Baratza vs Fellow French Press — Which Should You Buy? (2026)

Quick Verdict

Here's the thing: this comparison needs some clarification. Baratza is primarily known as a coffee grinder manufacturer, not a French press maker. Fellow, meanwhile, specializes in brewing equipment but doesn't currently have widely available French press products in the market. What we're actually looking at is a comparison between two respected brewing equipment brands, where the most relevant products to compare are the AeroPress Original Coffee Press (technically an AeroPress product, though Baratza owns the brand) and the Bodum Chambord French Press.

If you're specifically shopping for a French press, the Bodum Chambord is your better bet—it's a genuine French press with excellent reviews and an established track record. If you're open to alternative brewing methods that many coffee enthusiasts prefer, the AeroPress Original offers superior build quality and versatility, though it's a different brewing technique altogether.

Understanding the Brands

Baratza and AeroPress

Baratza acquired AeroPress in 2015, bringing the iconic brewing device under their umbrella. While Baratza built its reputation on grinders, AeroPress brought them into the brewing equipment space. The AeroPress Original represents a unique brewing philosophy—it's not a French press, but rather a hybrid manual brewing device that combines immersion and pressure-based extraction.

Fellow

Fellow is known for premium brewing equipment, particularly their electric kettles (the Stagg EKG is industry-leading) and other brewing accessories. They focus on thoughtful design and premium materials. However, they don't currently have a major French press product competing directly in this space.

Given the available products, this comparison focuses on what's actually available: the AeroPress Original and the Bodum Chambord French Press.

Comparison Across Key Dimensions

Build Quality and Materials

The AeroPress Original uses aerospace-grade plastic for its chamber and polycarbonate filters. This might sound less premium than glass, but it's actually remarkably durable—many users report decade-long lifespans with zero degradation. The metal framework is stainless steel, and the overall construction feels solid despite being lightweight. There's no glass to break, making it genuinely travel-friendly.

The Bodum Chambord French Press uses borosilicate glass, which is heat-resistant and elegant. The frame is typically chrome-plated or stainless steel. Glass feels more "premium" in hand, but it introduces fragility—the carafe can shatter if dropped, and the seal can wear over time with regular use. Bodum frames are well-designed and durable, but you're managing a glass vessel.

Winner for durability: AeroPress Original (no glass means fewer breakage concerns)

Winner for aesthetics: Bodum Chambord (glass looks better on a counter)

Brewing Performance

This is where the differences matter most, because these are fundamentally different brewing methods.

The AeroPress Original uses immersion combined with pressure. You steep grounds in hot water, then press down through a metal or paper filter. This creates a cup that's smoother than French press (the filtered method removes fine sediment) while maintaining body. Extraction happens quickly—about 30 seconds of pressing—making total brew time 2-3 minutes. The result is clean, full-bodied coffee without the grit.

The Bodum Chambord French Press uses full immersion with a metal mesh filter. You steep for 3-4 minutes, then press. The metal mesh doesn't trap fine particles like paper filters, so you get a heavier body with visible sediment at the bottom of your cup. This is intentional—many people prefer this mouthfeel. However, some find it bitter if over-extracted, and you'll always have fine particles in your final cup.

Winner for clarity: AeroPress Original (filtered method produces cleaner coffee)

Winner for body/mouthfeel: Bodum Chambord (metal mesh preserves more oils)

Winner for user preference: Tie (depends entirely on what you want in your cup)

Features and Versatility

The AeroPress Original comes with both paper and metal filters (paper included, metal sold separately). You can use either, giving you flexibility in cup profile. It's also significantly more versatile than it appears—you can brew inverted, use it as a pour-over-style dripper, experiment with water temperature, and adjust immersion time. The compact size means it travels well. It brews 1-3 cups per cycle.

The Bodum Chambord French Press comes in multiple sizes (3-cup, 8-cup, 12-cup options). You choose based on how much coffee you typically make. The larger sizes are genuinely useful for households or when entertaining. However, a French press is a French press—there's less room for experimentation once you understand the basic method.

Winner for versatility: AeroPress Original

Winner for batch brewing: Bodum Chambord (larger sizes available)

Price and Value

The AeroPress Original is priced at $39.95. For what you get—durability, versatility, and years of use—this is excellent value. Many users report it's the best $40 they've spent on coffee equipment. Paper filters are inexpensive and widely available.

