Best French Presses for Small Spaces: Hands-On Reviews and Buyer’s Guide for 2024

I make French press coffee almost every morning, and I have for over 10 years, so I know a thing or two about choosing a good one. I also understand firsthand the frustration of having minimal kitchen storage space. Believe me when I say there ARE excellent small French presses out there that will fit perfectly in your tiny kitchen.

After testing countless models over the years, I’ve narrowed down my top 5 picks for the best French presses for small spaces. I took into account size, durability, heat retention, ease of use, and of course, delicious coffee.

Read on for my full reviews of each model, along with pros, cons, and final verdicts. I’ll also give you my complete buying guide for choosing the ideal French press for your limited space.

Let’s dive in!

The Top 5 Best French Presses for Small Spaces

1. MIRA 12 oz Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker — Best Overall
2. Bodum 10948-01BUS French Press Coffee Maker — Best Budget Option
3. ESPRO P0 Ultralight French Press — Best for Travel
4. Bodum Travel Press — Best for On-the-Go
5. Frieling Double-Walled Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker, 17 oz — Best High-End Option

1. MIRA 12 oz Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker — Best Overall

For those with tiny kitchens or RVs where a full-sized French press just won’t fit, this 12 oz model by MIRA is my top overall pick. The mini stainless steel press has a sleek, compact silhouette that takes up barely any precious real estate on your countertop or in your cabinets.

Despite its petite proportions, this little powerhouse brews a mighty cup of hot, flavorful coffee. Its double-walled steel exterior provides stellar insulation to maintain optimal water temperatures during extraction. This results in a smooth, balanced coffee that’s never harsh, bitter or acidic.

The fine stainless steel mesh screens efficiently filter out grounds and sediment, while retaining delicious oils. And clean-up is a total breeze thanks to the press being top-rack dishwasher safe.

Durability is also excellent thanks to the press being crafted entirely from stainless steel. No glass or plastic components means it’s nearly indestructible. I’ve put mine through the ringer without a scratch.

Overall, if you have minimal counter or storage space but don’t want to sacrifice rich, hot coffee, the MIRA steel French press is absolutely perfect. The exceptional insulation paired with easy maintenance makes it my #1 pick.

2. Bodum 10948-01BUS French Press Coffee Maker — Best Budget Option

For those wanting a smaller French press on a budget, check out this affordable 12 oz model by Bodum. It comes with the expected trade-offs of glass instead of stainless steel, but still functions well as a daily coffee maker.

The borosilicate glass carafe feels quite sturdy and does a decent job of retaining heat. And while glass can crack under pressure, I haven’t had any issues being gentle with mine over several years of use. I have, though, broken two of my glass French presses, so breakage is not out of the question!

The single mesh screen gets the job done filtering grounds, although expect to see some sediment at the end of your cup. And all the components are easy to hand wash after use.

Just be aware that with glass comes breakability, especially with potential extreme temperature swings. So cold brewing in the fridge is probably not the best idea. Also know that glass shows stains more readily than metal over time.

But if money is tight and cabinet space is prime real estate in your kitchen, this compact, no-frills French press is a great economical solution for hot coffee every morning.

For a wallet-friendly yet effective small French press, the Bodum is tough to beat. Just handle with care and expect to see some grounds in your morning cup.

3. ESPRO P0 Ultralight French Press — Best for Travel

Frequent travelers or campers will love this slim yet mighty stainless steel French press. Weighing under a pound, the ESPRO P0 is perfect for tossing in your backpack or RV without taking up precious packing space or adding weight.

It may have a taller, skinnier silhouette than typical presses, but the 16 oz capacity still churns out enough hot coffee for 1-2 people. And the unique triple-filter system leaves behind barely any grit or sediment for the smoothest brew possible.

The durable, dual-wall steel construction also provides stellar temperature regulation. So even if you’re brewing streamside or on a chilly mountain, your water stays piping hot for full-flavored extraction.

