Jfromhouston Senior Member Joined: 4 Jan 2013 Posts: 7 Location: Houston Expertise: I like coffee
Grinder: Baratza Drip: Bonavita
Posted Wed Jan 9, 2013, 5:24pm Subject: Press pot - Frieling vs Espro
I'm looking for a new press pot and have it narrowed down to the Frieling or the Espro. Has anyone owned/used both of these pots that can chime in on which they preferred?
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,693 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Wed Jan 9, 2013, 7:05pm Subject: Re: Press pot - Frieling vs Espro
(I haven't used the Frieling, but I believe that it's just a really pretty and more thermally stable french press (i.e., functions just the same as your standard Bodum). The Espro press, on the other hand, has an advanced filter system that practically eliminates fines in the cup, while still allowing oils through. I've used Bodum fp for many, many years and bought an Espro about a months and a half ago. It is fantastic, and far, far superior to the Bodum filter system. I recommend reading the review Randy Glass (frcn) did on the Espro on his website, www.espressomyespresso.com Now, if you prefer the Frieling anyways, there's a screen mod for Bodums you can purchase from sweetmaria's that seals around the filter better than stock (Click Here (www.sweetmarias.com))...just make sure it'll fit the Frieling before you "pull the trigger".
Posted Wed Jan 9, 2013, 7:19pm Subject: Re: Press pot - Frieling vs Espro
The Frieling looks like a very nice presspot with a stainless insulated vessel. The working parts (mainly the screen) appear to be like most all other press pots (Bodum et.al.). The Espro is another animal completely. SCG states that the Frieling keeps coffee Hot for a long time, but with the single screen the coffee is still brewing- that is, the grounds are not effectively separated from the liquid. The Espro's proprietary filter system also eliminates the sludge common to the "old style" press pot. As emradguy was so kind to mention, read my review of the Espro. Nothing like it, and it shows in the cup, and that is all that really matters.
Jfromhouston Senior Member Joined: 4 Jan 2013 Posts: 7 Location: Houston Expertise: I like coffee
Grinder: Baratza Drip: Bonavita
Posted Wed Jan 9, 2013, 10:13pm Subject: Re: Press pot - Frieling vs Espro
Thanks for the replies. Ive got both being delivered this week. Chances are i will stick with the espro as advised. Everything I have found on them has been positive. Sounds like I can't loose going that direction.
Emradguy - I see you're in Houston as well. Buying beans from anyone local?
Frcn - great site! You just sold me on an aeropress too.
Jfromhouston Senior Member Joined: 4 Jan 2013 Posts: 7 Location: Houston Expertise: I like coffee
Grinder: Baratza Drip: Bonavita
Posted Tue Jan 15, 2013, 2:57pm Subject: Re: Press pot - Frieling vs Espro
I've had cups out of both now. Here's my take:
Functionally there is no question that the Espro serves a cleaner cup. Both are equally as delicious in that press pot way but the espro has far less sediment in the cup. You still probably wont want that last sip out of either cup but the espro isn't sludgy at the bottom, just loose fines.
Both are solid sturdy looking pieces of equipment. If I had to take a guess at which would fail first it would be the Espro due to it's use of plastic in the plunger. There are two baskets that attach to each other with a plastic snap like fitting that with time could wear down to the point of no longer grabbing each other. The plunger rod is attached to the baskets via stainless screw fitting so it's not going anywhere. The Frieling plunger assembly is all metal like the Bodum presses so you could reasonably expect years of service out of it without a worry. Both are equally as obnoxious to clean but that's the price you pay for such good coffee.
Aesthetically, and I know this is personal preference but...that Frieling is a beautiful piece of industrial design. The Espro is really pretty as well but if I were buying on looks alone it would be the Frieling.
If you're looking for a high end press pot you really can't go wrong with either. In the end I choose the Espro. There is just such minimal amounts of sediment compared to the Frieling that it was worth it's minor shortcomings for the better cup.
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