Last updated on November 3rd, 2015
What kind of coffee maker do you use? I’ve tried several inexpensive brewing devices over the years, and my favorite is the French press. More about this simple gadget, and how I use it:
Pictured above is the Bodum “Chambord” French Press. I’ve used this elegant gadget once a day, every day for the past year. It brews a perfect cup of joe: strong, aromatic, and incredibly smooth. And guess what? It achieves this magic without paper filters, special “k” cups, or electricity.
Like all French presses, the Chambord is easy to store. It’s a cinch to clean, too. Although all parts are dishwasher safe, I simply rinse the carafe and plunger in hot water. Easy, easy, easy.
Of course, great coffee begins with excellent beans. I buy organic, fair-trade coffee from Tierra Farm, and — following Bodum’s directions — grind them coarsely. Finely-ground coffee can gum up the filter, and leave sludge in the bottom of the cup.
Here’s my brewing procedure, as photographed at 5:30 (yikes!) this morning:
To brew a full pot (12 six-ounce cups), tip 12 level tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee into the glass carafe.
Then add enough not-quite-boiling water to reach the top of the chrome frame in which the carafe rests.
Next, grab a long-handled spoon (I use a plastic spoon, since metal can damage the glass)…
And give the works a quick stir. This way, the grounds which have risen to the top will become saturated.
Then put the filter on top, but do not push the plunger down. Just let the coffee brew (or “steep”) for 4 minutes.
This next step is extremely fun: After 4 minutes have passed, push the plunger down. Do this slowly, and with only the weight of your hand. The plunger will force the coffee grounds to the bottom of the carafe.
Now pour this blissful brew into a cup…
And add some heavy cream! (Skim milk is against my religion.)
After you pour the cream, you can contemplate the phrase “clouds in my coffee” from a well-known pop song.
The pop song in question. Watch the video above, and enjoy Carly Simon’s voice. And Warren Beatty’s face.
Stir the cream into the coffee, and enjoy this strong, fragrant, and amazingly-smooth brew. In my world, French-pressed coffee enriched with heavy cream is one of life’s little pleasures.
And by the way, I used to use Bodum’s 8-cup French press, but found it was much too small for my big coffee-drinking habit. Furthermore, its plunger didn’t filter the coffee grounds efficiently. The large Chambord model, even after a year of use, works like a charm. I purchased mine for about $40 from this online source.
Now back to my original question: What type of coffee maker do you use? And do you love it or loathe it? Talk to me in the comments field below.
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Shannon says
Warren Beatty. Love that song, which really dates me!
I really enjoy your posts, Kevin.
Brooklyn Bob says
I have a plain old Mr. Coffee, and hate it. It’s a pain to clean, and the coffee is never hot enough. I need this French press!
Lori Rose says
I have a Gaggia Syncrony Logic semi-automatic that I just love. It grinds the beans fresh for each cup, makes a nice strong americano, good espresso, and anything in between. I drink my coffee black, so no need to froth the milk. Like so many others, I had a Mr. Coffee once upon a time, and I also experimented with a Chemex. Do you still use your electric kettle to heat your water Kevin? Does anyone have experience with the stovetop espresso makers? In my next life, I plan to live in a tiny home, and will need a much smaller coffee maker, so the french press may be just what I’ll need.
Elke Richard says
I’ve got three French presses (different sizes) and a plain old mr. Coffee
Alyx says
I have an Aeropress and love it. 😀 It’s pretty much self cleaning, I just rinse it when I am done and set it to dry. It has pretty much the same steps as the french press and while some people complain it’s too much work, the routine of making coffee is really nice for me. And if you want to get scientific about it, you can adjust your coffee how you want. When I started I had a spread sheet of grind size, coffee weight, water temp variables, water amount and steep time. Of course now I just know what I like, but it was interesting seeing how the slight adjustments changed the final product.
It’s probably not for a voracious coffee drinker though unless you’re willing to make a fresh cup every time rather than reaching for 12 cups of coffee that’s already been brewed.
Denise T says
I have questions: Once you’ve pressed the grounds down and poured your cup, doesn’t the remaining coffee continue to brew since the grounds are still in there? Do you have to pour it all out into a holding carafe so it doesn’t get too strong?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Denise – I serve coffee directly from my French press. Brewing seems to stop once the grounds have been pressed down.
