How to Make French Press Coffee

A French press is cylindrical glass urn fitted with a filter plate on a plunger. You put the grounds in the bottom of the urn, add hot water, let the coffee sit a few minutes, and then press the plunger down, separating the coffee from the grounds. Many aficionados believe the French press produces a far richer coffee flavor than the traditional drip method.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• coffees
• French press
• coffee grinders
• teakettles
• Coffees
• Coffee Grinders
• French Press
• Teakettles

1. Boil as much water needed for the amount of coffee you want to make.

2. Grind coffee beans, if necessary.

3. Preheat French press by filling it with warm water from faucet.

4. Allow boiled water to rest for a few minutes to cool to optimum temperature (195 to 205 degrees F).

5. 

   Pour warm water out of press and add ground coffee. Use two level tablespoons per six ounces of water.

6. 

   Pour just enough hot water over grounds to wet them. Fresh coffee will expand as gas escapes.

7. Pour in remaining water and stir.

8. 

   Place the plunger over the press to keep the heat in, but don't press it down yet.

9. Let the coffee brew for three to four minutes.

10. Push plunger down slowly.

11. 

    Pour and drink the coffee.

Tips & Warnings

• Use coarsely ground coffee for a French press.

• Use bottled or filtered water if your tap water is hard or has an unpleasant taste.

• Don't use less coffee than called for: using too little coffee can result in overextraction of the beans, producing a bitter taste. If you like a weaker brew, add hot water or milk to the coffee after you've brewed it.