How to Use a French Press to Make Coffee

French pressed coffee may be the best way to enjoy gourmet coffee at home, the office or even when traveling. It is not over-brewed, and that means that it can provide a rich, fresh taste. You'll never have to suffer from the harsh, burnt taste many traditional coffeemakers brew into the pot. Let your taste buds be indulged, and you may even become a morning person. You'll be more eager to get out of bed when you have this delicious coffee awaiting you.

Things You'll Need

• French press coffeemaker
• Whole bean coffee
• Kettle
• Coffee grinder
• Spoons
• Porcelain coffee cups
• Granulated sugar
• Whole cream or milk

Instructions

1. Remove the French press from its package. Screw together any parts that need to be attached. You may also want to wash this coffeemaker prior to using it for the first time.

2. Brew water until it is at boiling point. One very easy way to brew water is actually with an electric kettle. They nicely bring the water to boiling point quickly.

3. Take out your coffee grinder to grind your gourmet coffee beans while the water is boiling. Make sure your grinder is safely plugged in away from any water areas. It is important to use gourmet whole beans when using a French Press. The higher the quality of beans, the greater the flavor of the coffee will be.

4. Grind the coffee beans at whatever desired amount you want. You may want to have them more finely ground to make a richer coffee. However, keep in mind that a coarser grind is usually preferred with French presses. The key is to make sure the beans are not so finely ground that they go through the fine grains of the press and into your coffee cup. Usually, about two or three tablespoons of coffee will be all you need.

5. Pour the ground coffee into the French press decanter. You may need to use a spoon to remove most of the coffee from the grinder. If you use your grinder frequently, it is not necessary to remove all of the grounds. Simply remove all that you can with a spoon and store the grinder for your next use.

6. Slowly and carefully pour in your hot water, making sure it does not splash out of the decanter and cause injury or a spill. There may be a water level limit on the decanter. If there is not, keep in mind that you will still have to place the press into the decanter. A good rule of thumb is to pour it no higher than the spout of the decanter.

7. Place the lid onto the decanter. The lid usually contains the press portion of your French Press coffeemaker. The press portion should carefully be inserted first. It should be pressed down into the decanter at an even level until the upper lid portion is in place. The metal rod of the French Press, along with its handle, should now be sticking out above the French Press.

8. Turn the lid of the French Press into its “closed” position. That way, the hot water will not squirt out during the pressing process.

9. Carefully push the metal rod down through the decanter, noting how the coffee grounds are pressed to the bottom of the decanter. Pull the metal rod back up a time or two to mix the coffee grounds around in the hot water. Be careful not to hurt yourself touching the hot decanter.

10. Push the metal rod down once more and leave it in place.

11. Turn the French Press lid to the “pour” position and carefully pour yourself a nice fresh cup of coffee. Make sure you hold the lid in place as you pour your coffee for safety reasons.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to keep your coffee beans stored in the freezer to keep them fresh. They can be removed and used straight from the freezer.

• You may want to pour a measured portion of sugar into your coffee cup first before pouring your coffee. That way, the sugar dissolves first before the milk or cream are added.

• Use caution when making French pressed coffee. The contents are very hot and can cause injury if not used properly.