KONA French Press Review
Our Rating: 4.7/5
FEATURES:
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Glass is thermal-shock resistant
- Stainless steel plunger and filter
- All parts are dishwasher safe
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.7/5
FEATURES:
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Glass is thermal-shock resistant
- Stainless steel plunger and filter
- All parts are dishwasher safe
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
KONA French Press Review Summary
KONA’s French Press is a well-designed, user-friendly coffee maker for people who love French press coffee. This technique is preferred by many as it preserves the oils from the coffee grounds, giving the beverage a full, rich taste.
Choose between two KONA press sizes, 12 or 34 ounces. Whether you only drink a cup or two or multiple people in your family need a morning brew, you’ll find the right size for your needs.
Because you can brew French press coffee without electricity (just hot water), this device is ideal for small kitchens or traveling. It requires minimal space, and it’s easily stored away when not in use.
With this type of coffee machine, you’re also able to tailor the drink to your preferences. Varying the amount of coffee used or the time the coffee steeps means you’ll get java brewed exactly how you like it. You can also brew hot tea or iced tea or coffee.
KONA’s French Press coffee maker is sold by Idlyc Homes, an online company based in the United States. Its products include French presses, coffee grinders, and beverage mugs.
Pros
- Modern design that includes a protective carafe shell
- Stainless steel filter system
- Thermal-shock resistant carafe
- Accessories included
- Can customize to your own preferred taste
Cons
- Carafe is not insulated, so coffee won’t stay hot
Features and Benefits of the KONA French Press
Here’s a look at the features that make this espresso maker one of the niftiest on the market.
Stainless Steel Filter and Plunger
The Idylc Homes French Press uses an infuser system made from stainless steel. Unlike less durable parts, which may warp or break, this filter will hold up over time. This coffee machine includes a smooth plunger that prevents grinds from escaping when you’re preparing and pouring a cup.
Even though the lid is BPA-free plastic, your drink won’t come in contact with plastic, only stainless steel and glass. This results in the purest taste without your brew being tainted by plastic.
Environmentally Friendly and Portable
French press coffee makers are both portable and good for the environment. There’s no electricity needed for this device, and you can take it almost anywhere with you. Its compact size makes it ideal for activities like camping. It even has a rubber bottom for extra stability.
No electricity, no paper filters, and no pods make the French press eco-friendly, too. This is one of the simplest ways to make coffee.
Heat-Resistant Glass Carafe
The KONA French Press coffee maker uses a glass carafe. Made of borosilicate glass, the carafe is resistant to thermal shock and won’t crack under hot temperatures. The glass is also stain-resistant, and because it’s glass, it won’t affect the natural flavor of your beverage. Use your carafe to brew iced coffee or tea, too, it’s capable of making more than just hot coffee.
Outer Protective Shell
A molded plastic outer shell means the glass carafe is protected and gives KONA’s French press has a more modern design than traditional French presses. I like the sleek, unique style that will suit any kitchen.
Additionally, the ergonomic handle is both comfortable and useful. It’s easy to hold the carafe steady with the large handle and the sturdy rubber knob on the lid.
Your Coffee, Your Way
The beauty of a device like this is that you control the process. If you prefer a stronger drink, use more coffee grounds or steep the coffee longer. If you want a less potent brew, then ease up on the coffee or don’t steep the grounds as long. While you won’t get the variety of beverages a home espresso machine offers, you’ll still be able to customize strength.
Your Coffee, Your Way
The beauty of a device like this is that you control the process. If you prefer a stronger drink, use more coffee grounds or steep the coffee longer. If you want a less potent brew, then ease up on the coffee or don’t steep the grounds as long. While you won’t get the variety of beverages a home espresso machine offers, you’ll still be able to customize strength.
Maintenance
Cleaning and maintaining a French press coffee maker is an absolute breeze. While you should clean your unit thoroughly after each use, you only need soapy water and a bit of scrubbing. But if you’re anything like most French press users, you’ll simply rinse the carafe and plunger and put both in the dishwasher at the end of the day.
