Le Creuset Petite French Press Review
Our Rating: 4/5
Le Creuset Stoneware Petite French Press Review
FEATURES:
- Beautiful ceramic stoneware in several color options
- Stoneware retains heat, which keeps the beverage warm
- Safe to put in the dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven
- Stoneware resists stains and odors
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4/5
Le Creuset Stoneware Petite French Press Review
FEATURES:
- Beautiful ceramic stoneware in several color options
- Stoneware retains heat, which keeps the beverage warm
- Safe to put in the dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven
- Stoneware resists stains and odors
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Le Creuset Petite French Press Review Summary
The beautiful Le Creuset Stoneware French Press will look fabulous in your kitchen. It’s best suited to a person who doesn’t drink much java and is looking for more of a serving piece than a functional coffee maker.
Please don’t misunderstand, this lovely French press makes coffee, even good coffee. The stoneware build will keep your java warm, if not hot. While stoneware does help retain heat, this particular coffee maker is not insulated like some models. However, it will retain heat longer than a traditional glass French press.
Le Creuset’s Petite press is small, holding only 12 ounces, so it’s appropriate for someone who only has a single cup of joe before starting their day. It comes in an array of vibrant colors that liven up any decor. As with all Le Creuset products, the glaze is resistant to scratches and smudges. The stoneware French press truly is a pleasure to look at.
Le Creuset was founded almost 100 years ago in France and has a respected reputation for its quality cookware and bakeware. The variety of colors used in its products are legendary, and this French press is no different.
Pros
- A fun alternative to glass or stainless steel
- Glaze resists scratches, smudges and stains
- Perfect size for one person
- Intuitive design, indicator lights included. Retains heat for longer than glass
- Makes tea, cocoa, and other drinks in addition to coffee
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Heavier than most small French presses
- Can be damaged if not cared for properly
Features and Benefits of the Le Creuset Petite French Press
Le Creuset promises its French press upholds the high-quality reputation we’ve come to expect from the stoneware brand. Let’s look at the features offered by the French press and see if it delivers on its promises.
Full Control Over Your Coffee
Many bean lovers swear by the traditional French press method of brewing java. It’s one of the simplest ways to make coffee but delivers the most delicious flavors. You have control over every aspect of the process, so you can customize the drink to your precise taste.
No automation, no electricity, no filters or pods. Just a simple machine, ground coffee, and hot water. Because there are no filters that absorb the oils from the ground beans, those oils and acids create rich, robust flavors. Experiment with the kind of coffee, how much coffee, how long it steeps, and even the water temperature.
Ceramic Stoneware Design
This is not your traditional French press design. The Le Creuset Petite French Press is made of ceramic stoneware and comes in an array of dazzling colors. The exterior enamel is glazed and resistant to scratches and stains.
Stoneware resists odors and stains, so this simple machine will look beautiful, no matter how often you use it. The exterior glaze won’t smudge the way that glass or stainless steel does.
This appliance is heavy compared to other French press models. Stoneware isn’t light, and the 12-ounce version weighs in at over one pound.
Resistant to Thermal Shock
The Le Creuset French Press is resistant to thermal shock. This is one of the few French press models that can be safely used in an oven, microwave, dishwasher, or freezer. Because stoneware maintains an even temperature, it can be used for hot coffee, hot tea, or cold beverages.
While it will keep your coffee warm, stoneware heats and cools off slowly. For best results, preheat the device with warm water before brewing. Otherwise, the water temperature will cool down enough that it may affect the coffee’s taste.
Although it’s thermal-shock resistant, you should still take some precautions with this coffee maker. Don’t use it directly on a stovetop or other heat source, as this will cause damage, such as cracking. When washing the Le Creuset Stoneware French Press, it’s a good idea to gradually increase the water temperature, rather than dunking the carafe directly into piping hot water.
Stainless Steel Plunger and Filter
The petite Le Creuset French Press uses a stainless steel plunger and filter system, as most quality French presses do. Stainless steel won’t wear down or warp over time like some other materials, so you can enjoy your coffee maker for a long time to come. In addition, stainless steel won’t contaminate the coffee’s flavor, leaving only the pure, wonderful flavors to enjoy.
The contrasting materials of stainless steel and stoneware mean it may be harder to push the plunger down in this French press. It should not be considered a defect or issue with the device.
What Do Users Say About the Le Creuset French Press?
I found the Le Creuset Stoneware French Press to be rather lackluster, although it’s certainly pretty. However, I don’t expect you to just take my word for it, so I’ve researched what other users think.
Overall, user reviews are mixed. Buyers love the range of glossy colors and unanimously agree that it looks fantastic in a kitchen. They also report that cleanup is effortless thanks to the non-stick enamel glaze.
However, some are critical of this model’s size. Many people drink way more than 12 ounces of java. It should be noted that there is a bigger, 34-ounce version available.
Most complaints are about problems with the lid fitting correctly. Some users say the lid doesn’t fit tightly enough, which can cause a couple of issues. One, it’s hard to pour the liquid since the lid seems like it will come off at any moment. Two, it allows sediment from the coffee grounds to creep into your cup. No one likes drinking the silt.
Due to the lid issue, many owners feel it wasn’t worth the price they paid. The Le Creuset French Press also has a higher price tag than many other models.
Alternatives To The Le Creuset Petite French Press
The Le Creuset Petite French Press, while innovative and pretty as a picture, may not be the perfect match for everyone. Keeping that in mind, I’ve researched a few alternatives you might like better.
The Chantal Ceramic French Press is ceramic, much like the Le Creuset stoneware version, but it’s larger than the petite version and holds 28 ounces of liquid. Like the Le Creuset French Press, the Chantal model comes in a variety of colors. It also has a stainless steel lid, rather than stoneware.
Ceramic design, similar to the Le Creuset Stoneware French Press
The handle includes a thumb hold, so pouring feels natural
There’s a maximum fill line, so there’s no danger of overfilling the press
The Bodum Columbia French Press is made of stainless steel, and like the Le Creuset Petite French Press, its design is somewhat untraditional. Bodum claims its Columbia French press’ double-walled construction will keep coffee hot for almost two hours.
Three sizes to meet most people’s needs
Smooth plunging action with the silicone press
All parts can go in the dishwasher, like the Le Creuset French Press
The Coffee Gator French Press is another stainless steel model that keeps your beverage hot for longer than a glass carafe. The model is thermal insulated and is rustproof, shatterproof, and practically indestructible.
The 34-ounce capacity is significantly larger than the Le Creuset Petite French Press
A double filter keeps all the sediment trapped within the press, not in your cup
You can do almost anything to it, and it won’t break
Conclusion
The Le Creuset French Press makes many promises but just doesn’t quite deliver on them. It’s undoubtedly a charming creation and brightens up any table, but it has a few design flaws that detract from its beauty.
A stoneware build and bold colors set it apart from traditional French presses. Plus, Le Creuset uses an enamel glaze to provide a glossy sheen and protect the coffee maker from chips or scratches. However, it still requires some careful handling.
The stainless steel plunger system design is fine on its own, but the lid doesn’t fit securely on the carafe. That makes it challenging to pour coffee without making a mess, and it allows grounds to make their way into the cup.
Stoneware retains heat, although it won’t warm up very quickly. However, it’s not quick to cool off, either, so you have some time to linger over that cup of joe.
This French press really is appealing to the eye, but it’s almost in the same category as fine china; lovely to look at, but perhaps not appropriate for everyday use.
Le Creuset Petite French Press FAQs
Is It Safe To Put a Stoneware French Press in the Dishwasher?
Yes! The Le Creuset stoneware coffee maker can safely go in the dishwasher, oven, and freezer.
Can I Leave Coffee in a French Press?
It’s recommended to drink the coffee immediately. Although the steeping process stops when the plunger goes down, the coffee still has contact with the grinds at the bottom of the press and can become over-extracted and bitter.
Is the Le Creuset French Press Compatible With an Induction Stovetop?
No, this coffee machine should never be placed on any direct heat source, like an induction stovetop.
Where Are Le Creuset Coffee Makers Made?
Most Le Creuset products are made in China or Thailand.
Are There Measurement Markings on the Le Creuset Petite French Press?
No, there are no measurement markings on the product. We recommend a measuring cup for accuracy.
Can I Store Coffee in the Le Creuset French Press To Keep It Hot?
Stoneware maintains even temperatures, so you can keep your brew in the Le Creuset Petite French press, but the coffee will still slowly cool off.