Easy to disassemble and clean in the field, the ESPRO press is specially engineered for portable coffee making. But its slim shape can certainly squeeze into tight home spaces too.

Just be sure NOT to let your coffee sit in the press after brewing. This often leads to over-extracted, bitter coffee. Instead, decant into mugs immediately after plunging.

If you prioritize portability in your French press, definitely check out the ESPRO P0. Its durable steel body and triple filtration system churn out smooth, sediment-free coffee anywhere.

4. Bodum Travel Press — Best French Press Mug

For the ultimate space-saving design, check out this clever stainless steel French press mug. It functions just like a full-sized press but in a compact, portable package.

The vacuum-insulated steel maintains temperature beautifully while the silicone sleeve protects hands. And the single screen filter removes most grounds, although some fines will slip through.

I will say the lid and handle are plastic, so durability may suffer long term. But the mug itself shows virtually zero stains or wear after over a year of heavy use.

Easy to toss in a purse or backpack for coffee on the go, the Bodum Travel Press really shines for small home kitchens too. No need for a separate mug! Just plunge, pour, and sip delicious French press coffee from the same vessel. I will say, though, that you should drink quickly…letting the coffee sit on the grounds isn’t a great idea. I’d recommend using a second vessel to hold your brewed coffee while you dump the grounds and rinse this one out.

For barista-style coffee with zero footprint, I highly recommend the Bodum Travel Press mug. It puts flavorful French press coffee quite literally in the palm of your hand!

5. Frieling Double-Walled Stainless Steel French Press, 17 oz — Best High-End

If you have just a bit more room to spare and want the absolute Cadillac of small French presses, spring for this gorgeous model by Frieling. The mirror-finish steel construction truly elevates any countertop as a gorgeous focal piece.

And with double vacuum-layered steel walls, Frieling’s press maintains perfect coffee temp for properly extracted flavor. The proprietary two-stage filtration also removes nearly ALL fine grounds and sediment while still letting those mouth-feel-creating coffee oils in.

Built to last a lifetime, this high-end press absolutely spoils your morning coffee routine. And the mid-size 17 oz capacity comfortably makes two mugs worth of hot, delicious coffee to share.

Yes, the Frieling does command quite a price tag. But just like a luxury automobile, you get what you pay for with expert engineering for peak performance. In this case, the best possible French press coffee.

If space and budget allow, I can’t recommend Frieling’s offering enough. It’s sheer coffee-brewing perfection I’m positive you won’t regret.

Treat yourself to the unmatched beauty, craftsmanship and performance of Frieling’s fabulous French press. For small spaces, it’s one of the best options out there.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a French Press for Small Spaces

So now that you know my top recommended best French presses for small spaces, tiny houses, RVs, dorms and more, let’s explore exactly what to look for when shopping. The right press for your limited space comes down to a few key factors.

Size/Capacity

First and foremost, pay attention to the overall capacity of any model you’re considering. Standard French presses usually hold around 1 liter or 34 oz. But for small spaces, look for something that comes in at 20 oz or less.

Single-serve 12 oz presses take up the least room, but they limit you to one mug at a time. Slightly larger 16-20 oz models can still fit in tight spaces while allowing you to make coffee for two when needed.

Material

French presses come in glass, stainless steel, stoneware or plastic. I always recommend stainless steel for durability, staining resistance, and heat retention.

Glass looks nice but breaks easily. Plastic is fine for travel mugs but stains badly over time. And stoneware is heavy and not ideal for portable use, plus it’s breakable and more expensive.

Opt for stainless if possible for a French press built to last in small spaces.

Insulation

You’ll also want to consider whether your prospective French press is single or double walled. Double-walled steel models with vacuum sealing dramatically improve temperature regulation. This prevents cooling or heating too rapidly during brewing.

Single-wall presses lose heat much quicker, risking under-extracted coffee. But the slimmer shape could possibly fit tighter spaces.

I suggest double-walled for better insulation if it fits your space.

