How To Brew With A French Press

What Is a French Press?: The French Press is a manual coffee brewing device made up of a glass cylinder and a plunger mechanism. They come in a range of different sizes which can be enough for 1 cup or 15 cups depending on which you choose. There are also different styles of French Press, you can get stainless steel, plastic, and other types.

Brewing coffee with a French press is a straightforward and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy a rich and full-bodied cup of coffee. Here’s a step-by-step guide to brewing coffee with a French Press

What you'll need

  • French Press: Choose a size that suits your brewing needs.
  • Fresh Coffee Beans: High-quality beans that are freshly ground
  • Coffee Grinder: Burr grinders are recommended for consistency.
  • Kettle: For heating water.
  • Timer: To time your brew accurately.
  • Stirring Device: A spoon or paddle for stirring

Steps To Brew With A French Press:

Step 1: Prepare Your Coffee and Water

  • Measure and Grind Coffee: Use a coarse grind setting on your grinder. Aim for a ratio of 1:15 coffee to water. For example, for 30 grams of coffee, use 450 grams of water.
  • Heat Water: Bring your water to a boil, then let it sit for about 30 seconds so the temperature drops slightly to around 200°F (93°C). This temperature is ideal for brewing.
  • Preheat the French Press: Pour some hot water into the French press to preheat it. Swirl the water around and then discard it.
  • Add Coffee: Add the ground coffee to the French press.

Step 3: Start Brewing

  • Pour Water: Start your timer and pour the hot water evenly over the coffee grounds, ensuring all the grounds are saturated. Use a circular motion to ensure even extraction.
  • Stir: After pouring the water, use a spoon or stirring paddle to gently stir the coffee grounds to ensure they are fully immersed in the water.
  • Brew: Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled all the way up to retain heat. Let the coffee steep for about 4 minutes. Adjust steeping time depending on your taste preference.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  • Press the Plunger: After the desired steeping time, slowly press down the plunger. Use steady pressure and avoid pressing too quickly to prevent grounds from escaping into the coffee.
  • Pour and Serve: Pour the brewed coffee into cups immediately to prevent over-extraction. Enjoy your delicious French press coffee!

Tips for Brewing with French Press:

  • Grind Consistency: Use a coarse grind to avoid sediment in your coffee.
  • Water Temperature: Aim for around 200°F (93°C) for optimal extraction.
  • Brewing Time: Adjust the steeping time to suit your taste, but around 4 minutes is a good starting point.