Bought my family, (and myself) a christmas present

[matt]

After watching my dad brew coffee every night on his way out the door for work and listening to him curse the failing coffee grinder we have been using for a couple years I finally decided now would be a good time to get my first Burr Grinder. I went with a Maestro.

How did I do? Now I am going to pick up a Bodum french press and I will be set. The rest of the family uses drip coffee but I like the convenience of a 4 cup press.

 

[ouch]

You'll love the press pot- they're great.

 

[Jasonian]

Not bad at all for a domestic grinder. How do you like it?

 

[danek]

You did great! I have that exact grinder and think it's great. I grind around setting 25 for the press pot and around 5 for the Moka (of course yours may be calibrated slightly differently).

 

[matt]

You'll love the press pot- they're great.

I know I will love the press pot! I had a single cup Bodum press for about 8 months then I lost it when some of it decided to have a fight with the disposal. But now I want at least a 4 cup press as I am sure with a new grinder and press coffee more people are bound to be drinking it with me. Sure would be nice to still have the single cup around though. I hate making a pot of coffee when all I need is a cup or two.

 

[arcman]

A 1L french press is pretty ideal for a single person with the possibility of 2-3 guests. I routinely use mine to make 12-16oz of coffee in the morning, and 4 8oz cups is usually enough to serve for a few visitors.

 

[matt]

Any ideas on what to get for a press? I am just wondering what the difference may be between a 30 dollar press by Bodum and the 5 dollar 3 cup press I saw at Ross today. I know I really liked the bodum single cup I had before it broke but that is the only french press coffee maker I have owned.

 

[Suzuki]

Any ideas on what to get for a press? I am just wondering what the difference may be between a 30 dollar press by Bodum and the 5 dollar 3 cup press I saw at Ross today. I know I really liked the bodum single cup I had before it broke but that is the only french press coffee maker I have owned.

IMHO, assuming that both are of the same quality of construction, nothing.

A press pot is a carafe with a lid, mesh filter and plunger mechanism - its not rocket science. Just take a look to see if the filter on the cheaper version is fine enough (it should be) and work the plunger mechanism a few times to see if it seems nice and smooth. If the mechanics check out, its just a matter of pocketbook and personal preferences.

 

[arcman]

Compare them side by side if you can. I have a couple presses from Bodum and Bonjour that I like, and I've seen a press from Mr. Coffee and a few other no-names. The fit and finish on the latter brands were pretty terrible IMO.

 

[Jasonian]

If I had to pick a French Press to live with forever, it would be a Bodum Columbia.

For a variety of reasons. The filtration is better on the Bodum screens (imo), and the vacuum insulation is worth however much the going market rate is.

It's metal, not glass, which means that breakage is not a concern. Denting, on the other hand...

They come in big and medium sizes. Big sizes are great when entertaining, and you can still brew just one or two cups on a medium size with no problems.

It is more expensive up front, but like every other topic of interest on Badger & Blade, it's better to pay more in the beginning than to pay twice that over the long run (accounting for breakage and the like).

 

[matt]

Thanks for all of the replies. I will look at the ones mentioned but I did find one at target. The Bodum chambord. Thats what I am leaning towards now but my mind could change.

 

[jjjackso]

I have the 4 cup chambord and it is quite lovely. It makes just the right amount for my two cups in the morning. Beware though there are reports of the glass breaking if you look at them wrong. I have had mine for over a year and have never broken it myself, but my dear mother knocked it off the counter. Many places sell the replacement glass though so no worries. Enjoy the french press.

 

[mankini]

Thanks for all of the replies. I will look at the ones mentioned but I did find one at target. The Bodum chambord. Thats what I am leaning towards now but my mind could change.

Although you will have to order it I love my Bodum Stainless steel Aribica. Keeps the coffee nice and hot during my 4 minute steep time.

 

[matt]

FInally got to try the maestro today. It's a great improvement in coffee. I haven't even got to try it in a press yet. Best 100 dollars I have spent in a while.