Louise McGrattan says
I have a Techni Vorm Moccamaster. We have had this machine for 16 years and it still makes a 10-cup pot in 6 minutes. Comes with a nifty gold filter basket for those worth their weight in gold coffee grounds.
Crawdaddy says
Glass French Presses are lucky to survive a month here (record was 4.5 weeks). Talked to someone who netted 24 stitches breaking his third one. Discovered the all stainless, Frieling press pot and it’s a thing of beauty. btw, any coffee person shudders at the thought (and taste) of putting plastic anything in contact with hot coffee liquids. Bottoms up!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Crawdaddy – Well. I will have to switch to a wooden spoon!
Vicki says
I use one of these but call it a plunger. I use finer coffee grounds and it works just fine.
Barbara says
Making a pot of French Press is something i’ll do in the evening for a treat. But for daily use, i need my programmable Grind & Brew. The simplicity of pushing a single button first thing in the morning is just too irresistible.
badger gardener says
I so love coffee. I have a French press but it is a small one so I only use it when I’m in the mood for an afternoon cup. I don’t know how it is possible, but I did not know that you could get a French press in a 12 cup size.
Beverly, zone 6, eastern PA says
I am not a coffee drinker.
But I love Carly Simon and have a lot of her albums from the 70’s and 80’s.
Now my stereo speakers are not working so I can’t play these great songs.
Thanks for that musical interlude.
Missy says
Hey Kevin! Have followed your blog for a while, just love it. Just tried my Bee House dripper and Tanors Ceramic Grinder for the first time today. Loved the simplicity of it and taste of the coffee. Conveniently makes one cup, too! Super easy to clean and I like that there’s no plastic. Really makes a delicious cup of coffee.
My Beagle Scooter says hi to your beautiful Lily!!! 🙂
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Missy – And greetings from my Lily to your Scooter!
mary says
Hello Kevin. Yes thanks for the song. That was my favorite album as a pre teen!
I am a fussy coffee drinker!! I love French press coffee when it’s done right! Lol. Good and strong! I now have a moccamaster from Williams Sonoma that I think is great. But it’s all in the beans and the perfect ground!! I have a Breville grinder and I always try to use organic coffee beans. Now do I sound obsessed with coffee or what?
Carole says
I’ve had a French Press for years but didn’t like the sludge in the bottom of my cup so didn’t use it that much – now I know why it happens – I will now grind my coffee beans more coarsely and go back to it. This is the easiest and fastest way to get a great cup of hot coffee.
Sue Iseman says
Coffee is such a joy- I can’t go a morning without it. I will say to anyone who has not done so, it really helps to use filtered water (electric brewing, obviously.) This has improved the flavor of our morning jo immensely, as our “pubic” water doesn’t taste so great out of the tap. I use a Britta type filter and this simple measure makes all the difference. I don’t have a French Press, but am motivated to try this – thanks Kevin. As always, your posts are inspirational!
Sharron says
The song -the way to start the day…..I love a Krups Grind n’ Brew. I have also enjoyed an enamel French drip, unavailable today.
James says
Good morning Kevin.
It is wet and cool here in Michigan this morning.
After years of drinking drip coffee, I picked up a glass french press at a yard sale to see what the hype was. I have to say the flavor was pleasant but not quiet satisfying enough, seems I need more coffee bean to get the fuller flavor I like.
The coffee I always enjoyed the most, came from a stainless steel, pot belly, electric percolator, made by Amway and Saladmaster, that my mother would use on holidays and special occasions. Ironically, I had acquired the pot from my mother’s estate, which I too, had only used on special occasions. Well, I decided to start making everyday a special occasion by using the very pot to make my coffee. What a treat.
My wife and I are spoiled, the coffee always turns out delicious, just right. I have since purchased two other pots on eBay to have for back ups.
And btw, no bleached paper, plastic or aluminum to interfere with the making of my coffee.
Cheers,
Jim
gina says
Kevin…do you grind only what you’re going to use that day?
S says
My husband! (And his Bialetti)
JimmyVoget says
Hey Kevin,
I like the French press on luxurious weekend mornings–and,yes, with the fresh cream! Week days, always in a rush, we use the Bialetti manual “cafetiera” we’ve had about 25 years (well, okay I needed people to get me new gaskets for it when they went to Italy). We use a fine grind, and all our friends want to come over for s cup or two. It’s still our favorite.
