How to Use a French Press Coffee Maker

If you appreciate and embrace the aroma and taste of freshly brewed coffee, there is a simple way that you can heighten the experience. Anyone who enjoys coffee can enhance the flavor by learning how to use a french press. There are multiple benefits, and the steps involved are easy to master. We’ll show you how to use a french press coffee maker and once you get the hang of it, you won’t want to brew your coffee any other way.

What is a french press and why should I use it?

A french press is a device that uses pressure to concentrate the flavor of the coffee, forcing it to the bottom of a pot after it has been brewed. The natural oils that give coffee its aroma and flavor are often absorbed into paper filters when using a traditional coffee maker. In addition, oils and residue often stay inside of the inner workings of the pot. These can turn stale and affect the taste and overall quality of your coffee so you’re not getting the best possible brew. Residuals can also burn, giving your brew a poorer quality in taste. The french press bypasses the use of filters, and is easily cleaned of residuals giving you the purest form of rich, dark and full bodied coffee.

How to use a french press coffee maker

For the best results, start with a clean and dry french press. Rinse the plunger with hot water and fill the glass pot with hot water to prepare it. Discard the hot water because you were only using it to warm the glass pot.

Grind coffee beans or you can also use ground coffee. Grinding your own beans will give you a fresher flavor, but is not required.

For a 3-cup size press, use 2 to 3 tablespoons of grounds, for 4-5 tablespoons for a 4 cup and 8 to 10 tablespoons for an 8-cup press.

Step ONE

Heat water to 205 degrees Fahrenheit, then let sit for a half-minute. Fill the french press a quarter of the way full with hot water. Press plunger down and move water inside of press for 15 seconds. Pull up plunger and remove lid, dumping the rinse water.

Place coffee grounds into french press and gently shake to distribute grounds. Add half of the hot water, pouring over the grounds in an even manner. Trapped gases in the coffee grounds are released in this stage, allowing the coffee to release the amazing aromas. Begin timer and let sit for 30 seconds.

Step TWO

Stir coffee grounds to break up crust that has formed and mix evenly with the water.

Step THREE

Pour the rest of the hot water over the coffee and put the lid on the french press. Make sure that the plunger is pulled up all the way. Allow the coffee to steep for 3 and a half minutes.

Step FOUR

Press the plunger down all the way to remove grounds from coffee. It is important that you pour the coffee into mugs and serve immediately to prevent the coffee from becoming bitter. You can keep your coffee hot for longer by pouring hot water into the serving mugs and discarding it just prior to filling.

French press coffee makers provide the most full bodied and natural coffees possible. If you enjoy the pure taste of coffee at its best, then this is the way to go. For those of you who prefer flavoring, you can also add your favorite syrups, creamers and toppings to this exquisite beverage.