Too expensive with gimmicky features - get a Bodum Chambord instead and save at least $10
Positive Product Points
Coffee from this pot is as good as coffee from any other press pot.
Good size for 2 people (holds 32 oz. water)
Negative Product Points
Expensive at $40
"Flavor Lock" control feature is useless
Screen at pour spot is useless
Detailed Commentary
The Bonjour Maximus is an elegant looking press with chrome base, chrome lid, glass pot, and polypropylene handle. It basically looks like a clone of the Bodum Chambord. It differs in that the knob on the plunger is metal and not plastic. I have not yet made the leap to buying a burr grinder so have been using (gasp!) a whirly blade grinder. Despite this fact, I don't get much sediment in my cups.
Other features that may not be seen in other press pots include:
1) A filter that can be aligned with the pour spot to catch any grounds that may have gotten pass the main screen. This is poorly designed becasue the filter does not fit tightly to the pot so grounds can still easily bypass this second filter.
2) A "flavor lock" system. This is found on the plunger screen and lets you twist the plunger clockwise which "closes" the filter. The twisting turns some metal plates that cover the mesh screen. You're supposed to "close" the filter after you press the grounds down. The idea is your grounds are thus separated from the brewed coffee and will not continue to over-extract the grounds. A totally silly feature that is complete BS. The "closed" filter does not form a water tight seal in the pot and you will continue to extract those grounds. You still need to decant the coffee immediately after brewing into your cup or thermal carafe, just as you would with any press pot.
Despite these gimmicky features (which you won't use), this press pot makes great coffee as good as any press pot out there. That's not saying much because all press pots are nearly identical. As stupid as the "flavor lock" system is, it doesn't get in the way of using the pot in the traditional way and doesn't change the aesthetics of the pot. So, if you ever see this on sale, then you might like it.
Buying Experience
Recieved as a gift off a wedding registry. I would have registered for a Bodum Chambord but that wasn't available through the Williams-Sonoma registry. The fact that Williams-Sonoma didn't carry Bodum reconfirms some thoughts I have on that store - principally that they try to carry expensive products but not necessarily the most useful or best designed kitchen products.