Cheri says
Coming from a long Scandanavian line of picky coffee fanatics I use exclusively our porcelain Melitta pots with drip filter and unbleached filters( buy by the case on Amazon). We like our coffee strong and like you a touch of heavy cream on occasion . I too buy whole beans, organic, fair trade and have them in a lovely large glass cookie jar on the counter right next to my burr grinder. We did go through a phase with our French press, an automated electric thing
( kids gave us for Xmas one year) but always come back to our Melitta. I have small, med. and ex large( for dinner parties)…wish I could post a pic here!
Joanie says
Hi Kevin! After years of going through every drip pot out there, five years ago I went back to basics. I use an all stainless stove-top percolator – yes, like the one Nana used to use back in the 50s and 60s. It takes 15 or 20 minutes for a full pot in the morning, but it’s become a ritual and there’s nothing like that aroma wafting through the kitchen. Best coffee ever. I use a Breville grinder for my beans every morning.
If I want a quick cup later in the day, I use a small french press.
Question, though – with your very large press, how do you reheat your coffee if it cools before you pour it all?
Thank you for your wonderful blog; I so enjoy it 🙂
Jake says
Great, now I’ve got that song in my head for the rest of the day… but there are far worse ones to have 🙂
Did you know one of Beatty’s earliest roles was in my second favorite show “The Many Loves of Dobie GIllis” ?
On a quite morning I put on some jazz and use my French press.
The other 364 days of the year the Technivorm Moccamaster rocks my (coffee) world.
Nothing comes even close to a Technivorm, and coffee made in anything else tastes like warmed up toilet water once you’ve owned one.
Clytie says
Hi Kevin, I live in Australia and we call them plungers, in England they are cafetieres. I use my plunger for iced coffee, for everything else I have a Nespresso which uses capsules. The choice of strengths and styles of coffee is large including flavours (yuk!). Coffee culture is very different here to what I’ve experienced in America, coffee drinking is a social activity. We sit in coffee shops and chat, read or just observe, having chosen between latte, flat white, cappuccino, long or short black, macchiato etc. There is often a choice of blend and/origin of the beans. On the issue of stirring coffee in French press I always use a metal spoon. And I guess all of the above is an example of the diversity in our lives.
I look forward to your emails every week, one question – why do you use kosher salt? Clytie
Melissa Horton says
Happy Sunday! Love to read your posts on Sunday morning while I drink my French Press coffee.
Thank you for your tips…will grind less and let it brew for 4 mins. I use organic Italian roast from Whole Foods.
Kelly Brandt says
The flavor and simplicity of using the French Press can’t be beat. Thanks for waking me up to the thought of Warren Beatty’s adorable young face….I bet he thought that song was about him!
Rose Marie says
Hi Kevin,
I have two French presses. One is stainless steel and the other is a glass bodium just like the one you use. But for everyday, I use a Keurig single cup loaded with my own coffee in my own pod. If you only drink one cup, it works well but the French presses make a better cup for sure.
Angelique says
Good morning Kevin,
I’m new to your post but I love it already. This one about coffee (which my husband & I love) made me break out one of many French Presses I have. I use a k-cup coffee maker daily just for the convenience but you are so right the coffee press does make a beautiful cup of coffee. Thank you for bringing me back to what I call the coffee LUSH LIFE!
Angelique
Dolores Crawford says
Kevin, I got a French press from IKEA that’s made of stainless steel and is insulated which keeps the coffee hotter after it’s brewed. My glass one let it cool down too quickly.
Love your recipes and pics every week. Thanks…
Mary Ann says
Is your coffee cold after putting through press and waiting 4 min? I like steaming hot.
Barbara Lawson says
I have tried several of the methods mentioned over the years. I am the only coffee drinker in the house, unless there are guests. To me, the coffee itself is the key. Peet’s here, only and always, even many many miles away from Berkeley these days, and having tried several more local ones or smaller organic companies.
Scoffed at the pods until had them a couple of times at motels on road trips.Then discovered one of my friends uses one at home, and I respect and trust her in all things culinary and beverage-related. Now I have an electric programmable drip machine by Black and Decker.
Adequate. Best if you do not disdain reheating coffee when you don’t drink the whole pot.
Simple grinder. We have one for coffee only, one for spices.
Jenn says
We also have the Techni Vorm Moccamaster and it makes excellent coffee, but I think another important part of a good cup of coffee is to pre-heat the thermal carafe with hot water so that the coffee inside stays piping hot (why piping, btw?) When I used to use a French press, I would pour the coffee into a thermal carafe after it brewed. (I’m a little obsessed with having my coffee very hot…or iced but nothing in between).
My husband is a true fanatic and roasts his own beans. He has a home roaster in the basement, and orders green fair-trade beans online from a great little company called Sweet Maria. He really enjoys this hobby and learning about roasting techniques. I enjoy the results and am totally spoiled by his coffee. It also makes great gifts because people go nuts when they taste freshly home roasted coffee.
One fun thing is that when you roast a batch it doesn’t smell like coffee when it is roasting but like almost but not quite burnt toast. The smell drifts out to the houses on either side of us, and my neighbor finally asked if we ate a lot of toast one day!
The used grounds go into the compost bucket, as does the chaff that comes off the coffee as it roasts, and we have gold mesh filter so there is no waste.
Ksb says
I use the Rok Espresso press. Manual, generates no waste other than the grounds. I like a latte. For regular coffee I use a Bodum.
Susan Borgen says
Just learned, after 62 years, how to drink coffee. I use the same press, the same coffee (though full strength), and the same cream (full strength). It is really about the process and the ritual, which I’ve come to love here in the Northwoods.
Adriana Fernandez says
I am delighted with your article about coffee, as an Argentine, (we’re crazy coffe lovers), and from Spanish and Italian descent (being raced by an Italian grandma from Tuscany), I’m very picky about coffee. When I moved to Canada (May 2008) I was given and electric coffee maker with paper filters, I wasn’t happy, I wanted the taste of “real” coffee. I bought an stainless steel stove top espresso maker, which I now keep on our boat. I bought a Saeco (Italian make) electric manual espresso maker, and… A French press that I take to work or when I travel. I always choose fair trade good coffee beans. Nothing better than a freshly grinded coffee beans!!! I prefer a “lungo” double espresso (I call it, the Argentine coffee, that it is normally served at our “Cafés”, prepared on industrial espresso makers. No paper or plastic involved! I love it with a dash of cream!!! I’m having one on the Boat right now (I don’t see a way to upload a photo, but I leave to your imagination). What a pleasure!!! Thank you Kevin for all your wonderful posts, they are enlightening and a pleasure to read! Enjoy the summer!!!!!
Scheryl says
Glad to read that you use Fair-Trade and Organic coffee. Let’s hear it for the small farmer! I love cafe presse also, but for a larger brew, I use a Breville coffee maker. It will grind beans then brew to taste or brew previously ground beans. It can also brew one cup. You choose the size of the cup. Bottom line is a good brew.
Cathy says
Ah…coffee! I grind my own beans from the roastery. I had a smaller French Press but the glass broke. The large press is too large. I have a Mokka pot rarely used and a new delonghini electric filter type pot with a gold filter. My daughter says that having a thermos to put the coffee into keeps it from getting bitter over time.
Kathy says
I’ve used a French press for years, but just recently reverted (regressed) to an old percolator that I put a napkin filter in. I love the full-bodied flavor of the perked coffee that the French press doesn’t quite achieve, however, I don’t enjoy the longer time required to achieve this bliss.
Abigail says
I had a French press given to me by my son from Seattle, where they really know their coffee.
After much happy use, it broke. Now I use a one cup Melita filter (with an extra filter for company) and only and always fair trade, organic beans. I get up in the morning looking forward to my cup of joy. Your blog is a joy, Kevin. Thank you.
gladys says
Kelvin, enjoy your posts & many of your recipes. After reading todays posts on coffee, I immediately poured our the cup I was drinking, Pulled out my French press & made coffee. (did not know to use coursely ground beans so never used it because of the grounds, sludge). After an Aha moment, packed up my Mr. Coffee Machine for Good-Will. Thank you!
Tray says
We use the aero press and low acid, organic coffee. We tried several french press’s and they did fine but prefer the aero press now. It forces us to be more conservative with our coffee drinking (brews one cup at a time). It seems to give a better taste. I have tried various grinds and the best for us is the fine grind. Most call it espresso grind. This gives more of the coffee contact with the water. The French press has to use very coarse grind or you get sludge as you mentioned. The aero press uses small paper filters that allows us to use the fine grind.
Tray says
I forgot to mention that we use an electric kettle to brew the water. This way I control the temp accurately and do not scorch the beans with boiling water.
