How to Make French Press Coffee – For Beginners
Are you eager to venture into the world of French press coffee brewing but not sure where to start? Fear not, fellow coffee enthusiast! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to master the art of making French press coffee like a pro. From selecting the right coffee beans to perfecting the brewing technique, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
How to Use a French Press – Quick Recipe?
Firstly get a French Press. There are many different styles out there but they mostly all work on the same premise. So find the one you like or fits best with your kitchen.
I like to use a stainless steel version because I tend to break my glass ones, but I am clumsy. Check out some options I like here.
Using a French press is simple yet rewarding. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to get you started: Further down we look at steps in more detail. Why we bloom, Exactly what size to grind your coffee beans, The temperature of your water, etc.
- Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need a French press, coarsely ground coffee beans, hot water (just off the boil), and a stirring utensil.
- Add Coffee Grounds: Measure out your desired amount of coffee grounds and add them to the French press. A general rule of thumb is one tablespoon (7.5g) of coffee per 4 ounces (roughly 120ml) of water.
- Pour in Hot Water: Pour hot water over the coffee grounds, just enough to wet them all, ensuring the grounds are fully saturated by vigorously stirring with a utensil. Leave for 30sec, then pour the rest of your water. If making a big batch leave some space at the top of the French press to avoid overflow.
- Stir and Steep: Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled all the way up and let the coffee steep for about 4 – 7 minutes.
- Plunge and Pour: After the steeping time is up, slowly press down the plunger, filtering the coffee grounds from the liquid. Pour the freshly brewed coffee into your favorite mug and enjoy!
If the steps seem a little vague, it’s because it is. The same coffee method you use today will more than lightly taste very different next week and that’s using the same coffee. Change your coffee bean and you are almost back at square one playing ‘mad scientist’ in the kitchen.
But that the fun of it. Make the process your joy and if you are lucky you could get a great cup of joe to boot! Now lets look at things you need to know and do to ty get a great cup of coffee more consistently.
What Size Grounds Should I Use In My French Press?
For a French Press a coarse grind is recommended, almost like coarse sea salt. But ‘coarse’ can mean many different things to different people. So I have included an image for reference.
You can skip all this fuss by buying your coffee ground or asking your cafe. Make sure its for plunger / French Press.
If you are wanting to get a little more serious, and I assume you are because you’re still reading, freshly ground coffee is like no other. I know it’s a little more work but it’s worth it. Not only will it taste better but your coffee beans last longer when they are whole.
If you’re starting out and don’t want break the bank, get a hand grinder. They work great because they have burrs, not blades, they are small and portable and start at $30. One down side is that they do take longer to grind.
Why use a coarser grind.
If the grounds are too fine we create more surface area on the coffee for the water to make contact with. Too much means over extracted and more bitterness. The finer grounds can get stuck or push through the holes of the plunger. This usually leaves you with a dirty cup with lots of sediment at the bottom. Your grind is probably the most important part of any coffee you brew. So if you don’t have a good grinder use your local cafe until you can get your hands on one. If you’re willing to work a little you don’t have to spend lots of money to get a good grinder Read more about coffee grounds and grinders here.
How Much Coffee and Water Do I Put in a French Press?
Determining the right amount of coffee to use in your French press depends on your personal taste preferences and the size of your press. As a general guideline, aim for a coffee-to-water ratio of around 1:15 to 1:17. I like to use 1:16.6666… because it divides well into standard cups.
Examples:
15g of Coffee – 250g of water
30g of Coffee – 500g of water
There is a lot to be said about the water we use in our brew. How hard or soft it is, what the mineral content is and so on, but this get a little science and deep down the rabbit hole.
If you are interested you can find out more about water for coffee here. But if you’re wanting to dip a toe try some mineral water or just filter your local tap water.
How Long Should your Coffee Sit in the Water?
Firstly, you should bloom your coffee. This is done by pouring hot water over the coffee grounds to wet them all, ensuring the grounds are fully saturated by vigorously stirring with a utensil. Wait 30sec before pouring the remaining amount of water into the French Press.
The blooming helps to release unwanted gasses from the coffee, especially with fresh coffee. You should see it almost bubble up and form a sort of crust. This is more obvious with fresh coffee compared to older, stale coffee.
The ideal steeping time for French press coffee is typically around 4 – 7 minutes. However, you can adjust the steeping time to suit your taste preferences. Light to medium roasted coffee typically taste better at the 4 – 5 min range where as medium to dark roasted coffee typically works well in the 6 – 7 min range.
Experiment with shorter or longer steeping times to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and strength. Personally, I have found that leaving my coffee for around 7 min (even the lighter roasts) gives me a cleaner cup (fewer particles ending up in my mug) as it gives the coffee more time to settle without impacting the flavor.
Plunge down slowly, pour and enjoy.
Try Something New with the French Press!
While the beauty of French press coffee lies in its simplicity, you can elevate your brew with a few creative additions. Try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to your coffee grounds before brewing for a hint of flavor. You can also experiment with different types of milks for a creamy finish.
After you’ve brewed your coffee throw out the grounds, wash the French Press and pour in some warmed milk (150-160 F or 65-70 C) , plunge up and down quickly to froth the milk. This won’t be like your cafe cappuccino but it really changes the texture and is great with a darker roasted coffee.
Remember that a good cup of coffee is the one you enjoy drinking.
In Conclusion:
Making French press coffee is a simple and rewarding process that anyone can master with a bit of practice. By following the steps outlined in this guide and experimenting with different techniques, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, freshly brewed coffee from the comfort of your own home.
Now that you’ve mastered the basics of French press coffee brewing, let’s recap some key points:
- Start with freshly ground coffee beans for the best flavor.
- Use a coarse grind to prevent over-extraction and bitter flavors.
- Experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios to find your perfect brew.
- Have fun with it. Don’t let the coffee snobs tell you can’t put sugars, syrups or creams with your coffee. As long as you like it.
- Don’t forget to clean your French press regularly to maintain its performance and prolong its lifespan.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. How so I measure the amount of water to use?
A. The easiest way is a digital scale. They are cheap and can be used for general baking and cooking too. Otherwise use a measuring jug to put the right amount of water in your kettle.
- Can I use pre-ground coffee in a French press?
- While freshly ground coffee is preferable for the best flavor, you can still use pre-ground coffee in a French press. Just be sure to use a coarse grind to prevent over-extraction.
- How do I clean a French press?
- To clean a French press, disassemble the plunger and rinse it with hot water. Use a brush to scrub away any coffee residue from the mesh filter. Avoid using soap, as it can leave behind a residue that affects the flavor of your coffee.
- Can I make cold brew coffee in a French press?
- Yes, you can make cold brew coffee in a French press by using a coarser grind and steeping the coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator.
- What is the difference between French press and drip coffee?
- French press coffee is steeped in hot water and then filtered through a mesh plunger, resulting in a full-bodied brew with a rich flavor. Drip coffee, on the other hand, is brewed by passing hot water through coffee grounds and a paper filter, resulting in a cleaner and more mellow flavor.
- Can I reheat French press coffee in the microwave?
- While it’s technically possible to reheat French press coffee, it’s not recommended as it can result in a bitter and stale taste. It’s best to brew only what you plan to drink immediately for the freshest flavor.
