French Press Buyers Guide

by Mike on July 9, 2009 in Coffee Machines,Coffee Makers

A French Press will creates rich, coffee shop tasting coffee at home. I’ve had people say that they make the best tasting coffee of any methods. It brings out flavors that can’t be tasted with coffee made from a drip coffee maker. I’ve had French Press coffee enough to know that I need one for my own kitchen and it seems like everyone and their barista is saying that I have to get one.

I’ve been putting it off, casually shopping, but now I’ve selected a few that I’m considering buying. I put my research together as a guide, but I’d also like your feedback and if you have a french press, what kind? Have you noticed any taste differences between different kinds of French Presses?

Bodum Chambord Coffee Press

Bodum Chambord Coffee Press Bodum is the name that I keep hearing when it comes to French Presses. I like the classic look and most of the reviews were positive. Some people complained that it was fargile and broke after a few uses, but the majority of people said that this French Press makes the best coffee that they’ve ever had.

Brews 32 ounces of coffee; retains beans’ oils for rich, complex flavor
Sturdy, chrome-plated brass frame; easy-to-clean glass carafe
Stainless-steel press mechanism; replacement parts available
Turn lid to close spout; not for stovetop use
All parts are dishwasher-safe

Buy it at Amazon for $39.99.

BonJour Hugo 8-Cup Unbreakable French Press

BonJour Hugo 8-Cup Unbreakable French Press This BonJour Hugo French Press is the second most popular that’s sold on Amazon. The majority of reviews were very positive, saying it was stronger than the Bodum brand, but some people said that it was breakable.

8-cup French press makes 32 ounces of fresh brewed coffee
Unbreakable polycarbonate carafe great for picnics
Rubberized, comfort-grip handle; plastic lid and frame
Stainless-steel filter rod and screen; mesh lid removes extra sediment
Microwavable when lid and metal parts removed (Don’t know why anyone would ever put coffee in the microwave)

Only $19.99 at Amazon.

Thermos Nissan 34-Ounce Vacuum Insulated Stainless-Steel Gourmet Coffee Press

Thermos Nissan 34-Ounce Vacuum Insulated Stainless-Steel Gourmet Coffee Press This is actually the one I’m leaning towards right now, it seems to have almost entirely positive review, it’s portable, very durable and it keeps the coffee warm for hours. I’d rather have something with the classic look, but this one is more practical.

Makes pressed coffee and keeps it hot for hours
Holds a bit over 1 quart
Steel-mesh screen is replaceable
Hand wash with mild detergent
Five-year warranty against defects

For sale at Amazon for $29.99.

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Tagged as: Bodum, Bonjour Hugo, French Press

Article by Mike Crimmins

Mike Crimmins is the highly caffeinated blogger behind Daily Shot Of Coffee. Besides drinking way too much coffee, he's obsessed with the Yankees and getting dirty on his mountain bike.

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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

Christian July 10, 2009 at 5:12 pm: Definitely go with glass. Hot plastic can’t be good and neither it nor stainless steel ever really get clean. Plus, and this is mostly second hand, bodum builds better quality screens and filters – that work better and also fit the carafe better. There are some other bodums, as well, that are a bit more attractive and/or less prone to breakage. I think Mark Prince also recently commented on the impressive nature of the Hario double walled pot – not sure how easy it is to get. And there is the Freiling pot. Also stainless steel – a minus – but attractive and well insulated (although also expensive).

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Keurig July 10, 2009 at 9:44 pm: I’ll second Christian on that suggestion. I drink French Press every day and it’s by far my favorite way to brew coffee. Mine is just a cheap french press, but I know that with a normal sized press I go through the coffee well before it gets cold. The glass holds the heat surprisingly well. Besides, French Press coffee is as much an experience as it is a delight, the thermos takes all the fun out of it!

Of the three, I like the Bonjour French Press.

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Mike July 10, 2009 at 10:10 pm: Thanks for the input. I’m still undecided, but the information definitely helps and makes my decision easier.

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Builder July 22, 2009 at 3:21 am: I’m thinking of getting my dad a french press, but am afraid he’ll have to get all new coffee grounds since I read they require coarser grinds. Is that true? He has so many other coffee already ground up for his drip coffee maker. Thanks.

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Mike July 22, 2009 at 2:28 pm: They do require more coarse coffee grounds, but I’m actually in the same boat. I just got my French Press today and I have about two pounds of ground coffee, that I have to go through. While the results would be better with coffee this more coarse, I think the overall results are still better than with a drip coffee maker.

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