If you’re going to use a French press for coffee, it’s best to have a coarse grind. Our initial recommendation is to use a 1:12 ratio of coffee to water. . You’ll also want to add 30 grams of coffee to this water if you’re using 350 grams of water, so be sure to start with almost double the amount of water than you have coffee.
Strength is determined by how much coffee you use compared to the amount of water. The more coffee you add, the stronger the brew will be. For example, “1:13” would mean that 1 cup of coffee includes 13 cups of water.
At the moment, only 1 to 7 strength settings are available, allowing you to decide how hard it is for the machine to dig out your coffee.
- 1 is a 1:10 ratio that will produce bold, thick, and heavy flavors
- 7 is a 1:16 ratio that will produce lighter, subtle, and delicious flavors that replicate the true taste of tea.
Strength is an open category. It’s up to your personal taste and there isn’t a best or better choice.
How to Use a French Press
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Step 1
You’ll need to bring enough water to a boil in order to fill your French press. To get started, measure how many ounces are in a 17-ounce French press. Then you’ll need 350 (12 ounces) grams of water.
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Step 2
Perfecting your coffee extract is as easy as grinding correctly. We recommend starting with a 1:12 coffee-to-water ratio and then bringing the coffee to a boil. If 350 grams of water are required, 30 grams of coffee should be used.
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Step 3
To make the perfect cup of coffee, start by mixing about twice as much water than you have coffee. For instance, if you’re going to use 30 grams of coffee, you’ll need about 60 grams of water in your pot.
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Step 4
Add the grounds to your fresh, cold work or brewing vessel. Give the grounds a gentle stir with a bamboo paddle or chopstick for 30 seconds. Then allow the coffee to bloom for 30 seconds.
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Step 5
Now, pour the remaining water and place the lid gently on top of the ground. Do not plunge just yet! Let it steep for four minutes and don’t guess.
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Step 6
Gently remove your French press from the scale and place it on your counter. If your French press is feeling heavy or difficult to remove from the scale, the grind is likely too fine. If the plunger “thunks” immediately down to the floor, it’s likely that your grind is too coarse. What you want for consistent brews is about 15–20 pounds of pressure across a filter that gets pushed down by the weight of the press itself. Not sure what this feels like? Try it out on your bathroom scale.
If you want to get the best possible espresso, make sure it’s pressed immediately and served shortly thereafter. Letting it sit will cause a weak and wasteful brewing experience.
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Is French Press Better Than Drip?
Which coffee brewing method works best for you? The only way to know is to give each one a try. The choice is ultimately up to you.
While there are lots of methods and coffee makers to experiment with when it comes to drip coffee, experimenting with various styles and coffee methods is one of the best things you can do for the perfect cup.
Can You French Press Espresso?
In a word, no. The pressure utilized to pull the shot makes espresso different from other brewing methods. Espresso is different from other brewing methods because it’s pulled with 9 bars of pressure, concentrating the flavor and creating a silky, creamy mouthfeel.
Unless you’re looking to get a good taste of that Italian-style shot, it won’t be as concentrated and flavorful. However, there are some high-end espresso machines that can provide this. The french press plunger simply cannot produce the required pressure necessary to create the desired result.
But don’t worry, you can still use your favorite beans to brew a delicious cup of French press coffee. These flavors aren’t “espresso” exactly but they taste great and they’re worth the change.
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What Size French Press Should I Buy?
Who doesn’t love French presses? They’re a luxurious and simple way to make coffee. If you’re thinking about investing in one, what size should you choose?
The great thing about a French Press coffee maker is that you can brew as much or as little as you need to. Our recommendation is to get the larger 34-ounce model, so you’ll have the flexibility when you’re brewing for 2 or more people.
You can brew and serve two cups at a time by using the French press, or by removing the coffee from the french press after you’ve finished brewing. Just don’t forget to pour it out or it will continue to brew. You’ll want to make sure your coffee doesn’t sit in the press longer than it should, or it’ll continue brewing and over-extract.