I used a French press every day when I had no counter space. I liked it a lot and would still be using it if I had my own kitchen. I prefer very strong coffee, so it was ideal for me. They're super easy to use once you work out the ratios (which is a matter of taste, really) and what size ground to use (you have to use a bigger ground than filter coffee so it doesn't pass through the mesh). And you have to clean the grounds out of the plunger/mesh after each use, rather than just tossing a filter out, so if adding another thing to wash each day doesn't appeal to you, there is that to consider.
I did make iced coffee with it a few times and don't remember having to do anything special. It does make it easy to brew very strong coffee that can be diluted with ice later, though.
Can I use cold or room temperature water instead of hot? And also, would I have to grind the coffee myself, or are there brands that are more coarsely ground?
I don't know about cold water, never tried it. I think it works the same as any cold-brewed coffee, though, because you can have the grinds steep/soak in the water as long as you want.
As for the coarse ground - I don't actually know? I mean, I definitely didn't always grind my own coffee, although I did sometimes, and I never bought special brands, but I don't remember what kind I bought to minimize the grounds that get through. Definitely not an espresso ground, as that's super fine, but the medium size that you'd use for a normal filter is probably okay if you do the plunger slowly and pour carefully. Most of the grinds that do get through get *around* the mesh when you plunge too fast, not necessarily *through* it.
I have one. I like it, but I don't use it every day because it makes good coffee, but said coffee is super strong and then there is also something else to wash. So it is kind of a treat on busy days, for me. But they are easy to use and small.
The having something else to wash is a strike against it, I admit. Otoh, I guess it depends on how much it makes? Because right now, I'm doing it twice a week and having to wash the pitcher I brew it in anyway.
Just echoing the comments above--I use the French press every day and love it. You, ah, don't exactly need to wash it every day--I just rinse it off and then disassemble and wash with soap every few days or so. *shifty eyes* M.
Cold-brew coffee is basically the only use my press has seen in a couple of years (I'm primarily a tea drinker) and while I haven't quite 100% nailed down the perfect bean/water ratio, it seems pretty forgiving so far. I just cover the pot with saran wrap while I'm letting it brew and then put the lid/plunger on only when I need it. You do need to be careful and plunge slowly, and there's no real way around winding up with a small amount of bean sludge in the bottom of your cup (unless you poured off from the press through a filter, which seems a bit too fussy for me, even.)
yeah, I just use water from my brita and the grounds, and let it steep overnight for the morning. it's been a few months since I did it, because I generally only do iced coffee when it's hot out, and if I want hot coffee there's a place on my commute that does really good single-cup drip to order that I patronize as often as I can afford to. :D
Comments 23
I did make iced coffee with it a few times and don't remember having to do anything special. It does make it easy to brew very strong coffee that can be diluted with ice later, though.
Reply
Reply
As for the coarse ground - I don't actually know? I mean, I definitely didn't always grind my own coffee, although I did sometimes, and I never bought special brands, but I don't remember what kind I bought to minimize the grounds that get through. Definitely not an espresso ground, as that's super fine, but the medium size that you'd use for a normal filter is probably okay if you do the plunger slowly and pour carefully. Most of the grinds that do get through get *around* the mesh when you plunge too fast, not necessarily *through* it.
Reply
Reply
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment