While an IKEA French Press and one from Bodum both brew coffee the same way, they differ significantly in materials, price, and design. A press from IKEA is a budget-friendly, functional machine built for casual users, while a Bodum is a premium investment known for high-quality borosilicate glass, superior durability, and iconic style.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which French press is right for your kitchen counter.
IKEA UPHETTA Coffee/Tea maker
The IKEA French press is a stripped-down, no-frills tool designed for one purpose: making coffee easily and affordably. It’s a popular choice for students, those new to French press coffee, or anyone who wants a functional brewer without spending much. It embodies IKEA's core principles of simplicity, functionality, and value.
- What it is: A basic coffee and tea maker using a plunger and mesh filter to brew grounds or leaves.
- Key features: Straightforward design, heat-resistant glass, fine-mesh stainless steel filter, and a plastic lid/handle. It's easy to take apart for cleaning.
- Price: Around $10 to $20, making it one of the most affordable options on the market.
- Style: Utilitarian and minimalist. It has a clean look that gets the job done but isn't built to be a statement piece in your kitchen.
- Materials/Construction: Generally made of tempered glass, with a polypropylene plastic lid and handle and a stainless steel filter assembly.
- Pros: Extremely budget-friendly. Very simple to use, assemble, and clean. Widely available at any IKEA store or online. A great low-risk way to start making French press coffee.
- Cons: Plastic parts can feel less durable over time. Tempered glass doesn't retain heat as well as other materials and is less resistant to thermal shock. The overall durability is lower for heavy, daily use.
The IKEA French press is ideal for the budget-conscious consumer who values simplicity and price over premium feel and long-term durability.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/upphetta-coffee-tea-maker-glass-stainless-steel-60241389/
Bodum Chambord French Press
Bodum is a name synonymous with the French press, having popularized the brewing method throughout Europe and the world. Their presses are celebrated for blending timeless design with high-performance brewing technology. Models like the Chambord are considered an industry standard, favored by coffee aficionados for their craftsmanship, stylish appearance, and consistent results.
- What it is: A premium French press coffee maker known for its iconic design and high-quality materials.
- Key features: Borosilicate glass carafe that resists thermal shock, a durable stainless steel frame and filter system, and an ergonomic handle. Many models have double-wall options for better heat retention.
- Price: Generally ranges from $20 to $50, with larger or more specialized models costing more.
- Style: Sleek, timeless, and modern. Bodum presses are designed to be displayed proudly on a kitchen counter, with options in polished steel, matte colors, and even cork accents.
- Materials/Construction: The carafe is made of stain- and heat-resistant borosilicate glass. The frame, lid, and plunger are typically stainless steel, creating a sturdy and long-lasting product.
- Pros: Superior build quality and materials lead to a longer lifespan. Borosilicate glass provides better heat retention and durability. A more refined filter often results in less sediment. Stylish design elevates your kitchen aesthetic.
- Cons: Significantly higher price point. While sturdy, the glass can still shatter if dropped. Some intricate designs require more care when cleaning.
A Bodum French press is perfect for the daily coffee drinker or design-conscious user who sees their coffee maker as both a tool and a piece of decor.
Shop this product: bodum.com/us/en/1928-16us4-chambord
IKEA French Press vs. Bodum French Press Comparison
Price & Value
There's a clear difference here. The IKEA French press is the undisputed winner on upfront cost, often priced at less than half of a basic Bodum. It provides fantastic value for someone trying this brew method for the first time or for occasional use.
However, Bodum offers better long-term value. Its superior materials, more robust construction, and availability of replacement parts (like carafes and filters) mean it's more likely to last for years of daily use, making the higher initial cost a worthwhile investment for coffee lovers.
Materials & Construction
Materials are the primary differentiator. IKEA uses standard tempered glass and polypropylene plastic for the lid and handle. This is functional and safe, but the plastic can feel cheaper and the glass is more susceptible to breaking from rapid temperature changes.
Bodum uses borosilicate glass, the same type used in laboratory Pyrex. This glass handles extreme temperature changes without cracking and retains heat better for a more stable brewing process. The frame, plunger, and filter are typically made of high-quality stainless steel, offering a much more durable and premium feel.
Style & Aesthetics
IKEA excels at minimalist, utilitarian design. Its French press is simple and functional, designed to blend in rather than stand out. It comes in a few basic colors and gets the job done without any fuss.
Bodum, on the other hand, treats the French press as a design object. Models like the Chambord have an iconic, timeless look with polished metal frames that are instantly recognizable. They also offer a huge variety of colors and materials, from matte pastels to modern cork and silicone grips, allowing you to choose a press that perfectly matches your kitchen's style.
Durability & Longevity
For daily, heavy-duty use, a Bodum press is built to last longer. The stainless steel frame protects the glass carafe, and the high-quality components are engineered to withstand repeated brewing and cleaning cycles. If you make French press coffee every morning, a Bodum is the more reliable choice.
An IKEA press is perfectly suitable for occasional use - making a pot on weekends or for guests - but its plastic components may wear down more quickly with constant use. Its durability is a direct reflection of its low price point.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both presses make good coffee, but they are built for entirely different users and priorities.
Choose the IKEA French Press if:
- You are on a tight budget and want the most affordable option available.
- You're new to French press coffee and want to see if you like it without a big investment.
- You only plan on making coffee occasionally.
- You prioritize pure function over style and premium materials.
Choose the Bodum French Press if:
- You are a daily coffee drinker and need a durable tool that can withstand heavy use.
- The aesthetic of your kitchen tools is important to you.
- You are willing to spend more for superior heat retention, better materials, and longer-lasting construction.
- You want the option to buy replacement parts to extend the life of your press.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between an IKEA and Bodum French press?
The main differences are material quality and price. Bodum uses premium borosilicate glass and stainless steel, feels more durable, and comes at a higher price. IKEA uses tempered glass and plastic, offering a functional press at a much lower cost.
Is the Bodum French press worth the extra money?
For daily coffee drinkers, yes. The investment in a Bodum pays off in longevity, durability, and a more pleasant user experience. For occasional users, the IKEA model's value is hard to beat.
Does one brand make better coffee than the other?
The brewing technique is identical, so the coffee quality will be very similar. However, some users find that Bodum's more precisely engineered filter allows for less sediment, and its superior heat retention can result in a slightly more consistent extraction.
Is the Bodum borosilicate glass really stronger?
It's not necessarily more shatter-proof if dropped, but it's significantly more resistant to thermal shock. This means it can handle going from cold to filled with boiling water without the risk of cracking, a common issue with cheaper glass presses.
Can you get replacement parts for these presses?
Bodum is known for offering replacement parts. You can easily find new glass carafes, filters, and cross plates on their website, which greatly extends the life of the product. It's generally not possible or cost-effective to find replacement parts for an IKEA press.
Which one is easier to clean?
Both are quite easy to clean and can be fully disassembled. The basic design of the IKEA UPHETTA makes it especially simple. Most parts on both presses are dishwasher safe.
Which is better for a beginner?
The IKEA French press is a perfect choice for beginners. Its low price point means there's almost no risk in trying out this brew method to see if it's right for you before committing to a more expensive model.
What sizes are available from each brand?
Both IKEA and Bodum offer several common sizes. You can typically find a 3-cup (around 12 oz) for individuals and an 8-cup (around 34 oz) for making multiple servings. Bodum tends to offer a wider variety of sizes overall, including larger 12-cup models.
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