Dismantling the coffee machine is simple, as is reassembling it. All parts of this KONA model are dishwasher-safe, which makes it even better.
What Do Users Say About the KONA French Press Coffee Maker?
To me, the Idylc Homes French Press is a winner. It’s durable, it makes great java, plus it won’t drain your bank account. With that said, and in the interest of fairness, I looked at what other users think about this model.
By a large majority, users love it. They love how the coffee tastes and how easy it is to use the device.
Reviewers praise its simplicity and reliability. They also love how eco-friendly it is since it doesn’t use electricity, filters, or pods. It doesn’t take up as much counter space as other types of coffee machines, and it can be stored in a cabinet after use.
The KONA French press has had some complaints, specifically, a couple of owners said the glass cracked. This is not an uncommon issue when the carafe is glass but it is less likely to happen with the borosilicate glass used in KONA’s design.
Alternatives To The KONA French Press
The KONA French Press Coffee Maker has a number of pretty great features. However, it may not be the best selection for everyone. In that case, here are a few alternatives:
The Bodum Chambord French Press is priced similarly to the KONA and both feature stain-resistant borosilicate glass. However, the frame and lid of the Bodum version are stainless steel, rather than plastic. Unlike the KONA version, not all of the Bodum French Press is dishwasher-safe.
Has the same type of glass as the KONA French Press
Frame and lid are stainless steel
Stainless steel plunger and mesh filter
Some parts are not dishwasher-safe
The ESPRO P7 French Press has a significantly higher price tag than the KONA coffee maker. This model is crafted with double-walled stainless steel and is vacuum-sealed to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for hours. ESPRO’s P7 has a double microfilter to press the grounds.
One of the more expensive French press coffee makers
Double-walled, vacuum-sealed stainless steel maintains the temperature of hot or cold coffee
Double microfilter to keep grounds from slipping into the beverage
Le Creuset’s French Press is made of ceramic stoneware, unlike most coffee makers of this type. The glazed stoneware is nonstick, easy to clean, and resists cracking. Stoneware also offers excellent heat retention. Like the KONA, it uses a stainless steel plunger, but the Le Creuset is considerably heavier and more expensive.
Stoneware resists cracking and keeps coffee hot
Stainless steel plunger and mesh filter
Higher price point than the KONA French Press
Conclusion
It’s hard to find something to dislike about the KONA French Press coffee maker. It’s affordable and it’s manufactured with quality parts. Oh, and it makes great java.
The stainless steel plunger and filter are durable and built to last. The borosilicate glass and plastic shell offer protection against cracking and breakage. Plus, all the pieces can go in the dishwasher, which makes cleanup easier than ever.
It’s eco-friendly and doesn’t rely on electricity, paper filters, or k-cups. KONA’s French Press also has a classic design with a bit of modern flair. Because it’s portable, wherever you’re going, you can take this French press with you.
Whether you drink a little coffee or a lot, you won’t regret this purchase.
KONA French Press Coffee Maker FAQs
Can You Leave Coffee in a French Press?
The liquid will cool quickly if your French press has a glass carafe and the coffee may develop a bitter taste. It’s better to make fresh coffee.
What Type of Grind Should You Use in a French Press?
A medium or coarse grind works best with this type of coffee maker. Coarser grinds slow down the extraction process enough to get the best flavor from the beans.
How Long Should You Steep French Press Coffee Before Plunging?
Around four minutes is the ideal time to let the grounds steep. You can experiment to find the right amount of time for your preferred taste.
Can a French Press Coffee Maker Go in the Microwave?
No, a French press coffee maker should never be used in the microwave as French presses generally have metal parts.
Can the KONA French Press Brew Tea?
Yes. KONA’s Frech Press can brew tea. Use loose leaf tea instead of coffee and steep for around three minutes.
What Is the Correct Coffee/Water Ratio for a French Press?
There isn’t one set ratio as individual preferences vary and some people prefer their coffee stronger than others. We recommend starting with 1 part coffee to 12 parts water.