This Bodum Chambord French Press review explores a classic high-quality coffee machine that’s also affordable and attractive.
The Bodum Chambord French Press might not be right for people in a rush who want their coffee quickly and without any fuss.
But if you have some time to spare and like your coffee rich and strong, then this is a great choice.
(Updated on 16th February, 2023)
TABLE OF CONTENTS – What’s In This Coffee Machine Review? |
Bodum Chambord French Press Review : An Overview
Pros:
- Classic design elegance
- Comes in a choice of colors, sizes and finish
- Portable and conveniently light weight
- Affordably priced for any budget
- Proven, efficient at consistently delicious coffee
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
- Residue of coffee grounds in mug
- Minor pressure problems, squirts hot coffee
- No markings on glass to pour correct amounts
Technical Specs
Brand: Bodum
Model: Chambord French Press
Category: French press coffee maker
Color: chrome, copper, gold, cork, black
Sizes: 12, 17, 34 and 51 ounce carafe
Material: Glass, plastic and stainless steel
Warranty: 1 year
What’s In The Box?
- Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker
- Measuring spoon
Bodum CHAMBORD French Press Review
Performance
The Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker is easy to use. Even beginners to the French press method of brewing will find it simple to make coffee with it.
There are instructions on the package. You can also find several online video tutorials on using the Bodum Chambord French Press.
Since the glass carafe is transparent, you will not accidentally push down on the plunger too early. By observing the brew, you can wait until it’s the right color and hue before you apply pressure.
The plunger might wobble slightly. So make sure you hold the handle firmly. A few grounds might slip past the filter and into your mug, a problem many other modern French press coffee makers avoid.
Coffee Grinds:
A Bodum Chambord French Press coffee machine needs coarse grinds. When you grind your coffee beans too fine, the filter gets clogged.
This means you must press down harder on the plunger, which may interfere with coffee quality and risk messily spraying hot coffee around.
But grind the coffee too coarse and your brew will taste salty, sour or acidic. Remember, with a French press method, all the extract stays in your drink. There’s nothing absorbed into a filter.
You may have to go through some trial and error before hitting upon the perfect grind coarseness.
Bodum CHAMBORD French Press Review
Design & Aesthetics
The Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker is constructed of stainless steel. It is sturdy and durable, with a chrome-plated frame.
A D-shaped handle helps hold the coffee maker firmly while pressing down on the plunger. A dome shaped lid adds to the classy appearance of the machine.
Depending on your aesthetic preferences, you may choose from a range of different finishes and designs from the Bodum family of coffee makers.
There are also different sizes – with 51, 34, 17 or 12 ounce capacity.
The one you choose will be based on how much coffee you’ll consume. For small groups or individual use, a 12-ounce option is ideal. For bigger crowds, pick a suitably larger model.
You’ll also enjoy being able to choose from a range of colors. This means your Bodum Chambord French Press will nicely match any interior decor.
Bodum CHAMBORD French Press Coffee Maker Review
Special Features
- Stainless steel construction
- Elegant design
- Innovative function, brews coffee in 4 to 5 minutes
- Safety lid safeguards against messy spills
- Press system is simple and effective
Glass Carafe:
A heat-resistant carafe of borosilicate glass will not stain or interact with the contents. This means you’ll enjoy delicious, hot coffee.
A stainless steel frame and lid mean the device will be durable, last for several years,
A polypropylene handle has a matte finish that’s comfortable to the grip. You can hold the jar steady while pushing down the plunger, and also use it to serve coffee.
The stainless steel plunger keeps coffee grinds from escaping, or messy sprays of hot water.
Metal Filter:
You do not need paper filters. The Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker has a permanent metal mesh filter that is reusable.
Pressure Trouble:
A niggling design flaw is that the coffee maker can’t handle too much pressure. When you press down very hard, the resistance causes hot water to leak and spray.
You can tackle this by stirring a bit before you try again. And when the lid is shut tight, there’s less risk of anything going wrong.
Other Non-Coffee Uses:
The Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker can brew tea.
