Secura Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker Review

October 8, 2017 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, French Presses Tagged coffee maker, Coffee Maker Review, french press, Secura 1 Comment

The amazing thing about the French press is that, you get a complete flavor from your coffee grounds that you normally can’t get from drip-based electric coffee makers. Even though it requires a bit of manual labor, your effort is also justly rewarded by a delicious and rich brew. But not all coffee press machines are made the same, there are always those that will stand out among the rest.

One of the best brand of this type of brewing appliance, is the Secura Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker, specifically the 50-Ounces / 1.5 liter capacity model. Just by looking at it, you can already feel the modern and future-like vibe it gives off. But looking nice is not all this product is good for, the great tasting coffee it makes is what sells it. But how does it do it? Well, find out below.

Click here to get the price of the Secura Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker

Specifications

This Secura French press has a durable 18/10 stainless steel build. It features a 3-layered stainless steel filter system for an absolutely rich and granule-free caffeine concoction. It is easy to clean, lightweight, and the 50 ounce capacity ensures you got hot coffee for everyone. It also as a sleek and polished design.

From looking at its brand name, you might notice the numbers 18/10 on it. That simply signifies the composition grade of the stainless steel material that it is built from, in ratio, which is chromium/nickel, respectively. All you need to know from this figure is that that composition ratio is high tier and top-grade, and is also made to last longer than other materials.

Features

Both the interior and exterior of this unit is made from 18/10 stainless steel, which is top-notch to say the least. Moreover, this product boasts a double-wall construction, which is supposed to retain the hotness of your drinks for longer periods of time. So even if it’s not a fresh serving anymore, you can still enjoy a warm cup of java.

Another advantage of using 18/10 stainless steel as a building material, besides the optimal insulation, is durability. From accidental drops to unintentional bangs, this item build can easily withstand all that. Moreover, scratches and marks are also unlikely to appear on any of its surface. At the other hand, the SterlingPro French Press which is sold a lot and has received very good reviews is made of glass and we’ve never heard of any feedback that it breaks or so.

Stainless steel also tends to appear mirror-like, and since this coffee press model is made of the same material, and a higher quality at that, it’s really not a surprise that it can appear so polished. With that said, you can simply place it in just about any kitchen or countertop, and it will blend right in.

When it comes to its filtering system, a 3-layered stainless steel filter is used. Moreover, a bonus stainless steel screen is also added into the whole package, which means you can make your infusions even more flavorful and refined. Read here about how to make the best cup of coffee with a French Press.

And unlike paper filters, which are typically used by traditional electric-powered coffee machines, a stainless steel mesh filter system can actually get those important acids and natural oils into the final blend, giving it that richer and fuller taste.

With its 50 ounce (1.5 liters) capacity, you can easily make 12 amazing cups of joe for you and your friends. However, there’s also nothing wrong with enjoying multiple servings on your own. So go ahead, indulge yourself.

Once you purchase it, you can expect this appliance to come with a cool touch handle and knob, which makes it easy to pick up and pour with. Plus, its stainless steel components are easy to disassemble for cleaning, and are dishwasher-friendly, along with the body as well.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that the exterior can feel really hot even when using ideal steeping water temperatures. Be careful and don’t burn your hands!

Final Verdict

Click here to get the price of the Secura Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker

If you are looking to enjoy a pleasant and enriched coffee drinking experience for a long time, then the Secura stainless steel French press coffee maker with bonus stainless steel screen is a worthy addition to your household. It’s modern, easy to use, durable, and definitely worth every penny. Every cup is going to be a treat!

Kuissential Stainless Steel French Press Review

November 10, 2016 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, French Presses Tagged coffee maker, Coffee Maker Review, french press, Kuissential, stainless steel Leave a comment

Back in the day, people used to have the impression that a French press coffee maker is a hassle, as well as time consuming. And for the most part, it does take a bit of extra time. However, the amount of richness of every brew you get from it is unlike no other. One good example of such coffee maker is the Kuissential 8-Cup Stainless Steel French Press.

This product prides itself with a design that can last a long time, and a guaranteed delicious brew to go along with it. But what makes it so good? And why is everybody raving about it? Well, just keep reading and find out for yourself.