Filtration System

Don’t forget to factor in how well a potential French press filters actual grounds out of your freshly brewed coffee. Cheaper presses often just have one mesh screen that allows more sediment through.

Higher-end models feature multiple screens and extremely fine stainless steel mesh for removing the most particulate. This prevents over-extracted flavors and grit at the bottom of your cup.

Prioritize presses with high-performance filtration to get the “cleanest” tasting coffee possible.

Ease of Cleaning

Also make sure any French press you choose is simple to disassemble and clean. Coffee oils that give French press its unique flavor and full mouthfeel leave nasty residue if left inside presses that can grow mold or bacteria over time, or impart burnt flavors into your next batch if you don’t clean them out diligently.

Look for simple, detachable parts that come apart completely for thorough cleaning and drying to prevent that build-up.

And check if the model happens to be top-rack dishwasher safe to make the cleaning process even simpler. I personally will never buy another French press that can’t just go right in the dishwasher. It’s just way too convenient.

Aesthetic Appeal

While not imperative, you may also want a stylishly designed French press if it lives permanently on display in your small kitchen—a common occurrence where kitchen storage is limited. Choose a press that accentuates rather than clashes with your existing decor.

Stainless steel finishes like classic mirror or modern brushed mating perfectly with most color palettes and design motifs.

Bonus points if the press adds an artistic element reflecting your personal taste and style!

Price

And finally, decide how much you’re comfortable allocating financially for your ideal small French press. Expect to spend $15+ for basic entry models, $30+ for mid-tier quality, and $50+ for luxury brands.

Remember that higher cost often directly correlates with better construction, durability, performance and overall user experience.

Set a budget that makes sense for your lifestyle keeping the above factors in mind. Then choose the very best French press you can afford!

Wrapping Up: The Best French Press for Small Spaces

Hopefully this comprehensive guide of the top-rated small French presses—plus handy buying considerations—gives you confidence to choose your perfect tiny kitchen coffee maker.

Just remember the key elements of size, durability, heat retention, filtration, ease of use, and aesthetic appeal as you shop. Keep your exact needs, lifestyle and budget top of mind too.

And I sincerely hope whichever exceptional small-format French press you select fills your mornings with hot, aromatic, flavorful coffee for years on end.

Because no matter how petite your kitchen may be, you still deserve to start every single day with a sensational cup of coffee brewed right at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size French press should I get if I have a tiny kitchen?

A 12-ounce (oz) French press is ideal if you need the absolute smallest footprint possible in your kitchen. This size only makes enough coffee for one person at a time, but it takes up a fraction of the space a larger model would. For slightly more capacity for 2 people, go with a 16-20 oz model. The slim, tall shape still fits in snug spaces. Just avoid full 34 oz capacity presses if countertop real estate is prime.

Can a French press coffee maker fit in an RV?

Yes, a French press is a perfect coffeemaker for RVs and campers where space is limited. Look for a small 12-20 oz stainless steel model that is slim, durable, and has a double wall for insulation. The MIRA steel press or ESPRO P0 travel French press are great options made specifically for RVs, boats, and camping where storage is tight.

Is a stainless steel or glass French press better for a small space?

I always recommend stainless steel over glass for small spaces because it’s far more durable if bumped or dropped, which is more common where space to maneuver is limited. Glass also usually has single walls so it loses brewing heat faster than insulated double-walled steel. Glass may fit in a tighter spot size-wise but it comes with much higher odds of cracking and breaking over time. Spend a little more on a compact steel French press for the best durability.

How do I clean a small French press in my tiny kitchen?

All French presses come apart into pieces for cleaning the carafe, lid, plunger, and filters separately. Look for detachable parts and components that are (ideally) top-rack dishwasher safe to make cleaning simple with limited space. Also choose stainless steel over glass since it resists staining from coffee oils much better over time. Be diligent about cleaning all parts after each use to prevent mold, bacteria, or rancid coffee residue.