I'm the kind of coffee drinker who would rather go without and brave a thumping headache, then drink a bad cup. What's a bad cup? Well, that would differ from person to person but it's pretty simple for me; tar-thick sludge is a big no-no, especially if it comes with little actual coffee flavour. Sour coffee is another turnoff - a little acidity, even more than a bit is fine, as long as it's part of the inherent character of the coffee, not a result of brewed coffee standing around on a heate...

I've always recommended the French Press or cafetiere for making good coffee at home and the Bonjour Maurice Ceramic French Press makes a great cup with the added advantage of keeping the coffee warm for longer than most other presses do. This is achieved by its double walled construction which retains heat marvellously but does not alter the taste of the coffee. Its filter is rimmed with either rubber or silicone which makes doubly sure that the grounds stay put at the bottom of the pot and ...