Best Bodum French Press Coffee Makers

TL;DR: The Bodum Travel Press brews a single 15‑oz cup, keeps it hot for at least two hours, and packs into a 0.9‑lb insulated mug—ideal for solo commuters and campers.

This travel‑ready French press sports double‑wall vacuum insulation and interchangeable lids, letting you brew directly into a sealed travel cup. It holds 450 ml / 15 fl oz of coffee, weighs just 0.9 pounds (408 g), and stays cool to the touch while the liquid remains hot for at least 2 hours.

Compared with the other Bodum models in this roundup, the Travel Press weighs less than the Bean (671 g) and the BISTRO NOUVEAU (460 g), yet it’s bulkier than the Brazil Black, which tips the scales at only 100 g. Its 15 fl oz capacity holds far less than the Bean, BISTRO NOUVEAU, Chambord, and Columbia, all of which serve a litre‑plus. However, the Travel Press offers insulated travel convenience that the glass‑carafe models lack.

Reviewers love how the insulated mug keeps coffee hot for hours without burning your hands, and they appreciate the rubber non‑slip grip for on‑the‑go use. Professional reviewers note the “seriously well insulated” performance and the space‑saving footprint that fits most standard cup‑holder bases (7 cm). The main complaints revolve around the single‑cup size, which limits group use, and the integrated mesh‑and‑silicone filter’s tendency to clog with fine grounds.

Best for: Solo travelers, commuters, campers, and anyone who wants a well‑reviewed, compact French press that stays hot on the move.

Avoid if: You need to brew multiple cups at once, prefer fine‑ground coffee, or require a larger capacity for office or group settings.

TL;DR: The Bodum Chambord French Press offers a classic 34‑oz borosilicate glass carafe, sturdy copper‑plated frame, and strong 4.6‑star rating, but its fragile glass and coarse filter may not suit every household.

The Chambord’s standout spec is its 34 oz (1.0 L) capacity, letting you brew up to eight cups in one go. Its beaker is made of heat‑tempered borosilicate glass with a 96 mm diameter, and the whole unit weighs 1.32 lb (600 g), giving it a solid, premium feel without being overly heavy.

Compared with the other Bodum models, the Chambord sits in the middle of the weight range: it’s heavier than the Travel Press (0.9 lb) and the Brazil Black (0.22 lb) but lighter than the Columbia (2.31 lb). Its 34 oz capacity matches the Bean’s 34 oz volume, outstripping the Travel Press’s 15 fl oz and Brazil Black’s 12 oz. In height, the Chambord (228.6 mm) is slightly shorter than the BISTRO’s 233 mm, while its 139.7 mm width exceeds the BISTRO’s 115 mm width. You cannot put the beaker in the dishwasher, unlike the BISTRO’s glass carafe, but the stainless‑steel filter is dishwasher‑safe like the Travel Press’s filter.

Professional reviewers label the Chambord the “OG” French press, praising its timeless dome‑top design and the ability to control brew time for richer extraction. Users echo this sentiment, highlighting the full‑bodied flavor and the simple, hands‑on brewing process. Common complaints focus on the glass beaker’s susceptibility to breakage if dropped and the mesh filter’s tendency to let fine sediment through, which aligns with expert notes about imperfect filtration.

Additional technical details include a copper‑plated stainless‑steel frame, a stainless‑steel mesh filter, and a Bakelite or polypropylene handle that stays cool to the touch. Bodum manufactures the press in Portugal and includes a warranty, reinforcing its reputation for durability despite the glass component.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Bodum Brazil Black French Press delivers 0.35 L of coffee at 95 °C in 3–4 minutes, all for $14.99, with a compact glass‑and‑steel build that’s perfect for solo brews.

This model’s most notable spec is its 0.35 L (12 oz) capacity paired with a brew temperature of 95 °C and a recommended 20 g coffee dose. At just 0.22 lb (100 g) and dimensions of 86 mm × 183 mm × 107 mm, it sits comfortably on a crowded countertop while still handling a full single‑serve brew.

Compared with the other five Bodum presses, the Brazil Black is markedly shorter than the Bodum Bean (162 mm tall) and far lighter than the Bodum Travel Press (0.9 lb). Its 12 oz volume is smaller than the Bean’s 34‑ounce litre‑size and the BISTRO NOUVEAU’s 1 L capacity, making it the most space‑efficient option in the lineup and the most budget‑friendly.

Professional reviewers praise the heat‑resistant borosilicate glass and the simple, paper‑free brewing process, noting that the ergonomic handle and safety lid add convenience. Everyday users love the compact footprint, but many mention that removing the stainless‑steel filter can be messy and that the actual liquid yield sometimes falls short of the advertised 12 oz, which can be disappointing for those expecting a full cup.

