I purchased this unit as a Cappuccino Set including a 3 cup (12 fluid ounce) Caffittiera French press maker and a milk frother for about $30.00(US) at Target. This review is just for the French press maker.
Using a French press maker gives a lot of control over the brewing process. You can control water volume and coffee grind size like with other coffee makers, but you can also control the water temperature and brew time, which are things you are unable to do with an automatic drip maker. This control allows for a more personalized cup of coffee.
It is very simple to use. Put ground coffee (see below for grind size) in the pot, add hot water, wait a few minutes (this will vary on grind size, water to coffee ratio, and personal taste), plunge down, and then pour. This kind of brew will provide more sediment in your cup compared to paper filtering methods. I found that I can minimize the amount of sediment in my cup by pouring the brew slowing into my cup and to stop pouring when I start to see a lot of sludge on the side of the pot ready to pour out.
I do not know how other coffee grinders perfrom, but I own a Bodum Antigua coffee grinder which produces dust at any grind setting, so there will be sludge in my cup no matter what size grind I use. As long as you can plunge easily, you may use any grind size you like to suit your personal tastes.
Clean up is a cinch. Everything can be put in the dishwasher. I clean mine by hand which is still very easy. There are no difficult parts to reach or access. Filter assembly comes apart for easy cleaning. However, I have to replace the filter meshes about one every two to three months. They tend to come apart at the seams. This could be because I wash it by hand with a sponge or towel which gets caught in the seam and pulls it apart a little bit at a time, but I imagine it shouldn‘t be a problem for those who use a dishwasher.
I don‘t consider its size a negative feature. If you drink more coffee in one sitting or making coffee for many people, then buy a bigger coffee maker.
I would recommend a French press maker that has a removable beaker (pot) from the base. This makes for easier cleaning. This is the kind I have. I also have an eight cup Bodum Brazil French press maker in which the beaker does not easily remove from the base (I have only been able to remove it from the base once, which took about twenty minutes). When I clean it without removing it from the base, I am unable to dry the outside bottom of the beaker. This is just me being very picky. This may not be a problem for some people.
This brewing method provides a rich bodied cup of coffee. It is a great value for its brewing control, ease of use, and ease of clean-up. |
