If you want the ultimate rich coffee flavor in your cup of coffee, there are alternatives to using a drip coffee machine.
The French press coffee maker is an awfully simple way to brew great coffee. It makes a clean, rich-tasting coffee, with minimal skill. So, how do you start brewing coffee with a french press? Read on to find out.
In this article, we cover:
- How to brew coffee with French Press, the right way
- How does a French Press work?
- Frequently asked questions about the French Press
How to brew coffee with French Press, the right way
The French Press offers a simple and fuss-free way to brew a satisfying cup of coffee. It is a great way to brew good coffee for more than one person at a time. Its simple preparation only requires you to put ground coffee beans and boiling water into the French Press apparatus, immerse them in hot water, then press the plunger which functions as a filter.
This method of brewing gives you a little more control over the water temperature and the way coffee is brewed. It is perfect for 3-4 people, can be cleaned easily and is usually dishwasher safe.
Here’s a simple recipe to start with.
Simple French Press Recipe
Most folks would start with this simple recipe:
- Grind 15g coffee beans to a medium grind size. Add to a French press.
- Pour 250g water off the boil. Pour fast to ensure that all the coffee is wet.
- Wait for 4 minutes
- Use a spoon, give it a quick stir.
- Plunge slower and gentle.
- Pour and enjoy.
There’s non’t need to rush, the final timing can be between 6 to 8 minutes so if you forgot about it at step 3, there’s no need to worry.
If you like a stronger coffee, consider using a finer grind size without changing the brew time. Conversely, if you prefer a weaker cup, adjust the grind size for something coarser.
James Hoffman’s French Press Recipe
This is an alternative recipe from the James Hoffman. It produces a surprisingly clean cup. Coffee lovers should try this recipe at least once. This is best for lighter roast coffees. If you’re brewing with dark roasted coffee, use the Simple French Press Recipe instead.
- Grind coffee beans to a medium grind size.
- To 30g of coffee, add 500g filtered water.
- (Hoffman says not to worry about the temperature, boiling water is good)
- Let it sit for 4 minutes.
- Use a spoon to stir the crust, let the big pieces sink down and then scoop up foam and remaining coffee bits off the top.
- Wait for another 5-8 minutes.
- Plunge to just underneath the surface so that you don’t disturb the sediments
- Pour gently and enjoy.
How does a French Press work?
The French Press allows you to brew your coffee by immersion. Basically, the coffee grounds are immersed in hot water where the coffee is extracted.
A French press uses a metal sieve to filter the coffee by pressing the coffee grounds into the bottom of the brew pot, when the brew is ready. Traditionally, this method produces a strong, full-bodied coffee that could oftentimes be muddy as some of the fines do end up in the final cup.
Frequently asked questions
Before you go…
I hope our French Press guide has given you applicable recipes for you to start brewing some delicious coffee. If you’re exploring ways to brew coffee at home, refer to our vault of coffee brewing guides here. Also, if you’re looking to support local coffee roasters, here’s a list of Specialty Coffee Roasters in Singapore.