Linda says
I have had a Nespresso machine for several years and love it. I use a capsule of caffenated and a capsule of decaf with some heavy cream. I run each capsule through 3 times which makes a large mug of coffee. It is delish. I used to make lattes but on low carb now and must use heavy cream. Love your posts.
Becky says
I use a Bialettie Moka Express and love it! It makes 9 demitasse cups, but for me that equals two cups of coffee. It’s easy to use and care for. I’m going to make some right now!
http://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-Express-9-Cup-Stovetop-Espresso/dp/B0000CFSS5/ref=sr_1_1/178-5097003-8377963?ie=UTF8&qid=1433090848&sr=8-1&keywords=bialetti+moka+express+9+cup
Baltimore Cindy says
I’m echoing your accolades for the Bodum french press. We have it down to a science: 2 coffee spoons of ground coffee; water heated to exactly 200 degrees (via thermometer), and a 7-minute countdown, stir, press, and serve. Not sure how much water we use since it’s marked on the Bodum glass container…after many trial and error efforts. Lastly, we use Peet’s House Blend – already ground. We’ve given up grinding whole beans since Peet’s coffee is always fresh and we quickly drink through our inventory.
I’m also sending thanks for this blog which is one of the most captivating and interesting ones around. From your garden activities to your kitchen delights, it often feels as though I’m getting newsy updates and tips from a beloved and talented friend.
Colleen says
Hi Kevin,
Reading your article brought to mind an article I recently read about coffee pots from the University of Arizona which fascinated me: http://qz.com/374754/how-i-discovered-a-coffee-pot-was-making-my-patient-sick/
Thanks for all your sharing. I really enjoy your blog.
Wendy Stewart says
We two each drink different coffees, but we both brew ours using one-serving Melitta baskets and coffee filters. One cup at a time, kids! We use a stainless steel electric kettle: no plastic. I’ll have to try a French press next–thanks for the tutorial.
Susan M. says
My husband and I, coffee drinkers for more than 50 years, have tried about all the methods available for brewing coffee at home. The French press, our favorite (and we had them in all sizes to accommodate all our needs) turned out to have a problem I haven’t seen mentioned here. I hate to bring it up – gulp! I’ll just whisper it – French press coffee raises cholesterol. It’s not the caffeine. The increase in cholesterol is believed to be caused by oils called terpenes that are found in coffee, but are mostly removed by filters. (Just do a search for yourself to confirm.) We’ve gone back to the simple Melitta filter top and unbleached filters to make drip coffee from beans we grind fresh with each use, but we miss the wonderful pressed coffee we used to enjoy.
Always enjoy your photos and features, Kevin. Thanks so much!
CCTX says
I’ve tried many methods over the years and much depends on the quantity of time I have. I want a simple and quick method, if going to work or other immediate activity, and I’m willing to use a French press or other more elaborate method on weekends. Like other commenters, I want my coffee HOT. I always fill my ceramic cup with water, then microwave on high til almost boiling…let sit until coffee has brewed. Now-a-days, I prefer my coffee brewed by the “cowboy method”, which is very similar to your French press method. Bring a pan of water to a boil, turn-off heat, add the appropriate measure of ground coffee, stir, and let sit about four minutes. Dump the hot water from the cup, strain the brewed coffee through a fine stainless steel, all-purpose kitchen strainer, (or any filter) directly into the cup, with any extra coffee strained into a thermos. This method allows any number of cups to be prepared. I prefer making one cup at a time. Always add about 1/4 cup extra water per batch of any size to allow for water absorbed by the ground coffee. Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend is my fav.
Valerie C. says
Keurig user here. But, I have wonderful memories of coffee with my aunt and she had a French press too. I can smell the coffee now 🙂 Maybe I’ll buy one. You’ve inspired me.
Grazyna says
We use French press but it’s stainless, insulated pot by Nissan. It keeps the coffee hot much longer then the glass one (which sits in the cupboard), Had it for years. We had to order the replacement filter for it. Little cream and sometimes a drop of honey.
Henrietta says
I use a corning ware coffee pot which I believe is from the 1960’s or after that time.
TriciaLee says
Using a Keurig on a daily basis. Coffee flavor is…..eh! Tied using French press on occasion,; happier, but not thrilled. I see you use “coarse ground”…..and THAT may be the answer! Fine ground is not working for me. And I brew for 5 min: maybe too long. Back to the drawing board.
