Bodum Chambord French Press 8-Cup vs Hario Immersion Switch
The Hario Switch offers immersion brewing with the clarity of paper filtration and more brew flexibility; the Bodum Chambord delivers a fuller-bodied, oilier cup with simpler mechanics at a lower price.
Spec face-off
Bars scaled to the higher value. Coloured = wins that spec.
Full specifications
Strengths & weaknesses
Full comparison
The Hario Immersion Switch ($50) is a 300ml hybrid brewer combining immersion steeping with a ball-valve release mechanism, using paper filters for a clean, sediment-free cup. The Bodum Chambord ($40) is a 1,000ml manual French press with a metal mesh filter that lets oils and particles through freely.
Both devices require manual effort and a separate kettle, but the Switch adds a layer of technique. The ball-valve holds water and grounds together during steeping, then releases when placed on a server, giving the brewer control over contact time without lifting or pressing anything under pressure.
Capacity differs meaningfully: the Switch produces 300ml per brew, suited for one cup at a time. The Chambord handles up to 1,000ml, making it more practical for multiple servings in a single steep.
Flavor is the core differentiator. The Switch's paper filter produces a bright, clean cup closer to pour-over. The Chambord's metal mesh yields a heavier, oilier result with more texture. At $10 apart, the choice comes down to preferred cup style and batch size rather than budget.