All about the French press

Last Updated on December 18, 2020

In this article I’ll tell you how to choose a French press, what are its advantages and disadvantages, and how to use it.

French Press

A French press is one of the easiest ways to make coffee. This practical device was invented by the French in the 19th century, but it became widespread in the early 20th century, after improvements in design. Both the ease of use and the quality of the drink prepared in it depend on the correct choice of a modern French press.

How to choose a French press?

The construction of a French press is as elementary as the principle of its operation. It’s a transparent container with a sealed lid and a plunger inside that fits snugly against the walls. For ease of use, the container is placed in a metal or plastic coaster with a handle. A good French press is:

·      Single structure in which all elements fit snugly together.

·      Container made of heat-resistant glass.

·      Coaster, lid and plunger made of stainless steel or odorless high-impact plastic.

·      Lid and handle with a pad of least heat-conductive material.

How to brew coffee in a French press?

Any sorts and blends are suitable for making coffee in a French press. However, the grind must be coarse. Otherwise, the drink will be less tasty and aromatic, as well as the filter will become clogged with coffee grounds.

The process of preparing the drink is very simple and takes a few minutes:

1. First you need to warm up the device by pouring a little boiling water into it.

2. Then add the required amount of coffee powder into the container.

3. Pour water, cooled within 5 minutes after boiling, so that there’s a distance of about 1 centimeter between water and the filter.

4. Stir the powder vigorously with a spoon and close the lid without pressing the plunger.

5. Leave for 3-5 minutes, then stir again and close.

6. Gradually press the plunger all the way in to squeeze out the coffee grounds.

7. Pour the finished filtered coffee into the cup.

Making coffee in a French press: advantages and disadvantages

French press coffee differs in taste, aroma and color from that made in a coffee machine or brewed in jezve. After being pressed and filtered, it’s a softer and richer taste, a fuller and more natural smell. Another significant benefit is the lack of coffee grounds in the cup.

However, this method also has some drawbacks. Due to the relatively low temperature of the water and the short infusion, the color of the drink won’t be bright, so it may seem half-caf. However, it’s not. The percentage of caffeine content depends only on the kind of beans and the amount of coffee powder.

You need to find the brewing time and consistency of the coffee yourself (you’ll find it after a few tries). Also, you can’t prepare Cappuccino and Espresso in a French press.

How to use a French press?

You’ll be able to appreciate the French press if you follow several rules when choosing a model and preparing a drink:

·      Choose a French press with a container large enough to make as many portions as needed at a time. Brewed coffee should be drunk immediately after preparation, while it’s hot and aromatic.

·      Take exclusively fresh-roasted coffee beans for the French press, so that the drink will delight you with its richness and persistent smell. Beans not freshly roasted can be recognized by the wateriness of the finished drink and the faint aroma.

·      Try different varieties and blends to find your ideal one.

·      Buy coffee from trusted suppliers that offer a decent assortment at discount prices.

Featured Image Source: Pixabay.

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