Danni says
French press on weekends when I have time, but old fashion percolator for the week, grind my own beans fresh. We tried everything and this is the best!
Rudolf Steiner says
Several extol the virtue of 3-5 minutes prior to plunge, and I find this far too long. For I typically stir than plunge within 60 seconds to preserve and enjoy all the subtle volatiles. Also, I roast my own green beans to the color and toast desired.
Please provide input.
Tracey San says
Mmmm…French press, yes please! I know I’m supposed to use a coarse grind but I also love pressing with a finer grind. The texture becomes very rich…almost Turkish!
Samantha says
Love Carly’s music, so thank you for the treat. Saw my first coffee press when I was doing doctoral work in Australia. My sister went with me and we stayed in Tasmania (gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous place – all of it!) and drove through it for a few days. They used coffee presses exclusively at our bed+breakfasts, and I fell in love with them along with Vegemite.
Chit says
hi Kevin! The new “aero press” coffee maker is supposed to outdo the French press! It’s really great but sometimes yes…I loathe it because it’s too tight to press down and it sits on top of your cup and you are scared it will topple down…and especially for seniors like me! Now I am trying to contact the make if the tightness to push has anything to do with the taste of coffee! Otherwise I prefer the process because I don’t have to wait for 4 minutes!…impatience?
Hawaii_Lynette says
I lovelovelove perculated coffee. My Corningware perculator is over 30 years old. I also love French Press but dislike the sludge clean up. We brew our daily coffee with Hamilton Beach Single Serve just because it’s fast and we’re off to work. I perk when we have company because the fabulous smell while perking draws everybody in the kitchen anxious for their cup of coffee and they hang in that delicious aroma.
Diane Var says
French press for me. I’m ashamed to say I own a Keurig, it was a gift. But I only use it for hot water.
Kate says
I use a French Press. I love grinding my coffee beans – the scent is fabulous. They have 2 different coffee makers at my j.o.b. a Mr. Coffee and a Keurig. I bring my own coffee in a thermos. On my 16 hour shift I bring my French press and freshly ground coffee. I’m currently using espresso beans.
Erin Brady says
I’ll say it loud and I’ll say it proud… I love instant coffee!
Carole Mathieu says
We’ve used a Krups II Cafe Duomo which makes latte and espresso, but we only use it for coffee. Love it. We’ve brewed at least one 10-cup carafe every day for years with no problems. We grind our fair trade columnian coffe on the Turkish setting at the store; we find we can use less to get as much flavor as a coarser grind.
Leanne says
I have lovingly worn out several Cusinart grind and brew machines. the whole beans go in the coffee makers basket. The next morning when I hit the “on” button, the beans are ground and thrown into the filter. Then my luscious coffee is made and everyone is safe. I have wondered about the French press method after hearing a coffee grower say that this is his preferred method of coffee making. Seems like he would be an expert on the topic. So, I really found your step by step (with pictures!) helpful. By the way, love your posts and website. You are a treasure!
Heike says
I have a Jura Micro 1 that I bought for 1/2 off retail at woot.com. I love it. The water tank holds enough for 4 cups and it grinds as you go. My parents, in Germany, have had a coffee machine like this for over 20 years. I am so glad that they have finally arrived here in the US and are semi affordable.
We have a Keurig at work, since nobody wants to clean a coffee pot and the boss is the one that drinks the most coffee by far. If I want coffee at work, I’ll bring a 1 Liter Thermos, but I mostly drink tea at work.
Chip Barkel says
I have had several coffeemakers including the Nespresso. I bought a French press for the cottage, because it is open concept and would be quiet in the morning. Loved it so much I bought a second one for home. Out with the expensive Nespresso pod-polluting machine. After a couple of years, still loving the French Press. Easy to make and easy to clean.
Perfect coffee flavour.
CarolAnn says
Keurig has been my choice for several years. I choose a medium roast but bold taste. (Newman’s Own is a favorite). Where I live, summer storms cause power outages. That’s when I use my French press. I heat the water in a fondue pot over a can of Sterno and I can make the coffee that way in the French press.
I am also interested in what you do with the balance of coffee in the pot. I pour into a thermal container or else into the fondue pot over Sterno and watch it like a hawk.
