A French press, also known as a press pot or coffee press, is a simple coffee brewing device patented by Italian designer Attilio Calimani in 1929.
The french press makes a better cup of coffee since it lets the ground beans steep in the hot water longer, allowing full, even flavor extraction. The coffee retains the beans’ oils, a key component to the taste of the final cup, since there’s no paper filter.
According to HowToBrewCoffee.com the coffee is brewed by placing the ground coffee in the empty beaker and adding near-boiling water, in proportions of about one ounce of coffee to 15 ounces of water. Or whatever your preference is really. Start out by adding around 1/3 of the water to the grounds already in the beaker and stir it slightly then let it “bloom” for about 30 seconds. Next, add the remaining 2/3 of the water, pouring it gradually over the entire surface of the floating grounds. Cover with the lid and plunger assembly and let brew. The total brewing time from beginning to end should be somewhere around four minutes. After the time has passed press the plunger down to separate the grounds and hold them at the bottom of the beaker. Now pour yourself a delicious cup of coffee.
Sure, this may sound like more work than your automatic coffee maker but believe me, it is worth it. Also, a French press requires coffee of a coarser grind than does a drip brew coffee filter, as finer grounds will seep through the press filter and into the coffee.
There is a video here at Espresso Planet to show you just how easy it is.
I remember vividly the first time I had coffee from a French press. I was sitting at a cafe near the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England with my friend David. We ordered a pair of coffee and after a few minutes the young lady brought us a French press. I was about 25 years old at the time and had never seen such a thing. David explained to me how the press worked and a few minutes later the girl returned and pressed the plunger down and poured our coffees. It was a fun learning experience and I must have had that look of a baby discovering something for the first time as David and our server had big smiles watching me observe the routine.
Should you get a French press? Well, it is not for everyone but since you can get one for pretty inexpensive at IKEA, Walmart, ASDA or wherever, why not give it a try? Plus, maybe it is a little better for the environment in that it does not require the use of coffee filters. So it has that going for it as well.
If you make desserts like tiramisu that contain coffee you might as well use good coffee right?
What about you? Do you ever use a french press to make your coffee? Share your thoughts in the comments. Would love to hear from you.
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Hi Troy,
I had a French press and loved it That was until I broke the beaker and I haven’t’ yet replaced. Since then I a Keurig as a gift and have been using that. But I’ve got to say I actually like the French press a lot better 🙂
Blessings,
Liz
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Yes, I love the Keurig as well though I prefer the French press for this reason- cost. Those little Keurig cups can be pricey, and yes, you should treat yourself well, yet I often just use regular coffee in the french press. Where I live some acceptable coffee runs $8 for five pounds so…
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Make sure you get a coarser grind of coffee so it does not clog the screen in the french press. And please dear god don’t compare Keurig to a a french pressed coffee of single origin. The Keurig coffee will be old and stale before it even gets to the grocery store.
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Coarser grind for the french press? Got it. Thanks for the tip!
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I think a French Press is for the coffee connoisseur who loves to exercise a little care and control over the brew. This would be someone who loves to perfect the fineness of the coffee grind and takes pride in the art of coffee making.
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Plus it is fun and looks cool.
Sure the drip one is easier but not better really.
Thanks for stopping by Jan. Hope to see you again soon.
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Hi Troy
I have a French Press, too and it’s next to my AeroPress one of my favorite tools to make delicious coffee!
Especially when I have guests it’s so much more fun to make the coffee on the table instead of just waiting for it in a drip coffee maker!
Really cool you didn’t forget the 30 seconds “blooming” time. Sometimes in reviews they just leave it out!
Great post!
Thomas
Very cool. Yes, entertaining is supposed to be fun…and if you can do it with a sort of James Bond flare why not right?
Thanks for stopping by and for your comment.
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French press is the best and most of my customers like it…
What kind of business do you have that you serve coffee at? Let’s post your website or address here and maybe get you a new customer or two…
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Hey there…Well thank you so much for this post. Actually I was searching for a coffee maker because my earlier one was brooked up and I think this is the better option to buy. The most I like in is its design.
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Hey cool! Yes, the french press is awesome. Let us know what you think after you order one ok?
Thanks for stopping by. Looking forward to hearing from you.
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Hey there…Well thank you so much for this post. Actually I was searching for a coffee counter because my earlier one was brooked up and I think this is the better option to buy. The most I like in is its design.
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My husband got me a French Press for my birthday and it’s the best. It is so simple and easy to use. I even recommend it to some of my friends who also love coffee, but only ever buy it out at a cafe. It’s a must-have.
I agree. It tastes so much better that from those auto drip machines.
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My pleasure Troy.
I will 🙂
cheers
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Coarser grind for the french press? Got it. Thanks for the tip!. really love it
Right. Otherwise you will end up with something like a Turkish coffee, which is an acquired taste and experience for most people, especially Westerners.
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Hello everyone!!
I think espresso machines makes better and pleasant cup of coffee rather than a french press Espresso machines actually have solid components .They provide stable temperature and a sensible interface.They will offers best service than a french press.
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Agreed…and there is the issue of cost. The Bodum Brazil 8-Cup French Press Coffee Maker I showed in the post can be had for under $20.
If money were no object…
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I don’t know that I could ever use a french press to make my daily coffee. I’m way to out of it and tired in the morning…need my instant coffee without much thought!
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It is not THAT difficult although it is true that it does require a little more effort than just pussing a button on the machine that you have set up the night before.
