Lucas Jenkins

Lucas Jenkins

Hi there, my name is Lucas Jenkins and I’m a passionate coffee lover. I come from an Italian American family, where I was first exposed to the flavors and aromas of coffee at a very young age - and it just blew me away!

What Is French Press Coffee?

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Coffee has been a go-to beverage for most of us. If you consider yourself a coffee aficionado, then you know the importance of a good cup of morning coffee. Numerous techniques exist for brewing coffee. One of the most popular ones today is the French press.

Origin and History of French Press 

The French press, also known as a press pot or plunger pot, was invented in France in the mid-1800s. The first patent was filed by a Frenchman, Mayer, in 1852, and since then, the design has gone through many modifications. The French press gained immense popularity in Europe in the 1950s after being introduced by the Danish tableware designer, Erik Magnussen.

Brewing café using the French press is an one of the most common and popular coffee making methods today. 

What is French Press ?

French Press is a simple and classic coffee making method that involves steeping the beans grounds in hot water and pressing them to remove the liquid. The coffee sit in a glass container. A plunger with a mesh filter separates the grounds from the coffee for a smooth, robust, and full-bodied flavor. It is often considered the purest brewing method due to its simplicity and transparency.

A man drinks coffee

How does French Press work?

After boiling water, you need to add your coffee powder and add them to the carafe of the press. Then, pour hot water on top the coffee to steep.

After steeping, push down the french press plunger, and the filter will separate the beans grounds from the water.

The final result is a flavorful cup of coffee that is rich in oils and boldness.

How to Make the Perfect French Press?

To use a French Press coffee maker to make the perfect coffee, you will need small amounts of medium to coarse-ground coffee, hot water, and a French press. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Boil water: Heat the water to 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a thermometer, let the water boil and sit for 30 seconds before pouring the water into the French press.
  • Add coffee:  Add one gram of coffee to 15 gram of water
  • Let it steep: After adding hot water to the beans grounds, let it steep for four minutes.
  • Press down: With gentle pressure, slowly push the plunger to start the filtration process.
  • Serve and enjoy: Pour your hot coffee into your mug and enjoy your coffee ritual!

Why Should You Choose French Press Over Other Methods?

French Press is a preferred method for many coffee enthusiasts because it brews richly flavored and full-bodied coffee. Unlike drip coffee makers, the French press allows for more customization in terms of grind size, water temperature, and steep time. French press results in a strong flavor profile, and it delivers all the naturally occurring oils and flavors of the beans. It allows for a more sustainable and eco-friendly brewing method, as there are no paper filters required, and it is easy to clean.

Tips for Brewing a Perfect Cup of French Press 

While making French press might look simple, there are a few things you should keep in mind to brew that perfect cup. Firstly, make sure you use the right ratio of coffee to water. 1:15 is a good ratio to start with. Second, invest in high-quality coffee beans because the quality of the beans determines the richness and flavor of your coffee. Finally, make sure to grind your coffee beans coarsely so that they don’t get trapped in the filter, creating a bitter taste.

How To Make French Press Coffee At Home

French coffee and beans

One of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy a great cup of coffee with a French Press method. Press coffee tastes is known for its bold flavor and rich aroma, making it a favorite among coffee lovers. 

1) Start with fresh beans- Start by use fresh roasted coffee beans to achieve a robust flavor. Use coarsely ground coffee to enable easy extraction of the beans flavor. You can choose your preferred blend of beans or experiment with different flavors until you find one that suits your taste buds.

2) Heat the water– Heat water in a kettle, but avoid boiling it. Allow the water to cool for a few seconds to attain the perfect temperature for the extraction process. The ideal water temperature is between 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. For more precision, use a thermometer to measure the temperature.

3) Measure the coffee and water- Use 15:1 ratio of water to coffee. Thus, for every gram of coffee, use 15 grams of water. Be sure to measure accurately to get the right taste.

4) Start the brewing process- Place the water and coffee in the French press pot. Steep the coffee for about 4 minutes. After four minutes, press the coffee plunger down gently to separate the grounds at the bottom from the liquid. Pour the coffee into a cup and enjoy the pure, delicious taste.

5) Customizing your recipe- You can make adjustments to your coffee recipe to enhance its flavor. For instance, you can add cream or sugar to sweeten the bitterness.

