Bodum Chambord Coffee Press
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Bodum Chambord Coffee Press
Customer Review: Sleek, Rugged, Simple Machine, & a Revelation For Luddite Coffee-Lovers!
Summary: 5 Stars
There are myriad reasons why I chose to finally invest in this strange little product that I had heard so much about from coffee experts on the web. First of all, like many other reviewers here, I only have a small number of coffee-drinkers in the household (in my case, my father and I). Most drip makers are built to hold MASSIVE quantities of our beloved go-go juice, and therefor, take up a great deal of counter space, which is of no use to us at all. Also, many of the el-cheapo drip makers that we had bought in the past worked great...for about three weeks, then broke down (The Melitta "Take Two" and the Hamilton Beach Brewstation are great machines, but they didn't prove to be very durable for us.) And finally, to be frank, we've recently had a bit of a roach problem localized to our kitchen, and Dad was paranoid that one of the little pests might sneak into and contaminate a drip-pot, as there's very rarely any kind of seal on them to prevent such occurences.
But I was unwilling to let any of these setbacks stand in the way of my favorite, and by far most delicious morning ritual, so my mind drifted back to the French press pot, that low-tech contraption from Bodum that has been around, in the same exact design, since the 1930's. That got me very, very interested. I consider myself somewhat of a Luddite, and I thoroughly believe that many things were just done better back in the old days, and that, in the Modern Age, we've traded quality for convenience and charm for instant gratification. In fact, only the massively galvanizing rush to the cerebral cortex produced by the coffee I just drank has motivated me to crank my newfangled computerola machine into power and set my electronic tele-type mechanism to stamping out a product review! Now if I can just find where to lay the stone tablet.
Hehe. OK, enough with the levity. Let's get down to what you really want to know. Is this a good product? YES! It's everything I expected and more. First of all, this thing isn't just low-tech, it's NO-tech. It's made of glass with a metal frame and a steel filter. You never have to SEE another paper filter again, and best of all, no electricity required, and no computerized parts or timers to malfunction after three weeks of moderate use. This baby is as rugged and ready for adventure as almost any kitchen implement you could think of. In fact, I may finally be able to have coffee on my camping trips, which is a very thrilling thought.
There are a few reviewers who have suggested that the task of boiling water in a separate vessel is a bit of work, and this may be true if you like your coffee really, REALLY hot. I don't need to boil water. I just get a heavy-duty pyrex measuring glass and pop it in the microwave for three minutes! You may want to wear an oven mit when removing it from the microwave, but it should be plenty hot for you, plus if you use a measuring glass, you have the added advantage of eventually learning the precise amount of water to add for your own perfect cup, as it's quite a subjective thing.
Remember when I said that there were only two coffee-drinkers in my family? Well, that's yet another detail that makes me think that this press pot thing was created specifically with folks like me in mind. Not only are there not many coffee-drinkers in the house, but neither of us are multiple-cuppers. I never have more than one good stiff mug a day, because I'm too much of a whimp to handle the caffiene (oh the shame!) This press is perfect for two people to enjoy large mug-sized portions, or for one coffee-drinker to have a tall tumblerful for a hectic day at school, the office, or just wherever. This would be ideal for a studio apartment or dorm room.
Oh, and did I mention that this thing is BEAUTIFUL?! I don't know what it is, but it looks like a charming antiquity, something that you might see on a civilized British club-car aboard a dignified old passenger train, being passed around for serving among several avuncular-looking gentlemen with grey hair, handlebar mustaches, three-piece suits complete with vest-fobs, and monocles. Sometimes, I don't know whether I should brew coffee in this thing, or polish it and put it in my china cabinet. But don't let the piece's dainty appearance give you the idea that it's a nere fragile curio, to be protected in a velvet-lined box and fussed over. The Bodum Chambord Press Pot is made of heat-resistant laboratory-grade glass. You can brew with it until Doomsday, and it'll stay in tip-top shape. And if it doesn't, Bodum offers replacement parts by mail. Now that's a company that's confident in their product!
A word to the new-age folks out there who just want to be able to flip a switch and have coffee on demand. This machine probably isn't what you're looking for. Some people would say that it's more work, but really, I think it's just more fun. It's like going to a grocery store to buy a candle as opposed to the old-timey way of dipping one yourself (which I did on a tour of a North Carolina plantation some years ago.) The old way is more "work", but it's more play as well, and there's a certain level of pride in knowing that you took part in such a time-honored and historical ritual yourself.
