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What is French Press Coffee?
July 10, 2024
-
By
Lucas Bennett
What is French press coffee? How is it different from using a regular coffee maker? For the answers, be sure to read on. We’ll be going over how the device works in detail below.
What is a French Press?
The French press, also known as a French press coffee maker or press pot, is a simple apparatus that consists of a carafe cylinder, usually made of stainless steel or glass, a plunger, and a built-in filter.
More specifically, it immerses coarse coffee grinds in just-boiled water, which extracts the coffee’s essential oils and flavors without the need for paper filters.
Selecting the Right Coffee Beans for Your French Press
The origin, roast type, and flavor profile of the coffee beans all play a critical role in producing that perfect cup of coffee.
Freshness of the Beans
The moment coffee beans are roasted, they start losing their freshness, and with it, their complex flavors and aromas.
Brewing with stale beans can lead to a less flavorful and flat cup, which is why avid coffee lovers always opt for freshly roasted coffee beans.
The fresher the beans, the more pronounced and vibrant the taste will be when you brew coffee.
Ideal Coffee Beans for the French Press
We recommend using medium or dark roast beans as opposed to light roasts. Their slower oil and flavor extraction are perfectly suited for the steeping nature of brewing with a French press.
Mastering the Coffee-to-Water Ratio
The standard starting point is a 1:15 ratio, which translates to about 3 tablespoons of coffee for every cup of water.
But coffee isn’t one-size-fits-all; it also depends on your preference. For example, if you prefer a stronger brew, you can use a lower ratio.
Remember, coffee brewing is a personal journey, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different ratios until you find the one that hits all the right notes for you.
The Grinding Debate: Coarse vs Fine
It allows for a slow and even extraction, which offers a full flavor profile that’s simply unmatched by finely ground beans.
To achieve this coarser grind, we recommend using a burr grinder.
Compared to other types of grinders, they offer unparalleled control over the grind size, and will deliver consistent, evenly sized grounds for a balanced extraction.
The Step-by-Step Process on How to Make Brewed Coffee
Preparing Your French Press
First things first, you want to prepare your French Press.
Step 1: Preheat the French Press
Start by preheating the vessel with hot water. Start by preheating the vessel with hot water. That will not only warm your cup but will also prevent the coffee from cooling down too rapidly during the brewing process.
To do this, simply pour hot water into the French press before adding your coffee grounds.
Step 2: Measure Your Coffee
Measure out your coffee beans. For a 1-liter French press, you want to use 11 tablespoons – that will give you the right balance of strength and flavor.
Step 3: Grind the Beans
Once you’ve measured out the coffee, grind the beans. We recommend using a coarser grind as that will help prevent them from being over extracted.
Supply:
- Hot water
- Coffee grinder
For the best results, Heat your water to 200°F before pouring it into the press.
The Pouring Technique
The way you pour the hot water can affect the taste of your coffee. Here’s how to do it the right way.
Supplies:
- Hot water
- Wooden spoon
Step 1:
Heat the water until it’s just shy of boiling, then introduce a small amount to the coffee grounds to create the bloom – this is an essential step when it comes to brewing coffee.
Step 2:
Give the grounds a gentle stir to ensure an even extraction, as the grounds will have equal opportunity to infuse their essence into the hot water.
Avoid using a metal spoon when stirring as you don’t want to damage the French Press.
Timing Your Brew
Timing is everything when it comes to French press coffee.
Supplies:
- Timer
- Skimmer
Step 1:
Set a timer for six minutes.
Six minutes is often cited as the ideal brewing time, with a couple of minutes dedicated to boiling water and grinding coffee.
Step 2:
Once it’s bloomed, allow the coffee to steep for an additional three minutes, but feel free to adjust this time based on your flavor preferences.
Before you press, consider skimming off any floating grounds to ensure a cleaner cup.
Enhancing Your French Press Experience
For example, the type of water you use can make a big difference.
As a general rule of thumb, you want to opt for filtered water, which will ensure that nothing will detract from the coffee’s natural flavors.
A pre-warmed French press can also make a difference.
By maintaining the temperature during brewing, you’ll enhance the extraction process, which will give you a more flavorful cup.
Comparing French Press With Other Brewing Methods
French press coffee is distinct from other brewing methods, and understanding these differences can help you appreciate the full-bodied nature of the brew.
For one thing, the French press method extracts more oils and sediment than, say, pour-over coffee, which results in a richer flavor and a creamier mouthfeel.
Drip coffee makers, on the other hand, tend to give a cleaner and more consistent taste but generally lack the intensity and depth that the French press provides.
Cleaning Your French Press
Maintaining your French press is just as important as the brewing process itself.
Without proper cleaning, residual coffee grounds can impart unwanted flavors to your next brew, negatively affecting the taste of your cup.
Supplies:
- Mild soap
- Water
- Sponge
- Baking soda (optional)
Step 1:
Fill the carafe with a soapy solution and agitate it using the plunger.
Step 2:
For stubborn stains, add a bit of baking soda and scrub gently with a sponge.
Allow all parts to air dry fully before storing it away.
Personalizing Your Cup: Adjusting Brew Strength and Flavor
The beauty of French press coffee lies in its versatility in that you can personalize your brew to your exact taste.
Supplies:
- Coffee grinder
- Scale
Step 1:
Use a scale to measure your coffee beans. That can lead to more consistent and precise brewing.
Step 2:
Experiment with different grind sizes. While the French Press method generally works better with coarse grinds, it all depends on your preference.
The Versatility of French Presses: Beyond Coffee
For example, you can use it to steep your favorite loose-leaf teas.
Not only that but you can also use a French press to froth milk – just pour the milk into the carafe and plunge it rapidly.
That will create a voluminous froth that’s perfect for lattes or cappuccinos.
Fruits and herbs can also be steeped in the French press to make infused beverages.
Making French Press Coffee
Now you know everything about French press coffee – from selecting the perfect beans and mastering the brewing process to maintaining your press and even using it for other beverages.
Remember, the French press isn’t just a method of brewing; it’s a journey of discovery. So keep that in mind the next time you use your French Press!
Key Takeaways
- French presses will retain essential oils and flavor that paper filters in other methods may miss
- Choosing freshly roasted coffee beans, particularly medium to dark roasts, and using the right grind size is crucial for the perfect brew
- The magic of French press coffee lies in details like the correct coffee-to-water ratio, water temperature, and brewing time
Making Coffee With a French Press – FAQs
Is coffee better out of a French press?
Coffee is better out of a French press if you prefer dark roasts and strong flavors.
Can I use regular ground coffee in a French press?
Yes, you can use regular ground coffee in a French press, just make sure it’s a medium grind. Avoid using anything ground for espresso.
What is the difference between French press and regular coffee?
French press coffee has a more robust flavor compared to regular drip coffee, thanks to the absence of a paper filter.
Does the type of water I use for French press coffee really make a difference?
Yes, the type of water you use for French press coffee does make a difference.
Filtered water free of odors and impurities can dramatically improve the taste by preventing unwanted flavors from overshadowing the coffee’s natural profile.
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Lucas Bennett
Meet Lucas Bennett, a former coffee shop owner and current espresso aficionado. With years of hands-on experience in the coffee industry, Lucas now pours his expertise into writing comprehensive guides. His passion for coffee shines through in his meticulous tips on brewing the perfect cup and maintaining high-performing equipment. He takes pride in helping enthusiasts and novices alike elevate their coffee and espresso experiences.
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