Planning on hosting several coffee-loving friends? Or do you simply reside in a household of more than one? A large and convenient coffee maker, such as a large French press can help with the coffee-making task. But, the big question is, how many ounces in a large French press? Our guide can help you figure out exactly how much your French press can brew at a time.
A Deeper Look at Our Picks
Secura French Press Coffee Maker (50 Ounce)
Features
- Capacity: 1500 Milliliters
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 10.55 x 6.97 x 6.61 inches
- Weight: 3.52 pounds
The Secura 1500ML/50-Ounce French Press Coffee Maker is a large capacity coffee press that can brew up to 12 cups of coffee at once. It features a double-walled stainless steel construction that keeps your coffee hot for longer and a three-layered stainless steel filter system that ensures no coffee grounds end up in your cup.
Pros
- Large capacity for brewing multiple cups of coffee
- Durable and well-constructed with double-walled stainless steel
- Three-layered stainless steel filter system ensures no grounds end up in your cup
Cons
- Grinds may sometimes pass through the mesh screen
- Heat does not retain well as some of the other french presses
Secura Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker (50 Ounce)
Features
- Capacity: 34 ounces
- Material: Stainless steel
- Filter: 3-layer stainless steel
- Double-wall construction: Yes
The Secura Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker is made of high-quality stainless steel and features a double-wall construction that keeps your coffee hot for longer. It also comes with a 3-layer stainless steel filter that ensures you get a smooth and full-bodied cup of coffee every time.
Pros
- Easy to clean according to customer reviews
- Durable and well-made
- Keeps coffee hot for a long time
Cons
- Some customers reported that the plunger sometimes gets stuck
- The lid can be difficult to put on and take off
- A few customers mentioned that the handle feels flimsy
Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee Maker (51 Ounce)
Features
- Makes 12 cups of coffee
- Made of durable, heat-resistant borosilicate glass
- Comes with a 3-part stainless steel mesh filter
- Available in black and red colors
The Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee Maker is a reliable and budget-friendly coffee maker that can make up to 12 cups of coffee at once. It is made of high-quality materials that make it durable and long-lasting. The coffee maker is easy to use and can brew coffee in just a few minutes.
Pros
- Easy to use and clean according to many customers
- Makes great-tasting coffee
- Large capacity, perfect for entertaining
Cons
- Glass carafe may break if not handled carefully
- Some customers reported issues with the filter
- Some customers noted that the lid doesn't fit snugly
Bodum Bistro Nouveau French Press (51 Ounce)
Features
- 51-ounce capacity
- Borosilicate glass carafe
- Stainless steel plunger
- Comfortable handle
The Bodum Bistro Nouveau French Press is a 51-ounce capacity coffee maker that allows you to brew up to 12 cups of coffee at once. It features a borosilicate glass carafe that is heat-resistant and durable, along with a stainless-steel plunger and mesh filter that produce a rich and flavorful cup of coffee. The compact and stylish design of this French press makes it a great addition to any kitchen or coffee bar.
Pros
- Large capacity makes it perfect for serving multiple people
- Easy to use and clean
- Makes delicious coffee with a rich flavor
Cons
- The lid can sometimes be difficult to fit properly
- Glass carafe can be fragile if not handled with care
- The filter can sometimes let coffee grounds through
Stanley French Press Hammertone Green (48 Ounce)
Features
Pros
Cons
Bodum Bean Cold Brew Coffee Maker (51 Ounce)
Features
Pros
Cons
How Many Ounces Are In A Large French Press?
The amount of ounces in a large French press depends on the actual size of the French press. Typically, French press machines come in four main sizes. Of the four, three sizes are considered large French press machines.
Here’s a summary of the large French press sizes;
- 0.5L French press: 17 fl.oz.(approximately 4 cups)
- 1L French press: 34 fl. oz.(approximately 8 cups)
- 1.5L French press: 51 fl. oz. (approximately 12 cups)
What Does A Cup Really Mean In A French Press?
In a French press, each cup is equivalent to 4 ounces. The sizing for French press machines is usually represented in liters, fluid ounces, or cups. While the cup capacity is an excellent guiding tool for consumers, it isn’t as “black and white” as you may think.
In many cases, a cup is usually equivalent to 8 ounces, like in a standard baking or cooking recipe. But, this is not the same for the French press. For French press manufacturers, a cup is typically equivalent to 4 ounces.