Click here to get the price of the Kuissential Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker

Specifications

When you first look at this stainless steel French press, it’s like looking at a mirror, due to its stainless steel-finished exterior. It’s also extremely heat resistant so you won’t be afraid to pick it up by the handle, even after you pour in hot water that just came from a boil. This Kuissential French press model can also make 8 equal servings of a delightful cup o’ Joe, so everyone can enjoy.

Other specifics of this Kuissential coffee maker are as follows:

Double-walled stainless steel design
Single screen filter
Resistant to scratches
Dishwasher-friendly
Overall height is 9-inch (top to bottom)
Overall width is 7-inch (side to side)

Features

This Kuissential French press boasts a double wall design that not only keeps you from unintentionally burning yourself, but it also helps attain that optimal brewing temperature that coffee grounds need. You can even leave it as is for more than an hour, and you will still get a hot drink from it thereafter. Furthermore, its polished and reflective finish allows it to blend well on almost any countertop.

First, select the best coffee beans for your delicious cup of coffee (using our coffee beans guide) and then you’ll have to grind them with your coffee grinder.

As for the French press purifying method, this Kuissential coffee maker only uses a single screen reusable filter system, which is a lot more economical, not to mention eco-friendly, than conventional disposable filters. Furthermore, filters such as the one found in this particular French press model, are much better at letting essential oils and acids through the end mix, which normally can’t pass through ordinary paper filters, giving you that full and deep flavor of java.

Thanks to its durable stainless steel body, this coffee brewer can better withstand low accidental drops. Moreover, this type of material build also prevents abrasive marks and nicks from ever appearing on the body, compared to other similar unit that uses a glass figure. Plus, it can be easily cleaned via a dishwashing machine. Just make sure not to use excessive amounts of soap.

When you take a look inside, you will see a nice brushed finish in it. This brand model in particular can also serve up to 8 people, given if each individual receives equal servings, which are 4 oz. each to be more exact. But if it’s just you and a friend or two, then you all can enjoy another cup of joe without having to brew another set. Talk about efficient, right?

Upon purchase, you can expect to receive a coffee plunger, and a press pot and caftiere. Manuals also come with the package, which you should definitely take time to read, if you want to get the most out of what this ingenious product can offer.

Pros:

Easy to use and handle, making it perfect for household use
Fancy mirror-like exterior finish. Goes well with any modern kitchen room interior
Double-walled design. For durability and scratch prevention
Longer hot temperature retention equals optimal flavor preservation.
Easily cleaned either via dishwasher or manual washing by hand
The single filter saves you a lot of money, while also keeping the environment green

Cons:

Involves a bit more hands-on process than a drip coffee maker
The filter and plunger can be sometimes hard to separate

Final Verdict

Click here to get the price of the Kuissential Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker

If you want a long-lasting French press that will continue to brew quality coffee, then this Kuissential French press coffee maker is for you. From its design, build, and use, you simply can’t go wrong with it. And whether you have friends over or you are just by your lonesome, there’s always a delicious cup o’ java ready and waiting for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Order yours now.

Kona French Press Coffee Tea & Espresso Maker Review

October 9, 2016 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, French Presses Tagged coffee maker, Coffee Maker Review, espresso maker, french press, Kona, Tea Maker 1 Comment

They say the best coffees are those made with more effort and time, which is precisely why French pressed brews are some of the best out there. Although a French press coffee maker requires a bit more manual labor compared to electric coffee machines that typically do all the work for you. But the end result of the former is far more rich and full in flavor.

A good example of great French press is the Kona French Press Coffee Tea & Espresso Maker. Not only is it an expert at preparing a delicious hot cup of joe, but it’s also capable of producing an aromatic and deep-flavored tea, and even an espresso, believe it or not. If you want to know how it can produce such flavorful drinks, then please read on.

Click here to get the price of the Kona French Press Coffee, Tea and Espress Maker

Specifications

One look at the Kona French Press is all it takes to realize the fancy and elegant design it displays. It’s as if a high-quality pitcher has been combined with a top-notch French press figure. Its main body is also made with a durable glass material, which is then protected by a well-built frame, allowing you to witness your concoction in action.

