How To Use A French Press

I’ll admit that I’ve been sinning, I’ve been using a drip coffee maker. However, last week, my Bodum Chambord french press arrived to save me. The review will be coming later after I have more time to thoroughly test it out, but before that, a guide to making the perfect french press coffee.

Step One: Start by boiling your water.

To guarantee the absolute highest amount of freshness, once the water is boiling, grind your beans. You’ll want a coarse grind, so that they’re caught by the filter, keeping as much as possible out of your mug.

Step Two: Remove the top and the filter. Add the grounds into it, two tablespoons for every four to six ounces of water.

First, pour just enough water to cover the grounds, allowing it to bloom and start the steeping process. Slowly add in the rest of the water, leaving enough room to put the lid and filter back on.

If you want, stir with a wooden or plastic spoon to make the coffee stronger.

Step Three: Put the lid and filter back on, but don’t push down on the filter yet. Let it steep for three to five minutes. Then, gently push the coffee grounds down to the bottom to separate them from the liquid. Give it a short amount of time for the grounds to settle.

Step Four: Pour it into your coffee mug and let it sit for a minute or two, allowing any remaining sediments to filter to the bottom of your mug. Pour any extra coffee into a thermos or carafe. If you keep it in the french press, it’ll become over saturated with the grounds, creating a bitter tasting brew.

Step Five: Enjoy you fresh tasting cup of coffee.

Do you have any other suggestions/tips/advice?

Winner Of The French Press Contest Thanks to everyone that entered! It was a great contest....
French Press Contest Thanks to Community Coffee, I have a shiny red Bodum...

Tagged as: French Press, Guide, How To, Instructions

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Nate July 31, 2009 at 2:23 am: Great post Mike! I love French Press coffee, it’s a great way to get a flavorful cup of java. I would suggest stirring for about 20 seconds after adding the water, then push the plunger down just enough to ensure all of the coffee is steeping in the water. Some of the coffee can float above the water and not get properly extracted.

Mike July 31, 2009 at 7:57 am: Thanks Nate, I’ll have to try that out later today when I make my next pot of coffee.

Ark Lady July 31, 2009 at 1:14 pm: I use four scoops in my french pres and then stir right after adding the water.

Then I let steep for 4 minutes or so.

water purifiers August 5, 2009 at 1:33 am: Great post!! I just have to copy it