Three camps. The Bodum camp says it's tradition. The Espro camp says micro-filters are non-negotiable. The all-French-presses-are-the-same camp is yelling at the other two. The cat is just looking at the deals. Here's where the cat lands.
100-year-old design. Borosilicate glass beaker. Single mesh filter. Works fine but lets fines through — the bottom 1/4 cup is silty. Defenders point at the price + the simplicity. Detractors point at the silt. Both are correct.
Patented double micro-filter — the cup that comes out is clear. Bodum loyalists call it overkill; Espro buyers call it the upgrade that ends the conversation. Field tests confirm: the cup looks like drip coffee, not press coffee. Worth it if silt has ever bothered you.
If you drink your coffee black and don't mind the silt, this camp is right + cheapest. Pour-over is better. Aeropress is faster. The French press is the right tool exactly when you want 32oz of coffee in five minutes for two-plus people. Pick the cheap one.
If you have $30 in your budget, buy the Bodum. If you have $80 and silt has annoyed you twice, buy the Espro P3. If you have $180 and want the last French press you'll ever buy, buy the Espro P7. All three go on sale 2-3x a year — the Bodum at Target + Bed Bath; the Espro on its own site + at Whole Latte Love. Set price alerts for the one you actually want.