Other specifics of the Kona French Press coffee maker are as follows:

34 oz. capacity (or 1 liter)
Borosilicate glass body
Detachable stainless steel filter
Heat resistant frame and handle
Can be cleaned via dishwasher
Overall length is 9.3 inches
Overall width is 5.5 inches
Overall height is 5.2 inches
Overall weight is 1.3 pounds

Features

The Kona brand has a design that is worthy of high-class coffee shops, and a functionality that is even loved by some of the best baristas of the world, but at the same time, it’s just as effective within household use. It’s like having your very own café in the comfort of your own home. It’s that good.

The easiest word to describe how this coffee & espresso maker is presented is modern. Modern in terms of components used and overall build. With it you get a main body pot that is made from a super thick and clear borosilicate glass material, and covered with a sleekly designed plastic frame, which is perfect for crack and scratch prevention.

Unlike regular drip based coffee makers, which mostly use disposable paper strainers, French press coffee makers like this one utilizes a stainless steel filter. This type of infusion system produces a much richer flavor since natural acids and essential oils are able to pass through the mesh, without bringing any particulates from the coffee grounds, thus enhancing the overall taste of the end mix. Regular paper filter doesn’t allow that.

The steeping process is also not that hard to achieve on this unit. As long as you grind your coffee beans properly, the rest of the steps merely involve a quick & easy press technique. Furthermore, the BPS/ BPA-free lid that comes with this press machine prevents any plastic from coming in contact with your blend during its steeping stage, helping it achieve its optimal potency.

If you are having friends over, this Kona French press coffee maker can make up to 8 equal cups of delightful servings of your preferred drink. But if it’s just you and a few others, the more helpings you can enjoy, all without making another batch.

This French press of Kona is also capable of distilling tea leaves, which is why it’s beloved by so many. Catering from coffee lovers to tea enthusiast, not many French press appliance can be this multipurpose.

Pros:

Its glass build is as durable as it is refined.
Easy to clean, either by hand or through dishwashing.
Can produce multiple servings. Up to 8 cups, depending on model size.
Fantastic and full coffee/tea flavor guaranteed.
Multi-purpose concoction capability.
Heat resistant plastic frame and easy to grip handle.
Overall design can complement any counter top or kitchen interior.
The reusable filter system is as economical as it is environmentally-friendly.
BPA-free lid.

Cons:

The infusion can only stay warm for approximately 20-30 minutes, at the most.

Final Verdict

Click here to get the price of the Kona French Press Coffee, Tea and Espress Maker

If you are looking for a multipurpose, easy-to-use and stylish French press coffee maker, which also delivers quality mixture each time, then look for none other than the Kona French Press Coffee Tea & Espresso maker. Whether you prefer coffee or tea, this coffee maker will serve the best of both worlds.

Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker Review

September 4, 2016 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, French Presses Tagged bodum, chambord, coffee maker, french press 1 Comment

Bodum Chambord 8 cup 34oz French Press Coffee Maker

Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

The Chambord French press has always been a staple product of the Bodum brand. It has been around since way back to the 1950s, and until now, it is still made with the same expert craftsmanship and quality. And not only that, but this particular press has also gone environmentally greener with each new iteration, up to the present.

There’s no question that this product can make a delicious cup o’ joe. But how does it actually do it? And why is it loved by so many? Keep reading and find out for yourself.

Click here to get the price of the Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker

Specifications

There are multiple sizes available for this Bodum Chambord french press, but this one, the 34 oz. model in particular, can make up to 8 cup servings, each containing 4 oz. of wonderful coffee. That’s more than enough for two to three people. This unit is also known for being able to extract the ideal amount of acids and oils that are essential to creating that optimal coffee flavor.

Other specifics are as follows:

Stainless steel frame
Heat resistant handle
Safe for dishwashing
Heat-resistant borosilicate glass body
3-part stainless steel filter system
Length is 4.17-inch
Width is 6.7-inch
Height is 9.6-inch
Overall weight is 1.5 lbs.

