I've been wanting the Bodum Assam 34-ounce cast-iron version for design and longevity, but the hefty weight of it alone is too much to handle if only to brew tea.
So I opted for a 34-ounce glass version which is very light and, like other Bodum borosilicate glass items, delicate. I have yet to break porcelain items by simple bumps while washing, but with a Bodum I am sure to crack them in time. However after much searching for a tea brewing device which affords functionality and simplicity, I fall for a Bodum yet again.
WHY? It is only this brand that features a tea press that stops the brewing process when the desired strength has been reached.
HOW? The loose leaves are placed on the center inside the stainless steel filter. When you want the brewing process to stop, the plunger pushes the leaves down the bottom of the filter away from the liquid and sealed by a silicon rubber ring surrounding the plunger. It's a simple ingenious design carried and modified from their coffee press.
PROS:
- Effective and ingenious plunger to create a tailored brewing strength depending on user, water volume and type of tea leaves
- Despite a thin glass container, surprisingly keeps the liquid hot for a relatively long time.
- Simple design makes an elegant product that matchces any interior as well as hand washing very easy.
- No spill in pouring. I was afraid the small lip may cause spilling while pouring, but I experienced none. No spills travelling down the wall after pouring as well.
- Glass version allows you to view the brewing the process and cater to your needs.
CONS:
- Thin borosilicate glass makes the tea press more fragile than you think.
- Plunger design is simple, but clumsy as well. Plunger stalk has to be aligned completely vertical or pushing straight down will be met with great resistance especially as the silicon rubs against the stainless steel wall.
- Loose leaves are not all contained on the bottom as some may escape thru the silicon seal and shred against the stainless steel filter wall. If this happens, the brewing process is not effectively and completely stopped. The leaves especially escape if you don't align the plunger completely vertically. (You will know what I am talking about when you own it and experience the same).
VERDICT:
You have a choice between an extremely heavy cast-iron version or the extremely light glass version. I wish Bodum created a thicker-walled version that's made of glass so I can still view the brewing process while have it less fragile.
For the price, I really can't complain so I find myself purchasing yet another functional and patented Bodum product. Until another company has come up with an ingenious plunger system that is better built, I guess a Bodum it will be for now.
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