The Bodum Santos kit sells here for about US$60 - for this one gets the vac pot, a tea light type of stand with a cotton & mesh style alcohol lamp, a funnel holder & some assorted gadgetry. There's also a lower priced version without the stand & gadgetry, but I've not come across it yet.
For the money, it's an ok deal. If you this is what you can, or are willing to shell out, go for it.You won't be disappointed; it makes an excellent cup of coffee. If you won't be using it at the table consider buying just the plain jane vac pot instead of the kit. Since the Santos has a flat bottom, it will perform just as well on a stove, or electric hot plate. IMVHO, the gift set doesn't really add much anyway. The "tea light" stand is interesting if you'll be using it at the table, but you can easily find a similarish stand for much less in any department store. The funnel holder is also convenient, but a (glass) beaker or sumpin' will do just as nicely. The rest of the set is mostly useless plastic.
I consider the Santos as a decent, basic vac pot - it (usually) makes good vac brewed coffee. Still, there are a couple of mildly annoying points that need to be mentioned. If you've ever used other vac pots, it is obvious Bodum has made some trade-offs.
For instance, the plastic parts (the lid on the funnel, the funnel holder etc.) have a cheapish feel to it & don't fit too well. After some use, the handle will start feeling a little loose & insecure, giving you the impression it might come off - it probably never will, but it's a bit scary anyway.
Also, compared to other vac pots I have, Cona's, Hellems etc., the Santos is made from rather thinnish glass - no problem when the brewer is used properly & carefully, but it won't stand as much abuse as others; bang it against the tap only once & it will break.
Worst of all, however is the filter disc, which is very much prone to clog & seemingly without reason. It seems least likely to jam when using it on a low heat (let it simmer), with rather coarsely ground coffee.
On the upside, the Santos is still made today, so spare parts are easily available - an important plus if anything would accidentally break. Another pro is its relatively wide neck, which makes cleaning fairly easy. On the whole, it's an affordable alternative for anyone who wants to get into vac brewing, without searching thrift stores, or fleamarkets. It might be lacking points on the coolness rating, but, as said, it does the job & makes an excellent brew. Treat it with care & it will last you a lifetime.
I started out with a plain (1960s) Bodum Santos & still use it pretty often. It's the only vac pot I still keep around in the kitchen. These days I use it most often with a Cona rod instead of the funny disc, which is a setup that never clogged so far. |