Catharine in the Cascades, WA says
Our first choice is our AeroPress. This nifty little system beats the flavour of our french press coffee (second favourite choice), and it is quicker to use. The hot (180 degrees F, NOT boiling) water stays on the groun ds only for 10 seconds (plus the additional 30 seconds we add), so there is none of the bitterness you can get from other methods. We use a the extra-fine stainless steel filter which is made for this system, instead of the paper filters which come with the kit, because it doesn’t filter out the “crema” which you get on top of the cup of coffee, so it is just like an Italian (or Argentinian) coffee shop coffee.
Downside of the Aeropress? you make only one serving of coffee at a time. For a crowd, I use several french presses, poured into thermos to keep them hot.
Cynthia Hoisington says
Ahhh the french press. We’ve been using them for a number of years in our house. I bought 2 Thermos Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Carafes. When I’m making coffee, I fill one carafe with a slurp of boiling water. I pour that water out when the coffee is done , pour coffee in and it lasts for at least 4 hours and still tastes great.
Oh, how I would love a garden like yours or at least a little bit so. Do enjoy your words.
K says
Bee House pour over ceramic coffee dripper – $18 online – great rich coffee without the oiliness and potential bitterness of French Press…..one ambrosial cup at a time! I have an Aero Press I love as well but seems easier with the pour over for a heaping mug in the morning. Cheers!
Ed Morrow says
How do you get you water top the “not-quite-boiling” point. Is that an electric kettle in the picture?
Thanks,
Ed Morrow
Carmel Valley, CA
Barbara Petersen says
I have tried nearly every kind of coffee maker but nothing has ever beat the taste of the old stove top percolator.
Janet G. Metzger says
I have a Melitta but not one that is good for one person. the only item I have for one person is all plastic. I have considered a French press but by one attempt left me with more residue than my little plastic drip. From your instructions i gather that I did not let the coffee sit long enough. will try again. i do not like plastic.
janet
PS re note above. I, too, love the old stove top percolator, but that is too much work for me!
Rebecca says
My husband is the coffee drinker. I bought him a Techni Vorm Moccamaster and a grinder for Christmas. He loves the speed and the rich taste. Gotta love Carly!
Deb Vozniak says
I’ve used a drip coffee maker, a traditional stove top espresso pot, a stove top percolator and a French press. All of them have their pluses and minuses, but for the last couple of years, I’ve been doing cold brewed coffee and loving it. The coffee is steeped in cold water for 24 or more hours (I generally leave it for about three days) and then the “coffee syrup” is used to make individual cups. It is an incredibly smooth, rich coffee, with very little acidity. I make mine with dark roast coffee and it is outstanding. I’ve also used French Market Coffee with chicory and it was absolutely fabulous. One of the big advantages to cold brew is you can make it iced or hot – and you don’t have to water down the coffee to make iced coffee. Just mix the coffee syrup with ice water and you have a wonderful hot summer day cool down.
Cate says
Your humor always brightens my day! I use 3 brew methods – an autobrew, middle-of-the road coffee maker (insulated pot keeps it hot & taste is good- I just wish the insides weren’t plastic – I’m sure heating plastic that hot leaches things not good for me), a 4-cup French press (love the ease & aesthetics, but sometimes the brew is too acidic for me), and espresso from my cheapo, thrift store, electric espresso machine. The best, smoothest cup of Joe I’ve had was made in the Aerobie AeroPress. A seriously delicious cup of coffee.
Lisa G says
I have the exact same (large) Bodum “Chambord” press you picture. I’ve had it for about five years now. I’ve had to replace the glass decanter body only once, and that was due to a dish-washing accident (I hand wash it, BTW) but those little mesh screens drive me crazy! I’ve purchased replacements for them, and am on my third. I insist on cleaning them once in a while– i.e. more than just a rinse-off– and the edges fray even if I don’t do anything more than rinse them off.
My quick solution is to (once thoroughly dry) get my rolling pin out and smooth down the edges (flip it over, do the other side, too) and it’s good again for a while. When to quit and break out a new one? When I get disgusted with the trimming and smoothing tasks to keep the current one working without painfully poking me when I assemble the stem/plunger. But of course, I know that soon enough– very soon– the new one would be right where the current one is. *sigh*
Of course, as someone mentioned above, use a WOODEN spoon… never plastic! ICK! There are so many wonderful wooden artisan spoon vendors out there… pick out something with the exact length and gorgeous handle that suits who you are. In fact, buy several and let the wooden stirring spoon for your press be dictated by mood!
