Want an upgrade on drip? A French press can be upgrade taste-wise, as well as in terms of sustainability. In fact, it’s a coffee brewing system with a re-usable and sustainable filter built in!
A French Press, also known as a cafetière or coffee press, is a manual coffee brewing device that uses a metal mesh filter to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. It consists of a cylindrical glass or stainless steel pot with a plunger and a metal mesh filter attached to the end of the rod.
How does French Press coffee taste compare to filter?
French press coffee and filter coffee have distinct taste profiles due to differences in the brewing process.
French press coffee is typically full-bodied, rich, and bold in flavor due to its immersion brewing method. Ground coffee is steeped in hot water for several minutes, allowing the coffee oils and flavors to fully infuse into the water. The result is a strong and robust coffee with slightly more coffee fine solid/grounds in the final cup.
On the other hand, filter coffee is brewed through a paper or metal filter that separates the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee. This results in a cleaner, smoother, and less oily cup of coffee with a more subtle flavor profile. The coffee’s flavor profile can vary depending on the filter used, with paper filters producing a milder and cleaner taste, while metal filters allow more oils and flavors to pass through, resulting in a fuller-bodied taste.
You do retain some control with the French Press over certain taste elements with grind size, immersion time, water temprature and coffee/water ratio. To start, grind your coffee beans to the desired coarseness. A coarser grind will produce a milder cup, while a finer grind will result in a stronger cup. Next, add the ground coffee to the French press, and pour in hot water. The ratio of coffee to water can also affect the strength and flavor of the coffee. A general rule of thumb is to use 1-2 tablespoons of coffee per cup of water. After adding the water, stir the coffee and water mixture gently to ensure that all the grounds are fully saturated. Now comes the crucial step: the immersion time. For a milder cup of coffee, let the coffee steep for 3-4 minutes. For a stronger cup, let it steep for 5-6 minutes or more. Once the desired immersion time is reached, slowly and carefully push down the plunger to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. Enjoy your delicious and custom-made cup of French press coffee!
I’d summarize as French press coffee is bolder and more robust, while filter coffee is milder and cleaner. It’s a matter of personal preference, and both methods can produce high-quality coffee with the right beans and brewing techniques.
How do you use a French Press?
To use a French press, coarsely ground coffee is placed in the pot and hot water is poured over the grounds. The mixture is allowed to steep for several minutes, typically around 4 minutes, before the plunger is pressed down to separate the liquid from the grounds. The brewed liquid is then poured into a mug or container and ready to drink.
The type of grind for a French press is coarse grind; it’s important to use coarsely ground coffee because fine grounds can pass through the filter and end up in the final brew which can cause a muddy and bitter taste.
One of the benefits of the French press is that it does not require disposable filters, which can be more sustainable in the long run. The metal mesh filter can be cleaned and reused multiple times, which can save money and reduce waste. Additionally, French press can produce a rich and full-bodied cup of coffee.
That being said, the French press is not without its drawbacks, the metal mesh filter is not as effective at removing all the sediment as paper filters, which can make the brew a bit gritty. Additionally, French Press brewing can retain some of the oils from the coffee bean that can cause the coffee to be a bit bitter.
Overall, the French press is a manual coffee brewing device that uses a metal mesh filter to produce a rich and full-bodied cup of coffee. The coarse grind is ideal for it, and it’s a more sustainable option than other methods that use disposable filters.
