Apollo 12 Cup French Press Coffee Maker Review: The Definitive Guide to Manual Brewing

There’s a certain kind of disappointment that’s unique to the first sip of a bad cup of coffee. It’s that moment when you expect a warm, invigorating embrace but instead get a flat, lifeless, or bitter jolt. For years, my mornings were a gamble, a frantic rush punctuated by the whir of an automatic machine that churned out something that was technically coffee, but lacked soul. It was functional, yes, but it was never an experience. I found myself yearning for more control, for a deeper connection to the brewing process, and for that full-bodied, aromatic flavour that you only find in truly great coffee. The problem is that the world of coffee makers is a bewildering landscape of pods, pumps, and programmed settings. The search for a simple, effective, and generously-sized brewer that could serve my family on a lazy Sunday morning, or a group of friends after dinner, felt like a quest for a needle in a haystack. This is the very dilemma the Apollo 12 Cup French Press Coffee Maker promises to solve: bringing back the ritual, the aroma, and the authentic taste of coffee, one deliberate plunge at a time.

What to Consider Before Buying a French Press Coffee Maker

A French press, or caffettiera, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for anyone who craves the rich, full-bodied flavour profile that other brewing methods often strip away. By allowing the coffee grounds to steep directly in the water, a French press extracts a higher concentration of the bean’s natural oils and microscopic solids. This results in a cup with a heavier, more satisfying mouthfeel and a depth of flavour that drip machines simply can’t replicate. The primary benefit is unparalleled control over the brew—you dictate the grind size, water temperature, and steeping time, transforming coffee making from a mundane task into a craft. It’s a return to the basics, celebrating the coffee bean in its purest form.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who sees coffee as more than just a caffeine delivery system. They are the ritualists, the flavour-chasers, and the hosts who love to share a great pot of coffee with others. If you enjoy the hands-on process and appreciate the subtle nuances in different coffee beans, a large-capacity French press is an excellent investment. However, it might not be suitable for those who prioritise speed and convenience above all else. If your mornings are a frantic race against the clock and the thought of grinding beans, boiling water, and timing a steep sounds like a chore, you might be better served by a high-quality pod or automatic espresso machine. The French press is for the patient connoisseur, not the push-and-go commuter.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: While not an electric appliance, a large French press still requires counter and storage space. The Apollo 12 Cup French Press Coffee Maker measures 13 x 13 x 23 cm. Before purchasing, measure your intended storage spot, typically a kitchen cupboard, ensuring there’s enough height to accommodate the fully assembled unit, including the plunger knob.
• Capacity/Performance: “12 Cups” in French press terminology can be misleading. This 1500ml capacity realistically translates to about four to five standard-sized (300-350ml) mugs of coffee. This is a crucial performance metric; it’s perfect for serving a small group or for a household of serious coffee drinkers, but might be excessive for a solo user.
• Materials & Durability: The primary materials are the carafe and the filter mechanism. The Apollo uses tempered, shock-proof borosilicate glass, which is the industry standard for its ability to handle rapid temperature changes. The frame and handle are heat-resistant plastic. While glass offers the purest taste, it is inherently more fragile than stainless steel alternatives, which is a key trade-off to consider.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The brewing process is simple, but cleaning requires a bit more effort than tossing a pod. A model with an “Easy-Clean” filter, like this one, should allow for straightforward disassembly of the mesh and plates. Proper cleaning after every use is vital to prevent the buildup of rancid oils that will taint future brews.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Apollo 12 Cup French Press Coffee Maker stands out for its classic design and substantial capacity. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the Apollo 12 Cup French Press Coffee Maker is an excellent choice for manual brewing enthusiasts, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, especially if you’re considering the convenience of automated options, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Glance: Unboxing a Classic Design

Upon arrival, the Apollo 12 Cup French Press Coffee Maker presents itself in a straightforward, no-frills package. Inside, the coffee maker is nestled securely, fully assembled. My initial impression was one of classic, unassuming functionality. There are no complex parts or instruction manuals to decipher; its purpose is evident at a glance. The black heat-resistant frame provides a stark, pleasing contrast to the clear glass carafe, giving it a timeless look that would fit into almost any kitchen decor. Lifting it from the box, the unit felt surprisingly lightweight yet balanced. The tempered glass carafe has a reassuring thickness, and the plastic frame, while not premium, feels sturdy and functional. The handle is ergonomically shaped for a secure grip, which is essential when handling 1.5 litres of near-boiling water. The plunger moves smoothly within the carafe, and the fine mesh of the permanent filter looks well-constructed, promising good filtration. Compared to more modern, insulated stainless-steel presses, the Apollo embraces a traditional aesthetic, prioritising the visual appeal of the brewing process over thermal retention.

