A strong cup of Joe, GSI Lexan Java Press with Jacket.
Written: Jun 09 '04 (Updated Dec 12 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Light weight, easy to use, makes good coffee.
Cons: Not air tight, not insulated well.
The Bottom Line: This products makes good coffee if you like the French press style. It is easy to use and easy to clean. But look elsewhere if you entertain.
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| yakkowarner's Full Review: GSI Lexan Java Press with Jacket |
First, I classify this as an outdoor product, not a gift. I originally used it just for car camping so I would have an easy way to make coffee. After experimenting with coffee and writing some reviews, I have begun to warm up to this style of making coffee.
Update: for the current state it is in check my update on the bottom
Why I bought this.
I wanted something to make coffee in that was lightweight, durable, and easy to use. I do not like the percolator I own. Besides the percolator was a little too heavy for backpacking, so I just did away with coffee for the couple mornings I was backpacking. Ever since I bought this I never go camping without it and I make my coffee every morning… sometime twice.
Basic construction and parts.
With the exception of the steel rod and the metal mesh, the entire press is made out of plastic. The main container is a clear plastic called Lexan®. Lexan is a polycarbonate and the body has a little give when pressure is applied. The give is good because objects that are completely inflexible break more easily.
The lid, plunger handle, cup handle, and base are all made out of a hard green plastic. This plastic is very hard and durable. The lid-plunger unit is completely detachable from the rest of the unit but the clear cup is attached to the handle and the base. The base is also pretty stable.
How it works.
With the lid-plunger unit removed, you add the desired amount of coarsely ground coffee. Then add hot water and fill. Place the lid on with the plunger completely retracted. Wait 4 minutes. Then push down on the plunger until the rod in completely pressed down. If you properly ground your coffee bean then you can pour and drink ground free coffee. Then sit back in your MacCabee camping chair and enjoy.
I use 4 or 5 scoops depending on the type of coffee.
How does coffee taste?
The coffee can be more robust then a normal coffee maker if you add in a lot of grounds. My in-laws like this style. If you add too little then you will end up with a watered down coffee. If you get it right is actually has a better aroma than my Cuisinart. Once I started to write reviews on coffee beans I realized what I was doing wrong and have come to love this style of making coffee. Just keep in mind that it will take a little bit of experimentation to get it right. It takes a little more skill and knowledge than your standard electric coffee maker. If you get it right it will be more aromatic and taste better than a regular coffee maker.
I like my Cuisinart coffee maker a lot mainly because it is easier to use, I get consistent results, and it does make good coffee. The timer is an added bonus since I’m not a morning person. But this coffee maker is a little big to stuff in a backpack and for some strange reason it doesn’t work when you plug it into a tree.
How does tea taste?
Tea works fine as long as you don’t leave the tealeaves in very long. I brew for 2-3 minutes then I pour the tea water out into another container. If you leave the tealeaves in the water then the tea will start to taste bitter.
How easy is it to clean?
It is very easy to clean; all you need is soap, water, and a sponge. I have even put it in the dishwasher a number of times with no noticeable damage (manufacturer claims it is dishwasher safe.)
How well does it insulate?
Just by looking at it you know the answer to this question. Plastic is a poor insulator, especially thin plastic like this. Coffee cools down very fast and it will also oxidize since it is not sealed.
There is also an insulator jacket provided with the unit. Although it does help, it does not insulate very well. I feel it is a hassle to use and it is extra weight. Backpackers hate extra weight. When car camping, I always put my coffee in my carafe to keep it warm. The carafe will also prevent oxidization.
Durability
Most products I buy I abuse. I am known for destroying items that are poorly made. This product is no exception. So over the past 2 years this product has really held up with no damage and a few scratches here and there. The plunger still works perfectly. Both the metal screen and the rubber ring are still in good condition and work perfectly..
Problems
-Coffee grounds need to be coarsely ground.
-Tea will turn bitter if left in the container after brewing.
-Does not insulate (jacket insulates poorly.)
-Does not protect from oxidation.
-Only designed for a one person. Some mornings I need to brew two of these to wake up (yep, that is 66 ounces of coffee.)
Who would want this?
-Anyone that wants an easier way to make coffee.
-Anyone that like more robust (European style???) coffee.
-Anyone that wants more aromatic coffee.
-Anyone that wants to get rid of a heavy percolator.
Basic dimensions & weight.
Capacity: 33 ounces
Height: 9 inches.
Width: 3.75 inches.
Width including handle: 5.75 inches.
Weight: 11.25 ounces
Why the rating?
This product probably deserves a 3 if you are comparing it to other French presses. It is not fancy, not air tight, poor insulation, and not very big. I would be embarrassed if I served important guests coffee in this. But I gave it a 5 because I feel it is the perfect solution for my backpacking needs. It is lightweight, very durable, easy to use, and easy to clean. There is nothing you can add to make this a better product for backpackers….unless you want to make it out of titanium.
Update 12-12-05
The piece you plunge the coffee grounds down has broken off. Also the screen is coming off so grounds are not completely removed. Had this been the end of this review I would have changed the rating to a one because I only got about 100 uses out of it (definitely a sign of poor durability). But I sent an e-mail to the company just to inform their R&D department. I am an outdoor enthusiast and I want good outdoor companies (like GSI, Northface, REI, etc.) to be successful and get appropriate feedback, it was not to get a fix or a free product. Well without questioning me the company wrote back and requested my address so they could send a replacement. And they did, in fact they sent me two versions. All I did was unscrew the old one and screw on the new one. I was surprised and ecstatic that they sent me a replacement free because I really did like this press after I learned how to use it. I will definitely update this review by next fall and I’ll tell you how they work out.
Btw, I did not tell them that I wrote a review nor do I think they knew. I think this is how they normally operate and hope word of mouth gets more customers, I know from me they will.
Summary:
This is a very easy product to use and it makes good coffee. So far in the two years I have owned it I have had no problems at all. Once I figured it out the brews were perfect. It has held up very well to a lot of abuse. A great product is you like this style of coffee brewing. In addition, GSI is a good company that apparently wants to keep their customers happy.
Other coffee product reviews.
Zojirushi Dura Vacuum Bottle
Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffee Maker
Melitta Mill and Brew Coffee Maker
Recommended:
No
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