Bodum Chambord 8 cup French Press Coffee Maker - different sizes 12oz 17oz 34oz 51oz

Bodum Chambord French Press is available in different sizes: 12oz, 17oz, 34oz and 51oz

Features

For the most part, the Bodum Chambord functions just like any other French press. But there’s just something about how each component of this product comes together, to produce such a delightful coffee taste, one that is not too bitter and not too sweet. To get a better picture of how it all works so well, let’s go over the product piece by piece, and from top to bottom.

First there’s the plunger. The plunger is made from stainless steel, which helps it last longer and prevent any corrosion that could potentially affect the brew’s flavor. When the recommended brewing time is met, usually around 4 minutes, the plunger is simply pushed down. Burns is also prevented thanks to its heat-resistant knob.

Next comes the safety lid. The one found in this Bodum french press has a close and open safety position, so splashes and spills are never an issue. After the safety lid, there’s the spiral plate, which is responsible for keeping the filter mesh in place and minimize any by-pass of coffee grounds. This results in a more refined brew, while also getting the most out of the coffee bean’s flavor.

As for the mesh, it serves as a divider between the coffee grounds and the water, and separates the two after the brewing is done. What holds this fundamental part of the main object is the cross plate. And together with the spiral plate, all these three components make up the product’s innovative 3-part stainless steel filter system- a system that is integral to Bodum’s success.

Now on to the body of the Chambord french press. Just as mentioned above, the glass beaker of this Bodum is made from borosilicate glass. This type of glass material is ultra-light, yet strong at the same time. It’s also highly resistant to heat and is dishwasher-friendly.

Finally, what secures the body is the metal frame, along with a handle. And it’s not just any ordinary steel frame either, it is made of chrome-plated, durable stainless steel, which protect the glass beaker from potential cracks and scratches. As for the handle, its heat-resistant plastic material prevents you from unintentionally getting singed.

Bodum Chambord 8 cup French Press Coffee Maker - add coffee

Bodum Chambord 8 cup French Press Coffee Maker - add water

Bodum Chambord 8 cup French Press Coffee Maker - push plunger down

Pros

Pouring skills are not necessary, making this Bodum french press perfect for household use
Steeping time can be controlled more accurately
Utilizes only one single reusable filter, which helps save time, money, and not to mention, it’s more environmentally friendly
Can produce up to eight cups of equal servings at a time, which is very efficient and helps get rid of multiple brews
Safe and easy to handle
Guarantees a delicious cup of coffee each time

Cons

Reasonably takes longer than drip coffee makers
The final brew is not always 100% free from small particulates of the coffee ground

Click here to get the price of the Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker

If you want a product that will consistently concoct a rich and flavorful cup o’ coffee, then Bodum’s Chambord 8 cup French Press Coffee Maker will more than meet that standard. It’s safe, easy to handle, and you and your friends are certain to love it.

French Press, Percolator and Moka Pot Compared

August 2, 2016 by Kate Posted in Coffee Makers, French Presses Tagged coffee maker, Comparison, french press, Moka Pot, percolator Leave a comment

Coffee is universal—people from all over the world cannot start their day right without a dose of this well-loved beverage. But this tasty, fragrant drink is more than just a source of caffeine. These days, the process of making a cup is considered an art and there are plenty of ways that one can brew his or her favorite cup of joe.

There are three old-school, buzzed-about methods among coffee enthusiasts and they are the percolator, the French press and the moka pot. In this article, we are going to discuss the ways in which these nifty machines churn out coffee and their corresponding advantages.

SterlingPro Glass 8-Cup french press

French Press

The french press is a kind of coffee pot that has a sizable glass cylinder which includes a flat filter connected to a lengthy handle on its lid. The whole set-up lets users place the coffee grounds in the bottom of the device, position the filter on top and pour in hot water.

To use the press, first you should take away and rinse the plunger with hot water. You might also prefer to fill up the glass pot and cups with hot water before using to keep your coffee hot. Following this procedure, you can now dispense the hot water and put the coffee grounds into the bottom of the device.

Pour the hot (not boiling) water into the pot and set aside an inch of space at the top of the device. Mix the coffee and water with a plastic spoon then position the plunger back over the glass pot. Be certain that the lid is turned so it obstructs the pouring spout.