Now, a standard coffee mug at home will generally measure 8 to 16 ounces. So, when you consider the sizing, for example, a 1L/33-ounce French press produces 2 to 4 cups in reality. So, if you plan on serving a small crowd, the 1.5L/51-ounce French press is a better option.
How Much Coffee To Put In A Large French Press?
The amount of coffee you put in a large French press depends on the size. But, you can refer to the standard water-to-coffee ratio. Generally, you should add 7-8 grams (a tablespoon) of coarsely ground coffee for every 200ml (6.7 fluid ounces) of water.
For example, you need about 2-2.5 tablespoons of ground coffee for brewing in a 17-ounce/4-cup French press. Moreover, about 4 to 5 tablespoons of ground coffee are enough for a 34-ounce/8-cup cafetiere while 6 to 8 tablespoons are enough for a 51-ounce/12-cup French press.
Why Is French Press Sizing Essential?
The availability of a French press in different sizes isn’t just for the looks. The sizing impacts the volume you can produce per brew and the flavor the beans impart. A smaller French press means little water to coffee ratio.
This makes it difficult to control the flavoring if you are not a seasoned user. This, in turn, means you can end up with bitter-tasting and more intense coffee. Going for a larger French press allows you more control over the water-to-coffee ratio.
But, this also means that you may be making more than one cup. On the other hand, an even larger French press allows you to make several cups if you are with a crowd.
What Is the Ideal Large French Press Size For Your Needs?
Disciplined and experienced single drinkers may benefit from a small 8-ounce French press. However, many people prefer larger sized French press machines for their versatility. Here’s how each size can benefit you the most;
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Example | Bodum Chambord | Bodum Brazil | Belwares Coffee Press |
| Size | 4 Cup | 8 Cup | 12 Cup |
| Volume | 17 ounces | 34 ounces | 51 ounce |
| Realistic Amount | 1-2 Cups | 2-4 Cups | 3-6 Cups |
4-Cup French Press
A 17-fluid ounce French press is a popular option for single people and small families. This is the size you will also typically find in a home kitchen and small offices. The portable coffee maker is also ideal for traveling. Whether it is for daily use at home or as a traveling companion, we recommend the Bodum Chambord French Press as your personal cafetiere.
In reality, a 17-ounce French press will make a cup or two per brew. You can also opt for this size if you like to make iced coffee, thanks to its more controllable water-to-coffee ratio.
8-Cup French Press
A 34-fluid ounce French press offers you twice the capacity of a 17-ouncer. So, it’s great for when you want to serve more people at once. This size French press can make about 2 to 4 cups per brew.
The French press is also great for people who enjoy more than a cup of coffee and want to keep a generous serving with them. With a larger French press, you can also control the water-to-coffee ratio.
Further, you can control the overall taste and strength of the coffee much easier. But, you have to be alittle extra careful as it’s easy to make a mess with a larger cafetiere.
12-Cup French Press
Now, the 51-fluid ounce is the ultimate jumbo coffee maker for larger scale brewing. This large coffee maker can brew 3 to 6 cups. This type of cafetiere is ideal for a household with multiple coffee drinkers, an office, or cafes and restaurants.
Alternatively, if you host people frequently, a large French press may also be ideal for you. But, investing in this large cafetiere, you have to think of the space it will use. Our personal favorite large french press for hosting family and friends is the Bodum Brazil 51-Ounce French Press.
What is the best roast for French Press?
When it comes to choosing the best roast for French Press, it often boils down to personal preference. However, a medium to dark roast is generally recommended for French Press brewing. The reason behind this recommendation is that a medium to dark roast tends to have a more robust and bold flavor profile, which can withstand the longer brewing time and immersion brewing method of the French Press. The French Press allows for more extraction compared to other brewing methods, so a darker roast can bring out richer flavors and provide a fuller-bodied cup of coffee. Ultimately, it's worth experimenting with different roasts to find the one that suits your taste preferences the best.
Meet the expert
Donaldina is a coffee lover and freelance writer from Tanzania. Coffee runs deep in her family - tracing its roots to her grandmother’s running of their first coffee farm in the mid-70s. She enjoys spending her time writing and co-running her grandmother's small robusta coffee farm with her sister in northwest Tanzania during the summer seasons.