Place tea leaves in the mesh, and you can enjoy a refreshing drink instead. The borosilicate glass doesn’t stain either.
You can even make cold brews. But it can be somewhat inconvenient to leave the Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker in your fridge with the plunger out!
Bodum CHAMBORD French Press Review
Clean Up & Maintenance
Cleaning the Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker after use is easy.
Just dismantle the filter, plate and plunger rod – and pop it all into a dishwasher.
One limitation is the need for frequent complete cleaning if you want delicious coffee every time. Bitter residue is best removed.
This also means periodically unscrewing the cross plate and mesh from the assembly to clean the components thoroughly. It takes barely a minute, but still inconveniences some users.
The filter, plunger and carafe are all dishwasher-safe. Just take care not to damage the glass carafe which can crack or chip off if dropped or handled roughly.
Use a non-abrasive sponge to clean the frame and lid. Minimize use of liquid soap, as the residue flavors your coffee differently.
It’s best to clean the Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker soon after using it.
Bodum French Press Review
Price
The Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker is neither the costliest or cheapest option. For the range of features, and array of choice colors and finishes, this is excellent value for money.
The brewing system consistently serves up delicious coffee.
You can select the amount of coffee to brew, and adjust the grinds suitably to ensure that you get a beverage of the right strength and richness.
Flavor is excellent, making the affordable price a great draw. If a French press coffee maker is what you want, the Bodum Chambord is the perfect choice and a great price.
Alternatives to the Bodum Chambord French Press
There are some other alternatives to the Bodum Chambord French Press that may better suit your unique needs and preferences.
The Kona French press coffee maker is one that’s less expensive and makes excellent coffee.
The Frieling Double-wall French Press is heavier and less portable, but insulates better and keeps your coffee hot for longer. It’s also costlier.
The Rainbeam brewer is a much less expensive French press coffee maker, but you get cheaper material construction and only two size options – 12 and 34 ounces.
The Sisitano portable coffee maker is more portable. A Secura French Press machine is dishwasher safe and sturdier. And the Melitta 10-cup brewer can whip up larger batches of coffee.
Each of them may offer specific advantages for you over the Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker.
Bodum CHAMBORD French Press Review
Our Verdict
If you’ve decided on a French coffee press, then to enjoy delicious coffee without straining your budget, the Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker is a great option.
It’s environment-friendly, doesn’t need electricity, and is simple to operate. You won’t need paper filters or incur other ongoing costs.
Operating is simple.
Put in coffee grounds, add hot water, wait a few minutes, and push on the plunger – to enjoy strong, tasty coffee.
For a first-time French press buyer, the Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker is an excellent value for money.
It’s easy to clean and reassemble, has a minimalist design, and convenient to wash after use. A 12-ounce model is usually the best choice, unless you need to make larger batches of coffee.
Bodum CHAMBORD French Press Coffee Machine Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What extra equipment do you need with the Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker?
All you really need is a burr-style coffee grinder to whip up grinds of the right consistency. You can also enjoy fresh coffee when you grind it daily at home.
Should you pour out all the coffee from a French press?
Yes, it’s best to pour out all the coffee than retain any for later. This is because it will keep extracting flavor and might ruin the flavor.
Is the Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker a good buy?
Yes, it is excellent value for money.
It’s easy to operate, makes delicious coffee every time, and is sturdy, durable and inexpensive. You can clean up conveniently using a dishwasher after use.
Although French press brewing takes a little longer than instant single-serve machines, the quality of coffee is usually better – and this makes it all worthwhile.
Which size Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker should I buy?
The best choice for most users is the smaller 12 ounce model. However, it depends on how many cups of coffee you plan to brew daily.
If you’ll make 3 cups or less, the 12 oz model is great. The 34-oz model makes 8 cups, and the 51 ounce can give 12 cups of your favorite beverage.
What else to consider before buying a Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker?
You must think about how many people will use it. For larger families, a bigger model is a better choice.
Busy people in a hurry may not like the French press method which takes 4 to 5 minutes to brew coffee.
Even though it is inexpensive, the Bodum Chambord French Press coffee maker is sturdy, durable and will last for several years.