Reviews of Bodum Chambord 4 cup French Press Coffee Maker, 17 oz, Chrome

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This is THE brand to use if you use a French press. You will never have any trouble with coffee grounds in your coffee. The press fits perfectly and the screen is fine enough to keep even the smallest grinds from leaking through. Only one caution, 4 cups means 4 small cups of coffee. If you use a mug, its 2 1/2 to 3.

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This wasn't the first french press I tried, so I was well-aware that the french press method makes a fuller, superior coffee to an electric drip setup. The temperature of the water is more controlled (I tend to simply wait sixty seconds with the kettle off of heat before pouring), the lack of a filter, which allows the grounds to be in direct contact with the coffee for an extended period, makes for a thick, satisfying cup. With the right grind (and fresh beans ground immediately before brewing), this makes better coffee than I've ever had inside or outside of my own home.

And if you're already aware of the wonders of pressed coffee, the Chambord in particular is a superior press. The stainless steel frame gives it an indestructible feel and makes it quite attractive on one's countertop. Also, the actual plunger is a much more snug fit than other presses I've encountered, minimizing the sludge in the coffee. Strangely, though, the plunger doesn't extend down completely, so make sure you serve it immediately if your coffee doesn't quite fill up the bottom space (to avoid having some overextracted coffee at the bottom). The short, wide dimensions also make it easier to store and lowers the center of balance (good for not knocking it over). Also, it comes with a handy measuring spoon that is of bizarre dimensions (7 grams), but somehow, when level, is the perfect measurement. 1 scoop to one (European) cup of coffee (so 4 for a full press). I'm incredibly happy with the whole ordeal, especially for the price. I'll probably also invest in a larger one for entertaining purposes, since this is only enough for myself or one other person.

It's worth noting a few things that should be considered, though I don't think they are drawbacks: the glass will not hold heat long, so the coffee should be served right away (which is when it is best anyway. Coffee should never be put on heat to keep warm, it'll start to take on unpleasant flavors like restaurant coffee). Also, a "4-Cup" press is measured in a rather obscure measurement: the four ounce European coffee cup. Thus, this press makes 16-17 ounces of coffee. This is far from four hefty American mugs, and is more like one oversized or two medium mugs. If you are planning on serving yourself and three guests, I'd opt for the eight or ten cup models.

Bottom line: everyone I serve coffee to since getting this press and a nice burr grinder says it's amazingly good, and my old drip machine is unplugged and in a box.

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Pros: Great tasting coffee, easy to use, very stylish.

Cons: A bit troublesome to clean by hand.

BEWARE, though! French Presses generate a sludge at the bottom of every cup. It's part of the charm, but increases in volume with a decrease in the quality grind! If you're serious about coffee, spend the extra $$$ and buy a good burr grinder!

Honest reviews on Bodum Chambord 4 cup French Press Coffee Maker, 17 oz, Chrome

This is my first coffee press and I am very pleased with the coffee I can brew with it. It is well worth the price and the quality is very good. Your results will be good as long as you follow the directions and use coarse ground coffee. It is rated as a 4-cup unit with 6 oz. cups, but with the coffee mugs we use here in the midwest it is only a 2 cup unit. So, if you really want a 4 cup unit get the 8 cup press. If you want to try a press for coffee this is an excellent way to begin.

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I got the 4-cup model. It makes 1 "big cup" of coffee, with a little room for cream, if I'm in the mood. (my big cup is about 2x the size of a standard American coffee cup)

My wife does not drink coffee, so the smaller model was perfect for me. I may purchase a larger model at some point, for entertaining guests.

Pros

-Makes fantastic coffee, if you follow some easy rules: coarse grind (reduce sediment), don't use too little grounds (over-extraction = bitter coffee), grind your own beans (GRIND YOUR OWN BEANS!!!), if not back-to-back... wash between uses (oil buildup = bitter coffee), don't leave extra coffee in the press (it will continue to steep, which is bad)

-Simple to use, simple to clean. Everything comes apart with little hassle

-Dishwasher safe (Though I use it too much to ever let it sit in the dishwasher.)

-Sturdy (The commenter who mentioned busting the bottom out was probably using Hulk strength when pressing, stirring with metal (which creates micro-fractures in the glass), or possibly cleaning with cold water too soon after having the hot coffee in the press. (which is also bad for glass... duh))

-You will experience flavors you never knew coffee had before.

Cons

-More work to clean up than a filter-brew machine (but worth it)

-Glass is breakable, don't drop it or hand it to a 2 year old. (They make unbreakable plastic models, but the oils that buildup to make coffee bitter cling to plastic, and don't cling to glass. It's a chemistry thing, according my Chemical Engineer brother.)

-It has ruined me for other coffee. I used to tolerate the bad office coffee, now I can't stand the smell of it. When I travel, I miss the french press but buy coffee from a chain of some sort, but it's still not as good as my own press.

Fantastic press!

Side Note: I have heard that the Aero-press makes a great cup of coffee too, but I'm hesitant to try, because it still uses a filter, and you lose certain flavor components of the coffee to the filter, no matter what you do.