French press coffee, also known as press pot or plunger pot coffee, is a popular brewing method that produces a full-bodied, flavorful cup of coffee. It's a simple and easy method that requires only a few tools and ingredients. In this guide, we'll show you how to brew French press coffee step-by-step.
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Step 1: Gather your equipment
To brew French press coffee, you'll need the following equipment:
French press: Choose a French press that's the right size for the amount of coffee you want to brew. A standard French press can hold about 4 to 8 cups of coffee.
Coffee grinder: To get the best flavor from your coffee, grind your beans just before brewing.
Coffee beans: Choose high-quality coffee beans that are freshly roasted.
Kettle: You'll need hot water to brew your coffee.
Timer: A timer will help you keep track of the brewing time.
Step 2: Grind your coffee beans
Grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency, similar to sea salt. If the coffee is too finely ground, it can clog the filter and make the coffee bitter. A personal favorite of mine has been the Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder. This unit has relocated with us 3 times now across different state lines and has continuously produced high quality and even grind size for over 8 years now! While burr grinders tend to require more cleaning - it is extremely simple to clean this unit and keep in tip-top running shape. There is no ON-OFF switch, verify your grind size, add the coffee beans, simply turn the timer dial, and watch it grind away.
**Note: For French Press coffee, I typicall will choose the smallest "coarse" setting shown below.**
Step 3: Heat the water
Boil water in a kettle and let it cool for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. The water temperature should be around 200-205°F (93-96°C) for optimal extraction. Our choice to date is this Bonavita 1L Digital Temp control Gooseneck. It allows us to set the temperature to our temperature specifications, hit the start button and walk away. The kettle will keep the temperature for up to an hour (yes, a whole 60 minutes!)... of for those of you who have little kids around, you know how easily you can get distracted! This guy will let you adjust the water temperature anywhere between 160-212 degrees Fahrenheit so it is absolutely versatile enough to be used for a variety of hot drinks including Tea.
Step 4: Add coffee to the French press
Add the ground coffee to the French press. Use a ratio of 1:15 coffee to water. For example, if you're brewing 1 liter of coffee, use 60 grams of coffee.
**Note: 1:15 is always my personal go-to ratio when I get my hands on new coffee - you can always adjust up or down as needed.**
Step 5: Pour the water
Slowly pour the hot water over the coffee grounds, making sure to saturate all of the coffee. Stir the coffee gently to ensure even extraction. I like to use a butter knife but mostly anything will work here.
**BONUS TIP: You can mark two fine lines on the metal flats of the French Press, indicating the water level you'll need after the coffee grounds have been added. Personally, I set up mine for either 30 grams or 60 grams of coffee and marked the "final water level" accordingly. Having these reference lines allows me to put away my coffee scale after measuring the coffee beans.**
Step 6: Let the coffee steep
Place the plunger lid on top of the French press and let the coffee steep for 4-5 minutes. Use a timer to keep track of the time.
Step 7: Plunge and pour
Slowly press the plunger down to the bottom of the French press. Pour the coffee into your mug and enjoy!
Tips for the perfect French press coffee
Use high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans.
Grind your coffee just before brewing.
Use water that's around 200-205°F (93-96°C).
Brew for 4-5 minutes.
Use a timer to keep track of the brewing time.
Pour the coffee immediately after brewing to avoid over-extraction.
In conclusion, French press coffee is a delicious and easy way to brew coffee at home. With the right equipment and technique, you can enjoy a full-bodied, flavorful cup of coffee every morning. Happy brewing!