How to Use a French Press

Coffee makers have been very popular all around the world. Of all the coffee makers, the French press is one of the most popular coffee makers in Europe and Australia. However, it is slowly making its way in America as well. This coffee maker has a cylindrical glass carafe and a stainless steel mesh filter, which separates the coffee grounds from the water. The grounds stay at the bottom of the carafe and the strained coffee stays above the filter, ready to be pored. French press coffee maker reviews will exactly tell you, about each of the French press available in the market. However, before we read the instructions on using a French press, it is important to note, that French press should be used to make fresh coffee, that is to be consumed immediately. Coffee should not be left in the press for longer duration of time.

How to Use a French Press Properly

To make coffee using this kitchen appliance, it is recommended you use coarsely ground coffee beans. The best is to use a coffee grinders to grind the coffee fresh before you make it. If you choose coffee, that is finely ground, you will realize that the coffee will not be caught by the filter as expected. The other problem with using fine coffee is that it makes your task to depress the plunger difficult. Now, you will have to remove the filter and the top from the French press.

The coarsely ground coffee should be placed in the coffee maker. The ideal, according to me, is to use about 4 ½ to 5 tablespoons of coffee for about 6 to 7 cups of water. If you do not find it according to your taste, then you can adjust according to your taste. Before you put the water in the French press, bring the water to a boil. If you have high heat water available, then you can use that water as well. The ideal temperature of water should be around 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of water has a role in altering the taste of the coffee. The taste will also be altered depending, how the coffee has been roasted.

Pour the water into the French press steadily. This will saturate all the grounds and change the way water falls over the ground. If you want to create foam for the coffee, then do not fill up the French press jar completely. Once you have added water, use a plastic or wooden spoon to stir the coffee. Since the carafe is made of glass, it may get damaged if you use metal spoon. Now put the top back onto the coffee maker and raise the filter all the way up, or as desired. Before you let the coffee brew, use a chop stick to stir the slurry. This will aid in complete extraction from the coffee. You will not have to stir for very long to let the bloom to come up. Not more than 6 stirs will be required.

You will have to let the coffee brew for approximately four minutes. However, if you use coarser coffee, then you will need more than four minutes. If the coffee you use is of finer quality, then the brew time will be much lesser. You will have to experiment for the amount of time required to brew and fineness of the coffee. Stir the coffee after brewing. When you stir, the body and flavor of the coffee will increase.

Then gently start to press the filter down, but ensure that the filter spout is facing forward. When you press the filter, make sure you are pressing down evenly, in a controlled manner and the plunger rod should be absolutely straight all the while. In case the rod becomes crooked, coffee grounds will escape into the coffee. After you have pressed the filter down, wait for about 30 to 45 seconds, so that the coffee grounds and sediment settle down to the bottom of the French press. After which you can gently pour the coffee into the cup. This will make sure that minimal quantity of sediment and grounds make way into your cup. It is recommended to hold on to the lid, so that the sediment and grounds do not slide down into your cup.

Now that you know, how to use a French press, some more tips on using the French press. Once the coffee is brewed, do not let the coffee sit in the press. If you do so then the coffee will become bitter, as the coffee will remain in contact with the coffee grounds. If you do not want to consume the coffee immediately, then you can remove the coffee from the press and leave it in a thermos, before you consume it.