The Bodum Chambord French Press is priced at $34.99 for what appears to be a standard size. This is very competitive pricing. However, you'll eventually need a replacement metal filter (they wear and can degrade), and if the glass breaks, you're replacing the entire unit or buying a new carafe. Over a 5-year period, AeroPress is likely cheaper when you factor in durability.

Winner for long-term value: AeroPress Original

Winner for initial cost: Bodum Chambord (slightly cheaper upfront)

Warranty and Customer Support

The AeroPress Original comes with a 1-year warranty and is backed by Baratza/AeroPress, which has solid customer service. However, most units outlast the warranty period significantly.

The Bodum Chambord French Press typically comes with a limited manufacturer's warranty. Bodum is established and has reasonable customer support, but warranty details can vary by retailer.

Winner: Roughly equivalent

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Winner by Use Case

Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers

Bodum Chambord French Press has the lowest upfront cost at $34.99. If you're looking to spend the absolute least money right now, this is your choice. However, consider that the AeroPress will likely last longer and require fewer replacements.

Best for Premium/Longevity Focus

AeroPress Original wins here. The superior durability, versatility, and track record of lasting 10+ years with minimal maintenance makes it the better investment if you plan to keep your brewer long-term.

Best for Household/Entertaining

Bodum Chambord French Press. Get the 8-cup or 12-cup model. When you're brewing for multiple people, a French press in a larger size is more practical than the AeroPress, which maxes out at 3 cups per cycle.

Best for Travelers

AeroPress Original. It's lightweight, compact, and has no glass to worry about breaking in a suitcase or backpack. Many travelers report this is their essential travel gear.

Best for Coffee Enthusiasts

AeroPress Original. The versatility, control over variables, and ability to experiment with inverted brewing and different filter types appeals to people who want to dial in their coffee. It also produces a cleaner cup, which many specialty coffee drinkers prefer.

Best for "Traditional French Press Experience"

Bodum Chambord French Press. If you specifically want a French press—not an alternative brewing method—this is the legitimate choice. It's been the standard for decades and continues to deliver.

Real-World Considerations

Learning Curve

The Bodum Chambord is simpler conceptually—heat water, add grounds, steep, press. The AeroPress requires slightly more attention to technique, but nothing complicated. Most people nail it by the third use.

Cleanup

AeroPress: Pop out the grounds (they eject as a puck), rinse the chamber. Very quick and tidy.

Bodum: Pour out grounds, rinse the mesh filter carefully (tiny particles can clog it). Slightly more involved cleanup.

Filter Availability

AeroPress paper filters are widely available online and in stores. Metal filters exist but are optional.

Bodum mesh filters are standard parts and readily available as replacements.

Grind Size Sensitivity

AeroPress: Forgiving across a range of grind sizes. Coarse to medium works well.

Bodum: More sensitive to grind size. Too fine and it over-extracts and becomes bitter. Too coarse and it under-extracts. Medium-coarse is the sweet spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AeroPress better than French press?

"Better" depends on your priorities. The AeroPress produces a cleaner cup with less sediment, is more durable, and offers more versatility. A French press delivers more body and oils, requires less technique, and brews larger quantities. Neither is objectively better—they're different tools for different preferences. If you want clean coffee and durability, AeroPress wins. If you want traditional full-immersion brewing and larger batch sizes, French press wins.

Why choose Baratza brewing equipment?

Baratza's primary reputation is in grinders, but their ownership of AeroPress means you're getting equipment from a company that understands coffee grinding deeply. This context influences product refinement. The AeroPress itself has a 60-year history of continuous improvement. It's trusted by specialty coffee professionals and casual drinkers alike. You're not choosing Baratza specifically—you're choosing AeroPress under Baratza's stewardship.

Can you use paper filters in a French press?

Technically yes, but it defeats the purpose. Paper filters remove the oils and sediment that make a French press unique. If you want filtered coffee, the AeroPress or a regular pour-over is designed for that. French presses are designed around metal mesh filters.

How long do these brewers last?

The AeroPress Original regularly lasts 10-15 years with normal use and care. The Bodum Chambord lasts as long as the glass doesn't break—realistically 5-8 years for regular users, potentially longer if treated carefully. When the Bodum glass breaks (and it will eventually), you either replace the carafe or buy a new unit. The AeroPress simply keeps working.

Final Recommendation

Choose the AeroPress Original if you want the most durable, versatile, and travel-friendly option with the best long-term value. It produces clean, delicious coffee and