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[NDJollyMon]

I picked up a Solobrew French Press from CoffeeIcon.com to try out. I thought it would be a nice thing to travel or camp with. My real reason is...it's small, offers Costa Rican coffee, and it would be easy to pack for a cruise! (I HATE CRUISE SHIP COFFEE!!!!)

Here is my review:
I heated up some water in the microwave, and ripped open the press. There were (4) foil sealed Costa Rican coffee packs tucked inside. Upon cutting the foil, you will find a large coffee filter type bag with a spring inside.



The coffee inside the bag is not packed tight like a pod. You insert the plastic cord sticking out of the top into the lip of the device. You then add hot water (just off the boil) into the cup. (holds 10 oz.) Drop the coffee bag into the press and snap on the lid. Pull the cord up and down about 5 times and steep from 2 to 4 minutes. I steeped about 3.5 minutes.
You then pull the cord until the bag squashes into the bottom of the lid, secure and drink. (or in my case...I dumped into a cup)



I dumped into a cup to show the brew strength.



The result was nice aroma, smooth tasting medium roasted coffee! The taste was much better than most 'cafe' type coffee...and much better than instant. Better still than the Folger's (tea bag style) instant coffee as well. This Solobrew is not instant coffee....it's coarse ground coffee in a loose filter bag that is steeped in the water. The only clean up is to toss the filter bag, and rinse the cup...no messy filter to clean!

Good as K-cups? I say no.
Good coffee, easy to take and make? Yes.
Good for travel? Yes.
As an everyday drink? No.
Is it as good as my home roasted Costa Rican freshly ground in my Bodum? No.

I would say this is something I would buy...especially for travel...or to go where the coffee is not to my liking.

Solobrew may not be the answer to your coffee dreams, but I like it and give it a thumbs up.
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Pete (Jolly) -
Forum Moderator
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Keurig: B130 ~ (2) B-50's ~ (1) B-60 SE
Cuisinart SS-1
2-Handpresso Wild/Handpresso DomePod (Portable Espresso)
1-Fresh Roast Plus 8 Coffee Roaster
GSI JavaDrip
Bodum French Press

[TheCoffeeArtisan]

Pete,

I think you hit the mark on this review, especially in your final analysis of when you would use this product. Very well done sir.

Chad
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140+ Coffee Pods from The Coffee Artisan, Fratello, Cafejo, Reunion Island, Timothy's and Black Mountain Gold
Grindmaster and BUNN Brewing Equipment
Baratza Grinders
Store: http://www.thecoffeeartisan.com
Blog: http://blog.thecoffeeartisan.com

[NDJollyMon]

Thanks Chad!
_________________
Pete (Jolly) -
Forum Moderator
____________
Keurig: B130 ~ (2) B-50's ~ (1) B-60 SE
Cuisinart SS-1
2-Handpresso Wild/Handpresso DomePod (Portable Espresso)
1-Fresh Roast Plus 8 Coffee Roaster
GSI JavaDrip
Bodum French Press

[ASFx]

Very nice review. The coffee sounds much better than I expected. I thought you were going to say it tasted like instant.
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Current Gizmos:
Keurig B70
French Press
Aeropress
Aerolatte
Baratza Maestro & Hario Skerton Grinders
Mypressi TWIST
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