Additional technical context includes a stainless‑steel frame and plunger, a BPA‑free plastic lid, and a one‑year limited warranty that covers manufacturer defects (glass excluded). The eco‑friendly design eliminates the need for disposable paper filters, aligning with a greener kitchen routine.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability

TL;DR: The Bodum Columbia is a 1.5 L double‑wall stainless steel French press that keeps coffee hot for up to two hours, but its premium price and quirky plunger may not suit tight‑budget or minimalist users.

The standout spec is its 1.5 L (51‑oz) capacity, letting you brew up to 12 four‑ounce cups in one go. Its double‑wall stainless steel carafe measures 8.58 in deep, 8.35 in wide and 6.38 in high, and the whole unit weighs 2.31 lb, giving it a solid, kitchen‑counter presence.

Compared with the other five Bodum models, the Columbia is the largest and heaviest. The Chambord and BISTRO Nouveau both hold 1.0 L, while the Travel Press is limited to 450 ml, so the Columbia offers roughly 50 % more volume than those glass‑carafe and stainless‑steel options. At 2.31 lb it outweighs the Chambord (1.32 lb), BISTRO (1.01 lb), Travel Press (0.9 lb) and the Bean (about 1.48 lb), making it the most substantial French press in the lineup.

Professional reviewers highlight the double‑wall stainless steel construction for “superior thermal performance,” noting the claimed heat retention of up to two hours. Everyday users echo this, praising how the coffee stays hot through a morning meeting and how the silicone‑gasketed mesh plunger delivers a smooth, sediment‑free pour. Reviewers frequently compliment the dishwasher‑safe parts and sleek chrome‑matte finish. On the downside, several reviewers find the plunger’s turning motion confusing, and a few mention the finish can appear shinier than advertised, with occasional gasket wear after heavy use.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high-quality option

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Bodum Bean Sustainable French Press offers a 34‑oz borosilicate glass carafe, 3‑4 minute brew, and dishwasher‑safe construction for under $20, making it a solid entry‑level option for small groups.

At the heart of the Bean is a 34‑ounce (1 liter) glass carafe tinted to keep light out, paired with an innovative locking system that keeps coffee warm and prevents spills. The classic immersion brewing method works with 55 grams of coarsely ground coffee and a recommended water temperature of 95 °C (200 °F), delivering a full‑bodied cup in just 3‑4 minutes. With dimensions of 162 mm height, 224 mm length and 105 mm width, the press weighs 671 g and Bodum constructs it from borosilicate glass, stainless steel and BPA‑free plastic components.

Compared with its Bodum siblings, the Bean holds the largest capacity. The Brazil Black offers only 0.35 L (12 oz) and the Travel Press 450 ml (15 oz), while the Chambord matches the Bean’s 34 oz volume. In weight terms, the Bean (671 g) is heavier than the Brazil Black’s 100 g and the Travel Press’s 408 g, yet lighter than the Columbia’s 2.31 lb body. Its 162 mm height is taller than the Brazil Black’s 86 mm but comparable to the Columbia’s 6.38 in profile.

Professional reviewers praise the Bean’s reliable, well‑engineered design and note that the immersion brew yields a heavy‑bodied, flavorful cup with pronounced mouthfeel. Everyday users echo the rich flavor and appreciate the dishwasher‑safe feature for easy cleanup, though many mention that ground coffee tends to cling to the glass, making the cleaning process a bit messy. The glass carafe, while non‑staining, doesn't shatter easily, so handle it with care.

The Bean also leans into sustainability, using partially recycled plastic, rubber and silicone, and the carafe remains BPA‑free. Its 1‑year manufacturer limited warranty adds a modest layer of confidence for budget‑focused shoppers.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: You need ultra‑convenient, push‑button coffee makers, or you’re concerned about glass breakage

TL;DR: The Bodum Bistro Nouveau French press offers a 1.0 L borosilicate glass carafe, stainless‑steel frame and a 4‑oz European cup measure for $36.84, but its glass isn’t shatter‑proof and it scores a modest 4.0‑star rating.

This model’s standout spec is its 1.0 L (34 oz) capacity, which lets you brew up to eight European‑sized cups in one go. The borosilicate glass bowl stays taste‑neutral, while the stainless‑steel frame and plastic handle keep the unit sturdy at a weight of about 1.01 lb (460 g) and a height of 233 mm.

Compared with the other five French presses in this roundup, the Bistro Nouveau sits in the middle of the pack. It’s heavier than the Travel Press (around 0.9 lb) but lighter than the classic Chambord (about 1.32 lb). Its 1.0 L volume matches the Chambord and the Bean, outpaces the 450 ml Travel Press and the 0.35 L Brazil Black, yet it’s smaller than the 1.5 L Columbia.

Reviewers consistently praise the eco‑friendly brew method – you don’t need paper filters or capsules – and the dishwasher‑safe glass makes cleanup easy. On the downside, users warn that the glass bowl isn’t shatter‑proof, so dropping it or exposing it to sudden temperature shifts can cause cracks. The European cup measurement (≈4 oz) also trips up anyone expecting a larger “standard” cup size.

Best for: Most users seeking a balanced, mainstream option

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability