Sales Rank: 600; Release Date: 30 June, 2002


Features:

Dishwasher-safe

French press makes coffee directly in thermos

Holds 34 ounces, nearly seven 5-ounce cups

Keeps coffee hot for two hours

Made of stainless-steel polished to mirror-finish

Average Rating:
Rating: - Nice look but extra work for little improvement
I thought a press was supposed to make the best coffee of my life? But I just do not taste it.
I have tried spring water, tap water, distilled water, filtered water, off the boil, on the boil, hot but not boiling, organic coffee, flavored coffee, import coffee, finely ground, coarse ground, medium ground and just do not see what is so great about this the French press. I have tried stronger and weaker mixes and do not have that coffee smell in the house nor rich aroma coming from the poured cup. I have tried longer sit times and shorter sit times before pressing. I have little flavor change if any compared to my little 4-cup drip. I grind my beans fresh.
Pros:
*Nice look
*Cleaning is easy (but see cons)
*Keeps coffee "warm" for a couple of hours.
*Keeps coffee hot for about an hour
Cons:
*Not labor saving. You have to boil water in a separate pot then transfer to the press.
*Not as easy to clean as others say. The grounds do get on the screen and stick to the bottom of the pot. If you have a septic tank you should not let coffee grinds go down the drain since they do not break down fast and can build up.
Unlike paper filters that you remove and toss, with this press you have to remove the plunger, rinse the screen and then shake out the wet clinging coffee grounds.
*I cannot easily get out the coffee smell so for making tea as well it will transfer to the tea if not cleaned well.

* PRESS is a misleading term. All you are really doing is pushing the grounds down to the bottom. You are not PRESSING the grounds to get all the essence out. They are constantly sitting in your coffee making it stronger.
*Plastic rim of the screen seals nice but there is a ridge some granules can get caught in and be hard to clean out. It also yellows fast and does not look as pretty but still functions.

You are paying for the double walled stainless steel and if you just want to try a press, go for a plastic one found in outlet stores.
BUT my major disappointment is that I still feel I get a better cup of coffee at my Hess station or diner. I do not know what those machines do different but I get a rich aroma and smoothness I do not get with this press.

---

Rating: - Smooth perfect Java: Stays hot like lava. . .
I received this item as a birthday gift from a good friend. I have been lusting after a good thermal press-pot for months. The construction of this unit is first rate. Zero coffee grounds escape through the screen into the pot. It maintains that "lava hot" temperature that we here in Hula Town enjoy for quite awhile. Used properly, this press-pot lets you unlock the full flavor of your java. Cleanup is a breeze! Dump the grounds out, rinse the pot with cold water and dry in the dishrack. Much less effort than cleaning the electric drip pot! The price may seem steep, but it is worth every penny. And due to the stainless steel construction - - there are no safety issues that might arise were it constructed with glass. The handle is big, comfortable and offers a rock solid grip. After experiencing my java brewed in this, I will never go back to another method. Ever. I plan to take this with me when I go camping, hiking, etc. as well as to the office. Call it essential mission gear for a caffeineophile.

---

Rating: - Awesome Camp Coffee
We have travel trailer but often camp where there is no electricity. Stove-top percolators just boiled the coffee. The 8-cup pot gives me two+ big mugs of great-tasting coffee and the second cup is hot without being 'scorched'. If you have more than one or two coffee drinkers, I'd consider the 12 cup pot.