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Very tight seal (still), have to use some force to press it. I've used this model for over 2 years now without nary a problem. I've learned to like a bit of grit :)It's hard to go back to auto-drip methods after you taste the quality of french pressed coffee. I don't get much grounds unless I try to get every last drop out of it. It replaced several glass french presses that I always seemed to break in the sink. soap + my clumsy hands = broken glass.Might seem pricey at first, but it quickly paid for itself as it is about indestructible.
The plastic used does seem pretty tough and should last a while. I also preheat the press with hot water - these methods (as simple as they are) will definitely help heat loss.Overall:Despite the "adequate" heat retention (which is still much better than standard presses); this press performs exceptionally well in all other areas. This press is by no means a thermos that will keep coffee at over 165 degrees for over 5 hours. I wouldn't even pitch this press as a "thermos" like press - the other features alone make it a great buy. Excellent plunger/gasket design. I have used my Bodum Columbia 8-Cup (stainless-steel) French press for a few years now - bought it when stainless "anything" was much cheaper. However, still not a bad price for the best French press fabrication device yielding 3 to 4 good size cups of joe - I'm definitely one happy customer.Pros: Great build quality - even the parts that are plastic (parts under lid and plunger) are sturdy and long lasting. I have never had any issues with grounds escaping into my cups of coffee after using this product.
Plastic components (like underneath the lid and on the plunger) should have been designed metal - but I guess this saves them a little cost --- still, they should make an all metal version. I definitely recommend this to anyone who has used any other types of presses (and knows of their draw backs) and would like to step up to a great product. The lid should have been given more insulating properties as it's the primary heat loss culprit. Highly recommended. This allows it to keep that warm/hot ratio a little longer between refills. All the other types that use a coiled spring plunger with metal mesh fail by comparison and hardly last with regular use (this includes bodum's other product lines) - not sure why they still go that route when the silicon gasket is SO MUCH BETTER. NOTE: I usually place a hand towel over the press (folded in half) to allow for greater heat retention. As others have already stated - keeps coffee at a good warm-hot ratio for 1 to 2 hours after brewing.
Like previously stated - it keeps the coffee at warm/hot within an hour of brewing using no special methods. I typically hand wash this product which also helps the silicon last longer - but it is also dishwasher safe.Cons: Depending on where you get this press - price could be much higher so shop around. It uses a silicon gasket and very fine metal mesh for virtually ground-free filtering. This press cleans well too - all parts are easily cleaned.
I was concerned that the steel would change the taste of the brew, but that is not an issue. I've used Bodum press coffee makers (in one guise or another) for the last 20 years. Over time, I've learned that letting brewed coffee stay at a high temperature for any length of time will turn it bitter. I don't anticipate ever having to buy another coffee maker.
It's easy to clean with a rinse and a wipe (I object to any soap). As a single person, I brew half a pot; for company a full. I'm a particularly clumsy person, and the grip of the handle and sturdiness of the design are very impressive. To optimize the thermal properties of the design turn the lid to "seal" the spout between pouring.
I've learned to like coffee for it's taste and not the temperature. The durability and the beauty of this design from Bodum are its strength. I had no real complaint about the product which would occasionally break. So I purchased one myself.
And it does retain heat longer than the traditional glass beaker. Therefore, I've learned to let the coffee cool as Bodum presses quickly lose heat after brewing. When my sister-in-law purchsed this product, I was chiefly impressed with the volume it will brew.
Not great for making less than 20 oz, you get too much water below the plunger. Although the longer it goes the stronger it gets. This is a great press with excellent heat retention. It you "charge it" by adding boiling water to heat it and then make the coffee it will stay hot for nearly 2 hours.
Even though it says 8-cup, it seems to make just over 2 full cups of coffee for the size of my mugs. I've accidentally knocked it over when full of coffee, and it since its not glass it didn't break, and it didn't even leak. This french press works great. Have made great coffee with it.
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