The modern world makes all of us perpetually short on time and always in need of convenience. We demand instant gratification. Sure, I can have French press coffee in three minutes, but why even bother with that? Getting the best French press travel mug will solve that problem for you.
These combo contraptions bring together the French press and travel mug. This convenient setup lets you brew coffee right in the travel mug and carry it along with you. The basics of brewing remain the same. Although the dynamics change quite a bit.
It’s just overall simpler and geared towards getting your coffee to your travel mug so you can carry it along.
Top French Press Travel Mugs Of Note
Comparison Chart
MIRA 12 oz Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker | Double Walled Insulated Coffee & Tea Brewer Pot & Maker | Keeps Brewed Coffee or Tea Hot | 350 ml (12 oz (350 ml), Pearl Blue)
KOHIPRESS French Press Coffee Maker, 12 oz., Stainless Steel Insulated Travel Mug for Kitchen, Office, or Camping Use, Full Immersion Steep with Grounds Filter for Hot and Cold Brew
French Press Travel Mug with Handle, Storage Container for Extra Coffee, and 2 Spill Proof Lids – 14 oz – Silver
1. Bodum French Press Travel Mug — Best Overall
As you see, Bodum French Press Travel Mug is my top pick for the best French press travel mug. Its steel carafe creates a simple look and matches well with the black branding and lid. I’d have preferred if the branding wasn’t so big and aggressive, but it is what it is.
For those holding it, this double-walled thermal carafe provides a useful insulation from the contents of the mug. At the same time, it also maintains the temperature of the contents of the mug. Your coffee won’t get cold in this one for a very long time.
Thankfully, you can carry it around as you would a regular travel mug. Its shape is conducive to fit into the cupholder in your car. When you’re ready, simply press down the plunger and your coffee is ready. There is a plastic variant available as well, which is BPA-free and as effective as the stainless steel mug. It’s also cheaper than the stainless steel variant.
The lid is spill-resistant so there’s no danger of this French press travel mug falling over and sending its contents all over.
Highlights
- Good value for money
- Double-walled stainless steel cup (plastic variant also available)
- Holds 15oz
- Vacuum insulated to keep your coffee hot for longer
- Dishwasher safe
- Multiple color choices
2. ZYLISS Travel French Press — Excellent Value
ZYLISS Travel French Press is an interesting product. It looks pretty much like a classic cup, though it includes the full French press functions needed. The double-walled plastic mug is BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
It works like a conventional French press. When you want coffee, add some coarse ground coffee and pour water into the cup. Wait a few minutes before you press the plunger, and your coffee is ready!
The conventional cup shape is useful for home or office use. However, it can be slightly challenging to use this in your car. The handle and general shape are likely to make this cup unsuitable for most cup holders.
Even though it is BPA-free, this mug is all plastic. Even the fine mesh filter is plastic! That doesn’t sound like the best option to me. I wonder how well it performs on longevity and general maintenance.
Highlights
- Economically priced
- Looks like a conventional cup
- BPA-free plastic construction
- Questionable longevity
- Double-walled construction keeps coffee insulated and hot
- Dishwasher safe
- Holds 10oz
3. MIRA 12 oz Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker — Classic Looks
Going by its construction, MIRA 12 oz Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker is basically a miniature French press. Although, going beyond its French press look, it does manage to cater to the travel mug category as well. A double-walled construction keeps the coffee hot so you can enjoy it at your leisure.
The construction is entirely stainless steel. An extra filter is included with the package to make replacement easier, should it be required. This product is available in three colors, which are, blue, gray, and stainless steel.
Highlights
- Stainless steel construction
- Holds 12 oz
- Double-walled construction for insulation
- Includes one extra metallic filter
- Multiple color choices
4. KOHIPRESS Portable French Press Coffee Maker — Best Looks
I like the looks of the Kohipress Portable French Press Coffee Maker. It looks fairly modern, while retaining its characteristics as a travel mug and French press. This sleek, vacuum insulated, double-walled travel mug is convenient to carry along.
Its stainless steel construction makes the mug fairly sturdy. It certainly does look like it will last long. There’s also a problem with the sleek body – there’s no grip! It’s difficult to hold onto this travel mug/coffee maker.
The filter used is a fine micron stainless steel filter, which is pretty strong and handles its duties impressively well. This travel mug French press can hold 12 oz of coffee.
Highlights
- Stainless steel construction
- Holds 12 oz
- Double-walled construction with insulation
- Excellent design and looks
5. OXO 11181100 BREW Venture Travel French Press — Classic French Press For Travel
OXO Brew Venture is an interesting product. This “Travel” French press is basically a regular press in a packaging that makes it convenient to carry along. It is made from a shatterproof and clear Tritan carafe. A plastic wrapping goes around to hold it well in place and makes it easier to move the carafe.
