How to make coffee in a French press?
French Press: A Classic Coffee Maker with Full-Bodied Brews
The French press is a classic in many kitchens, although it’s not always used for its primary purpose. In many homes, it serves as a teapot or for making infusions, but in reality, it is a plunger coffee maker that allows you to brew rich, full-bodied coffee easily and quickly. Its extraction system highlights the coffee's natural oils, delivering a more aromatic cup with a characteristic texture.
The debate over its origin remains open between the French and the Italians. It is known that, in France, rudimentary versions of this coffee maker existed as early as the mid-19th century. However, these early models had imperfect filtration, resulting in a beverage with sediment and lacking the clarity sought in a good cup of coffee.
It wasn’t until 1929 that Italian inventor Attilio Calimani patented an improved design with a more efficient mesh filter. His idea was refined by other inventors, such as Bruno Cassol and Swiss inventor Faliero Bondanini, who helped make the system popular in France and later throughout Europe. The modern French press consists of three essential components: a cylindrical container, a plunger with a mesh filter, and a lid, which together allow for simple preparation without the need for electricity.
Among its many advantages, the French press stands out for its ease of use, simple cleaning, and the ability to brew multiple cups at once. Additionally, its filtration system retains more of the coffee’s essential oils compared to other methods, resulting in a cup with more body and a slightly denser texture. For those seeking a coffee with character without the hassle, this method is the perfect option.
How to Make Coffee with a French Press: Step-by-Step Guide
Brewing coffee with a French press is one of the best ways to extract all the flavor and essential oils from the coffee. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect cup:
Ingredients and Materials
- Whole Coffee Beans (preferably freshly roasted)
Using whole coffee beans ensures freshness and flavor. Freshly roasted coffee retains its essential oils and aromas better. It’s ideal to use coffee roasted within the last two or three weeks and grind it just before brewing to preserve its intensity and flavor notes.
- Coffee Grinder (for a coarse grind)
For French press brewing, it's crucial to use a coffee grinder that can produce a coarse grind, similar to coarse salt. If the grind is too fine, it will pass through the filter, leaving sediment in the cup and resulting in a bitter taste. A burr grinder (as opposed to a blade grinder) is the best option, as it provides a more consistent grind.
- Filtered Water (avoid tap water with chlorine or impurities)
Water is the main component of coffee, so its quality directly influences the final result. Using filtered or bottled water is recommended if your tap water contains chlorine or impurities, as these can alter the coffee’s flavor. The ideal water temperature is between 92-96°C (if you don’t have a thermometer, let the water rest for 30-45 seconds after boiling before using it).
- French Press Coffee Maker. This is the key piece of equipment for this method. The French press consists of three main parts:
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Carafe: Usually made of glass, stainless steel, or heat-resistant plastic.
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Plunger with a metal mesh filter: Used to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid without the need for paper filters.
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Lid: Helps retain heat and ensures proper plunger function.
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Spoon or Stirring Tool. Stirring the coffee before pressing the plunger helps ensure that all the grounds are evenly saturated. It’s recommended to use a wooden or silicone spoon instead of metal to avoid damaging the glass carafe.
- Timer. The infusion time is key to extracting the best flavors without bitterness. It's recommended to let the coffee steep for 4-5 minutes before pressing the plunger. A timer helps measure this time accurately to ensure a balanced cup.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Coffee
- Measure the Coffee and Water
Use a ratio of 1:15 or 1:16 (1 gram of coffee for every 15-16 grams of water). Example: For one cup (250 ml), use 15-17 grams of coffee.
For a 1-liter press, use 60-65 grams of coffee.
- Grind the Coffee Beans
The grind should be coarse, similar to coarse salt or breadcrumbs.
If the grind is too fine, the coffee will become bitter and muddy.
- Heat the Water
The ideal water temperature is between 92-96°C.
If you don’t have a thermometer, boil the water and let it rest for 30-45 seconds before pouring.
- Pre-wet the Coffee Grounds (Blooming)
Add the ground coffee to the French press.
Pour a small amount of water (double the weight of the coffee) and let it sit for 30-45 seconds to release trapped CO₂.
- Complete the Extraction
Pour the remaining water evenly into the French press.
Stir gently with a spoon to ensure an even extraction.
Place the lid with the plunger, but do not press yet.
Infusion time: 4 minutes.
- Press the Plunger
Slowly and gently lower the plunger.
If you feel too much resistance, the grind is too fine.
If the plunger moves too quickly, the grind is too coarse.
- Serve and Enjoy
Do not leave the coffee in the press, as it will continue to extract and may become bitter.
Serve immediately or transfer it to a thermal carafe if not drinking right away.
Extra Tips
- Use specialty coffee to experience more flavor nuances.
- Try different infusion times (between 3:30 and 5 minutes) to adjust the intensity.
- Experiment with ratios if you prefer a stronger or milder brew.
