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How to Use a Coffee Press at Home

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  • Updated: October 19, 2022

How to Use a Coffee Press at Home

When it comes to making that perfect cup of coffee you want to make sure that you’re doing it right. But you might also want to make sure you’re saving as much as possible in the process too. A French press can be a great way for you to do both of those things at once.

What is a French Press Coffee Maker?

A French press is a hand-operated product that doesn’t require you to have electricity or fancy tools at all. It was originally designed back in 1852 in France but wasn’t really popularized until it was patented in 1929 in Italy (though it became more popular much later).

With a French press coffee maker, you actually measure everything into the press and push down on a plunger to force the hot water through the coffee grounds and into your cup. That’s all there is to it in creating a cup of coffee.

Choose the Right Coffee Press

Choosing a French press may not seem like a difficult concept, but it actually does require a few important steps. You want something that is going to last you a while, after all. That means looking at just what you actually need out of your press.

Look at the size of the press that you want, such as a small, medium, or large. Small presses generally make 3 to 4 4 ounce cups. Large usually makes 8 to 12 4 ounce cups. If you’re brewing only for your immediate family a small press might be fine.

There are also metal French presses, which are the more common and there are electric presses, which are less common. If you want more traditional you should opt for a metal or glass French press that requires you to do the work. Electric will do the job for you, but they aren’t as traditional.

How to Use a French Press: Step-by-Step

When it comes to using your French press properly there are several different steps to consider. This will help you get the ideal cup of coffee every time.

  1. Grind Your Beans – if you really want to have the best cup of coffee you need to have freshly ground beans to get there. This makes sure you retain all the flavors and oils. Make sure you grind your beans coarsely so they don’t get through the filter of the press.
  2. Heat Your Water – You need water that is just slightly less than boiling in order to get the right flavor to the beans you’re brewing. That doesn’t mean cold or lukewarm, but just before your tea kettle would start whistling is a good place to stop.
  3. Measure Your Ingredients – You’ll need about 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds per 1 cup of water. Measure out just how much you’re going to need for the coffee amount that you’re brewing.
  4. Prepare the Coffee – Put the ingredients into the press and cover it. You’ll leave it too steep for approximately 4 minutes so you get the best possible flavor all the way through.
  5. Pour it Out – You’ll press down on the plunger of your press evenly but as slowly as possible to really press out all of the flavor but still leave behind the grounds. Your coffee is ready and all you have to do is drink it and rinse out your press.

Summary

When it comes to brewing your coffee with a French press it’s actually easier than you might think. Sure, there are several steps to follow, but you’ll still be able to get them done in no time at all, and without a lot of work from you.

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Sources

How to Use a French Press Coffee Maker
https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/how-to-use-a-french-press-coffee-maker/

How to Use a French Press
https://www.homegrounds.co/how-to-use-a-french-press/

French Press Coffee
https://www.wisebread.com/french-press-coffee

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