It holds 32oz of coffee, which makes it good enough for four cups. This is not spill-proof, so avoid moving around with this French press. However, its sturdier construction makes it a good candidate to carry along for travel.
Highlights
- Classic French Press
- Holds 32oz
- Dishwasher safe
- Shatterproof carafe and sturdy design make it good for travel
- Good construction
6. GSI Outdoors Personal JavaPress — Useful For Outdoors
This is another one that deserves praise for its looks. GSI Outdoors Personal JavaPress is a small cup, practically a can, that works as a travel mug and French press. Its plunger is silicone ringed to avoid scratching the carafe. The filter is fine mesh and does its job fairly well.
You know how looks can be deceiving? Once you remove the sleeve, there isn’t much to celebrate here. It’s all plastic, including the filter. The insulation is nominal and it’s up to the nylon-wrapped cozies to keep the beverage warm.
Not everything is negative about this press. It functions pretty well and is a great companion to take along with you. Yup, feel free to take it to work. But where it really shines, is in the great outdoors and camping/hiking trips.
Highlights
- Excellent looks
- Minimal insulation
- Nylon sleeve/cozie provides most of the insulation
- Mostly plastic construction
- Holds about 10oz
- Sturdy
7. Brutrek French Press Travel Mug — Sturdy And Reliable
Brutrek French Press Travel Mug has an impressively sturdy design that evokes confidence. It doesn’t have to be unbreakable, but its looks alone make this self brewing coffee mug seem indestructible. A textured paint finish makes the cup easy to hold and prevents slipping. The double walled insulated tumbler can keep the brewed coffee hot for a long time.
The filter used is a stainless steel ultra-fine mesh, which adds value to this coffee maker and travel mug. A spill-proof lid keeps the contents of the travel mug safe. It also has a nice touch in the form of a built-in storage container base that can hold coffee grounds.
Highlights
- Sturdy construction
- Holds 14oz
- Double walled and insulated
- Stainless steel construction
- Sturdy
8. Planetary Design Big Sky Bistro French Press — Lightweight And Fun
One thing that sets Planetary Design Big Sky Bistro French Press apart from its competition is the patterns! It doesn’t follow the plain and minimalist colors and designs that are common with most modern products. It’s exterior can be considered to be a bit dated, and yet refreshing in its uniqueness.
The material for this cup is BPA-free plastic. The double walled and insulated construction keeps the beverage inside hot for a fairly long time. This cup too is a useful companion for outdoor camping and hiking trips. It holds 16oz and is lightweight to carry along.
Highlights
- Holds 16oz
- BPA-free plastic construction
- Double walled and insulated
- Lightweight
A Travel Mug Or French Press?
The distinction is about the same as splitting hairs. If you like to take your coffee on the go, a French press travel mug can be a better companion. Simply take along some coffee and the French press will handle your coffee needs spectacularly.
Choosing Your Coffee Maker Travel Mug
Get The Material Right
The most common materials for travel mug construction are stainless steel and plastic. Stainless steel is a natural choice as a long-lasting, environmentally conscious, and perhaps healthier alternative. However, plastic does have its uses, even if I’m not a fan. The lightweight mugs are pretty useful and very common with outdoor adventurers and campers.
If you’re car camping, choose steel. In case you’re hiking and backpacking and can afford some extra weight, steel is the way to go.
Insulation
Most French press travel mugs have double walled construction and insulation to keep the beverage warm. However, this is not a standard feature and you will find mugs without insulation. Let’s face it, not everyone needs insulated travel mugs, so having options is a blessing.
Cost-Effectiveness And Eco Consciousness
Carrying along a reusable mug with you is any day a better decision than using disposable cups. Most travel mugs will keep your coffee warmer for longer and reduce the items heading to the landfill. Products that can be used repeatedly are always better than their single-use counterparts.
Additionally, these can turn out to be more cost-effective in the long run. Rather than buying a cup (or a few cups) of coffee every day, you can carry along some coffee. You get to enjoy the coffee of your own choice and at a fraction of the cost.
Brewing Coffee In A French Press Travel Mug
Brewing coffee in a French press is fairly simple and only needs a few steps. The French press travel mug is no different and will be as convenient to use. Here are the steps to follow:
- Place coffee grounds in the mug
- Add hot water
- Place the cap, but don’t push the plunger
- Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong a coffee you want
- Press the plunger/filter slowly
- Enjoy!
It is worth noting that the coffee to use here should be a coarse grind. A fine grind like espresso won’t work with a French press.
The Travel Mug Coffee Maker Is A Smart Choice
Getting the best French press travel mug is useful for the coffee lover in you. Especially so if you like to take your coffee to work, or sip on it during your commute. These mugs will keep the coffee warm for a very long time. However, don’t keep your coffee sitting for hours, as it might go stale.
For our list, I’ll say the Bodum French Press Travel Mug is the best choice to make. If you’re looking for alternatives, the Kohipress Portable French Press Coffee Maker is a good option.
