French Press Sizes: Which Is Right For You?

French presses are easy to use, affordable, and produce rich, full-bodied coffee. When shopping for the perfect French press, it’s important to choose the right size to fit your needs. But what are the available sizes, and which one is right for you?

In this guide, we’ll break down the different French press sizes, explain how “cup” sizes work, and help you decide which size is best for you and your household.

Common French Press Sizes:

• 3 cups (0.35 liters or 11.8 oz.)
• 4 cups (0.5 liters or 17 oz.)
• 8 cups (1 liter or 33.8 oz.)
• 12 cups (1.5 liters or 50.7 oz.)

These are the most common sizes available. Although exact sizes may vary slightly by brand, most French press makers offer similar options. Not sure which size suits you? Let’s dive into what these numbers really mean.

When a Cup Isn’t a Cup

You might assume that a “cup” refers to 8 ounces, but that’s not the case when it comes to French presses. Many coffee makers consider a cup to be just 4 ounces. So, when you see a 3-cup French press, it only holds 11.8 ounces of coffee.

What does this mean for you? If you typically drink from a 12- to 16-ounce mug, you’ll want a French press that can brew at least enough to fill your mug in one go. Understanding this difference will help you choose the right size for your brewing habits.

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Brewing for a Few?

If you’re a moderate coffee drinker and usually have one small cup, a 3-cup French press might be perfect for you, as it brews around 12 ounces of coffee at a time.

If you prefer slightly larger servings, or you’re making coffee for one or two people, a 4-cup or 8-cup French press might be better. The 4-cup model makes 17 ounces, enough for one large mug or two medium-sized mugs. The 8-cup press brews 33.8 ounces, which is great for filling two large mugs.

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Brewing for Many?

If you often make coffee for several people or drink a lot of coffee yourself, a 12-cup French press is ideal. It brews over 50 ounces, enough to fill four medium-sized mugs and keep everyone caffeinated!

French Press Sizes: Final Thoughts

Now that you know the most common French press sizes—3, 4, 8, and 12 cups—remember that these refer to small 4-ounce servings. If you drink larger amounts, consider sizing up. A 4- or 8-cup press will likely satisfy most coffee lovers, but if you entertain guests or drink a lot of coffee, a 12-cup French press may be your best bet. Whichever size you choose, you’ll be enjoying delicious, freshly brewed coffee in no time!