A Deep Dive into the Apollo Brewing Experience

A French press isn’t judged on a spec sheet; it’s judged by the ritual it creates and the quality of the coffee in the cup. We spent several weeks with the Apollo 12 Cup French Press Coffee Maker as our primary coffee source, using it for everything from the quick morning brew to a leisurely weekend brunch. We tested it with various grind sizes, water temperatures, and beans to understand its nuances and performance under real-world conditions. This is a brewer that rewards attention to detail, and its large capacity makes it a true workhorse for any coffee-loving household.

The Heart of the Matter: Brewing Process and Coffee Quality

The true test of any coffee maker is the final product. With the Apollo, the process is as rewarding as the result. We began with a coarse grind, resembling rough sea salt, which is ideal for French press brewing to avoid a muddy cup. The 1500ml capacity is clearly marked, but we found using a scale for both coffee grounds and water yielded the most consistent results. Our preferred ratio was 1:15, or about 90 grams of coffee for the full 1.5-litre pot. After adding the grounds to the pre-warmed glass carafe, we poured in hot water, just off the boil at around 94°C (200°F). The glass handled the thermal shock without any issue, a testament to its tempered nature. We watched the grounds bloom and swell, releasing a wonderfully rich aroma that filled the kitchen—an experience you simply don’t get from a pod machine. After a gentle stir and a four-minute steep, it was time for the plunge. The plunger mechanism felt smooth and offered just the right amount of resistance, pressing down evenly and without any wobble. The result? A stunningly rich, full-bodied, and aromatic coffee. The filter system proved its worth, allowing the essential oils to pass through while trapping the vast majority of the grounds. There was a minimal amount of fine sediment at the bottom of the last cup, which is characteristic and even desirable in a great French press coffee, contributing to its signature heavy mouthfeel. The flavour was complex and deep, a world away from the sterile output of many automatic brewers. It truly allows the character of the coffee bean to shine.

Built for a Crowd: Capacity and Practical Design

The “12 Cup” moniker is the Apollo’s headline feature, and its 1500ml volume is what sets it apart from smaller, personal-sized presses. This isn’t a coffee maker for one; it’s a coffee maker for sharing. During our testing, we found it to be the perfect companion for our weekend brunch, easily serving four adults with generous mugs of coffee, with a little left over for top-ups. For a post-dinner coffee service for six, it produced perfectly-sized traditional cups for everyone. The practicality of this capacity cannot be overstated for anyone who regularly entertains or has a multi-person coffee-drinking household. The design complements this function. The large, heat-resistant handle provides a confident and secure grip, which is non-negotiable when you’re pouring over a litre of scalding liquid. The spout is well-designed, delivering a clean, drip-free pour every time, preventing messy spills on the counter or tablecloth. Despite its large capacity, its footprint is surprisingly compact, occupying no more space on the counter than a standard electric kettle. This combination of high-volume output and efficient design makes the Apollo 12 Cup French Press Coffee Maker a fantastic tool for social gatherings.

The Aftermath: A Closer Look at Cleaning and Durability

The joy of a great cup of coffee can be quickly soured by a complicated cleanup. We were particularly interested in Apollo’s “Easy-Clean” filter claim. After brewing, we found the best method was to fill the carafe with a bit of water, swirl it to loosen the grounds, and then empty the slurry into a compost bin or sieve to protect our plumbing. The glass carafe itself is simple to clean with a bottle brush and hot, soapy water. The filter assembly unscrews easily from the plunger rod, separating into three parts: the base plate, the fine mesh filter, and a top plate that holds it all together. Rinsing these components under warm water was enough to remove all residual grounds. For a deeper clean, a gentle scrub with a soft brush removed any built-up coffee oils, ensuring no stale flavours would carry over to the next brew. In terms of durability, the tempered glass is robust for its material class. However, it is still glass. A sharp knock on a granite countertop or a drop in the sink could easily lead to a crack or shatter. This is the inherent compromise of choosing glass over stainless steel for its flavour purity and visual appeal. While our test unit has held up perfectly, the potential for breakage is a valid long-term durability concern that requires mindful handling from the user.

