffee. But some days, you don’t have that extra time in the morning or you want to make a fresh cup during the day, whether that’s on a camping trip or on your way to the office.
That’s when French press travel mugs come in. The coffee gadget you didn’t know you needed. They are extremely portable, easy and don’t look like brewers at all. So you can discreetly plunge your coffee on your way to work.
At a Glance: Best French Press Travel Mug
What are the main benefits of French Press travel mugs and should you get one?
We will give you a complete rundown of the best French Press travel mugs we’ve found on the market.
Quick Summary: Best French Press Travel Mug
Our Top Choice
Bodum Travel Press
| Check on Amazon → | |
KOHIPRESS Portable French Press Maker | Check on Amazon → | |
Zyliss HotMug Travel French Press | Check on Amazon → | |
Stanley Classic Travel Mug French Press | Check on Amazon → | |
PRESSE French Press Coffee Press | Check on Amazon → | |
Planetary Double Shot French Press Travel | Check on Amazon → | |
GSI Outdoors French Press Coffee Mug | Check on Amazon → | |
Espro Travel Coffee Press | Check on Amazon → |
Why The French Press?
The French Press brewing method is indisputably superior to some. A cup of French press coffee is smooth, full-bodied, and indulgent. It is more robust than a pour-over since it uses the steeping method instead of a filter.
The filter removes oils, nutrients, and some antioxidants from the coffee. And since it is often argued that the oils are what adds the coffee its full flavor, and results in a richer cup of coffee.
The stronger taste of the French Press is accompanied by a serious dose of caffeine. A cup prepared this way usually contains around 105mg of caffeine, compared to 30-60mg present in a single shot of espresso.
Benefits of French Press Travel Mug
You already have your French Press, but should you get a French Press travel mug too? Here are some of the benefits that make it a worthwhile investment.
Portable
Even if you have a small French Press, it might be a hassle to pack into an overnight bag when traveling. With a travel French press mug, you can start brewing whenever you’re ready and you don’t have to make it ahead of time. This makes it extremely portable.
Tastes Better
Since the French press utilizes the steeping method rather than paper filters, the fact that the oils aren’t removed during the process results in a more robust and full-flavored coffee that, as many French press lovers would argue, simply tastes better.
Less Coffee Sediment
Some travel French Press mugs use a more advanced method and mechanisms that fully separate the coffee grounds from the water, which means less coffee sediment floating in your cup.
Environmentally Friendly
No need for disposable single-use coffee cups that create waste and more freedom with brewing your coffee.
Cost-efficient And Effortless
Compared to other portable coffee brewing options, like Aeropress or portable espresso machines, most of the French Press travel mugs are more affordable and easier to use. Everything you need is some hot water, coffee and you’re ready to go.
Keeps Coffee Warm
Since they are usually insulated and made from stainless steel, they can keep your coffee warm for several hours.
Any Drawbacks?
Limited Capacity
One of the negatives of these brewers is that they have limited capacity and it’s impossible to make another batch on the go. It is only suitable for one cup of coffee. So for those who need a caffeine kick every few hours, this might be a dealbreaker.
Difficult To Add Cream And Sugar
In some devices, it is easier than in others, and cream or sugar is added before the plunge. Still, some keep mixing the cream and coffee grounds continually the whole time you’re drinking it, which doesn’t make for a pleasant experience.
Difficult To Clean
Some are difficult to clean, are made of many parts, and impossible to clean on the go.
Best French Press Travel Mugs
Bodum Travel Press
With Bodum being the producer of some of the best French Press coffee equipment, it’s no surprise that one of our top picks is made by Bodum as well.
This portable coffee maker looks similar to a regular travel coffee mug much and comes with a discreet plunger which allows you to make coffee wherever you are. Others probably won’t even notice.
It’s made from double-wall stainless steel and it is also vacuum-sealed so it’s able to keep your coffee warm for hours. One of the most common complaints is that it keeps the coffee too warm. To prevent this, leave the water to cool down for a few minutes before you start brewing.
While the coffee can stay piping hot, the non-stick silicon rubber case ensures that the outside of the mug is still comfortable to hold. It also includes a stopper that prevents spillages. It has a decent 15oz size, which makes the fact that you can’t make another coffee on the go easier to swallow.
Coffee in this travel mug is made similarly as you would make it in a traditional French press and you push the plunger down after approximately 4 minutes. The only difference is that if you want to add milk, you need to do so before the plunge into the drinking slot.
Kohipress The Original Portable French Press Coffee Maker
The Kohipress coffee maker’s design is reminiscent of an Aeropress but since it uses the plunge it still falls into a French Press category. It uses full immersion but the plunger is pressurized. As a result, the air pressure reduces brewing time and lowers the acid in coffee, so it’s perfect for those who are looking for a cleaner cup. It also has a patented lock mechanism that keeps the grounds truly separated from your coffee.