Perhaps try a french press for your afternoon cup?
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Interesting, never thought of making it in the afternoon. Might just have to try it out!
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Some people can not drink coffee in the afternoon. It is currently 1:15pm and I just made some. 🙂 Or twy mid-morning after you are not quite so “out of it”.
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Hello Troy,
I was really curious to learn about French Press since I started loving coffee. And that comes to an end here. I love the way you explained that produce a delicious French press under 4 minutes. I know the best automatic coffee makers takes around 5 minutes to do the same. Of course they do it for multi cups (4 to 12 cups) at the same time.
I have no idea if it is invented by an Italian why it named French! However, loved your article and would definitely come back to fine out more.
Regards..
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Cool Willie. Glad to help. Yes, I did not think as to why it is named ‘french press’. Good catch there.
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Hey there!
I have been using keurig coffee maker from last year and its kind of awesome in its way but now I was thinking to buy the one for my office so as to get best coffee at my workplace also. I think you have provided me the solution on which machine would be the best to buy.
Thanks! I’ll surely order this one 😀
Cheers!!
Right? You probably have a microwave at the office so you can heat your water? Perfect.
Glad to help.
Please use the Amazon link in the post. You will get a great price and I will earn a few cents commission at now cost to you so it is a win/win and helps to cover the expenses of this blog. Thank you!
Enjoy your coffee.
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I think things like this are really interesting. I absolutely love to find unique places like this. !
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Totally agree with you about it being so easy. I don’t know why everyone doesn’t get on it actually. The coffee tastes way better.
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I think it is because, not counting the initial set up with an auto drip system, you can just push the button and come back ten minutes later and the coffee is ready. For some people, a french press may actually seem like…GASP…work.
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French press is the best and I love it ^^
Right? The only thing better than coffee from a french press is Turkish coffee in my opinion.
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This is nice blog and very informative article thanks for sharing this valuable article. Please keep like this. Great job.
I can keep writing if you keep reading. Oh, and using the AMAZON link when you shop at AMAZON. That helps me a lot too. Thanks!
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Dear Troy
I did not know much about French Press but i wanted to know that for a long time. You described wel about French Press. i liked your presentation. i loved your article and would definitely come back to find out more.
Cool Alisa. Glad to be of help. Please do come back and please tell your friends about this site as well. Both those things would really make me smile as much as you leaving a comment did. Thank you.
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Thanks for being so nice with me. i am regularly visiting your site. I am interested about guest posting to your blog. if possible please contact me on email or let me know your email address.
Alisa, I am so sorry I have not contacted you sooner. I have been super busy. That is no excuse. It is rude of me. I am sorry for that. I got your message and will respond to you today. I promise! 🙂
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Would love to work with you again on something here Alisa. Let me know. You can always use the link at the top of the page – https://www.1ksmiles.com/suggestions/ or maybe you already have my email address? I think I gave it to you.
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hey!!!
Troy I must say the information you have shared is really awesome
I think I also had a same taste like your’s when it comes to choose the coffee maker..
I really need a coffee maker for my office use…And it seems to be perfect for that.
A big thanks to you for sharing these ideas..
Pinning to share and refer back when time permits
God bless!!
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The french press is a good choice for sure. Glad to be of service. Please share this post with your friends and social media.
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For sure French press coffee is so easy to make and delicious.
Thanks for this information.
Good job.
Regards.
Thank you!
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I had a French press and loved it That was until I broke the beaker and I haven’t’ yet replaced. Since then I a Keurig as a gift and have been using that. But I’ve got to say I actually like the French press a lot better big man.
The french press is good for sure.
Ever have Turkish coffee? Now THAT is a treat.
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Hi Troy,
Thanks for taking some time and posting this article. I too believe french press is good for sure.
I have bookmarked your site and its worth to visit again. Try other interesting coffee brewing techniques like Espresso,Vaacumpot,ColdBrew,Chemex,Turkish Coffee,Softbrew,Aeropress,Percolator,Instant Mix
and Much more : Coffee Brewing Methods
Mmmm…. I love Turkish coffee. In fact, I may just go make some now John.
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Hey,
Troy ! i am personally thanks for posting a Great! article about “French press coffee is so easy to make”.I have fully read your post .It’s really a easy way to make a French press coffee.
Do you already have a french press? If not, why not use the Amazon banner and save some money and get one today?
Also, thank you for reading. Hope to see more comments from you soon! 🙂
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Though who want to make coffee very easily i think they should buy french press coffee maker. It is very easy to brew coffee in this coffee maker. I use it last 2 years and still now it’s performance great.Love to read this post. I will back again in this blog.
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Thank you Kimberly
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Hey troy. I have tried that and i must say that you have shared a great recipe. Morgan
Well, glad you approve Morgan. The French Press does indeed make some good coffee. Plus not any waste really. No filters. No little plastic cups. Good stuff.
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Really awesome post. I am personally thanks for posting a great article about “French press coffee is so easy to make”. Keep shearing….
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Do you have a french press?
Please tell your family and friends about this site and use the Amazon link on the right side bar for all your Amazon shopping needs. You get the same low price and I get a little thank you gift from Amazon.
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I think it will be most valuable for all and amazing to all.
I love the Keurig as well though I prefer the French press for this reason- cost. Those little Keurig cups can be pricey, and yes, you should treat yourself well, yet I often just use regular coffee in the french press. Where I live some acceptable coffee runs $8 for five pounds so…
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