A well-made French press is one of the simplest, most rewarding ways to brew coffee at home, and the Laura from German brand Cilio is a particularly handsome example of the form. Founded in Solingen in 1993, a city with a long heritage of precision metalwork, Cilio has built its reputation on combining quality materials with considered, functional design. The Laura reflects that ethos: a heat-resistant borosilicate glass carafe paired with a polished stainless steel lid, handle, and plunger assembly, built to look good on any worktop and to last considerably longer than a budget cafetière.
French press brewing produces a full-bodied, richly textured cup that showcases the natural oils and character of the coffee in a way that paper-filtered methods don't. The coarser grind and immersion brewing process draw out more of the coffee's weight and mouthfeel, making it a particularly good choice for medium to darker roasted beans, though it works beautifully with a well-developed single origin too. The Laura's stainless steel plunger and filter assembly presses smoothly and cleanly, and the secure-fit polished lid keeps heat in during the steep. It also works equally well for brewing loose-leaf tea, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. For a full walkthrough on technique, our French press brew guide covers everything you need.
Available in 6-cup (0.8L) and 8-cup (1L) sizes, the Laura is well suited to both solo brewers who like to make a generous batch and those brewing for two or three people. The borosilicate glass carafe is dishwasher safe, and the stainless steel components are easy to disassemble and clean thoroughly between brews. A matching warmer is available separately if you like to keep your coffee at temperature after brewing.
The Laura French Press is available in two sizes:
6 cups
- Capacity: 0.8 L
- Ø: 12 cm
- Height: 19,5 cm
- Material: Polished stainless steel with heat-resistant borosilicate glass
8 cups
- Capacity: 1L
- Ø: 12 cm
- Height: 21cm
- Material: Polished stainless steel with heat-resistant borosilicate glass
- Brand: Cilio (Solingen, Germany)
- Founded: 1993
- Brewing method: French press (immersion)
- Also suitable for: Loose-leaf tea
- Carafe material: Heat-resistant borosilicate glass
- Lid and handle material: Polished stainless steel
- Plunger assembly: Stainless steel filter rod and filter
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Compatible accessory: Cilio Laura warmer (sold separately)
- Manufacturer product code: 342130
- 6-cup
- Capacity: 0.8L
- Diameter: 12cm
- Height: 19.5cm
- 8-cup
- Capacity: 1L
- Diameter: 12cm
- Height: 21cm
What is the difference between the 6-cup and 8-cup Laura French press? The 6-cup holds 0.8L and stands 19.5cm tall, while the 8-cup holds 1L and is 21cm tall. Both share the same 12cm diameter. If you're brewing for one or two people and want a generous amount, the 6-cup is usually sufficient. The 8-cup suits households where you're regularly brewing for two or three people, or where you like to make a larger batch to keep warm.
What grind size should I use in a French press? A coarse grind is essential for French press brewing. Too fine and the grounds will pass through the filter mesh and make your cup gritty; too coarse and the coffee will taste weak and under-extracted. Aim for a grind roughly the texture of coarse sea salt. Our French press brew guide covers grind size, dose, and steep time in full.
How long should I steep coffee in a French press? Four minutes is the standard starting point for a well-balanced cup. If the result tastes weak or thin, try a slightly finer grind rather than steeping longer; over-steeping can lead to bitterness as the grounds continue to extract even after pressing. Once you've pressed the plunger, pour the coffee promptly rather than letting it sit in the press.
Is the Cilio Laura French press dishwasher safe? Yes. The borosilicate glass carafe is dishwasher safe. The stainless steel components can also be washed in the dishwasher, though hand washing the plunger assembly after disassembling it is the best way to keep it clean and free from any residual coffee oils between brews.
Can I use the Laura to brew tea? Yes, it works well for loose-leaf tea. Add your leaves, pour over hot water at the appropriate temperature for your tea type, steep for the required time, and press the plunger to separate the leaves before pouring. The same coarse-to-medium approach applies: avoid very fine-leaf teas that might pass through the filter mesh.
What is the warmer for, and is it included? The Cilio Laura warmer is a matching accessory designed to keep the press warm after brewing. It is not included with the French press and is sold separately. It's a useful addition if you like to brew a larger batch and drink it over a longer period.
Why does my French press coffee taste bitter? Bitterness in French press coffee is usually a sign of over-extraction. The most common causes are grinding too fine, steeping for too long, or using water that is too hot. Water just off the boil (around 94-96°C) is ideal. Try a coarser grind and stick to a four-minute steep as a baseline, then adjust from there.
How do I clean the plunger assembly properly? After each brew, disassemble the plunger by unscrewing the filter components and rinse all parts thoroughly under warm water. Coffee oils can build up in the mesh filter over time and affect the flavour of subsequent brews, so a more thorough clean every few uses is worthwhile. All components are dishwasher safe if you prefer.
What makes the Cilio Laura different from other French presses? The Laura sits at a quality tier above most supermarket or budget French presses. The combination of genuine borosilicate glass and a polished stainless steel frame gives it a durability and aesthetic that cheaper plastic-framed alternatives don't match. Cilio has been making kitchen accessories in Solingen since 1993, and the build quality reflects that heritage.