Are all french presses the same.

[thermographer]

My first post in the cafe' and glad to be here.

A friend of mine suggested I look into a French Press. Until now, I've been using a Hamilton Beach brewstation.

After watching a few you-tube how-to videos, it seems that there is very little difference in the brewing process, just some bells and whistles and accessories would come with a purchase. Are there any must-have accessories I should look for? Is basic better? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Mink]

I have an 8 cup Bodum Chambord and I love it - but I wish I woulda sprung for the 12 cup

 

[rth97601]

Careful of the cheap ones--my wife and I broke two or three carafes through daily use before finally getting a decent one.

 

[Jasonian]

The thing that you want to pat the most attention to is the effectiveness of the filtration screen, and availability of replacement parts.

For those two reasons, I tend to prefer Bodum. Specifically, I like the Columbia (vacuum insulated for good thermal stability during brewing).

 

[JBHoren]

I'm also a Bodum French-press user. However, I "right-sized" from the 8-cup down to the 4-cup model almost a year ago, and find that my coffee-drinking experiences are much better.

Specifically, I can never brew more than I'll be drinking. OK, I could, but not by very much, and, anyway, why would I want to? If I want a second mug, I just measure, grind, and brew a second pot! It's always JIT* fresh.

If you're brewing for yourself and an SO, then the 8-cup size is perfect; but for at-work caffeination, I highly recommend Bodum's 4-cup model**.

* Just-In-Time
** I dislike the Chambord style, and prefer the clean, uncluttered lines of their Shin Bistro model.

 

[ratcheer]

I have an 8 cup Bodum Chambord and I love it - but I wish I woulda sprung for the 12 cup

+1 Same here.

One day, I spent a bit more time and made my perfect French press coffee. First, I filled both the press pot and a thermos bottle with hot water to warm them up before I started. Then, I made the coffee as usual and, as soon as I could after pressing it, I poured out the water from the warming thermos and decanted the coffee into it. Then, when I served the coffee from the thermos, each cup was piping hot. So, that is my only advice.

Tim

 

[SiBurning]

The one accessory I kind of like is the extra fine filter that slips on.

 

[thermographer]

Thanks for the tips, guys. I went with the Bodum 8 cup model after looking at the different sizes in the store, That should give me the best size for my morning. Thanks again with the help.