Yes, french press takes a few minutes longer than your everyday drip machine, but WOW, the resulting brew tastes better. Being a tea drinker as well, I'm used to boiling water and setting a timer for the perfect steep time, so french press was not a big adjustment for me. I've been really happy with the Le Creuset version since I purchased it several weeks ago on sale. It's beautiful (I got it in yellow...sunshine on my countertop!), easy to use, and cleans up like a dream. Be prepared to play around with the amount of coffee/duration of steeping, to get it just right for your taste. Like any other french press, the carafe does lose heat, but I think the stoneware stays hotter longer than my previous glass version...still, though, if you want your coffee to be ... MoreYes, french press takes a few minutes longer than your everyday drip machine, but WOW, the resulting brew tastes better. Being a tea drinker as well, I'm used to boiling water and setting a timer for the perfect steep time, so french press was not a big adjustment for me. I've been really happy with the Le Creuset version since I purchased it several weeks ago on sale. It's beautiful (I got it in yellow...sunshine on my countertop!), easy to use, and cleans up like a dream. Be prepared to play around with the amount of coffee/duration of steeping, to get it just right for your taste. Like any other french press, the carafe does lose heat, but I think the stoneware stays hotter longer than my previous glass version...still, though, if you want your coffee to be warm/hot, drink your brew within 25 minutes or so. I always boil about 8 oz of extra water, to pre-heat the carafe for 60 sec before brewing. It takes very little time, but definitely keeps your coffee hotter, longer. I've also had success tying a thick tea towel around the carafe, to keep some warmth in. Order the smaller size if you'll mostly use the carafe for 1-2 servings at a time. The large size is good for 3-4 servings (and without the plunger/top, the large carafe doubles as a juice or water pitcher at mealtime!). Love this purchase. Will use this for years!

I bought this French press because Le Creuset is an amazing brand. Although it looks super nice, it doesn’t function well. Everytime I push down the top, hot water spills out and splashes and burns me. Which means you can barely fill thewater in the pot more than half way, which barely makes two cups of coffee. And grains of coffee always gets inside my coffee cup. And now the website is saying this item is unreturnable. Please don’t waste your money!

I have had my pot for a month now and I have found the complaints in some of the other reviews to be unfounded. I was even concerned enough to save the box in case I was going to be unhappy and want to return the pot. However, it works just as it should. I am guessing that the complaints about granular coffee and it overflowing are due to not reading the instructions on how much coffee to use, letting it steep for 3-4 minutes before plunging, and overfilling the water to the brim. The online tutorial also specifically says not to use boiling water. Also, all Le Creuset and other ceramic/stoneware have the potential to chip if handled roughly or banged against other items. If this is burdensome for anyone I suggest going with a traditional glass press that can go in ... MoreI have had my pot for a month now and I have found the complaints in some of the other reviews to be unfounded. I was even concerned enough to save the box in case I was going to be unhappy and want to return the pot. However, it works just as it should. I am guessing that the complaints about granular coffee and it overflowing are due to not reading the instructions on how much coffee to use, letting it steep for 3-4 minutes before plunging, and overfilling the water to the brim. The online tutorial also specifically says not to use boiling water. Also, all Le Creuset and other ceramic/stoneware have the potential to chip if handled roughly or banged against other items. If this is burdensome for anyone I suggest going with a traditional glass press that can go in the dishwasher. I have not had any issues and quick soapy rinse gets it clean. Hope this feedback is helpful for anyone on the fence based on some of the reviews.