AeroPress Original vs Bodum Chambord 34oz French Press
For daily home brewing, the AeroPress and the Bodum Chambord French press are the two most-recommended sub-$50 immersion brewers — and they suit different routines. AeroPress is single-cup, faster, cleaner, and travels; French press is multi-cup, heavier-bodied, and requires no paper filters. This is not an "AeroPress wins" comparison: French press is the better choice for a household brewing 3-4 cups at breakfast, and AeroPress is the better single-cup pick. Both produce excellent coffee — pick by your morning routine, not by which has more YouTube fans.
Quick verdict
AeroPress Original
Best for: single-cup workflow, travel, camping
Bodum Chambord 34oz French Press
Best for: french press, immersion brewing, multi-cup households
Key differences
Specs where the two products diverge. Full spec list is below.
| Spec | AeroPress Original | Bodum Chambord 34oz French Press |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity Ml | 240 | 1000 |
| Weight G | 195 | 590 |
| Material | BPA-free polypropylene | Borosilicate glass + stainless steel |
| Brand | AeroPress | Bodum |
| Brewing Method | Pressure immersion | Immersion |
| Filter Type | Paper micro-filter | Stainless steel mesh |
Show full specs (3 shared specs)
| Spec | AeroPress Original | Bodum Chambord 34oz French Press |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | No | No |
| Price (USD) | $39 | $39 |
| Price tier | budget | budget |
AeroPress Original
Pros
- Forgiving for beginners — produces good cups across a wide range of variables
- Travel-friendly: lightweight, plastic, hand-washable
- Compatible with metal, paper, and specialty filters
- World AeroPress Championship has codified award-winning recipes
Cons
- Single-cup only — not suited for batch brewing
- Plastic body discolors over years of daily use
- Inverted method requires practice to avoid spills
Bodum Chambord 34oz French Press
Pros
- Iconic French press design since 1974
- Borosilicate glass carafe with stainless mesh filter
- Dishwasher-safe components for easy cleanup
- Brews 4-8 cups in a single immersion
Cons
- Mesh filter allows fines through — cup body is heavier than filter coffee
- Heat retention is lower than insulated alternatives
- Glass carafe is fragile and replacement glass costs nearly as much as a new press
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AeroPress Original better than the Bodum Chambord 34oz French Press?
Neither is universally better — they target different users. The AeroPress Original is best for single-cup workflow and travel. The Bodum Chambord 34oz French Press is best for french press and immersion brewing.
What's the price difference?
The AeroPress Original retails around $39; the Bodum Chambord 34oz French Press around $39. Price difference: $0.
Which one is better for milk drinks?
Look at the steam-related features in the spec table. Tags help too — products with 'milk-drinks' or 'dual-boiler' tags handle milk better. AeroPress Original tags: single-cup, travel, budget, pressure-brew, beginner-friendly. Bodum Chambord 34oz French Press tags: french-press, immersion, multi-cup, budget, classic-design.