MSR 040818092231 French Press Review

4.4 (264) Amazon rating$30.95

Our verdict

The MSR 040818092231 is a stainless steel French press that weighs just 0.31 lb and holds 1.0 liter, built for outdoor and travel use where lightweight gear matters. At $30.95, it covers the basics without electricity and is aimed at a different use case than countertop presses.

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Best for

Campers, backpackers, and travelers who want a full-liter French press that barely adds weight to a pack. The all-metal stainless construction handles the rigors of outdoor use better than glass options.

Skip if

Skip it if you mainly brew at home and want easy cleanup, the MSR is listed as not dishwasher safe, and the 3.8 x 3.8 x 1.7-inch dimensions suggest a compact, travel-first profile that trades home convenience for portability.

  • Capacity 1.0 L
  • Type French Press
  • Coffee input Ground
  • Filter Reusable
  • Operation Manual
  • Controls Touchscreen
  • Weight of 0.31 lb - lighter than 95% of the 25 models we track

Our scorecard

4.3/5 overall
  • Owner rating4.4/5

    4.4 average across 264 owner ratings

  • Popularity1.2/5

    264 owner reviews, fewer than most models here

The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other coffee makers, kettles and brewers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.

Overview

MSR is a brand known for outdoor equipment, and the 040818092231 reflects that orientation. The stainless steel construction keeps weight minimal at 0.31 lb while the 1.0-liter capacity means you can brew enough for a couple of cups on a camp stove. The reusable mesh filter fits the outdoor-use model well, no paper filters to pack in or pack out.

At 3.8 x 3.8 x 1.7 inches, the listed dimensions suggest an unusually flat or compressed profile, likely designed to collapse or nest within other camp gear. The metallic stainless finish resists corrosion in wet outdoor environments. Operation is fully manual with no electrical components required.

With 264 reviews and a 4.4-star rating at $30.95, the MSR sits in solid territory for its niche. The review pool is smaller than mainstream kitchen presses, but it reflects a more targeted user base. Buyers shopping for a camp-specific press will find the lightweight steel build and 1-liter capacity a practical combination.

Pros

  • Extremely light at 0.31 lb, well suited for backpacking
  • 1.0-liter capacity brews multiple cups per fill
  • Stainless steel holds up better than glass outdoors
  • Reusable filter, no disposable filters to carry
  • 4.4 stars from 264 reviews in a niche category

Cons

  • Not dishwasher safe, requires hand washing
  • Small review base (264) relative to mainstream French presses
  • Listed dimensions (3.8 x 3.8 x 1.7 in) suggest a very compact form factor that may feel unfamiliar compared to a standard press

Performance notes

Manual operation. 1.0-liter capacity. Stainless steel material with metallic finish. Reusable filter. Not dishwasher safe. Weight: 0.31 lb. Dimensions: 3.8 x 3.8 x 1.7 in. No wattage or electrical components.

What buyers say

A 4.4-star average from 264 reviews is a reasonable signal for a niche outdoor product. Buyers appear to value the lightweight stainless build for camping contexts. Complaints, where they appear, tend to focus on the learning curve of a non-standard form factor rather than quality issues.

Specifications

Capacity1.0 L
TypeFrench Press
Coffee inputGround
FilterReusable
OperationManual
ControlsTouchscreen
MaterialStainless Steel
FinishMetallic
Dishwasher safeNo
ColorStainless Steel
Dimensions3.8 X 3.8 X 1.7 In
Weight0.31 lb
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Frequently asked questions

Is the MSR French Press designed for camping?

Yes, MSR makes outdoor gear, and the 0.31-lb weight and stainless steel build point to a camping and backpacking focus rather than countertop home use.

Can I put the MSR French Press in the dishwasher?

No, it is listed as not dishwasher safe. Plan on hand washing after each use.

Does the 1-liter capacity work for two people camping?

A 1.0-liter press will yield roughly 3-4 standard 8-oz cups, which is enough for two people in a camp setting.

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