Coffee Press Vs. Coffee Maker

Coffee presses allow the coffee to steep in hot water before the screen press separates the two.

Coffee presses, also know as "French presses" or "cafetieres," and coffee makers are two of the most popular ways to make coffee in the U.S. and Western Europe. Both impart lots of coffee flavoring to the beverage.

Coffee Press

French presses contain a metal screen that separates the coffee grounds from the water.

When people use a coffee press, they combine coarsely ground coffee in hot water, stir it, allow it to soak for a few minutes and then separate the coffee grounds from the water using a plunger with screen. Some people prefer to plunge the coffee immediately to avoid a bitter taste, according to the BBC.

Coffee Maker

Coffee makers drip water through coffee grounds in a filter.

Electric coffee makers use the drip filter method to make coffee. They allow hot water to drip through finely ground coffee in a filter. Most coffee makers use paper filters, although some have reusable metal ones.

Comparison

According to the International Coffee Organization, coffee presses make coffee with the most flavor from the coffee beans. They do not use electricity, which makes them more convenient than coffee makers for camping trips. However, some people prefer coffee makers because they brew very consistent cups of coffee and usually make less strong coffee than coffee presses. Some electric coffee makers also have a heating element that keeps the pot of coffee hot for long periods.

References

• International Coffee Organization: Roasting/Making Coffee
• BBC: Ways to Make Good Coffee