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French press
French press method
A French press is an immersion brewer. The coffee steeps in all the water together, then a metal mesh plunger separates the grounds. It is forgiving and makes a full-bodied cup.
Use a coarse grind and about 1:15 coffee to water. Steep for around four minutes, press down gently, and pour out right away, since coffee left on the grounds keeps extracting and turns bitter.
Besides the press, you need a grinder for a coarse, even grind, a kitchen scale for the coffee and water, and a kettle. A timer helps you steep for the same four minutes each time.
What it looks like
French press
Coffee steeps in the carafe, then the plunger holds back the grounds.
Grinder and kettle
A coarse, even grind and hot water are the other essentials.
Kitchen scale
Weigh your coffee and water for a repeatable ratio.
Quick takeaways
- Coarse grind keeps the cup cleaner.
- Pour out all of it once pressed.
- Some sediment is normal.