What Other Users Are Saying

To provide a fully rounded view, we always look at the broader user experience. The feedback on the Apollo 12 Cup French Press Coffee Maker is quite limited, but it highlights a critical aspect of purchasing a glass product online. One user reported a significant issue, stating, “The item was sold as new, but came in a wrinkled box which was definitely repackaged, and glass was cracked.” This feedback, while a single data point, is crucial. It underscores the potential for shipping and handling issues. While our own unit arrived in perfect condition, this user’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the inherent fragility of a glass carafe. It suggests that while the product itself may be perfectly functional, the quality of packaging and fulfilment can be inconsistent. This is a risk factor worth considering and a good reason to inspect the item thoroughly upon arrival and be aware of the return policy of the vendor you purchase from.

How Does the Apollo 12 Cup French Press Coffee Maker Compare?

The Apollo 12 Cup French Press Coffee Maker occupies a specific niche: manual, high-capacity, and traditional brewing. It’s for the purist. But how does it stack up against popular automated alternatives? The comparison is less about which is “better” and more about which philosophy of coffee making aligns with your lifestyle.

1. Swan SK22110GRN Retro Espresso Coffee Machine

The Swan Retro is an entirely different beast. It’s an entry-level pump espresso machine designed to bring the café experience home. It uses high pressure to force water through finely-ground coffee, producing concentrated espresso shots and using a steam wand to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos. Someone would choose the Swan over the Apollo if they primarily drink milk-based coffee drinks and crave the intense, sharp flavour of true espresso. It’s for the aspiring barista who enjoys the process of tamping grounds and steaming milk, but it requires more skill and maintenance than a French press and is not designed for brewing large volumes of coffee at once.

2. Nespresso Essenza XN110840 Mini Coffee Machine

The Nespresso Essenza Mini represents the pinnacle of convenience. It’s a pod machine that delivers a consistent espresso-style coffee at the touch of a button in under a minute. The choice here is stark: convenience versus craft. The Essenza Mini is perfect for the person with a busy lifestyle who values speed, consistency, and zero cleanup. You sacrifice the ability to use your own choice of fresh beans and the nuanced control of manual brewing. If your priority is a fast, reliable single serving of coffee before you rush out the door, the Essenza Mini is the clear winner over the deliberate, multi-serving ritual of the Apollo French Press.

3. Nespresso Vertuo Next Automatic Coffee Machine

The Vertuo Next sits in a middle ground, offering pod convenience across a wider range of coffee sizes, from a single espresso to a large Americano. Its barcode-reading technology automates the brewing parameters for each specific pod. A user would prefer the Vertuo Next if they want the simplicity of a pod system but desire more versatility in coffee styles and sizes than a traditional Nespresso machine offers. It’s still a closed ecosystem, reliant on Nespresso’s proprietary pods, but it provides push-button simplicity for multiple coffee types. The Apollo remains the choice for those who want to escape the pod ecosystem entirely, control every variable, and brew a large pot to share.

Our Final Verdict on the Apollo 12 Cup French Press Coffee Maker

After extensive testing, the Apollo 12 Cup French Press Coffee Maker proves to be a capable, classic, and highly functional tool for anyone who loves the rich, full-bodied coffee that only this brewing method can provide. Its main strength lies in its generous 1500ml capacity, which confidently serves a group and elevates it from a personal gadget to a centrepiece for social gatherings. The construction is solid, the filtration is effective, and the final cup of coffee is genuinely excellent, allowing the quality of your beans to take centre stage. It is, without a doubt, a purist’s coffee maker.

However, its greatest strength is tied to its main weakness: the glass carafe. While it offers flavour purity and a beautiful view of the brewing process, it demands careful handling. Potential shipping and packaging issues, as noted by some users, add a layer of risk to an online purchase. We recommend this French press to coffee lovers who regularly host guests or have large households, and who appreciate the ritual and superior taste of manual brewing. If you are a patient, careful user who prioritises flavour over frantic speed, the Apollo will reward you immensely.

If you’ve decided the Apollo 12 Cup French Press Coffee Maker is the right fit for your kitchen and your coffee ritual, you can check its current price and purchase it here.