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Coffee Gear Scout

AeroPress vs French Press (Bodum Chambord)

Two of the simplest ways to make great coffee by hand, and both are wonderfully forgiving. They steep coffee in a similar way, but the filter makes all the difference to what ends up in your mug.

By Coffee Gear Scout Editors · Specs checked · Researched from manufacturer specifications, not hands-on tested

Quick answer

Choose the AeroPress Original for a smooth, clean cup in about two minutes (per AeroPress), quick cleanup and easy travel; it uses small paper filters. Choose the Bodum Chambord French press for a rich, full-bodied cup with no paper filters, and for making two mugs at once.

Choose the Original Coffee Press if…

  • You love a clean, smooth cup with little sediment
  • You want coffee in about two minutes
  • Cleanup should take seconds
  • Your coffee travels with you
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Full profile

Choose the Chambord French Press 17 oz if…

  • You love a rich, full-bodied, cosy cup
  • You'd rather not buy paper filters
  • You often make two mugs at once
  • A glass brewer on the breakfast table makes you happy
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Full profile

Side-by-side comparison

AeroPress vs French Press (Bodum Chambord): side-by-side comparison
Attribute AeroPress Original Coffee Press (opens Amazon in a new tab) AeroPress Original Coffee Press Researched Bodum Chambord French Press 17 oz (opens Amazon in a new tab) Bodum Chambord French Press 17 oz Researched
Filter
Filter Paper micro-filter Built-in metal mesh
Taste
Taste Clean and smooth, little sediment Rich and full-bodied, some sediment
Capacity
Capacity Up to 10 oz (296 ml) per brew (per AeroPress) 17 oz (0.5 L)
Brew time
Brew time About 2 minutes About 4 minutes, then press
Grind
Grind Medium-fine Coarse
Cleanup
Cleanup Push out the puck, rinse Scoop out grounds, wash
Material
Material Shatterproof plastic Borosilicate glass in a steel frame
Makes
Makes Filter coffee Filter coffee
Maintenance
Maintenance Low Low
Learning curve
Learning curve Beginner Beginner
Best for
Best for Anyone who wants a quick, forgiving single cup at home, at work or on holiday, with very little to clean. Small kitchens, slow mornings and simple routines, with no paper filters to buy.
Where to buy
Where to buy

$39.95 on Amazon

Price as of – Details

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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$41.91 on Amazon

Price as of – Details

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

View on Amazon.com (opens Amazon.com in a new tab, affiliate link)

Check the current price on the retailer's site. Affiliate link.

Which should you choose?

Both are lovely, forgiving brewers; the choice comes down to the cup you crave. The AeroPress Original gives a smooth, clean cup fast and cleans up in seconds, which makes it perfect for busy mornings, offices and travel. The Bodum Chambord makes a rich, comforting cup and an unhurried four-minute ritual, ideal for slow weekends for two.

Can't choose? They're both affordable, and plenty of coffee lovers keep one of each: AeroPress for weekdays, French press for Sundays.

Either way, a burr grinder like the Baratza Encore matters more than the brewer. Learn both: how to use an AeroPress and how to use a French press.

Frequently asked questions

Which tastes better, AeroPress or French press?

Neither is better, they're different. The AeroPress's paper filter gives a clean, smooth cup; the French press's metal mesh gives a richer, heavier cup with some sediment.

Which is faster?

The AeroPress, at about two minutes per brew according to AeroPress. A French press steeps for about four minutes before pressing.

Which makes more coffee?

The 17 oz Bodum Chambord makes about two mugs; the AeroPress Original makes up to 10 oz (296 ml) per brew.

Which is better for travel?

The AeroPress: it's light, compact and shatterproof. The Chambord's glass beaker is better kept at home.

Do I need paper filters?

The AeroPress uses small paper filters; the French press uses its built-in metal mesh, so it needs none.

Original Coffee Press (view on Amazon.com, opens in a new tab, affiliate link) Chambord French Press 17 oz (view on Amazon.com, opens in a new tab, affiliate link)