Mr Coffee Retro Brew French Press Coffee Maker 31-Ounce Glass Carafe with High Heat Resistant Durable Borasilicate Glass

I actually really like this. I bought it to keep at a relative's house thinking I would just get a cheap one instead of the more expensive brand I use at home, since I'd only use it occasionally. It's actually much better than the expensive one. The glass is thicker and keeps the coffee warm much longer. Next time I need to replace the one I have at home I plan to buy Mr. Coffee. Read more

My first ever French press and I love it, not only does it accent the room, it’s a nice sturdy piece, easy to use and clean. I can make 3 cups of my favorite med course stitchworks coffee. Read more

The Mr. Coffee Retro Brew French Press combines timeless brewing tradition with contemporary design aesthetics, delivering a 31-ounce coffee maker that's as visually appealing as it is functional. With its vibrant teal frame, durable borosilicate glass carafe, and included coffee scoop, this French press offers an accessible entry point into artisanal coffee brewing without the complexity of electric machines. Design and Aesthetic Appeal The standout feature of this French press is undoubtedly its retro-inspired design. The teal frame and plunger assembly evoke mid-century modern sensibilities while feeling fresh and current in today's kitchen aesthetics. The BPA-free plastic components—including the lid, handle, and decorative frame—provide durability and safety while maintaining the vintage color palette that never goes out of style. Measuring 9.5 inches in height by 5.5 inches in width and depth, the compact footprint fits comfortably on kitchen counters, breakfast tables, or office break rooms without dominating precious space. At just 1.2 pounds, it's lightweight enough for easy handling and portability, whether moving between rooms or packing for vacation rentals. The transparent borosilicate glass carafe allows coffee enthusiasts to observe the entire brewing ritual—watching as coffee grounds slowly settle and gradually release their rich flavors and aromatic oils into the water. This visual element transforms the morning routine into a mindful, meditative experience rather than a mindless task. Borosilicate Glass Construction and Durability The carafe is crafted from high-quality borosilicate glass, a scientific-grade material specifically engineered for exceptional thermal shock resistance. This critical feature allows the glass to withstand the extreme temperature changes that occur when pouring boiling water (around 200°F) into a room-temperature container without cracking or shattering. Beyond heat resistance, borosilicate glass maintains exceptional clarity even after hundreds of brew cycles. The non-porous, stain-resistant surface prevents coffee oils and tannins from permanently discoloring the glass, ensuring the carafe retains its brilliance and transparency over time. This material superiority distinguishes it from standard glass alternatives that quickly develop cloudy, yellowed appearances with regular use. Brewing Performance and Capacity The 31-ounce capacity (approximately 920ml) produces four 8-ounce cups of coffee, making it ideal for couples, small families, or multiple servings throughout the morning. This size hits the sweet spot between single-serve inadequacy and wasteful overproduction, allowing users to brew exactly what they need without leftovers sitting and degrading. The French press brewing method is celebrated among coffee connoisseurs for producing full-bodied, richly flavored coffee with pronounced aromatic complexity. Unlike paper filter methods that absorb coffee oils, the stainless steel fine mesh filter allows these flavor-rich compounds to pass through, creating the characteristic robust texture and intense taste profile that defines French press coffee. For optimal results, users should employ a coarse to medium-coarse grind (similar to V60 or batch brew settings) and follow proper technique: add measured coffee grounds using the included scoop, pour 200°F water, allow a 30-second bloom period with gentle stirring, add remaining water to the 600-gram mark (or desired ratio), steep for 4 minutes total, then slowly press the plunger downward to separate grounds from the finished brew. The stainless steel plunger mechanism operates smoothly, guiding the fine mesh filter downward to press coffee grounds to the bottom while keeping them completely out of the poured coffee. The mesh effectively captures grounds while preserving the full spectrum of coffee's natural oils and fine particles that contribute to its signature body and mouthfeel. Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Benefits One of the most compelling advantages is the complete elimination of disposable paper filters and single-use coffee pods. The reusable stainless steel mesh filter means zero ongoing filter costs and significantly reduced environmental impact compared to drip coffee makers or pod-based systems. For environmentally conscious consumers, this traditional brewing method aligns perfectly with sustainability values while delivering superior flavor. The manual operation requires no electricity whatsoever, making it ideal for camping trips, RV travel, off-grid living, office spaces without electrical outlets near coffee stations, or simply reducing household energy consumption. This also means one less appliance cluttering countertops or consuming valuable outlet space in kitchens with limited electrical capacity. Ease of Use and Maintenance The brewing process is refreshingly straightforward with no programming, timers, buttons, or complicated settings to master. The simplicity appeals to those overwhelmed by modern coffee makers with dozens of functions and confusing controls. Even complete beginners can achieve excellent results by following basic French press principles. The included coffee scoop ensures consistent measurements for repeatable results, eliminating guesswork about proper coffee-to-water ratios. This thoughtful inclusion demonstrates attention to user experience, especially for those new to French press brewing. Cleanup requires hand washing only—the manufacturer specifically notes not to use dishwashers or place on any stovetop. While this requires slightly more effort than dishwasher-safe alternatives, the process remains simple: rinse out grounds, wash with warm soapy water, and air dry. The stain-resistant borosilicate glass cleans easily without stubborn residue buildup. Value Proposition and Comparison At its price point, the Mr. Coffee Retro Brew offers exceptional value compared to premium French presses from brands like Bodum or Frieling that cost 2-3 times more while delivering comparable brewing performance. The trusted Mr. Coffee brand—brewing great-tasting coffee since 1970—provides quality assurance and peace of mind. The vintage-inspired aesthetic adds decorative value beyond mere functionality, serving as an attractive countertop accent that complements contemporary, farmhouse, or retro kitchen designs. The vibrant teal color creates visual interest and personality that basic black or stainless steel models lack. Practical Considerations The 31-ounce capacity, while perfect for many households, may prove insufficient for large families or those who consume significant quantities throughout the day. However, the quick 4-minute brew time makes successive batches practical if additional coffee is needed. The hand-wash-only requirement demands slightly more maintenance attention than dishwasher-safe models, though the smooth glass surface cleans quickly. Users must also remember never to place the glass carafe on stovetops, as this could cause thermal damage despite the heat-resistant properties designed for brewing temperatures. The manual plunging process requires gentle, controlled pressure to avoid agitating settled grounds and creating a muddy final cup. Rushing this step or pressing too forcefully can compromise the clean separation between liquid and grounds. Final Recommendation The Mr. Coffee Retro Brew French Press Coffee Maker successfully combines classic brewing excellence with eye-catching vintage design at an accessible price point. It's perfect for coffee enthusiasts seeking rich, full-bodied brews without electric machinery, environmentally conscious consumers eliminating disposable filters, or anyone appreciating both functionality and aesthetic appeal in their kitchen tools. The borosilicate glass quality, smooth plunging mechanism, generous capacity, and charming teal frame make it an excellent choice for daily use or special occasions. While requiring hand washing and manual operation, these minor considerations are far outweighed by the superior coffee quality, sustainability benefits, and visual appeal it brings to any kitchen. Read more

