Chapter 5: The French Press
Experience
If you are still unsure about the options that you have beyond your coffee pot, consider the French Press. This is another option in the making of coffee and may be more suitable for your lifestyle. Though the name sounds fancy, it is a relatively easy use to use device that is perfect for many coffee consumers. This chapter delves deeper into the French Press experience and how it may be incorporated into your drink.
The Design
The French Press is a device that includes certain pieces of equipment that combine together into a complete device. The main parts of a French Press are the base also known as a beaker that includes a mesh filter inside. There is also a plunger and a lid. Usually the materials aside from the filter are made of glass, metal, or plastic. The presentation of this coffee is beautiful and can be easily added to a table setting or even carried from location to location for mobility.
The Grounds
The main difference between a traditional coffee maker and a French Press design is in the type of filter and grinds that are utilized in the making of the drink. The French Press has a filter that has bigger holes than a traditional filter. That means that you need to have a thicker grind than a traditional coffee maker. This is because if you do not have the thicker grains, there is a greater chance that the coffee will drip through the filter and directly into the drink. Thickness is usually labeled on the can or the container in which the coffee comes or you can manually grind them so it is the perfect size for the French Press.
Hot Water
When the grinds are placed in the filter, there is a drip brew that allows the coffee liquid to pass through. This, again, reiterates why larger grounds are necessary. Hot water is added so that this process is facilitated and the coffee brews as it passes through the device. The top of the device where the liquid is inserted should be covered with a lid so that said liquid and steam stays in for the brewing process. This allows for a full roasted taste and for the full coffee flavor to be absorbed into what will be the coffee.
The Plunger
The plunger is inserted into the device to press the coffee through after the water is added. This pushes the grounds down and allows for the coffee to take the flavor without the grounds. The process usually lasts about two to four minutes. The plunger pushes the grounds into a container at the bottom of the device. This is where the grounds are held for what should be a short amount of time. The grounds must be removed right away so that the coffee can become ill-tasting and almost bitter.
Manual Mill Capability
If you are considering using a manual mill, the French Press can be a great addition. This is because you will actually get to ground your coffee grounds to the right texture and size that you wish to achieve. You will have control over the fineness or thickness so that means you will not have to worry about them seeping through to the actual coffee liquid below. For that reason, consider this in conjunction with a manual mill for a truly unique and fresh coffee experience.
When to Not Choose
If you are thinking about getting a French Press coffee maker, there are some things that you will want to consider that may not make it a good option. Firstly, if you are looking for mass amounts of coffee at one time, this is not the right style for you. These are not the pot sizes you are used to if you use a traditional coffee pot and may not give you the amount that you want for a full day. Consider how much you want from your coffee maker and then alter accordingly.
If you want a quick and easy device to clean, the French Press can be a bit more complicated. There is an inherent need to clean the product regularly so that the device does not see coffee grounds remaining in places that could impact the next cup. Therefore, it is important that anyone that utilizes this device take the time to know and understand how to properly clean the containers out. It will help to preserve the longevity of the French Press as well as keep it functioning for years to come.
If you are used to the finer grounds and are not looking to change, then, you will not want this addition to your coffee regimen. The thicker and coarser grains as aforementioned can create a stronger brew that is perfect and packs a powerful punch, for some. Others want their traditional varieties and that is okay, too. If you have never tried a cup of French Press coffee, however, it is worth trying and may surprise you in how delicious it really is.