I read a lot of Amazon reviews before finally deciding to try the product, and I was terrified at all the comments warning how difficult this little gizmo is to clean. Once I got one for myself (and I'm a fairly lazy guy, to be honest with you), I was shocked. What are y'all talking about? This is ridiculously simple to clean, and there isn't even any of that nonsense with having to run vinegar through it once a month like with those pesky drip-makers. All you need is running water and a steady hand. Maybe you could use a little scrubber brush every week or so, but this thing is surprisingly low-maintenance. Don't be daunted by the comments stating otherwise.
OK, now for the best part. The coffee made with the Bodum Chambord Press is some of the most heavenly, mild, even, smooth, and full-bodied coffee I've ever enjoyed from ANY source/brewing technique. And, having been accustomed to convenience store coffee for the last several months, the step up was like that of a music listener going from Lindsay Lohan CD's to Billie Holiday on glorious vinyl. Once you've been to the mountaintop of richness, texture, quality, and substance, you won't want to go back to the valley of blandness, lack of depth, and thorough mediocrity. No offense to Lindsay Lohan fans. They're not bad, they (like instant coffee drinkers) just don't know what they're missing out on. ;-)
Customer Review: High Quality Model; Makes 32 ounces of the Best Tasting Coffee Homemade Coffee! Wish I Switched to a Coffee Press Earlier!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'd heard that a french press makes the best tasting coffee but put off buying one for years. To be honest if I had some peer pressure to influence me I'd probably not have resisted for so long. I only know one person who uses a coffee press and they swear by it.
The reason I finally bought this was that my last two drip coffeemakers broke in month thirteen, right after the warranty ended. Small plastic parts broke and I took the plunge to try this french press which is mostly glass and metal, figuring the simpler construction might ensure it would last longer (and it's less expensive too).
One thing I like about the Chambord is the glass beaker is a separate piece. This is unlike Bodum's Brazil model which has the plastic fused onto the glass. I know replacement glass pieces are sold separately in case mine breaks.
I liked the look of the Chambord which is sleek and has a shiny silver metal and black plastic for the holder and cap. I looked at the Bodum Chambord side by side with other coffee presses (like the Bodum Brazil) in a store and could see that this one looks more sophisticated and classy.
I also like the 32 ounce capacity of the Chambord.
Easy to Use
The coffee press is so easy to use. I boil the water then wait two minutes, as the manufacturer says not to use boiling water. I put the coffee grounds in it then fill it with 32 ounces of water. I stir it with a wooden chopstick then place the lid on and wait four minutes. Then it is pressed very gently and slowly. The coffee is ready to serve.
My one complaint about the glass container is there are no marked lines for various measurements. If you want to make coffee in a certain number of ounces, such as to make an 8 ounce cup, you will have to heat the water and measure it in a heat-safe measuring cup then pour it in.
I note the manufacturer has legal warnings in two languages which fill over two inches of space on it so it is clear that Bodum wasn't leaving markings off to have a clean design look.
Since this uses no electricity and is small I am taking it with me when camping. I am thrilled to be able to have great tasting coffee while camping or staying in cabins without electricity but with access to open fire or portable camping stoves which can be used to boil the water.
Best Tasting Coffee
I have two favorite coffees which I've been drinking for over two years using a drip coffeemaker. I was shocked at the superior aste of the coffee made with the same pre-ground beans from this coffee press. There was no bitterness! I'd thought the bitterness was supposed to be there and had accepted it. (This idea is now funny to me. I also note when reading reviews of my former coffeemaker - made by Mr. Coffee - some customers said it produced a bitter brew. I now know that to be true. )
I have never tasted home-brewed coffee that tasted this good.
32 Ounces
Bodum says this makes 8 cups of coffee. In America 6 ounces is the standard so that's a bit confusing to this American coffee drinker. However many people now drink 8, 12, 16 or more ounces in one "cup" of coffee. What you need to know is the Bodum Chambord makes 32 ounces of coffee.
Cleaning
I find this easy to clean and have no complaints. With anything you use there is usualy some cleaning, even a drip coffeemaker has parts to clean.
Making Coffee in Volume
My Mr. Coffee drip coffee maker took nearly 15 minutes to make a 12 cup pot so I have no complaints on the time it takes to make coffee in a coffee press. To me flavor is more important anyway; I'd rather have a coffeemaker for daily use that produces superior coffee every day and have a bit of inconvenience when company is here. If I have to, when company is visiting, I will use an insulated coffee pot if I need more than 32 ounces of one kind of coffee. It will actually work out fine as some of my family usually wants decaf while others want caffinated coffee, so I've always had to brew two pots and use an insulated carafe when I brewed with a drip coffeemaker anyway.
The Cost
This cost me less than half what a drip coffeemaker costs and much less than those one-cup coffee makers. I'm happy with the low cost. As I said earlier if the glass beaker breaks I can buy a replacement for a low price.
In Conclusion
This makes fantastic tasting coffee. It may be a different process than you have done before but it is easy. This is an inexpensive item with a simple process with little room for mechanical failure. Don't hesitate like I did!
Customer Review: Fantastic Value for a Fantastic Press!
Summary: 5 Stars
Having discovered French Press coffee a year ago I bought the Bodum Columbia Insulated French Press, which I love. However spare parts are not readily available for that line yet. So I started shopping for a press that I could get spare parts for. I have also read that a glass press can produce a slightly more complex flavored cup of coffee because the coffee will cool slightly while brewing. So I picked this press out based on my past happiness with Bodum products. I am the only coffee drinker in my house so I decided that I did not require a large 12-cup press. I also knew that I would not drink all that coffee before it became too cool. This is my first 8-cup press. I will spare you a review filled of reasons why you should use a French press to make coffee and instead tell you why you should buy this French press to do it! So here I go.
Durability- This press is composed of a glass beaker that lifts out of the metal-banded handle assembly. It has a metal lid that is polished to a beautiful mirror finish. Also has a metal plunger rod, metal filter and metal filter ring and cross filter base. However it has a plastic shoulder nut (my one complaint, although I was able to get a metal replacement from Bodum at no cost). The way the plunger assembly goes together is simple and can be assembled easily by hand. First the plunger rod is fitted through the hole in the lid. Then the shoulder nut is screwed onto the rod. Then the large metal ring with round holes and a spring around the edge goes on. Beneath that the fine metal filter then beneath that the cross filter base. The rod screws into the cross base and secures everything up against the shoulder nut. This description may seem somewhat complex however it is very simple in practice and fool proof. The plunger lid assembly is quite sturdy and durable. The metal-banded handle assembly, which holds the beaker, is also sturdy and polished. The handle is a very hard plastic and comfortable to grip and hold. Fully assembled you have a durable (for glass) press that can easily stand up to daily use. I use mine daily with no problems at all.
Ease of cleaning- This press easily disassembles by hand and can be completely cleaned with little effort. I soak mine in hot soapy water after every use then rinse clean and towel dry. Proper cleaning is critical to maintaining consistent coffee flavor. A dirty coffee maker will taint coffee with bad tastes. This press cleans very easily, much easier than my old drip machine did!
Ease of use- This press is used as any French press. Drop your grounds in, add water off of boil, let grounds steep for 4-5 minutes then slowly press the plunger down. Pour and enjoy. If you make more than you will drink right away then pour it into a separate insulated thermos. I leave my coffee in this until I have it drank. With the lid turned to close the spout this coffee stays warm enough for me for a half hour. Face it; the first cup will be too hot to drink right away. The second will be hot but drinkable. The third will be warm. This makes 2-3 coffee mugs. Great for a single drinker who likes 2 or 3 mugs at a time, like me. Or great for 2 light coffee drinkers (a mug and a half a piece). Coffee will always be best the sooner is it consumed after brewing is completed. In this press or any press/coffee maker.
Overall quality- For around $30 this is a fantastic value. Like I said above I was leery of the plastic shoulder nut which could wear after multiple assemblies and disassemblies, but I was able to get a metal replacement at no cost making this a much better value. All in all a great investment in better coffee drinking and piece of mind. I also like the ability to get spare parts if I should ever need them.
In closing I really love this press it holds up to daily use and maintains it great classic looks. Makes great coffee and is perfect for a single coffee drinker who likes 2 or 3 mugs of coffee as I do. It's smaller size than my 12-cup press makes for easier cleaning and handling. I am very happy with this purchase and for $30 you cannot go wrong. I recommend this to you highly! Whether you are new to French press coffee making or like me wanted a smaller easier to clean daily coffee press. I still love my 12-cup for parties, but this press is my personal daily coffee maker of choice. I love it!
Customer Review: Lives up to the hype!
Summary: 5 Stars
Okay, to some the idea of using a French press coffee maker is a little too precious, bordering on snobbishness. I used to be in that boat until a few hours ago. Tonight on a whim, I purchased this Bodum French press. Now I should warn you readers that it is generally NOT a good idea to test out your shiny new french press when you are getting home at 10:30pm on a Monday after spending way too much money at Target when you just ran in to get "dog food". I write this review so heavily caffienated that I will probably stay up until dawn tonight re-organizing my closets or alphabetizing my CD collection or doing some other useless task. Despite being a daily coffee drinker (of the muddy variety the office's Bunn machine churns out), one cup from the french press has knocked me into the stratosphere, and that alone is worth giving this product 5 stars.
My caffiene overdose aside, this press produces the best coffee I have ever had at home, and it truly rivals or surpasses coffee I've had at coffee houses. It's slightly more involved than using an automatic maker, but not difficult at all. The unit itself is pretty sturdy, and looks lovely.
French press coffee is a great alternative to using those smaller 1-2 cup automatic drip makers. Being single, I've gone through my share of those, and the coffee they make alway seems about ten times worse than the coffee from a normal-sized drip maker. If you like to make a large pot of coffee and drink it throughout the morning, I would suggest picking up a good quality carafe or thermos to keep the coffee warm.
Pros:
-Best tasting coffee you'll ever have at home, period.
-Strong, full bodied flavor
-Pretty easy to prepare
-Impress your friends with your snobby european coffee-making ways :) (looks good on your counter too)
-Great for making small amounts of coffee, for one or two people.
-Priced about the same as a ho-hum auto drip coffee maker with no extra bells and whistles, yet makes coffee a million times better.
Cons:
-More cleanup than using a automatic drip maker
-No heating element to keep coffee warm. Use a thermos/carafe if you want to sip several cups over a few hours.
- 8-cup capacity is based on a 4oz beverage size. Not really a "con" but something you should be aware of. If you had a large group you were making coffee for, it might get a little tedious to be constantly making a fresh batch of coffee.
Couple other notes: Coarsely ground coffee is recommended. This is no problem for people that already buy whole bean and grind their own, but it will be an extra step for some people. Also, I recommend picking up an Aerolatte milk frother if you want to make truly effortless cappuchino. I find that there's plenty of time to warm some milk in the microwave and froth it up while the coffee brews for 4 mintues. A $20 Aerolatte milk frother + $24 french press = coffeehouse coffee at home, whenever you want it. That's really a tiny investment for coffeehouse quality java!
I also purchased a smaller 1-cup Bodum press to take to work. Tomorrow I plan to smile smugly while my co-workers chug down the crap that comes out of the Bunn machine. If my boss is really nice, I may let him use it too. Maybe.
Customer Review: Happy Consumer
Summary: 5 Stars
Mmmmmh...Smooth & Rich java. I read all the reviews on the 8 & 12 cup stainless steel models, plus all the reviews on the glass model. I put "French Press Coffee Maker" on my Christmas list, and based upon my inability to choose between the 8 & 12 cup stainless presses, Santa brought me both. Unbeknownst to me, my daughter got me the glass version...so now I have all 3! Although I thought the stainless models would be preferable for both their insulating & unbreakable properties, now that I have all 3, the glass model is my favorite, because it's gorgeous! The chrome plated stainless steel housing is gleaming, the glass has a clarity and delicacy that is just stunning, and overall it's lighter weight, and just plain more comfortable, in my opinion, for the feminine hand. Plus, you can see how the coffee is brewing (color) during the 4 minute brew process. The downsides of course are 1) probable eventual breakage of the glass carafe, but they're readily available, and easily replaceable, and 2) that there's no insulation...but French Pressed coffee (or any for that matter) is best consumed as immediately as possible. I love the stainless models too, because (of course) they do keep the coffee very warm and*or borderline hot, depending upon your individual interpretation of those terms, for at least 30 minutes to an hour, they're virtually unbreakable, and they are also stunningly beautiful...very contemporary, and at the same time, timeless in design. All 3 models come with a measuring scoop (8 cup models take about 8 level scoops, and produce about 3 large mugs of coffee, or perhaps 4 more conservatively sized (smaller) cups. The 12 cup model is 50 percent larger, so figure approx. 5 or 6 cups with the larger stainless model (good for company where you want to serve more people at once). I also got a very inexpensive Procter Silex electric kettle to super heat the water superfast, it works great! Also, Santa brought me the matching sugar & creamer set. It etails for $20 for the set, go ahead & splurge...you'll own your French Press for perhaps a lifetime, and the sugar*creamer set makes for a stunning table display. It matches perfectly with both the stainless and the glass models. Tips...water is supposed to be "just off the boil", and I found the electric kettle just perfect. Secondly, this is hot stuff, keep away from children's reach! Thirdly, after emptying the grinds, a simple rinsing and soft cloth drying is all that's needed after use. Lastly, you do need fresh ground coffee. Trust me on this. When you see and taste that delicious, smooth, cup'o'joe with a very fine oil slick on top (fresh oils from the freshly ground beans!), you'll never be happy with canned, drip brewed, stale coffee again! I find the French Presses equal in ease of use to my old Drip coffee maker (which, incidentally, is in perfect working order, and is now in the garbage). I'll post this review on all items mentioned (8 & 12 cup Stainless Steel French Presses, Glass Carafe French Press *called the "Chambord", and the matching sugar*creamer set. Happy shopping!