I love the color and how it is made. The top will not stay on and it pours coffee everywhere. I had to purchase a different brand. They need remodel the top. It will only be my back up emergency one. Read more

I’ve been using this French press for daily coffee, and I’m really pleased with it. The retro design was what initially caught my eye—the teal color adds a fun, vintage touch to my kitchen without feeling overly styled. The glass carafe lets me see the brewing process, which makes the morning routine feel a little more intentional and relaxing. In terms of function, it brews a flavorful cup with full body, just like a French press should. The stainless steel filter does a good job of keeping grounds out of the finished coffee, and the plunger moves smoothly. The capacity is great for two people or multiple cups over the morning, though it still works fine if I want to make just one mug. The glass is heat-resistant and feels sturdy, and the frame and handle make it comfortable to pour without worrying about burning my hands. There’s no need for paper filters, so it’s also a nice low-waste option, and it doesn’t require any electricity, which I love for keeping the counter uncluttered. The one trade-off is that it needs to be washed by hand and taken apart a bit to clean thoroughly. It’s not difficult, but if you’re someone who relies heavily on the dishwasher, that might be a consideration. The frame is mostly plastic, so while it’s lightweight and easy to carry, it may not feel as heavy-duty as some fully stainless-steel models. Overall though, it’s a charming, easy-to-use French press that makes a rich cup of coffee and brings a little personality to the kitchen at a reasonable price. I’d happily recommend it to anyone who wants good coffee without complicated machines. Read more

This is my first time trying French pressing coffee and when did try I noticed that the while pressing down on the shaft it seemed to give a lot of resistance. Also the lid would pop up a couple times when pressing the coffee. The lid doesn't have any lock on it from what I can see. Brewing capacity is okay in my opinion. It could be a little bit higher. You do lose some volume with the coffee grounds. It functions like a French press should and gives you a nice little bit of foam at the top. If you're into that. It's built pretty well and can handle the high heat that they claim. I used really hot water when brewing with this and it didn't cause any damage. Cleaning is a bit difficult though especially with the micro mesh filter. If you're like me and didn't use course ground coffee some of the smaller grounds seem to get stuck in the filter. The most important part is sediment. Since it uses one of those micro mesh filters it does produce a small amount of sediment. It could be though because my coffee grounds aren't course and more of a fine to medium grind. Overall I say this is an okay French press and I'm happy with it. Read more