If you're the kind of coffee drinker who likes to be in control of things, you should learn how to make French press coffee! Why do we say that, you ask? Because when you know how to use a French press, you can take full control of the flavor and strength of your coffee.
Learning how to use a french press to make a cup of joe can feel daunting, but trust us - it's easy. With a few simple adjustments to the water temp, the brew time, and the size of your grind, you'll be brewing in no time.
A major reason we love the French press brewing method is because there is no constantly replacing the paper filters needed for other brewing methods. French press coffee makers are equipped with a built-in mesh filter that works like a plunger, allowing one to push coffee grounds to the bottom of the vessel. With a mesh filter, more of the coffee beans' natural oils remain, so you'll be in for a more full-bodied, syrupy brew. But also, keep in mind that with a mesh filter, you're bound to have some fines (leftover settlement) at the bottom of your cup. If that's OK with you, this brewing method is for you!
How To Make French Press Coffee:
Start with your favorite Dark or Medium roast coffee. Dark roasts are excellent for the French press because the immersion brewing method reduces the bitterness some people taste in darker roasts. Both medium and dark coffee beans have thicker bodies than lighter beans and will contribute to that full-bodied flavor that comes from the French press brewing method.
Heat filtered water to just under boiling (200 F-205 F) and prepare the main chamber of your press for brewing by preheating it with hot water. Preheat the press for no less than 30 seconds and no more than a few minutes.
Freshly ground beans are best for French press coffee, so while the press preheats, you should be grinding! Grind beans to a coarse consistency, similar to kosher salt.
Pour out the preheating water and with the Golden Ratio in mind (one-to-two tablespoons of coffee for every six ounces of water), add your desired amount of coffee grounds to the chamber.
Once the grounds are in place, pour a small amount of hot water into the press in a circular motion - just enough to cover all of the grounds. Once the water hits, you'll start to notice a a blooming effect. This occurs because carbon dioxide gas being released from the coffee beans. Wait 30 seconds, then fill the chamber with the remaining hot water, continuing to pour in a circular motion.
Using a wooden spoon (or a utensil that won't damage the glass), give the coffee a quick stir and put the lid on the press.
Set a timer for four minutes.
When timer beeps, slowly press down on the plunger until it reaches the bottom of the chamber. The slower the better to keep the floating coffee particles below the filter.
Once you're done plunging, immediately pour up your cuppa and enjoy. If you made more than one cup, pour the remaining coffee to a warming container. The longer it steeps in the press, the more bitter it will become.
One last thing, did you know can use your French press to make cold brew too? It takes a little longer, but it's just as easy. To begin, skip the heating part of the process and pour cold or room temperature water over coffee grounds. Swap the 4-minute steeping time for 12 to 24 hours. You can place the press in your fridge while your coffee brews or on a countertop.
After the brew reaches your desired strength, you are ready to plunge, pour, and sip!