How to Make Life-Changing Coffee in a French Press

Aficionados know that a perfect cup of coffee starts with a French press.

Using a French press is the key to making a life-changing, aroma-filled, perfect cup of coffee. A French press, also called a cafetiere, preserves the lovely, rich coffee flavors that come from the coffee bean oils, producing a smooth, full-bodied drink. Coffee aficionados have perfected each step in the process to produce the ultimate brew. A French press works by mixing ground coffee with hot water, letting it brew, then pressing the plunger with its sieve through the pot, pushing the grounds to the bottom.

Things You'll Need

• French press
• Filtered or distilled water is best (although tap water will work)
• 1/2 lb. fresh, high-quality coffee beans
• Burr-type coffee grinder

Instructions

Get prepared

1. Choose top quality coffee beans. To ensure the beans are at their peak freshness, they should be used within 10 days of roasting.

2. Boil the water. To make a life-changing coffee, use cold, filtered or distilled water. If using tap water, make sure it is cold. The ideal French press coffee is made with water that is between 190 degrees F and 200 degrees F. An easy way to lower the water temperature slightly is to pour the boiling water into a measuring cup and then into the French press beaker.

3. Measure out two level tablespoons of whole beans, while the water is boiling and grind it. Grinding the beans at home is key to achieving the life-changing status of the brew, but not all grinders are up to the task. More expensive burr grinders produce an even grind versus the blade-type grinders, which slice through the beans unevenly and leave some fine particles that will muddy the coffee. Produce a course grind of about 1 mm.

Steep and enjoy

1. Remove the plunger from the beaker and add the ground coffee. Pour 6 oz. of the hot water over the grounds. Leave at least 1 inch at the top of the pot. Stir with a plastic or wooden spoon and rest the plunger top on the brew without plunging it down. Let steep for four minutes.

2. While firmly holding the press handle, slowly push the plunger straight down. It should take about 20 seconds to completely push it down.

3. 

   Coffee this good should be savored.

   Turn the lid to open the pour spout, pour out a cup and take time to savor the life-changing coffee.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure the coffee beans are ground to a course ground as a fine ground will clog the filter and make it difficult to depress the plunger. For best results, use a burr-type grinder and choose a course setting.

• Depress the plunger slowly. Pushing down on the plunger too quickly with too much force can cause the scalding liquid to shoot out the top.

References

• Pittsburg Post-Gazette: "Manual brewing techniques give coffee lovers a better way to make a quality drink": China Millman, April 23, 2009
• Espresso Planet: How to use a French Press
• Ultimate Coffees: Bodum Coffee Press
• Coffee Makers Cafe: French Press

Resources

• Galla Coffee: History of the Cafetiere