Bodum Assam Tea Press Review: A Generational Table Pot
The kind of kitchen tool you inherit, offering classic loose-leaf brewing for shared tea rituals.
Editorial bench photograph — The Reusable Edit
Quick answer
The Bodum Assam Tea Press 1L is a generational tea press that will outlast most kitchens. Built from borosilicate glass and stainless steel, it is designed as a big table pot for rituals with more than one drinker. It allows for loose leaf brewing without disposable bags and doubles as a coffee brewer when needed. While the uninsulated glass carafe requires gentle handling, the ability to replace every individual part makes it a exceptionally lasting addition to the kitchen.
What the wider world says
The Guardian recommended the pot, calling it the classic press-pot the whole world knows.
Our take
There is a nerdy satisfaction in kitchen tools built to endure, and this infuser delivers on that premise. Crafted from borosilicate glass and stainless steel, it caters to loose leaf purists by eliminating single-use tea bags entirely, while remaining versatile enough to brew coffee. The main trade-offs are practical ones. Because the glass carafe is not insulated, your tea will lose heat faster than it would in a double-walled vessel, and the glass itself requires careful washing to prevent cracks. However, the true strength of this press lies in its repairability: every part is replaceable, meaning a broken carafe does not relegate the entire stainless assembly to a landfill.
Who it's for
This pot is best for tea lovers who host group rituals and want a large table pot for multiple drinkers. It suits anyone seeking a repairable, multi-use vessel for loose leaf tea and coffee.
Who it isn't for
Skip this if you need thermal insulation to keep tea hot for hours. It is also not ideal for households prone to dropping delicate glassware.
What works
- Every part replaceable
- Loose leaf, no bags
- Works for coffee too
What doesn't
- Glass carafe fragile
- Not insulated
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