French Press vs Pour-Over

Pros

• +Full-immersion brewing with a metal filter gives you the heavy, full body that paper filters strip out
• +The classic design is classic for a reason — replacement parts and glass are cheap and everywhere
• +No paper filters to buy, ever — the running cost is zero

Cons

• −The metal mesh lets fine sediment through, so the last sip has grit
• −Glass carafe — it will eventually meet a hard floor

Pros

• +The cone shape and single big hole give you total control over flow and extraction — the reason it's the enthusiast default
• +Costs almost nothing and pairs with cheap filters
• +Produces a clean, bright, articulate cup that shows off good beans

Cons

• −The control is a double edge — a sloppy pour makes a mediocre cup, so it rewards a kettle and a bit of practice
• −You'll want a scale and ideally a gooseneck kettle to get the most from it

Pros

• +The patented double filter catches far more fines than a standard mesh, so the cup is clean to the bottom
• +The filter also stops the brew when you plunge, reducing the over-extraction that makes press coffee bitter as it sits
• +Same full-immersion body as any press, minus the trademark grit

Cons

• −The double filter is more to rinse and clean than a plain mesh
• −Costs more than a basic Bodum for a difference only sediment-sensitive drinkers will prize