French Press Type Of Grind

French press coffee on tray

There’s nothing quite like a freshly brewed cup of coffee for your morning coffee. But for coffee aficionados, not just any coffee will do. If you’re a fan of coffee press, you’ve probably wondered how to grind the beans for the perfect cup of coffee. Finding the perfect grind is essential for a smooth and rich coffee experience. 

The Basics of French Press Grind

The French press method requires a coarser grind than most coffee making processes. A fine grind can clog the filter and the result will be a sludgier, overly bitter cup of coffee. The ideal French press grind is in between these two extremes, producing a rich and full flavor – feel free to experiment.

Manual vs. Electric 

When it comes to coffee grinders, you have the option of a manual or an electric grinder. Manual grinders require much more effort and time but provide greater precision and control over the coarseness. On the other hand, electric grinders are quicker and more convenient. However, the coarseness of the grind may not be as consistent as a manual grinder.

Choosing the Right Beans

The quality of the beans used for coffee can influence the coffee’s overall taste. For a French press coffee, it’s important to select high-quality, freshly roasted beans that are suited for French press brewing. Choose beans that are labeled as “for French press” or “coarse grind.” Beans that are too darkly roasted can result in a bitter taste, while beans that are too lightly roasted can taste sour.

Tips for Perfecting Your Grind

Achieving the perfect grind may take some trial and error. Start with a coarse grind and gradually adjust your grinder to a finer grind to find your ideal coffee grind size. 

Cup of coffee

Tips To Make The Best Coffee Cup With French Press

1. Use Fresh Beans, Not Pre-Ground

The first step to making excellent coffee with French press is to use freshly ground coffee beans. Try to grind the beans just before brewing as it will release the essential oils and flavors that give the coffee its character. Also, avoid pre-ground coffee as it tends to become stale very quickly. Use a burr grinder to get the coffee to the perfect consistency. For optimal brewing and reduced bitterness, it is recommended to use coarse coffee similar to sea salt.

2. Measure Your Coffee and Water Ratio Precisely

The next tip is to measure your coffee and water ratio correctly (1:15). Ensure you adjust the measurement of the ingredients based on the amount of coffee you need to brew.

3. Allow the Coffee to Bloom

Allow it to bloom for a few seconds. This process takes about 30 seconds and involves adding just enough hot water to contact with the coffee grounds, creating bubbles. The bubbles are an indication that the coffee is fresh and fully developed. Give it a quick stir and then let it bloom.

4. Let the Coffee Brew

After the coffee has bloomed, add the rest of the water and let the coffee to brew for about four minutes. Steep the coffee for too long, and it will end up bitter. Too short, and the flavor won’t fully develop. While it’s brewing, use a wooden spoon or a chopstick to stir the water occasionally. This helps ensure that the coffee is evenly distributed throughout the French press. Brew time is important factor when making the french press.

5. Plunge the French Press Slowly

When the brewing process ends, gently press the plunger down, separating the filtered coffee from the spent grounds. Don’t plunge the French press too fast as it may result in silt in your coffee. After you’ve finished plunging, pour the coffee immediately to stop the brewing process.

Mug with coffee on table

How To Clean The French Press Maker

Step 1: Disassemble the French Press

The first step towards cleaning your French Press is to disassemble it. Remove the plunger and the filter screen. Be careful while disassembling the press as the parts are delicate and can be easily damaged.

Step 2: Discard the Coffee Grounds

Discard any grounds left in the french press. For a better cleaning process, rinse out the carafe with hot water to get rid of any excess coffee beans grounds that may not have been emptied.

Step 3: Soak the Parts in Hot Water and Detergent

Add some hot water and detergent to the french press maker parts, allow them to soak for about ten minutes. This will help to loosen up any coffee stains and remove any lingering oil. Ensure that the water level is enough so that all the parts are completely submerged.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse

After soaking, use a soft sponge, brush, or towel to scrub the parts gently. Give extra attention to the mesh filter screen as it is prone to clogging. Lastly, rinse all the parts with hot water thoroughly to remove all the soap residue.

Step 5: Let the Parts Dry

After cleaning, let all the parts of the French Press dry completely before storing them. This eliminates the risk of bacterial growth caused by the trapped moisture.

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