French Press

Bodum Chambord French Press

by Bodum

4.5
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5

The Bodum Chambord French Press remains a benchmark in manual coffee brewing thanks to its classic design, reliable performance, and affordable price point.

  • Classic chrome-plated steel frame with iconic dome knob
  • Heat-resistant borosilicate glass beaker
  • 3-part stainless steel plunger filter system
  • Available in 3, 4, 6, and 8-cup sizes
4.5/5
Editor score 90%
#23 of 59 · French Press
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The verdict

The Bodum Chambord French Press remains a benchmark in manual coffee brewing thanks to its classic design, reliable performance, and affordable price point. While the glass carafe requires some care and a bit of sediment may slip through the filter, it consistently delivers rich, aromatic coffee and looks stylish doing it. A great entry point for anyone wanting to explore full-immersion brewing without breaking the bank.

At a glance

Our full review

The Bodum Chambord French Press stands as one of the most recognizable coffee makers in the world, instantly identifiable by its chrome-plated frame and rounded borosilicate glass carafe. Originally designed in 1958, the Chambord has retained its iconic silhouette for decades while quietly refining its materials and construction. The glass beaker is heat-resistant and durable enough for daily brewing, while the polished stainless steel housing wraps around it with a classic art deco flair that looks equally at home on a kitchen counter or a café bar. The knob on the lid and the handle are made from a durable, heat-resistant plastic that stays cool to the touch, making it easy to press the plunger and pour without needing a towel or oven mitt.

At the heart of the Chambord's performance is its three-part stainless steel filter system, engineered to work in tandem with the mesh plunger to trap coffee grounds and sediment while allowing the natural oils in the coffee to pass through into the cup. This results in a fuller-bodied, richer brew compared to paper-filtered methods, since the oils and fine particles that carry flavor aren't stripped away. The press requires no paper filters, no batteries, and no electricity, relying entirely on a simple immersion brewing method where coarsely ground coffee steeps in hot water before being separated by the plunge of the filter. This manual process gives users full control over steep time and coffee-to-water ratio, letting them tailor the final cup to their exact preference.

Available in a range of sizes from a compact 3-cup version suited to solo drinkers up to an 8-cup model for entertaining or larger households, the Chambord fits easily into different routines and kitchens. It disassembles for thorough cleaning, with the filter components separating from the plunger rod for a deeper wash, and most parts are dishwasher safe for convenience. Beyond coffee, the same French press can be used to brew loose-leaf tea, giving it flexibility beyond a single beverage type. Its blend of timeless design, functional engineering, and straightforward operation has made it a mainstay in coffee gear collections, appealing to those who value both aesthetics and a hands-on approach to brewing.

Specs & ratings

Capacity34 oz (1 liter) / 8 cup
MaterialBorosilicate glass and chrome-plated steel
Filter Type3-part stainless steel mesh
Dishwasher SafeYes (all parts)
Weight1.4 lbs (0.65 kg)

Pros & cons

👍 What we liked

  • Timeless, elegant design that looks great on any counter
  • Produces rich, full-bodied coffee with natural oils intact
  • Sturdy chrome frame protects the glass carafe
  • Easy to disassemble for thorough cleaning
  • Affordable compared to other premium French presses
  • Replacement glass beakers are readily available

👎 Worth noting

  • Glass carafe can crack if handled roughly or dropped
  • Some fine coffee grounds may pass through the filter
  • Handle can feel slightly loose over time
  • No insulation, so coffee cools faster than in a thermal carafe
  • Plunger can be tricky to press smoothly at first

What owners are saying

★★★★★

Finally upgraded from my old plastic press

The build quality is noticeably better than cheaper presses. The chrome frame feels solid and the glass is thick. Coffee tastes rich and full-bodied every time.

MMarcus T. · 2024-03-12
★★★★★

Great taste, minor grit issue

Love the flavor this thing produces, but I do notice a little sediment at the bottom of my cup. Not a dealbreaker, just something to be aware of.

EElena R. · 2024-01-28
★★★★★

Classic design that never goes out of style

I've had mine for two years now and it still looks brand new. Easy to clean, easy to use, and makes excellent coffee. Highly recommend for beginners.

DDevon K. · 2023-11-05
★★★★★

Solid daily driver

Works great for my morning routine. Only wish it kept the coffee warmer for longer since there's no insulation, but that's expected with glass carafes.

PPriya S. · 2024-02-19
★★★★★

Good but fragile

Accidentally knocked mine against the sink and the glass cracked. Replacement beakers are available which is nice, but wish it felt more durable overall.

TTom H. · 2023-12-30