If you're serious about coffee, you probably use a French press. But with dozens of models available, which one actually makes the best cup?
For espresso blends, Lavazza Super Crema ($25) delivers consistent, creamy shots with its Arabica-Robusta blend. If you want smooth, aromatic Italian coffee, illy Classico ($16) brings 80+ years of roasting expertise. Budget buyers should grab Amazon Fresh Sumatra ($7) for organic dark roast that's Fair Trade certified.
Quick Comparison: Top 7 Coffee Beans for French Press
| Rank | Product | Type | Roast | Key Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lavazza Super Crema | Whole Beans | Medium | Espresso blend | $25 |
| 2 | illy Classico | Whole Beans | Medium | Italian roasted | $16 |
| 3 | Amazon Fresh Sumatra | Whole Beans | Dark | Organic Fair Trade | $7 |
| 4 | Don Francisco's Vanilla Nut | Whole Beans | Medium | Vanilla & nut | $19 |
| 5 | Death Wish Coffee | Whole Beans | Dark | High caffeine | $16 |
| 6 | Lavazza Qualità Rossa | Whole Beans | Medium | Chocolate notes | $25 |
| 7 | Amazon Fresh Nicaragua | Whole Beans | Medium | Single-origin | $7 |
1. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee
This medium roast combines Arabica and Robusta beans from 15 countries for full body with a creamy finish. It's perfect for espresso but works great in French press too.
The 2.2 lb bag gives you about 35-40 shots, making it economical for daily brewing. Use 0.28 oz ground coffee for each 1 oz espresso shot.
Best for: Espresso lovers who want reliable, creamy shots without breaking the bank.
2. illy Classico Whole Bean Coffee
illy's signature blend features 100% Arabica beans with notes of caramel, orange blossom, and jasmine. The sealed 8.8 oz can preserves freshness better than bags.
These beans bring 80+ years of Italian roasting expertise with no artificial preservatives—just pure coffee that delivers classic Italian flavor every time.
Best for: Italian coffee enthusiasts who appreciate smooth, aromatic brews with floral notes.
3. Amazon Fresh Organic Sumatra Dark Roast
This dark roast uses 100% Arabica beans from Sumatra for deep, intense flavor. The 12-ounce bag is USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified.
It makes a bold cup with characteristic Sumatran earthiness at an excellent value. Roasted and packed in the USA for quality control.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want organic, Fair Trade dark roast coffee.
4. Don Francisco's Vanilla Nut Whole Bean Coffee
This medium roast offers vanilla and nutty flavors that taste natural, not artificial. The 100% Arabica beans grind well for drip makers and French presses.
The 20 oz bag uses nitrogen-flushed packaging to keep beans fresh longer. It provides multiple weeks of daily brewing with smooth, rich taste.
Best for: Vanilla coffee lovers who want natural flavoring in their daily brew.
5. Death Wish Coffee Organic Dark Roast
Death Wish packs extra high caffeine from a premium Arabica and Robusta blend. Despite the dark roast, it maintains smooth cherry and chocolate notes without bitterness.
This 16 oz bag is USDA Certified Organic and Fair Trade, sourced from farms worldwide. It's perfect for serious caffeine needs without sacrificing flavor.
Best for: People who need maximum energy boost but don't want to sacrifice flavor quality.
6. Lavazza Qualità Rossa Whole Bean Coffee
This medium roast delivers nice chocolate flavor that works well in any brewing method. The Arabica and Robusta blend gives it full body without being too intense.
The 2.2 lb bag works with espresso machines, drip coffee, French press, and moka pot. At a 5/10 intensity level, it's not too strong—perfect for all-day drinking.
Best for: Versatile brewers who want smooth chocolate notes at moderate strength.
7. Amazon Fresh Nicaragua Whole Bean Coffee
This smooth medium roast features 100% Arabica beans from Nicaragua with nice chocolate notes. The single-origin beans aren't too strong or bitter.
The 12-ounce bag comes already roasted—you just need to grind at home. Roasted and packed in the USA at an excellent price point.
Best for: Single-origin enthusiasts who want smooth, affordable beans with chocolate flavor.
▶ What grind size works best for French press?
▶ How long should coffee steep in a French press?
▶ What's the difference between Arabica and Robusta beans?
▶ How much coffee should I use in a French press?
▶ Can I make cold brew in a French press?
Final Verdict
For the best value in espresso-focused beans, Lavazza Super Crema ($25) delivers consistent quality with its creamy finish. Italian coffee lovers should choose illy Classico ($16) for its signature aromatic profile.
Budget buyers can't beat Amazon Fresh Sumatra ($7) for organic, Fair Trade dark roast that tastes far better than its price suggests. For flavored coffee fans, Don Francisco's Vanilla Nut ($19) offers natural taste without artificial sweetness.
Whatever you choose, remember that fresh beans and proper grinding matter most. Grind just before brewing, use coarse grounds, and enjoy the process.
