Thinking of buying a French press? We’re answering your top questions, including what French press coffee tastes like, how it compares with Keurig coffee, and how to ace the brew method.
Let’s dive in…
What Does French Press Coffee Taste Like?
With all the different types of coffee makers out there, it can be challenging to figure out which one will make your coffee taste the way you like it. That’s why we’re going over the popular French press (or press pot) method.
French press coffee isn’t necessarily stronger than drip coffee, but it can deliver more well-developed flavors from the coffee beans. This is because the grounds are fully immersed in hot water for several minutes rather than being unevenly trickled through.
The way some people make it, French press coffee can be quite strong and perhaps bitter. This may have to do with how it’s being made rather than the coffee vessel itself, which we’re about to explain…
Can You Use Regular Grind Coffee in a French Press?
You really need a specific grind for French press, and it’s not the same as the grind for drip coffee (or for any other type for that matter).
The beans should be ground more coarsely for French press than for drip coffee. If you use a finer grind, you’ll get a sludgier beverage that will potentially taste over-extracted and bitter.
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Is French Press Coffee Better Than Keurig?
Keurig coffee machines are great for single cups while French presses are ideal for serving two to four. With Keurig, you just push a button and wait. With French press, you need to make sure you’re getting your grind right and timing the brew cycle.
Is the result of the French press method better? There are plenty of folks who will take a French press coffee over absolutely any other kind any day, but it tends to come down to a matter of convenience and time when considering which coffee maker to use in the morning.
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Does French Press Require Special Coffee?
No special coffee required. Any type of bean will work for French press, whether it’s light roast, dark roast, Kenya AA coffee, natural process Ethiopia Sidamo, Sumatra or Folgers.
The one thing that we’ll say about coffee bean selection is that the French press makes a particularly delightful cup with medium and darker roasts.
French Press Coffee Tips
For any kind of coffee, you should use hot water that’s below the boiling point by 10 or 15 degrees—boiling water will scald the beans and you may end up with too much bitterness.
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You’ll get some great tips for proper saturation in this video. You may be surprised at what you learn.
In this video, a seasoned Stumptown barista is going to show you a slightly different way of making perfect French press coffee.
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Wrap Up
The French press can produce a seriously flavorful coffee. It’s not difficult to use, but it does take some know-how. Follow the tips from the coffee masters and you’ll be making barista-level brews in no time.
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Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
