This 4 cup (or 16 ounce) french press from the traditional masters, La Cafetiere, is one of the all time classics in the home pressed coffee world. Combining the traditional styling of a European cafetiere and the experience that the company has gained over the years, this is definitely one the [best french presses](http://frenchpressreview.blogspot.com/2010/09/top-french-presses.html) to have in your collection.
Designed with the 16oz glass beaker and encased in the usual metal bracket container and plastic handle that we so often see with La Cafetiere, this Optima model comes accross perhaps a little more squat than some of the 2 or 8 cup models from the same company. However, the shorter height gives the advantage of a bit more stability for the press, as when the plunger is up you will be less likely to knock it over!
The wider but shorter beaker design also aids in the steeping of the ground coffee with the hot water. As one of the key benefits of a french press is that the grounds are surrounded entirely in the hot, steaming water, the more surface/body of water you can get, the better and faster the rate of infusion is going to be.
If I were to point any fingers at this model, it would - unfortunately - have to be the same criticism we often get with other La Cafetiere designs; the beaker is rather thin and the heat drops off pretty quickly unless you're drinking it ouside, in a hot country, in the sun, with no wind.
That said, you really can't go wrong with this stainless steel plunger - it really is one of the best french presses you can buy.
As a side note - as some readers have been asking - there has been some recent news coverage of a plastic compound called BPA that is used in many hardened plastics. New research has shown that this compound is potentially a cancer causing element, especially in plastics that are heated up. Whilst it is hard to tell what products are affected, you can rest assured that this Optima from La Cafetiere has no plastic components exposed to the hot water.
You can check out the LaCafetiere Optima 4-Cup French Press over here on Amazon, who offer the best prices and delivery options
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