If you don’t know how to use a French press or have never even heard of one, you’re missing out on a great cup of coffee. It is one of the quickest and easiest ways to make a great cup at home or at work.
Designed in Italy, the French press looks like a beaker with a plunger in it. It allows you to steep coffee grounds in water. Then it separates those grounds from the water for the perfect cup of coffee.
Are you ready to try it yourself? Here’s how to use a French press and make a rich cup of joe every time.
Step 1: Heat the Water
The temperature of the water is one of the most important steps in brewing with a French press. For the best flavor, only use filtered water that is low in minerals.
Heat the water to between 195°F – 205°F. A kettle is the best way to do this, but a stainless steel pan will do in a pinch.
Don’t have a thermometer to heat the water to the right temperature? You can boil the water, remove it from the stove and let it sit until it reaches the right temperature.
As a guideline:
- If you’re using 24 oz of water, wait 4 minutes before pouring.
- If using 36 oz, wait eight minutes.
Depending on the type of kettle you have and your altitude, these times can vary.
You don’t have to stick to just coffee. A French press makes a great cup of tea too! Also keep in mind, by using the filter-less system, you allow the essential oils to diffuse throughout the drink as opposed to being filtered out. This makes the coffee more flavorful with more antioxidants and nutrients in your cup too.
Step 2: Measure and Grind Your Coffee
Unless you’re using pre-ground coffee, you’ll need to measure out your beans and then grind them.
It’s best to use a scale to measure out the coffee beans, but if you don’t have one, this guide can help you find the right water to coffee ratio.
Step 3: Preheat Your French Press
This step isn’t necessary.
However, if your French press is new or you haven’t used it for a while, it will eliminate any dust or debris that might find its way into your coffee.
It will also sterilize it (although if your French press is new, you need to clean it with warm soapy water before completing this step).
Pour in enough water to cover about one-quarter full of hot water and then push the plunger down into the water.
Swish the water around for a few seconds and then dump it out.
Step 4: Add the Coffee
Add your coffee grounds to the bottom of the French press and give it a little shake so that the grounds cover the bottom evenly.
Step 5: Pour the Water
Pour the water into the press and let the steeping begin. When the coffee is done (about four minutes) there will be a “crust” on the top of the water.
You can either remove the crust for a more lightly flavored coffee or break it up and stir it around into the coffee for a stronger brew.
Push the plunger slowly all the way down to the bottom of the press to remove the grounds from the water. Then pour the coffee into your cup and enjoy the delicious flavor of handmade coffee!
Then pour the coffee into your cup and enjoy the delicious flavor of handmade coffee!
Now that you know the brewing method and how to use a French press, you will be making the most flavourful, rich, and smooth cup of joe you’ve ever had.