FRENCH PRESS COFFEE

What is a French Press?

A French press is a device used for preparing a number of different beverages, but it was designed for coffee and is primarily used for that purpose. The French press consists of a cylinder, usually made of glass but also available in plastic and metal versions, along with a lid equipped with a plunger that moves a screen up and down inside the cylinder. The screen serves to filter coffee grounds by pressing them to the bottom of the beaker so that brewed coffee can be poured.

How to Buy a French Press

French presses are available in many different price ranges and quality levels and with extra features. In general, the very cheapest French presses should be avoided because, although they work fine, they do not withstand wear and are easily broken. It is not necessary to buy the most expensive French press available, however. Designer French presses are often quite expensive due to their brand name or because they are made to look out of the ordinary. These products do not offer any functional benefit over a good middle-of-the-line French press. Good quality presses can be found at kitchenware stores, large department stores, and are even available at some coffee shops.

Why French Press Coffee is Better

When you have obtained a good French press, you are ready to begin brewing French press coffee. French press coffee, while very slightly more labor intensive than American drip coffee, has several advantages over drip coffee. First, drip coffee pots often brew coffee using water that is so hot it alters the flavor, resulting in a beverage that tastes burnt and lacks the subtleties of coffee brewed with cooler water. Second, drip coffee requires that coffee beans be ground relatively finely, so more beans are required, making drip coffee less cost effective. Third, the French press is much easier to clean than a coffee pot and will not lend any other flavors to the beverage.

Step One: Grind the Coffee Beans

Unlike some espresso drinks and other coffee beverages, French press coffee is extremely easy to make. The first step is to grind the coffee. The coffee should be quite coarsely ground; it’s okay if some large chunks remain after grinding. Try using one scant tablespoon of coffee for every two cups of water the French press holds. If your French press holds 6 cups of water, use around 3 tablespoons of coffee. You may need to adjust this ratio depending on your personal preference, but it is a good place to start.

Step Two: Add Water

Place the coffee grounds in the empty French press. In order to ensure that the coffee releases its full flavor, add a small amount of cold water to the grounds and stir. Let the coffee sit in the cold water while you heat enough water to fill the French press. Do not heat the water directly in the French press. It’s best to heat water in a pot on the stove or in an electric kettle. The water should be not quite boiling. The easiest way to ensure that the water is not too hot or too cold is to allow the water to boil, then take it off the heat for a minute or two just until it stops boiling. Then, pour it over the coffee grounds and place the lid on the press.