Bodum Chambord French Press Review
Our Rating: 4.7/5
Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker
FEATURES:
- Extracts the essential oils and acids from coffee beans
- Heat-resistant glass that won’t stain
- Three-part filter and plunger system
- 34-ounce carafe with other sizes available
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.7/5
FEATURES:
- Extracts the essential oils and acids from coffee beans
- Heat-resistant glass that won’t stain
- Three-part filter and plunger system
- 34-ounce carafe with other sizes available
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Bodum Chambord French Press Review Summary
Bodum’s Chambord French Press could be the poster child for the French press. It has a clean, traditional design that is befitting of a traditional way of brewing coffee.
Available in multiple sizes ranging from 12 ounces to 51 ounces, this French press can meet the caffeine needs of everyone. The delicious coffee it delivers is full-flavored and robust.
Designed with quality in mind — from the heat-resistant glass carafe to the stainless steel plunger and filter system — you can expect to use this coffee maker for many years to come.
A French press coffee maker allows you to experiment with coffee flavors, creating a coffee that is tailored to your liking. It’s one of the reasons java lovers have continued to use the French press for nearly a hundred years.
Bodum was founded over 60 years ago in Denmark and now has headquarters in Switzerland. The family-owned business has a global presence and is known for its French presses and other kitchenware.
Pros
- Classic chrome and glass design
- Plunger system of durable stainless steel
- Borosilicate glass carafe is resistant to thermal shock
- Bring out your inner barista by experimenting with flavors and preferences
Cons
- Coffee must be drunk immediately before it cools
- Carafe doesn’t have measurement markings
Features and Benefits of the Bodum Chambord French Press
Classic Design
The Bodum Chambord is the epitome of the classic French press; the glass carafe, chrome-plated frame, and curved lid are exactly what most people envision when they hear the words “French press.”
Bodum’s coffee maker features a design that’s simple yet sturdy. It’s also available in multiple sizes and colors. Whether you drink a little or a lot of coffee, there’s a design and size that’s perfect for your needs.
Traditional Brewing Process
The French press method is preferred by many café purists. With this method, you have full control over the brewing process. There are no paper filters or plastic pods to absorb the oils and acids that carry all the flavor. Instead, those flavors are steeped, which enhances them.
Simply choose your coffee beans and grind them (or start with pre-ground coffee), not that a coarse grind works best with this device. Next, heat water to near-boiling, you can also preheat the carafe with a little hot water to ensure there’s no temperature drop during the brewing process.
Put the coffee grinds in the carafe then add the hot water. Stir gently, and let steep for approximately four minutes. Gently put the lid on and wait until the steep time has passed. Then press the plunger all the way down. While the plunger is still down, pour the coffee into your mug. That’s it!
Experimentation is encouraged. You can try different grind variations, adjust the coffee/water ratio, and steep a little longer or a little less. It’s all up to you.
Stainless Steel for Durability
The Bodum French press uses a stainless steel plunger and filter system, so it lasts much longer than the plastic parts used in some coffee machines. Stainless steel won’t affect the taste of the coffee, either. All-metal spiral plates, along with filter plates, prevent grounds from getting into your beverage.
In addition, multiple layers of chrome-plating ensure Bodum’s French press continues looking shiny and new for years.
Good for the Earth
When it comes to making coffee, it’s hard to get more eco-friendly than a French press. No electricity is needed and you won’t need pods or paper filters, so there’s minimal waste.
This coffee machine is ideal for outdoor activities like camping since it doesn’t use electricity. Yes, you’ll still need hot water, but you can easily accomplish that with a campfire or even a grill.
The beauty of a device like this is that you control the process. If you prefer a stronger drink, use more coffee grounds or steep the coffee longer. If you want a less potent brew, then ease up on the coffee or don’t steep the grounds as long. While you won’t get the variety of beverages a home espresso machine offers, you’ll still be able to customize strength.
