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. As an immersion method, the French press is forgiving and full-bodied, but material choice directly impacts temperature stability and extraction consistency. Stainless steel offers superior heat retention and durability, while glass allows visual monitoring of the steep. Your decision should align with your brewing priorities—whether you value thermal precision or aesthetic clarity for a balanced cup.
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. As an immersion method, the French press is forgiving and full-bodied, but stainless steel models excel by maintaining a stable extraction temperature. They keep coffee hot for 60+ minutes, prevent glass breakage, and allow extended steeping without rapid heat loss—a key advantage for achieving consistent results.
Most stainless steel press pots are made of polished 18/8 or 18/10 food-grade steel, are very sturdy, and feature a double wall for superior insulation. They look gorgeous in any kitchen and are particularly hard to destroy—you’d have to make it a mission to break one. This durability makes them a favorite among baristas and home brewers alike.
The double wall insulates the brew and ensures coffee stays hot longer. Typically, an insulated metallic press pot maintains temperature 4 times longer than glass ones. According to the Specialty Coffee Association Golden Cup Standard, brewing water should be between 90°C and 96°C (195°F–205°F). Stainless steel holds this range far longer, improving extraction consistency. Moreover, there’s no need to preheat the pot—glass beakers can break from thermal shock, but with metal, you can pour hot 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 manual cleaning. This convenience, combined with its thermal stability, makes it a top choice for daily use.
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. For optimal extraction and to avoid stale residue, baristas recommend rinsing immediately after brewing.
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 understand this doesn’t make it any easier for some readers. Ultimately, your choice depends on your priorities: temperature stability, durability, and extraction consistency versus affordability and visual clarity.
If you are stuck, start with a glass French press. It’s more affordable, and glass models were the standard long before stainless steel versions appeared. You can upgrade when you are ready. For those seeking optimal heat retention and immersion brewing, a double-walled stainless steel model is the superior choice. 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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