I first found these gorgeous spoons at a Mother Earth News Fair in Seven Springs, PA several years back. Just as an example:
http://www.woodspoon.com/
Have fun, keep on pressing! Just remember to let it sit no longer than 4.5 to 5 minutes after you press it. With coffee left in the grounds at the bottom of the press, it will begin to get bitter and yukky. If you have leftover coffee (tee hee, I never do!) then remove it and pour it off into a ceramic mug to be reheated later. Cheers!
Chris says
During the week we use a Krups programmable coffee maker and a Cuisinart coffee grinder. This works well for large volumes of good coffee, though we never manage to transfer the fresh grounds to the filter basket without dropping a few on the counter. I will trade a small mess for good coffee any day! On the weekends we treat ourselves to French press coffee made with a Bodum press like yours and water heated on the French press setting of a Cuisinart electric kettle. Delicious!
Cheryl hodges says
I have a collection of old coffee pots. My favorites are the glass percolators. They come with a chord and you can watch them work. I think those are the best!
Karen King says
I use the Black & Decker coffee maker. It has a temperature setter on it and I set it to the hottest that it goes. Makes a delicious pot of coffee. Cuts off after 2 hours. It has an Auto brew button that I use when my husband gets up at 5:00 to get ready for work. I love this coffee maker. I also have a stove top percolator that I use as a back up when my coffee makers have died. Sometimes I fix 2 pots a day, depending on my mood for coffee. lol
Maryjane Stafford says
I use both a French press and a Mr. Coffee. However, I have been hearing that the new gadget is an aero press. Anyone know anything about it?
Ardelle says
I do have a single cup Bodum but often use my Cuisinart 12 cup because it keeps it warm for ‘drop-in’ neighbors and friends – usually with their dogs in the morning. 🙂 We have developed quite the coffee habit here. Nothing opens the eyes and gets the energy ramped up as efficiently as COFFEE in the morning – oh, yes, along with the requisite daily serving of DARK chocolate. I always have that in the a.m. so it doesn’t keep me awake at night. Another favorite – cream and dark maple syrup – perfect.
How do you keep the coffee warm if you use a 12 cup French press?
Dave says
Coffee made with the French press gives me an hour of aftertaste that a regular coffeemaker cannot give. The clean up and the careful handling of the beaker and filters forced me look at alternatives. Recently I experimented into making life simpler, by using the Generic brand reusable K cups available at Grocery stores for about a buck and half each. Simply fill the K cup with about 2 teaspoons of coffee, and place it inside the mug. Pour hot water over it and into the mug. Let it steep or brew for 3-4 minutes and remove the k cup with a spoon. Add sugar and drink the wonderful coffee black. Some like to add the white stuff.
This made clean up very easy. A rinse of the K cup and its ready for the next one.
Becky @ Becky's Place says
I use our little 4c drip machine, MrCoffee, I think. It makes exactly two and one half mugs for myself and husband. However, I also have a Tassimo which, due to expense of the coffee discs, now resides in a closet. My husband bought me a French Press last year and I have used it now and again. I do like the flavor better. But like others, it’s a pain in the tushie to clean when compared to the drip machine. We bought a reusable basket for it in lieu of paper filters, which I love. I just give it a quick flick of the wrist into our compost bucket to empty.
denise says
french press for me! every evening I take the left over grounds and water my outdoor plants right out of my french press. I fill it up several times until the grounds are gone. My plants love coffee as much as me!
Judith says
Kevin,
We are big coffee drinkers around here. Mostly we use the Italian Mokka stove top pots. I even have one called a Mukka, which makes Cappucino as the coffee bubbles up from below. Also, when we do use the drip coffee maker, I usually use a single measuring cup instead of counting 12 Tablespoons, I would use a 3/4 cup measuring cup. I am easily distracted and loose count. Love you.
Anne-Pii Saare says
Hi!
I have used this coffeemaker for many many years. I have a small one for only me, and a bigger one for when being more than just me. It is funny, but you call it a French press coffee maker, but my partner (who is French, and with whom I now live with – here in France) didn’t know much about it. I thought it was more of a nordic thing. Bodum (who is one of the producers, but from my experience not with the best quality) is a swedish company.
A tip: to not use too much force (and destroy the plunger, which can happen), push the plunger just a little, and then raise it again. Wait for a minute, and you will see that the coffee starts to fall down by itself, and it is then so much easier to push down the plunger.