Jetboil now makes a silicone version of the Coffee Press. We're linking to that updated model, but be aware that it is different than the version we tested.
April 2020If you're already carrying and using a JetBoil but don't have room for much more, the JetBoil Coffee Press will take care of morning coffee with a minimum of additional equipment.
With this setup, you won't have to track down those pesky #2 filters before each trip or worry about running out. Simply attach the stem of the Coffee Press to its base, use your JetBoil as usual, and brew away.
We were quite happy with the quality of our brew from the JetBoil Coffee Press, though — as with most French presses — it does leave sediment behind in your cup, especially on the last pour. French press coffee is notoriously muddy because there is no paper filter to soak up oils and small particles, and the grounds stay in your water and continue to extract. Although both the Espro and the Planetary Designs French Press change that tired old story — they both have patented plungers that completely stop extraction when depressed. The Espro even has paper filters that fit between the double microfilters for a cup as clean as a pour-over. However, when camping with limited space, sometimes all that matters is having a decent hot cup to start the day, sediment or not, and the Jetboil Press can offer that.
This is a very easy brewer to use. However, a major drawback of a French press system is the cleanup process. You need to bang your JetBoil against something to empty out the grinds or scoop them out with a spoon. It's not the cleanest process, especially if you are camping and don't have a big trash can handy. You also need extra water to clean it. If you camp next to a stream, this is not a big deal. If you're far away from water, you'll need to have extra for rinsing. And if you are conserving water, it may be hard to get all the coffee flavor out, meaning that taste will transfer to your oatmeal or whatever else you are cooking.
You may wonder why a French press would receive a lower score in this category. It's true that you can make more coffee at once, but since this system is contingent on using your JetBoil, you can't easily transfer from using this as a coffee filter to boiling water for other purposes. For example, when using this with four people where the JetBoil Flash was the only stove, everyone had to get their coffee made, then the JetBoil had to be cleaned, and then the group could boil water for breakfast oatmeal. There was no practical way to have hot coffee and breakfast at the same time. If you then want a second cup an hour later (as many people often do), you will have to clean it a second time. By comparison, if you are using a cone filter system, you can be making coffee and boiling water for other items all at once.
We love how light and easy the JetBoil Coffee Press is to transport and set up. The screen disconnects from the metal rod so you can store it easily. If you're already bringing along a JetBoil, this is one of the easiest ways to add coffee service to your camp kitchen.
The Coffee Press only weighs an ounce, making it about the lightest way to make coffee, if you have a JetBoil.
This is a cheap addition to your camp kitchen arsenal IF you already own a JetBoil. If you don't, this shouldn't be a consideration because it's not a functional device on its own. But if you already have the stove and want a way to turn it into a functioning French press, this will allow you to do it for cheap.