Do not drop the plunger at once. Let the mixture brew for a few minutes, then lower the plunger bit by bit until it’s dropped all the way to the bottom of the device. Once positioned at the bottom, you can now rotate the lid to unlock the spout and dispense your coffee.

Using a press retains the coffee oils in the mixture. This provides a rich, flavorful pot of coffee. However, some individuals are not fond of the sediment in their cups, a knock-on effect of this particular method.

A press is also a great gauge of the freshness of the coffee grounds. Once the hot water is added in the mix, fresh coffee will fizz up substantially while old coffee will not.

Farberware 8-Cup Coffee Percolator

Percolator

This device is touted as a vintage coffee maker because it has been around since the ‘70s. Back then, it was the most popular method for brewing a cup. It’s composed of a chamber that carries the water and a lengthy tube with a filter basket located at its top end.

The filter basket of the device consists of punctured metal but there are available models which takes in paper filters. Once the filter is filled with granular coffee grounds, the water is then heated by means of a stovetop burner or a built-in electric component. As soon as the water boils, it is taken up the tube and passed through the grounds constantly.

Stove-top models like those made from tin, glass or stainless steel are the most coveted among units, especially for those who are into hiking and camping but for home use, the first choice is always the electric model. The electric type features a convenient automatic brewing sequence built for the best possible taste and flavor.

However, the percolator has its fair share of disadvantages. Enthusiasts who didn’t like this method said that the water tends to get overheated, the brew too extracted and the brewing process scatters the intricate, unstable blend into the air, leaving a rather weak cup.

Bialetti 6-Cup Moka Pot Espresso Maker

Moka Pot

The device is composed of three components, mainly the chamber, a middle section which carries the coffee grounds and a top section where the brewed coffee streams into.

The moka pot is often positioned on the stove to heat the water. Because the lower chamber is hermetically-sealed, the increasing air is pushed down on the water and gets shoved up the lower tube throughout the coffee and the above tube. It gets squirted out of the tube then trickles down into the top reservoir’s bottom part.

After the procedure, the brew is ready to be dispensed. The moka pot works in the same vein as a vacuum pot, the difference being the water is pushed throughout the coffee and the brewed mixture stays put in the topmost portion of the device.

The unit is good for making a stronger cup of joe, with a rich taste and espresso-like texture. However, the process for brewing can be slow and the procedure requires more focus. In addition, the setup and cleaning afterwards are a bit more complex.

The Best: SterlingPro Glass 8-Cup French Press Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Favorite, French Presses Tagged best, french press, glass, sterlingpro 1 Comment

SterlingPro Glass 8-Cup (click to enlarge)

Elegant and able to brew 8, 4-ounce cups of coffee, this SterlingPro glass french press is an extremely affordable coffee and espresso maker that is easy to clean and easy to use. This is a no-frills model, so you won’t be buying a coffee maker with a timer or fancy settings. But, sometimes, simplicity brews the perfect cup of French press coffee.

Build Quality

Borosilicate glass is used for the carafe. A stainless steel base and enclosure keep the carafe in place. If you’re worried about plastic affecting your coffee’s taste, the only plastic piece is the top lip.

Design & Features

There aren’t many features, per say, aside from the fact that this model: Brews 8 cups of 4 ounce coffee and Uses a double screen system.

Click here to get the price of the SterlingPro Glass 8-Cup French Press. See why over 5,000 people have given such a high rating!

Being a manual coffee maker, there are no electrical parts or fancy timers. This means that there is less opportunity for this model to break, and it’s super easy to use.

The carafe uses a heat-resistant, borosilicate glass that ensures a pure coffee taste. The double screen system is a fan favorite because it traps in any excess coffee grinds. If you hate finding coffee grinds at the end of your cup of coffee, you won’t experience this with the SterlingPro.

Maintenance & Cleaning

What’s the best thing about a manual coffee maker? It’s never hard to clean. Simply wait until the carafe is cool and clean it out with water and a sponge. Ideally, you’ll want to make sure that no soap enters the carafe to ensure the best flavor.

If soap is needed, thoroughly rinse and then run a full cycle, or two, with just water and no coffee. This will remove any “off” taste that you may experience.

