The French Press, also known as the Plunger, is a classic and straightforward method to brew coffee. It's perfect for those who appreciate a rich and full-bodied cup of coffee. In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know to brew the perfect French Press coffee at home. 

TIME REQUIRED

Brewing with a French Press typically takes around 10 minutes from start to finish. This includes boiling the water, brewing time, and pressing the plunger.

COST OF BREWING

Brewing French Press coffee is relatively inexpensive. The primary costs include the French Press itself, which can range from $20 to $100 depending on the brand and size, and the coffee beans. For instance, a 1kg coffee bean bag can vary in price based on the type and quality, but it generally offers great value.

WHAT YOU NEED

• French Press (also called Plunger)
• Freshly roasted coffee beans (preferably specialty coffee beans or single origin coffee)
• Grinder (if using whole coffee beans)
• Kettle
• Kitchen scale or Coffee Scale
• Timer
• Stirring spoon, normal spoon

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERFECT FRENCH PRESS COFFEE

1. Choose Your Beans 
   Select high-quality coffee beans. For the best results, use light roast coffee beans or specialty coffee beans. The type of coffee bean you choose will greatly impact the flavor.
   We recommend our Attapady Black Bean for this method. With walnut tones, Bitter-sweet dark chocolate, and soft citrus spice notes throughout.
2. Grind the Beans
   Grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency. The grind size should be similar to breadcrumbs. 
3. Heat the Water
   Boil water and let it cool for about 30 seconds to reach a temperature of around 93°C. This is the optimal temperature for extracting flavors from the coffee beans without burning them.
4. Preheat Your French Press
   Pour boiling water into the French Press to warm it up. This helps maintain the temperature while brewing to ensure a better extraction.
5. Add Coffee and Water
   Add the ground coffee to the French Press. Pour the hot water over the coffee, making sure all the grounds are saturated.
   When pouring, make sure to evenly cover the coffee grounds by pouring slowly in a circular motion. 
   For a 1-liter French Press, you'll need about 60 grams of coffee, roughly 8 tablespoons of ground coffee.
   Always try to use freshly ground coffee. If you don’t have access to a grinder, then pre-ground, vacuum-sealed coffee is your next best bet.
6. Steep and Press
   Place the lid on the French Press with the plunger pulled up. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes. After steeping, stir gently with a spoon to ensure even extraction. Them slowly press the plunger down. Serve immediately to avoid over-extraction.

Bonus Tips:

• Experiment with Ratios: Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio to suit your taste. A common ratio is 1:15 (1 part coffee to 15 parts water), but you can experiment with different ratios.
• Use Fresh Beans: Always use freshly roasted coffee beans. This gives a better and consistent flavor. 
• Try Different Types: Explore different types of coffee beans to find your preferred flavor profile. At Eight Fifty, we have a vast selection of beans for this purpose, click here.
• Grind Just Before Brewing: For maximum freshness, grind your coffee beans just before brewing. A hand grinder, like the Rhino Hand Grinder,  would be ideal since it would grind just the right amount of coffee for your brew. 
• Enjoy Immediately: French Press coffee is best enjoyed right after brewing to savor the full flavor and aroma.

Brewing with a French Press is a delightful way to enjoy the nuanced flavors of single origin coffee or your favorite specialty coffee beans. Whether you're using a 1kg coffee bean bag or sampling different types of coffee beans, this method brings out the best in your brew. Happy brewing!