How to use the French press: barista coffee at home!

Tired of your usual coffee? Are you looking to take your coffee experience to the next level? Find out how to use the French press and make it your best ally to enjoy your coffee moments.

The French press is a simple yet powerful tool that extracts the richest and most complex flavors from your coffee beans, so you can enjoy a rich, intense, and personalized cup.

In this guide, we'll show you how to use your French press step by step so you can enjoy a perfect cup in the comfort of your own home.

What is a French press?

The French press, also known as a plunger coffee maker, was born in France in 1852. (Alcolea, A., 2024). As a curious fact, it was so successful from the beginning that basically the parts of this coffee maker have remained without much variation.

“With all the options for brewing coffee at home, the French press still holds the crown for one of the simplest to learn and use while still getting a high-quality cup,” confirms Michael Phillips, the director of coffee culture at Blue Bottle Coffee. (CNNE Underscored, 2021).

The French press is an immersion brewing method, meaning that the coffee is extracted while completely submerged in water. Thus, this method of brewing coffee allows you to enjoy a rich and aromatic cup in the comfort of your own home. Plus, it's inexpensive, comes in various sizes, and is easy to use. All in all, learning how to use the French press is ideal for all types of users. Especially for those who are just learning how to make coffee and want to experiment comfortably.

Plus, this method gives you greater control over the brewing process, allowing you to customize your coffee to your preferences.

Why should you use it?

Using this coffee extraction method will bring you numerous benefits:

  • More intense flavor. Unlike other types of coffee makers , the French press uses a metal filter instead of paper, which allows the coffee's essential oils to pass through into the cup, resulting in a drink with a deeper body and a more complex flavor.
  • Easy to use. The French press is very simple to operate, even for beginners. With just a few steps, you can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
  • Versatile. You can use different types of coffee and experiment with different grind levels and brewing times to customize your drink.
  • Economical. Once you know how to use the French press , the only additional cost will be the coffee beans.
  • Sustainable . By using reusable metal filters, you reduce the amount of waste you generate.

How to use a French press: basic steps

Did you know you can make barista-quality coffee at home? With a French press and these simple steps, you can enjoy a personalized and delicious cup. Join us and discover how to use the French press !

  • First, heat up your French press. Pour hot water into the press and pour it out. This will warm up the glass and help maintain the temperature of the coffee.
  • Choose the right type of ground coffee and grind it. Use a grinder to grind the beans to a coarse size. Avoid grinding too finely, as this can make the coffee bitter.
  • Add the ground coffee. The ideal ratio is 60 grams of coffee per liter of water, but you can adjust it according to your taste.
    Remember that the French press allows you to experiment and find your ideal ratio and brewing time. If you prefer a stronger coffee, you can increase the amount of ground coffee or the brewing time. For a milder coffee, reduce these amounts.
  • Pour in the water. Fill the French press with water at a temperature of 92°C to 96°C. Avoid boiling water, as it can burn the coffee.
  • Next, gently stir the mixture with a spoon to ensure that all of the coffee is in contact with the water.
  • Then, put the lid on without pressing the plunger and let it sit for 4-5 minutes. This time may vary depending on your taste and the type of coffee.
  • Press the plunger. Slowly lower the plunger all the way into the press, separating the ground coffee from the liquid.
  • Serve and enjoy. Pour the coffee into your favorite mug and enjoy!

How to use the French press: cleaning and maintenance

Proper cleaning of your French press is essential to maintaining the pure flavor of your coffee and prolonging the life of your coffee maker. Here are some tips:

  • Daily cleaning. After each use, rinse the French press with hot water. Also disassemble the press and wash the filter and plunger with hot water and mild soap. Avoid using abrasive sponges that can scratch the glass.
  • Weekly deep cleaning. Make a paste of baking soda and hot water. Apply this paste to the parts of the press that are stained or have coffee residue. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly. If you need to remove strong odors, fill the French press with hot water and add a little white vinegar. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
  • Always avoid the dishwasher to prolong the life of your press. And make sure to dry all parts thoroughly before storing the press. And finally, avoid leaving coffee residue inside the press, as it can cause bad odors and affect the taste of your next coffee. Instead, reuse your coffee grounds with easy and beneficial alternatives for your home. For example, you can mix coffee grounds with soil to create a unique and high-quality compost for your plants. Or you can also create exfoliating masks to keep your face young and hydrated.

Ultimately, by following these tips and mastering the technique of how to use the French press , you will be able to enjoy a handcrafted and personalized cup of coffee in the comfort of your home.

The French press will allow you to explore the world of coffee and discover new flavours. Enjoy!