Before looking into a Bodum Bistro review, there are a few questions you should ask yourself. First, are you new to home grinding? If you are, the Bodum Bistro is likely going to be a considerably good option for you. It’s an uncomplicated device with a minimalist approach to features that is simple enough to avoid any grinding mishaps.
However, if that’s not you, consider how you might answer this second question: Do you have limited counter space? If so, then you may also find that a Bodum Bistro Coffee Grinder review is a good, first step in determining whether the Bodum Bistro is the type of coffee grinder you’re going to want. If you could answer both of those questions in the affirmative, you’ll definitely want to keep reading.
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Bodum Bistro
Features
In crafting a Bodum Coffee Grinder review, we found that the features on the Bodum Bistro are about as simple as it gets. The Bodum Bistro electric burr grinder does exactly as the name suggests: it grinds coffee. If you’re looking for a grinder that is replete with features for how that grinding happens, you’re going to want to look elsewhere. The only notable features on this device are the quick grind button (featured prominently on the side) and the grind timer. The push button, pre-set timer gives you good control over the amount you are grinding each time. Grind more or less, depending on the amount of time set on the timer.
As far as features go, the Bodum Bistro grinder is designed with a simplistic approach. You won’t find any more buttons on the device beyond the button for starting the grind and the grind timer at the top of the device. However, Bodum does break the mold just a bit by featuring a borosilicate glass grounds container. Shunning plastic and going for glass helps the Bistro reduce the amount of static build up in the grounds. Also featured, but not highly advertised, is the inclusion of a friction clutch in the gears powering the conical burrs. This is present in order to stop the grind in the case of too much friction. While rare, small stones can end up in some whole coffee beans, the presence of which could ruin a grinder.
Build Quality
Our Bodum Bistro Grinder review finds that this grinder is solidly built for the price. A work of steel, plastic, glass and rubber, the Bodum Bistro grinder uses somewhat high-quality materials in the right places, while cheapening it out a bit in other places.
The outer shell, for example, is composed of a rubber layer, which is highly unusual for a grinder. Rubber molding can often be much cheaper than plastic molding, which is likely the reason Bodum decided on
However, it does mean you will be buying a cheaper product. The borosilicate glass on the grounds container is the biggest expense that Bodum went for in selling this product, which may or may not
Compare the Bistro
Bodum Bistro vs.
Capresso Infinity
The Bistro is put up against Capresso's finest.
Grind Settings
As with the features, our Bodum Bistro Coffee Grinder review finds that the grind settings on the Bodum Bistro less pronounced. The Bodum Bistro electric coffee grinder is fitting with its size and price when it comes to grind settings. The device does have multiple grind possibilities, featuring 14 individual grind settings. Whole beans can be ground from coarse to fine.
Settings on the Bodum Bistro grinder can be set by turning the hopper. This method is similar to other grinders, and works by either tightening or widening the distance between the conical burrs. A wider distance will result in a coarser grind with larger grinds. A small distance results in the opposite.
Whether you’re doing a coarse or a fine grind does not affect the timer, however. Although not part of the grind settings, the borosilicate glass hopper will aid significantly in the reduction of static in the fines. This is particularly important for the finer grind settings. You’ll find the timer to be useful, but you will encounter problems if you are trying to grind coffee for more than yourself. The timer only goes up to 20 seconds, while the manual suggests a somewhat painful 5-minute cool down time between grinds.
Compare the Bistro
Bodum Bistro vs.
Baratza Encore
We also put it up against Baratza's entry-model.
Grind Settings
As with the features, our Bodum Bistro Coffee Grinder review finds that the grind settings on the Bodum Bistro less pronounced. The Bodum Bistro electric coffee grinder is fitting with its size and price when it comes to grind settings. The device does have multiple grind possibilities, featuring 14 individual grind settings. Whole beans can be ground from coarse to fine. Settings on the Bodum Bistro grinder can be set by turning the hopper. This method is similar to other grinders, and works by either tightening or widening the distance between the conical burrs. A wider distance will result in a coarser grind with larger grinds. A small distance results in the opposite.
Whether you’re doing a coarse or a fine grind does not affect the timer, however. Although not part of the grind settings, the borosilicate glass hopper will aid significantly in the reduction of static in the fines. This is particularly important for the finer grind settings. You’ll find the timer to be useful, but you will encounter problems if you are trying to grind coffee for more than yourself. The timer only goes up to 20 seconds, while the manual suggests a somewhat painful 5-minute cool down time between grinds.
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Price
The price is exactly where our Bodum Bistro Grinder review finds this grinder excelling the most. At around $100 or cheaper, the Bodum Bistro grinder is one of the least expensive electric burr grinders you’ll find. Bodum keeps the price down by using less expensive parts on different areas, minimizing the overall size of the device and by using a smaller conical burr with a much more limited amount of grind settings. The primary justification in the price is likely going to be the ease of use and the higher quality glass grounds container. These are, however, useful features, and are part of the overall selling point.
Aesthetics
Unfortunately, a Bodum Bistro Grinder review shows a somewhat lackluster aesthetic appeal on this device. While the design is simple, it is overall not fantastic. The mostly smooth rubber shell is certainly a unique
Using rubber molds instead of a plastic shell makes this possible and cheap to accomplish. White, green, black and red are the colors of choice here, which are fairly neutral and common for trendier kitchen appliances. And indeed, trendy is what Bodum is going for with this device, as it stands to reason that a device marketed to a wider market does not a better selling point.
Conclusion
Taking all things together, our Bodum Bistro Grinder review finds that the Bodum Bistro is an all-around good device for the budget conscious. For those just getting into grinding their own beans at home, it’s
Unfortunately, the cool down time between grinding is painfully long, making this grinder specifically designed for individuals. If you’re looking for more capacity, you will likely need to look elsewhere.
You might also like these grinders
Baratza Encore
The Baratza Encore is in the same price class as the Bistro, but offers a bit more features.
Capresso Infinity
Althout a bit pricier than the Bistro, the Infinity is a better grinder on all counts.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro
The #1 on our site is double the price of a Bistro, but well worth its money.