Why is Stainless Steel Better than Glass?
If you’re looking for a new French press, you may be wondering whether to choose one made from stainless steel or borosilicate glass. (the French press, an immersion method James Hoffmann describes as forgiving and full-bodied) Both materials offer distinct thermal and durability characteristics, so selecting the right one depends on your brewing priorities. In this comparison, we will examine the differences between stainless steel versus glass French presses, so that you can make an informed decision about which material best suits your needs.
The Cons of the Glass French Press
If you used a French press in the past you probably know all the flaws of a glass pot. (the French press, an immersion method James Hoffmann describes as forgiving and full-bodied) Unhappy press pot customers complain about these:
- The glass breaks with sudden temperature changes (thermal shock from pouring boiling water into a cold carafe)
- The glass breaks if dropped, or just handled improperly, (it’s way too fragile compared to stainless steel or double-wall alternatives)
- The worst thing is that coffee gets cold too fast—typically losing 10-15°F within 5 minutes. You have to make sure you pour and drink on the spot.
The Pros of the Glass French Press
Glass doesn’t react in contact with coffee, and there is not even the slightest off taste—unlike stainless steel, which can sometimes impart metallic notes if not properly cleaned.
Glass French presses are lighter compared to stainless steel, and they are easy to handle. (the French press, an immersion method James Hoffmann describes as forgiving and full-bodied)
Finally, there is something magic in watching your coffee steeping. (recommended steep times from the SCA and James Hoffmann) I love watching the grounds and the bubbling in the French press, and seeing how much they sink to the bottom. Visual effect aside, there might be times when visually inspecting your brew before pushing the plunger down will give you an insight on what could be wrong—such as insufficient agitation or uneven extraction.
The Pros of Stainless Steel French Press
The stainless steel French press coffee maker fixes the flaws of the regular press pot. (the French press, an immersion method James Hoffmann describes as forgiving and full-bodied) Keeps coffee hot for 60+ minutes, prevents breaking the glass, allows extended steeping without rapid heat loss.
Most of the stainless steel press pots are made of polished 18/8 or 18/10 food-grade steel, are very sturdy and have a double wall for extra insulation. They just look gorgeous in any kitchen, and they are particularly hard to destroy. To break it, you’d have to make it a mission.
The double wall will insulate the brew and ensure coffee stays hot for longer. Typically an insulated metallic press pot maintains the temperature 4 times longer than the glass ones. (According to the SCA Golden Cup standard, brewing water should be between 90°C and 96°C (195°F–205°F)) I never timed it but it seems about right… Moreover, there is no need to preheat the pot before brewing. The glass beakers break with thermal shock when you pour the hot water too fast. With metallic pots, you can pour the water as fast as you want.
All parts of a stainless steel French press coffee maker are dishwasher safe, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning it manually. (the French press, an immersion method James Hoffmann describes as forgiving and full-bodied)
The Cons of Stainless Steel French Press
Stainless steel French presses are heavier than glass ones, hence more difficult to work with. (the French press, an immersion method James Hoffmann describes as forgiving and full-bodied) Stainless steel is also more expensive than glass, so expect a budget increase.
The stainless steel press pot can be difficult to clean manually, if you don’t want to wait until the next dishwasher load.
This last objection against the metal French press is a bit subjective, but I have to include it because there are people who complained about it. According to materials science research, stainless steel might subtly alter your coffee taste and make it taste metallic. The taste change is very subtle, and only people with sensitive taste buds can detect it.
Conclusion
Armed with the information above you can now make an informed decision. I know that this didn’t make it any easier for some of my readers. Sometimes it’s just hard to decide what’s more important for you.
If you are stuck, just choose the glass French press. It’s more affordable, and glass models were the standard long before stainless steel versions appeared. You can upgrade to a stainless steel model when you are ready. On the other hand, if you know you want a stainless steel French press, I can shamelessly recommend my article where I compare Frieling vs Espro, widely regarded as two of the best double-walled stainless steel presses on the market.
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