French Press: The Need To Know Guide, And Why It’s My Favorite Piece Of Coffee Equipment


  • Photo Credit: ErinCooks via Flickr

    The French Press


    The french press is one of the most talked about coffee brewing methods in the coffee industry, between coffee addicts, and pretty much everyone who knows a thing or two about good coffee.

    Why you ask?

    Because it’s makes one great cup of coffee. With a french press, you notice aromas and tastes that you couldn’t taste in your $20 drip brewer no matter how hard you tried.

    Sorry, but the drip brewer isn’t what it used to be. Making coffee at home is the best way to ensure you make the best coffee every time, but you have to have the right ingredients.

    The Ingredients


    There’s no “secret” ingredients, science, or extra TLC to making a great cup of coffee. Making coffee in a french press is easier than you think. All you need is this simple guide “Are You Making The Best Coffee You Can Make?” which gives you ten simple rules to making the best cup of coffee out of a french press.

    I promise, it’s not rocket science, but after this you may feel like a scientist. Okay, maybe not, but you will definitely be questioning why you didn’t try this sooner when you taste what great coffee can offer.

    What You Will Need

    - French Press
    When buying a french press, remember one rule: NO PLASTIC.

    That’s it.

    Any french press will work great as long as it’s not plastic. Also, you may want to consider going with a stainless steel one as it will hold in the heat longer than glass, but if you prefer glass that’s okay too. Don’t forget, with a glass french press, you’ll want to pre-heat it before hand.

    Two companies to look at are Bodum, and Frieling. Great products.

    - Grinder
    The grinder can be a little trickier. One rule to remember when purchasing a grinder is to avoid the blade. You’ll want to buy a burr grinder which is a little more expensive, but will give you even grinds every time.

    Without even grinds, your coffee will suck! Without even grinds, the extraction of coffee will be off, and will likely come out over extracted if the grinds are too fine, or under extracted and tea like if it’s too course.

    If you are just starting out then check out the Breville grinder. It’s under the $100 price tag and is a good place to start.

    - Beans
    Simple. Do not, and I mean do not buy any whole beans from the grocery store. Just because it’s not ground does not mean it is fresh. Check out your local area to see who roasts their own coffee around you.

    Buying coffee online is another way to have great coffee. There are so many coffee companies out there that the options are unlimited. Sure, you will pay a few bucks in shipping, but fresh coffee is worth it. Check out companies like Intelligentsia, Buddy Brew, Stumptown, and OneVillage to just name a few.

    - Water
    One of the easiest purchases you will have. Stick with purified water and you will have no trouble making great coffee. I would suggest not buying anything other than purified or you may notice your coffee containing some odd tastes.

    - Water Kettle
    Another easy purchase. Head over to Walmart, Target, or anywhere that sells water kettles. You just need something that you can brew water in at 195-205 degrees. If you are getting an electric kettle, do avoid plastic. When it comes to coffee, plastic is evil. Plastic can, and will affect the taste of your coffee.

    - Thermometer
    Although the thermometer is not necessarily a necessity, it is however a good item to have. If you are good at knowing when the water is at the 195-205 degree range than you will not need a thermometer, but I don’t see that happening. Go out and purchase one.

    - Timer
    One of your most important accessories you will need alongside the french press and the grinder. Most phones have a timer, or your microwave will have one, so you most likely will not need to buy one. The timer is what will keep track of how long your coffee is brewing. Generally, the timer rule for coffee in the french press is 3-4 minutes, but that may change upon your preference. I brew mine for 5 minutes. No judgement.

    Finally, Why It’s My Favorite

    Try and recall how many different brew methods that are out there today. Now, try and count them on your hands. There’s a good chance you will exceed your ten fingers. There’s quite a few brew methods out there, but when you aren’t searching for the most technical, skill required coffee brewing method out there and just want something simple, then the french press is for you.

    The french press has been my favorite since the moment I used it. It’s sleek, and fun to use. There’s nothing easier than adding grinds, hot water, brewing, plunging, and lastly drinking. Sure, there is a downside to it, and that’s the sediment that’s on the bottom of your cup, but after awhile it will become second nature to not drink the last few sips of your coffee.

    Come on, once you try a french press, I can assure you that you’ll never go back to your drip brewer. Go ahead, throw that drip brewer in the trash already and join us in drinking fresh coffee.



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    December 4th, 2010 | Jamie | 2 Comments | Tags: , , ,

About The Author

Jamie Ferguson

From sunny Sarasota Florida, Jamie Ferguson has been drinking coffee since a very young age. Jamie is just your average jane who has a serious addiction to coffee, but more so has a bigger love for the heart, and the dedication that is put into growing, processing and roasting coffee. Come and join the adventures...