As far as maintenance is concerned, you’ll only need to replace the metal screens. There are two extras provided. According to the manufacturer, with the two extra screens provided, you should be able to use this French press for years before needing to buy a replacement screen.

Durability & Longevity

Manual coffee machines will last for years. Simple cleaning and replacing the filter screens will allow you to use this model for years – maybe decades – if you never drop the carafe.

I do want to note that the carafe is delicate, so don’t put it in the dishwasher or bang it with a spin – it can crack.

Price

Do you want a French press that’s affordable? Check this model out!

Pros

Sturdy design
Large brewing capacity
Double screen filtration

Cons

Delicate carafe

The carafe can be a bit delicate, so you want to make sure that you don’t place it in the dishwasher or attempt to add sugar to the carafe and mix coffee in it. Some users have complained that the carafe has cracked due to a spoon hitting the inside too hard. However, this happens with a lot of French press models that are made from glass.

If you like French press coffee, you will like the pure – non-plastic – taste that the SterlingPro produces. This model is extremely affordable as well!

Click here to get the price of the SterlingPro Glass 8-Cup French Press. See why over 5,000 people have given such a high rating!

A Must Buy: SterlingPro Double Wall Stainless Steel French Coffee Press Review

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, French Presses Tagged french press, stainless steel, sterlingpro 2 Comments

SterlingPro Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press (click to enlarge)

The SterlingPro offers one liter of pure French press coffee. This is the perfect coffee maker for camping due to its extreme durability, but it can also be used in the home or office. Featuring 18/10 stainless steel, this model will look good in any kitchen and is an Amazon Bestseller.

High-Quality

Made from high-quality 18/10 stainless steel, this is one of the highest-quality French Presses on the market in terms of design.

No-Frills

This is a no-frills model, but really, all French Presses are simple in design. With that said, there are some pretty sweet features that make this model a little better than the competition:

All stainless steel
1 liter brewing capacity (34 ounces)
Double wall construction
Double screen filter

Click here to get the price of the SterlingPro Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press.

The double wall construction is something I want to talk more about. This design allows you to touch the exterior of the pot and not get burned in the process.

Moving to the exterior, the entire model, inside and out, is made from stainless steel. This allows for good heat conductivity as well as peace of mind in knowing that your French Press will never rust.

Coffee grounds are passed through a double screen system. What does this mean? The grounds will be stopped by two screens, so no grounds ever end up in your coffee.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Sometimes, the screens will need to be replaced. There is no set interval for this, but a lot of people have used one screen for over a year without an issue. The cost of these screens is about $15 for two, but the manufacturer includes 2 extra screens for free, which is a major bonus.

Being stainless steel, you can simply wipe and rinse all of the pieces clean.

Extreme Durability

If you’re used to a glass carafe, stainless steel will be your new best friend. One of the major selling points behind stainless steel is that it is very durable. You will be able to enjoy this French Press for years under normal use.

Affordable Price

SterlingPro offers this model at an entry-price.

Pros

All stainless steel
Double walled design
Double screen system
Dishwasher safe

Cons

Small capacity

Many users have stated that they thought this French Press would be bigger in size. The manufacturer does state that this is a 1 liter model. If you’re bad at conversions, this is roughly 34-ounces, or 4, 8-ounce cups of coffee. For a single coffee drinker or a couple, this is a great choice.

I’m a big fan of this model not only for the taste, but because I know that stainless steel can last a lifetime. Being stainless steel means that this model is very durable and that there’s never a plastic taste that many coffee makers produce. You’ll also never have to worry about rusting, which is a major benefit. You’ll also find that stainless steel is very easy to clean.

You really can’t ask for anything more at this price range. This is a sturdy, high-quality French Press that has been backed by 250+ reviews.

Click here to get the price of the SterlingPro Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press.

A Premium French Press: The Grosche Madrid Reviewed!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Favorite, French Presses Tagged french press, Grosche, madrid, premium, tea Leave a comment

Grosche Madrid French Press (click to enlarge)

Elegant, modern and luxurious are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of the Grosche Madrid French press. I recently had the pleasure of trying this coffee maker out, and I instantly fell in love with its design. It brews a pretty great pot of coffee too. Available in three sizes (11.8oz, 34oz and 51oz), the Madrid is a press every kitchen should have.