For what it can do, this French Press mug is still compact. Weighing only 13 ounces and fitting into a car cup holders, with a leak-proof lid, it’s an ideal companion for the road.
The Kohipress is made from FDA approved high-quality material too. It is BPA free, 100% food-safe, vacuum insulated with a double wall which ensures that your drink will stay hot and cold for a while. It also features a reusable filter made from. fine micron stainless steel mesh.
Zyliss Travel French Press
This portable coffee maker looks exactly like a travel mug. It’s compact, easy to use, and features a ‘mesh and plunger’ combination that keeps the grounds separate. Further adding to its incognito-coffee-maker-look, the plunger is on the side, rather than in the middle, which means you hardly notice it.
It has a 12oz capacity but since part of that is where the used coffee grounds are, the amount of the actual coffee that you get from this travel French press is closer to 9 to 10 ounces.
This is one of the most affordable ones from the list and it’s still made from the finest materials featuring a double-wall too. It is compatible with coffee as well as loose leaf tea and hot chocolate.
Produced by Zyliss, an established Swiss company that is known for making finely crafted kitchen equipment for over 50 years, you can count on its durability.
Stanley Classic Travel Mug French Press
If you plan on using your travel French Press mostly for the outdoor activities, this Stanley travel mug, with its green color and sturdy design, screams camping and nature. It is durable and made for heavy use and could make a coffee maker for life. Other adventure-friendly features are the carry loop, a leak-proof lid, car-cup-compatibility, and 18/8 stainless steel that won’t rust.
Further featuring a vacuum and a double wall, it can keep the coffee warm for an impressive 6 hours and iced for 20 hours. Perfect for a cold brew on a hot day.
The grounds are not kept completely separate but the filter is easy to clean and the materials used are BPA free and dishwasher safe.
Presse by Bobble French Coffee Press
The Presse by Bobble is one of the travel French press mugs that focus on design, With different color options and a sleek logo, it is very feminine and social-media-friendly.
The fact that it is beautiful doesn’t mean that it’s made poorly. Featuring 3-wall insulation, food-grade stainless steel, silicon top, and built-in microfilter, it is durable and suitable for tea too.
While convenient, this coffee maker can be difficult to clean since it’s made of 5 different pieces, some of which are very small. It is also not the most effective when it comes to separating the grounds from the coffee, but this is only a little amount and won’t be an issue if you drink the coffee fast.
Planetary Design Double Shot French Press Travel Mug
This French press mug is designed with a black high gloss and a scratch-resistant finish. With a look of a traditional travel mug, it fits most car drink holders. It includes a bonus sip top lid, a 14oz capacity, and even has a hidden storage compartment in the base, to store coffee or tea.
It is made with 18/8 stainless steel, double-walled, features a patented plunger press, and a sturdy handle that enhances the durable construction.
GSI Outdoors JavaPress French Press Coffee Mug
GSI Outdoors was established in 1985 and has been dedicated to producing the best equipment and gadgets for all outdoor lovers. This lightweight, shatter-resistant French press mug that is wrapped in water-resistant cloth sleeve which keeps the coffee piping hot, is a perfect companion for your camping adventure.
The JavaPress is made from the copolyester, is BPA-free, features a double-walled insulated lid, and a silicone-ringer plunger for mud-free coffee. Those who can’t imagine their day without a second cup will be glad to know that it can hold up to impressive 30 ounces of coffee.
Espro Travel Coffee Press
With a design reminiscent of the Kohipress travel brewer mentioned earlier the Espro Travel Coffee Press promises to completely separate the grounds from the coffee and no bitterness. This is achieved by a double-layered extraction filter that can vouch for no sediment in your sip.
Further, Espro also includes paper filters that make a cleaner coffee, similar to a pour-over. How’s that for versatility? The good news is that the extraction filter is easy to clean too.
It comes with a matte finish, different colors, and a sleek design. At the same time, it feels sturdy, durable, and promises no leaks. It’s good at keeping coffee hot too and your 10oz of press coffee will still be drinkable after 4 hours.
Im-PRESSED?
If you love traveling, you are constantly on the move or outdoors, the good news is that you don’t need to give up your usual coffee. Among portable espresso machines and the popular Aeropress, there are now travel French press mugs available too.
If you love your French press brew, adding this press mug into your travel kit means that you can now have your full-bodied and robust coffee on the go.
We had a look at which French press best meets the requirements. All of them are easy to use, most of them are made from stainless steel, keep your coffee hot for hours, and are dishwasher safe. All you need is some hot water, coffee, and the mug and you’re good to go.
So even on the move, you can
Stay caffeinated!