Is This the Last Coffee Maker You'll Ever Need?
For a consistently rich and full-bodied cup of coffee with minimal fuss, the Bodum Chambord is a timeless kitchen icon that just works.
This isn’t a complex machine with a dozen buttons; it’s a simple, elegant tool for extracting maximum flavor from your favorite beans. If you appreciate the ritual of making coffee and want direct control over the final result, the Chambord has been the go-to for decades.
- Surprisingly Durable Glass The high-heat borosilicate glass feels delicate, but it handles boiling water daily without issue. It’s also remarkably clear, making it easy to watch the bloom and brewing process.
- The Lid is a Key Feature It’s not just for show; you must turn the lid to close the spout after pouring. This simple action traps heat effectively during the 4-minute brew, resulting in a hotter, more flavorful cup.
- Manual, But Not Difficult Cleaning is simpler than most automatic drip machines. The easy-to-clean glass carafe rinses out in seconds, and the plunger assembly comes apart in three pieces for a quick wash.
- 34oz is Perfect for Two The 34oz (1 liter) capacity is ideal for making two large mugs of coffee or about four smaller cups. It’s the perfect size for a morning routine for one or two people.
Enjoy rich, full-bodied coffee with the classic 3-part stainless steel plunger. Its durable, heat-resistant borosilicate glass and iconic steel frame ensure years of perfect, flavorful brewing.
| Capacity | 34 oz / 1.0 L / 8 cup |
| Carafe Material | High-Heat Borosilicate Glass |
| Frame & Lid Material | Polished Stainless Steel |
| Filter | 3-Part Stainless Steel Mesh |
| Origin | Made in Portugal |
| Heating Method | Not for Stovetop Use |
| Lid Feature | Safety Lid, Rotatable to Close Spout |
| Initial Prep | Wash in warm, soapy water before first use |
- Delivers rich, full-bodied coffee with excellent flavor and oil extraction.
- The three-part stainless steel mesh filter is highly effective at minimizing sediment with a coarse grind.
- Timeless, elegant design that looks great on any kitchen counter.
- Simple to disassemble and clean; the glass carafe is particularly easy to rinse out.
- Durable construction with high-quality borosilicate glass and a sturdy steel frame.
- The glass carafe, while durable for heat, is still glass and can break if dropped or knocked.
- A small amount of fine sediment (silt) can pass through the mesh filter, which is characteristic of French press coffee.
- Requires a separate kettle or pot to heat water, as it cannot be used on a stovetop.
Choosing the right French Press Coffee Maker
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Carafe MaterialHighThe carafe holds the hot water and coffee. Material impacts heat retention, durability, and taste.Look forBorosilicate glass for clarity and heat resistance, or double-walled stainless steel for maximum durability and insulation.AvoidThin, cheap glass that can easily shatter from thermal shock.
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Filter QualityHighThe plunger and mesh filter are the heart of the French press, separating the grounds from the final brew.Look forA multi-layer, fine-mesh stainless steel filter that creates a tight seal against the carafe wall.AvoidFlimsy filters that bend easily or leave gaps, allowing grounds into your coffee.
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CapacityMediumFrench presses come in various sizes, typically measured in ounces or 'cups' (which are often only 4oz).Look forA size that matches your daily consumption. A 34oz (1L) press is great for 2 people, while a 12oz is better for a single cup.AvoidBuying a press that's too large or too small for your needs, as it can affect brewing consistency.
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Ease of CleaningMediumSince it's a manual process, you'll be cleaning it after every use.Look forA filter assembly that easily disassembles into 2-3 parts. Dishwasher-safe components are a huge plus.AvoidComplex designs with non-removable parts that can trap old coffee grounds.
Common questions
How do you clean the Bodum Chambord properly?
For daily cleaning, just rinse the carafe and plunger with warm water after disposing of the grounds. For a deeper clean, disassemble the plunger by unscrewing the bottom. All parts—the glass carafe, filter, and stainless steel frame—can be washed with warm, soapy water or placed in the dishwasher.
What's the best coffee grind size for this French press?
A coarse grind is essential. It should resemble the consistency of coarse sea salt or breadcrumbs. Using a grind that is too fine will result in a muddy, over-extracted coffee and can make it difficult to press the plunger down.
Can I put the glass carafe on the stove to heat water?
No, you must never place the glass carafe directly on a stovetop or any other direct heat source. The borosilicate glass is designed to handle thermal shock from pouring boiling water *into* it, but not direct heating, which will cause it to crack.
My coffee has a lot of sediment. What am I doing wrong?
A small amount of fine sediment is normal for French press coffee. To minimize it, ensure you’re using a coarse, uniform grind from a quality burr grinder. Also, pour the coffee slowly after pressing and consider leaving the last half-inch of liquid in the bottom of the press.
The Bodum Chambord excels at its one job: making delicious, full-bodied coffee. While the glass requires some care and you might get a bit of silt in your cup, its performance, build quality, and timeless design make it a benchmark product.
- Produces rich, aromatic coffee that paper filters can't match.
- Simple, durable design with high-quality materials that last for years.
- Easy to use and clean, making it a practical choice for daily brewing.
For anyone wanting to elevate their morning coffee ritual without the complexity of an espresso machine, the Bodum Chambord is an outstanding choice. It’s a simple, elegant, and effective tool that produces a consistently superior cup of coffee.
