What is a French press?
Q: What is a French press?
A: A French press, also known as a press pot, coffee press, coffee plunger or cafetière, is a special machine used to make coffee. It typically consists of a round jug with a lid and plunger that fits in the jug.
Q: How does it work?
A: The coffee is brewed by placing the coffee and water together in the jug, leaving it to brew for a few minutes, then pushing down on the plunger which separates the ground coffee from the water. The freshly made coffee can then be poured into cups.
Q: What are some other names for this device?
A: In Australia, South Africa and Ireland it is known as a coffee plunger and in France it is called cafetière à piston. It may also be referred to as melior (from an old brand of makers of this type) or Bodum (another brand). In the UK it is known as cafetière (the French word for "coffee pot").
Q: Why does French pressed coffee taste stronger than drip-brewed one?
A: Because the grounds remain in direct contact with brewing water when using a French press, more flavour and essential oils are extracted from them compared to drip-brewed methods where they are trapped by paper filters. This results in stronger tasting and thicker consistency of French pressed coffees.
Q: What kind of grind should be used for making French pressed coffees?
A: Coffee grounds should be coarsely ground when using a French press - more coarse than for drip brews but far coarser than those used for espresso drinks. Anything other than coarse grind will pass through filter into your cup so use burr mill grinder if possible to achieve desired result.
Q: Can you use a French press to make tea instead of coffee?
A: Yes! A French press can also be used instead of an infuser to brew loose tea leaves - just follow same instructions as you would when making regular coffees with your device.
Q: Are there any special versions designed specifically for travellers? A: Yes! Special versions exist that are made out of tough plastic instead of glass and have sealed lids with closable drinking holes which makes them perfect choice for hikers or backpackers who don't want to carry heavy metal percolators or filter drips around with them while travelling long distances