No-Hassle Cleanup
While it’s not totally effortless, the cleanup process with the Bodum French press is hardly a chore. Washing the coffee maker by hand is recommended but it only takes a few minutes. It’s simple to disassemble; clean using some soapy water, and then put it back together.
What Do Users Say About the Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker?
There’s no question that I’m impressed by the Bodum Chambord French Press. It’s a quality product, which makes quality coffee. Don’t take my word for it, though. I looked at other user reviews, so let’s see what they said:
Buyers love this coffee maker and praise its durability and how easy it is to use. Many have been using the same Bodum press for years. Reviewers are also pleased with what a cinch it is to clean. And did we mention that it makes great coffee?
Nothing is perfect though — although this model is pretty close — the biggest complaint is Bodum’s definition of a cup. Most users believe a cup is the equivalent of eight ounces, but Bodum uses four ounces as its standard definition. Some users have been disappointed with the size discrepancies.
Alternatives To The Bodum Chambord French Press
There are certainly many reasons to love the Bodum coffee maker. However, it’s not the perfect French press for everyone. With that in mind, I’ve come up with some alternative coffee makers that may better suit your needs.
The Frieling Stainless Steel French Press has a considerably higher price tag than the Bodum coffee machine. However, it also has a double-walled design that keeps coffee hot and it’s made from stainless steel, rather than glass. The dual-screen filter promises to keep all sediment out of the coffee. It’s available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 8 to 44 ounces.
More expensive than the Bodum Chambord French Press
Every part is dishwasher-safe
Spout designed to prevent drips
Comparably priced to the Bodum model, the Secura French Press Coffee Maker is constructed of double-walled stainless steel. In fact, all parts of this device are stainless steel, including the three-layer filter. It comes in multiple colors and sizes. Also, all parts can be put in the dishwasher.
Stainless steel filter with 3 layers
The handle and knob remain cool to the touch
Double-wall construction keeps the coffee hot
Hamilton Beach’s French Press is a budget coffee maker. The carafe is glass, but not the heat-resistant glass of the Bodum model. It also has a stainless steel plunger though, and all parts are dishwasher-safe. The glass carafe has measurement markings, which make it easy to get the proper coffee to water ratio. It also includes a manual frother, which is rarely seen with French presses.
Glass is not resistant to heat like the Bodum coffee maker’s carafe
Manual frother included
Inexpensive French press
Conclusion
The Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker is a solid product. It’s great for the person who likes control over the brewing process. The natural oils and acids in coffee beans are extracted, which enhance the flavor of the coffee.
It’s good for the environment. It doesn’t use electricity, and there’s virtually no waste other than coffee grounds. It’s simple to use, and it only takes some soapy water to clean the machine. It won’t take up your entire counter, and it’s easy to stash in a cabinet when not in use.
The heat-resistant glass carafe, the stainless steel plunger, and the filter system ensure that you’ll be able to continue using this French press in the years ahead. These are quality parts, built to last.
If you’re a traditionalist who loves French press coffee, don’t wait any longer. The Bodum Chambord French Press is what you’ve been waiting for.
Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker FAQs
Where Is The Bodum Chambord French Press Made?
Bodum products are manufactured in different parts of the world, including Spain, Portugal, and China.
Which Grind Works Best with a Bodum French Press?
Bodum recommends a coarse, even grind for best results.
Why Does My French Press Coffee Taste Bitter?
You may be steeping the coffee for too long. Another consideration is that if you leave coffee in the French press, the flavor will be over-extracted.
Can a French Press Coffee Maker Go in the Microwave?
No, a French press coffee maker should never be used in the microwave as French presses generally have metal parts.
How Often Should I Clean My French Press?
You should wash all parts of the French press with soapy water after each use.
How Should I Dispose of Coffee Grounds?
Coffee grounds should be disposed of in the trash or composted. They can also be used as fertilizer in a garden.
Is Coffee From a French Press Stronger Than Drip Coffee?
It can be stronger. A French Press allows the oils and acids in coffee beans to be extracted into the coffee, which can give a stronger flavor and aroma.