Bodum Chambord French Press Cafetiere vs Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Bodum Chambord French Press Cafetiere

9.0/10 Excellent

4.7★ (24,400 owners)

8-cup, borosilicate glass, stainless frame, 3-part filter, classic design. The cafetiere icon.

Full Review

Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker

8.8/10 Great

4.5★ (3,800 owners)

Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Bodum Chambord French Press Cafetiere	Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker
247Verdict Score	9.0/10	8.8/10
Owner Rating	4.7★ (24,400)	4.5★ (3,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Great
Capacity	8 cups	8 cups
Material	Borosilicate glass + steel	Ceramic
Filter	3-part stainless	Stainless mesh (permanent)
Design	Classic 1950s	George Sowden Italian

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Bodum Chambord French Press Cafetiere edges ahead with a 9.0/10 vs 8.8/10. 8-cup, borosilicate glass, stainless frame, 3-part filter, classic design. The cafetiere icon. That said, the Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker is worth considering if Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Bodum Chambord French Press Cafetiere

Full immersion brewing extracts rich, full-bodied coffee retaining natural oils
Borosilicate glass and stainless steel frame in the iconic 1950s French design
3-part stainless filter system catches grounds for a cleaner cup
No paper filters or electricity needed — just coffee and hot water
24,400 reviews at 4.7★ — the classic cafetiere that's defined the category for decades

More sediment in the cup than paper-filtered methods
Coffee continues extracting if not decanted — can over-extract
Glass carafe requires care to avoid breakage

Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker

Stainless mesh filter eliminates paper filter cost and waste forever
Immersion brewing extracts coffee oils for fuller, richer body than paper-filtered methods
Ceramic vessel is dishwasher safe and aesthetically distinctive on any kitchen surface
George Sowden's award-winning Italian design heritage applied to coffee brewing
Under £60 for a 8-cup coffee maker that never needs consumable filter papers

More sediment in the cup than paper-filtered methods — the fine mesh allows some passage
Requires coarser grind than paper filter methods for optimal results
Ceramic can crack under thermal shock — avoid pouring boiling water directly on cold ceramics

FAQ

Which is better, Bodum Chambord French or Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup?

Is the Bodum Chambord French worth the extra cost?

Yes — Bodum Chambord French Press Cafetiere scores higher at 9.0/10 vs 8.8/10.

Who is the Bodum Chambord French best suited to?

8-cup, borosilicate glass, stainless frame, 3-part filter, classic design. The cafetiere icon.

Who is the Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup best suited to?

Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee.

What are the main downsides of each?

Bodum Chambord French Press Cafetiere: More sediment in the cup than paper-filtered methods; Coffee continues extracting if not decanted — can over-extract. Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker: More sediment in the cup than paper-filtered methods — the fine mesh allows some passage; Requires coarser grind than paper filter methods for optimal results.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Bodum Chambord French Press Cafetiere sits at 4.7★ from 24,400 verified Amazon owners, and Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker at 4.5★ from 3,800.

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