How Long Do I Steep Coffee In A French Press? (+7 Steps)

How long do I steep coffee in a french press? (+7 steps)

In this article, we will answer the question “How long do I steep coffee in a french press?”, and How to make the perfect french press coffee?

How long do I steep coffee in a french press?

Brewing the coffee for 5 minutes is just the right time for the perfect brew that is neither bland nor bitter.

What is a french press?

A French press is a method that involves the use of a french press machine to brew coffee. This machine includes a plunger and a filter. French press method gives you a lot of autonomy over the brew strength, the water temperature and you can make coffee for 3-4 people easily at a time. It is also a very portable and self-contained device. A French press brews coffee by immersion brewing, unlike the drip coffee methods.

It can also be used to brew tea. Clean the French press machine thoroughly before brewing coffee after tea and vice versa. Because the residues of the previous brew might ruin the taste of the fresh brew. Tea like Indian Chai and Chinese Tea should not be brewed using a french press. They need to be boiled for longer periods.

This device is known by different names in different parts of the world. It is called a French press or coffee press in North America. In Britain and Ireland, it is known as a cafetière. It takes the name of “Coffee plunger” in New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.

What does a French press machine look like?

A french press machine looks like a beaker, made up of glass, metal, or ceramic. A handle extends out from one side of the beaker. The base of the beaker is the base. The lid comes attached with a plunger. The plunger has a filter attached to it at the bottom.

The filter may further consist of microfilters in prime-quality french press machines. The microfilters prevent the micro particles of the coffee from entering the brew and prevent the brew from becoming cloudy.

Types of french press

An electrical french press does all the hard work for you. It will heat the water to the right temperature and keep the brew hot after extraction. Choose a metal or ceramic french press for better heat retention especially if you live in colder countries.

Moreover, the glass french press is fragile to handle. A small french press machine can brew 3-4 cups at a time, unlike the large french press that has the capacity to brew 8-12 cups at once.

How to make french press coffee?

Preheat your press

Pour some hot water into the beaker and drain it once the beaker is hot. This step keeps the coffee hot for longer.

Weigh your coffee grounds

It is recommended to weigh the coffee to get the perfect coffee to water ratio each time. The rule of thumb is to use coffee and water in a 1:10 ratio i.e use 1g of coffee for every 10g of water. Some might also agree on a 1:15 coffee to water ratio.

Check the temperature of the water

The recommended coffee press water temperature is 195-205 degrees F. use a thermometer to check the temperature.

Add coffee grounds and hot water

Add the coffee grounds and hot water in the right proportion into the preheated french press. Stir with a spoon.

Put the lid on and start the timer

Cover the lid to keep the steam inside. Wait for 4-5 minutes.

Slowly press the plunger

Press the plunger down all the way to the base of the beaker.

Serve and enjoy

Decant your coffee if you do not want bitter flavor. Serve warm and enjoy.

Mistakes to avoid when brewing French press coffee

Not grinding the beans properly

The coffee beans should have a coarse and even ground for the french press to extract the maximum flavors out of them.

Using the wrong quantity of coffee

It is recommended to weigh the coffee to get the perfect coffee to water ratio each time. The rule of thumb is to use coffee and water in a 1:10 ratio i.e use 1g of coffee for every 10g of water.

Leaving the coffee in the french press after brewing

Do not leave the concoction in the french press past the brewing time. As time will pass, bitterness will overpower the flavor of your coffee. Immediately pour out the brew once you are done.