Premium Quality French Press

The Grosche Madrid has a borosilicate glass carafe with a sleek chrome housing. It’s minimalistic in design, but modern and elegant. The chrome housing and lid are sturdy and well-built. Of course, the glass carafe is fragile just like with any other French press.

Click here to get the price of the Grosche Madrid Premium French Press. This french press makes great tea too!

A Classic and Elegant Design

I love the classic French press look, but the Madrid offers something a little different in the design department. The housing is slimmer, sleeker and shinier. The handle is an extension of the frame’s design and made of chrome – not plastic.

The only plastic part of this press is the bottom part of the lid, which twists right or left to close or open the pot. This is a great feature because closing the lid will help keep the coffee hotter for longer.

The stainless steel plate filter is a three-part system, and a secondary lid is included on the lid.

With the Madrid French press, you can brew up to 34oz. of fresh coffee or tea. You can even brew blooming tea in this pot.

Cleanup is a Breeze

The Grosche Madrid has a relatively simple design, so it’s very easy to clean. The housing and handle are one piece, which makes it easy to remove and rinse clean. The glass carafe and lid come clean with a little soap and water.

I’ve never tried to wash any of the components in the dishwasher, so I can’t say it’s dishwasher-safe. But it’s so easy to clean by hand that this really shouldn’t be an issue.

Will Give You Years of Use

The Madrid is a French press that will last for years as long as you take good care of it. The chrome housing on this press is extra-sturdy, so I don’t see it bending, warping or breaking anytime soon. The glass carafe is a bit fragile, but that’s to be expected. Just take care when handling it, and it will stay in great condition.

Priced Just Right

Don’t let the word “premium” deter you – this press is more than affordable. The premium-quality Madrid is in the same price range as entry-level French presses.

The Good

Chrome housing, lid and handle for extra durability
Borosilicate glass carafe for a pure taste
Three-part stainless steel filter and second filter on the lid to keep grounds in the pot
Sleek design that looks elegant in the kitchen

The Bad

The second filter is plastic

The top of the lid is metal, but the underside (where the second filer is located) is made of plastic. Coffee purists may be concerned with the plastic altering the coffee’s taste, but I never personally experienced this.

The Grosche Madrid is a premium quality French press at an affordable price. With a glass carafe and sleek chrome housing, this press will be the star of the show at the breakfast table.

Click here to get the price of the Grosche Madrid Premium French Press. This french press makes great tea too!

Frieling Polished 18/10 Stainless Steel French Press Reviewed!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, French Presses Tagged french press, Frieling, modern, stainless steel Leave a comment

Frieling Stainless Steel French Press (click to enlarge)

Not a fan of glass or plastic carafes? The Frieling French press is made of 18/10 stainless steel for a sleek, modern look that won’t alter the flavor of your coffee. I had the chance to test out this press recently, and I have to admit, I was impressed. I’m a fan of the classic glass carafe, but the Frieling press may just convince me to switch to stainless steel.

Polished Stainless Steel Housing

If you’re looking for a French press that’s sturdy, well-designed and infrangible, the Frieling press is a smart option. Made from 18/10 stainless steel, this press is solid and built to last.

A Modern Take on the French Press Design

Most French presses use a glass or plastic carafe, but the Frieling press takes a completely different approach. The 10” tall pitcher is double-walled and made of stainless steel. Just about every part of this press is made of stainless steel, including the mesh plunger and handle.

Click here to get the price of the Frieling Polished Stainless Steel French Press.

The exterior has a mirrored finish, while the interior has a brushed finish. The handle is full-length, so it’s comfortable to grip and pour.

What I really love about this press is that the carafe can also serve as an insulated pitcher, keeping your coffee warmer four times longer than glass.

Frieling offers four pitcher sizes: 8oz, 17oz, 23oz and 36oz. I only have experience with the 36oz, which brews more than enough coffee for two to three people.

Dishwasher Safe

Of all the French presses I’ve tested, the Frieling is the easiest to clean. All parts are easy to disassemble, and everything can be washed in the dishwasher. And if you need to wash the pot by hand, the stainless steel wipes clean with a little soap and water.

The Frieling press is virtually maintenance-free. There are no mechanical parts to worry about, and the stainless steel will stay in great condition providing you keep it clean.

Will Give You Years of Use

French presses with glass carafes have a bad habit of breaking prematurely. Whether it’s mishandling or the fluctuations in temperature, glass pitchers can be fickle and fragile.

The Frieling press will give you years of use. Stainless steel is rust-resistant, durable and so easy to care for. I don’t see a reason why this press wouldn’t last you years – decades even.

Great Value

The 36oz. Frieling press is a bit more expensive than other presses. However, the stainless steel pitcher is far less fragile and will keep your coffee hotter for longer.

Pros

Stainless steel pitcher and plunger for a pure coffee taste.
Double-walled interior keeps coffee warmer 4 times longer than glass.
Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe.
Sleek, modern design.

Cons

Cost

The Frieling is a bit more expensive than other French presses, but its high quality stainless steel construction makes it worth the cost. You never have to worry about the carafe shattering or cracking like you do with glass carafes. I was surprised by how great the coffee tasted in this brewer, and I highly recommend the Frieling coffee maker to anyone looking for a French press.

Click here to get the price of the Frieling Polished Stainless Steel French Press.

Bodum Chambord 8-Cup French Press Review

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, French Presses Tagged 8-cup, bodum, chambord, french press, glass, stainless steel 1 Comment

Bodum Chambord French Press (click to enlarge)

To brew the perfect French press coffee, you need the right coffee maker and a little know-how. The Bodum Chambord is everything you could ever want in a French press with high quality materials, a classic design and an affordable price tag.

Borosilicate Glass Carafe and Stainless Steel Frame

The first thing I noticed about the Bodum Chambord was that its carafe wasn’t made of plastic like so many other presses are. It’s made from borosilicate glass that’s heat-resistant. The handle is plastic, but it’s heat-resistant as well. The frame that holds the carafe and the filter are both stainless steel. This is a well-designed press made from high quality materials.

Click here to get the price of the Bodum Chambord 8-Cup French Press.

Simple But Classic Design

It’s hard to get creative with design when it comes to French presses. But the sleek, elegant look of the Bodum Chambord looks great in the kitchen.

And while you won’t find any fancy features with this manual coffee maker, it still makes a fantastic pot of coffee. This particular model can brew up to eight 4oz. cups, which is enough to serve 2-3 people.

Inside, there’s a 3-part stainless steel filter for optimal extraction of the coffee’s flavors and oils. And the filter screen is fine enough for brewing tea leaves, so this press can double as a teapot.

As mentioned previously, the carafe is made of glass. The frame is stainless steel and the lid is metallic, so no plastic or rubber will be touching your coffee.

Easy Cleanup

Most French presses take a little more work to clean, but the Bodum Chambord is an exception. All parts of this press are dishwasher safe, including the lid, carafe, filter and stainless steel frame. A simple rinse is all you need before placing it in the dishwasher.

Designed for Years of Use

The great thing about a French press is that it doesn’t rely on mechanical parts or electricity to work. As long as you take care of the carafe and treat the Bodum Chambord well, this press will last you years – decades maybe. The biggest concern is the glass carafe, which is a bit fragile. If you handle it with care, damage, cracks or breakage shouldn’t be an issue.

An Affordable Coffee Maker

How much did you pay for your last coffee maker? If you’re like most people, you probably paid at least $50. The Bodum Chambord is better priced, and it’s a coffee maker that will last years.

Pros

Borosilicate, heat-resistant glass carafe
Stainless steel frame and metal lid
Three-part stainless steel filter that extracts the most flavor and oils from the coffee beans
Dishwasher safe
Easy to use
Makes eight 4oz. cups for multiple coffee drinkers

Cons

The carafe can be fragile

As I mentioned previously, the carafe can be a bit fragile, but that’s to be expected with glass. This won’t be an issue if you handle the carafe with care.

The Bodum Chambord is a beautiful French press that brews a great pot of rich coffee. With glass and metal components, you never have to worry about your coffee tasting “off.” I highly recommend the Chambord to anyone on a small budget looking for a great French press.

Click here to get the price of the Bodum Chambord 8-Cup French Press.