Brewing coffee in a French press
Many of us are used to the simplest way of making coffee: put grounds in a mug, add hot water and it is ready. Yet a little care can reveal much more of coffee's rich flavour and aroma. An espresso machine is one option, but not everyone has access to one. Can you explore a deeper flavour without professional equipment? Yes — try a French press.
The French press
As the name suggests, the French press has roots in France, although its development involved more than one country. It has also become very popular in Britain and Denmark, with brands such as Bodum closely associated with the design.
Why is it so popular? It is an exceptionally simple way to make a flavourful coffee. The familiar design consists of a glass cylinder and a plunger ending in a mesh filter that fits closely against the sides. That straightforward construction is a large part of its appeal.
Brewing French-press coffee
Use fresh, filtered water at around 90°C as a starting point, adjusting to suit your beans. For a fragrant cup, grind the coffee just before brewing. A timer and scales are useful too.
A basic ratio is 60 g of coffee to one litre of water. Scale that to your brewer: for example, 30 g for 500 ml. Choose a coarse grind, since very fine particles can pass through the mesh and make the drink cloudy or gritty.
- Put the ground coffee into the vessel.
- Add enough hot water to wet the grounds, stir gently and wait around 30 seconds.
- Add the remaining water, stir gently again and put the lid on without pressing down.
- Allow the coffee to steep. This recipe suggests a further two to three minutes; adjust the time to your taste.
- Remove the lid and skim the floating crust or foam with a spoon.
- Replace the lid and press the plunger down slowly and carefully. Do not force it if it resists.
Choosing coffee and a brewer
You can buy a French press from a specialist coffee shop. Several sizes are available, making it easy to find one that suits your needs.
Which coffee should you use? Your preferences are the main guide. Pay particular attention to the grind size, then experiment with beans and brewing time until you find a cup you enjoy.
French-press prices
This simple brewer appeals to anyone who enjoys good coffee. Basic models can be inexpensive; when this article was first published, some were available for just a few dozen złoty or less.
Very cheap models can have drawbacks, such as a poorly fitting filter. Unsuitable materials may also impart an unwanted taste. Choose a brewer made from good-quality, food-safe materials, with a filter and plunger that work properly.
French-press brewing is straightforward and can quickly become a favourite ritual. Once you have tasted a rich, aromatic cup made this way, you may find yourself wanting to repeat it every morning.
