Kit test: Cafetiers

Stocking up on takeaway coffees is costly and wasteful, instead a cafetiere offers 'proper coffee' when you want it. We put three to the test

Le Creuset stoneware cafetiere, lecreuset.co.uk £55

Established in 1925, Le Creuset has been making world-class cookware from its foundry in France, for almost 100 years, and has continued to use hand-crafted techniques and the original process of forging and casting in the manufacturing of its products. Most famously known for its enamelled cookware, stainless steel and stoneware, the ubiquitous cafetiere has now been introduced to its ever-expanding range.

The stoneware coffee pot (750ml) with metal press is available in a variety of colours, from its traditional volcanic orange to coastal blue, cerise and black, as shown here. The jug is a handsome and sturdy beast even if the metal lid clatters a bit. The plunging action is incredibly smooth and even, without a trace of seepage. Its poring action also sets it apart from the crowd, with not a drip in sight. The stoneware jug retains the heat for longer than its glass counterpart, keeping the coffee hot, while the handle remains cool to touch. Colour match with Le Creuset storage jars (excellent and air-tight) for your ground coffee or beans. The only downside: unlike glass, you cannot see how much coffee is left. So beware sharing the bitty grounds at the end of the pot.

KitchenAid® Precision Press Coffee Maker, Lakeland, £99.99

This battery powered cafeteria brings a whole new meaning to home brew. With an integrated scale and programmable timer, you know how many cups you should be able to get out of your brew, how much water you need, how long it needs to steep and when to press the plunger, depending on how strong - or not – you like your morning pick-me-up.

The handle is heat resistant, the plunge is excellent – smooth and successful - and there is no sign of a troublesome drop whatsoever. The stainless steel - both inside and out - makes it easy to clean and it’s insulated so it will be hotter for longer. And at 740ml, it serves fie cups happily, although the fact you can't see inside makes it harder to guesstimate this.

It’s a pretty light considering it has batteries inside, the handle is heat resistant, the plunge is slow and finishing up, the pour is simple and drip free. All that said, it rather over complicates a quite simple process and it’s a little bit too much faff if you just want a morning fix. Although it would make an excellent gift for a real coffee lover.

Tom Dixon brew cafetiere, Amara.com, £150,

British designer Tom Dixon is known for his metallic pendant lighting, fan chairs and incredible interiors and he's moved into homewares too and taken his love of metallics with him too. This one is covered in a gloss copper outer, with a stainless steel inside which is super easy to clean as there are no nooks or crannies for granules to hide in. The handle is made from black thermoplastic and doesn’t heat up, neither does the plunger fall out once you pour. The plunge is smooth and keeps the granules out too. Holding 750ml, the description says it makes six cups, so don’t confuse this with mugs; it will make enough for three mugs and six smaller cups.

The only downside is it has the slightest drip thanks to its rather pointed spout, but considering how beautiful it is, we can live with that. Plus it’s part of a equally beautiful set with cups, coffee caddy and spoon and a milk pan.

Decision: For pouring, price and usability, the Le Crueset cafetiere comes out top.