Easy to brew and super consistent, the French Press is very reliable. Its classic and well-engineered design hasn’t changed much since its invention in 1929, and it’s perfect for making multiple cups of heavy-bodied coffee in slightly over 4 minutes.
This French Press Brewing Guide guide is courtesy of Stumptown Coffee.
French Press Brewing Guide
People brew coffee with a French press because it produces a rich, full-bodied flavor by allowing the coffee grounds to fully steep in hot water for a longer period, resulting in a more robust cup compared to methods that use paper filters which can absorb some of the coffee oils and flavor; additionally, it’s a simple and convenient method with no need for disposable filters, making it environmentally friendly. The brew time is also
Key points about brewing with a French press:
- Immersion brewing:Unlike drip coffee makers, the French press uses an immersion method where the grounds are fully submerged in hot water, extracting more flavor.
- Control over brewing time:You can adjust the steeping time to achieve your desired strength.
- Minimalist design:A French press is a simple device with just a carafe and a plunger, making it easy to clean and use.
- Potential for sediment:Because it doesn’t use a paper filter, some coffee grounds may remain in the cup, which can be a downside for some users.
Step 1 • Warm up the press
Warm up your empty French Press by rinsing it with very hot water. This helps maintain the temperature while brewing for best extraction.
Step 2 • Weigh and grind coffee
Measure out 56g (about 8 Tablespoons) of coffee and grind it as coarse as breadcrumbs.
Step 3 • Add Water
Now that your French Press is warmed up, discard the hot water and add coffee into the empty press. Start your count-up timer as soon as you add hot water. Fill it up halfway to the top saturating all the grounds, making sure that there are no dry spots.
Step 4 • Stir
At 1:00, use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the top layer we call the crust. We prefer to use wood and not metal so you don’t accidentally crack the glass. Give it a good stir.
Step 5 • Add more water
Now, fill it all the way to the top with water. Put the top on and allow the coffee to brew without pressing it down.
Step 6 • Press
At 4:00, you are ready to press. Firmly push the press all the way down.
Step 7 • Serve, share and enjoy
Serve it up. Pour coffee into a carafe immediately to avoid over extraction. If the coffee sits on the grounds too long, it continues to extract and will become bitter. Personally we prefer to share it with an attractive person of the opposite sex.
