FRENCH PRESS: 5 Lessons I Learned the Hard Way

[@coffeechronicler]

💧 *Discover the alchemy of coffee water:* coffeechronicler.gumroad.com/l/h20/

[@RoelofMalan]

A LOT OF PRETENCIOUS FRENCH crapvomiting shit.

[@tarnishedknight730]

I spent 20 years in the Navy. Any coffee that is: a) brewed within 10 years of when it was ground. b) not brewed in 3 to 5 gallon batches. c) not used as a parts cleaner. Is alright by me.

[@sacrebleu1371]

Those in the Navy had salt added in when coffee was brewed. I personally observed mess specialists doing it. When I asked, they thought I wanted to learn the process and told me 'just enough to look like dander'. 😳 That's when I bought my personal sized french press and kept my own coffee stash.

[@stevealbenetyh38]

sounds like prison conditions. you guys deserve better.

[@masterd_flabz7043]

I was drinking coffee like a barbarian for years. Yesterday while I was shopping for groceries, I stumbled on a cheap french press on sale, bought it. Today made my first french pres coffee and the difference is night and day. Felt like I was in a cafe

[@BennyCFD]

I bet it still tastes just like coffee.

[@robincooney1263]

Welcome to the rabbit hole, you won't regret it

[@tyrandavid6617]

😅Like a barbarian! Me too

[@jameskarue5718]

I always pictured barbarians chugging jugs of beer down never coffee🤔

[@itachimistress]

It's a quality thing ​@@BennyCFD

[@CNich90]

Wow, the tip to not break up the crust by far made the biggest difference in the cup. Way less sediment. Thank you so much!

[@KwaddyK]

Just drinking my first coffee with these tips. The coffee tastes so much better. ❤

[@daven953]

Well Sir, thanks for all your info. I have been using the French press for over 20 years. My method is similar. Although in my glass press, I use a chopstick , less chance of breakage. Then, give it a vigorous stir, put the plunger in to just above the crust. Then, place a dish towel around the press to hold in the heat. I then leave it to 8-10 minutes. It's the strength I like. Other than that, I follow your method. I have found that bean choice is important. What tastes good in drip, doesn't always work for the French press. The carafe was a huge improvement in the last cup or so. Sitting in the grinds to long makes for a bitter coffee. My alternative for coffee now and again is cowboy coffee method. Cheers everyone.

[@BhavyaAndrea]

I also use chopstick and wrap carafe with towel😄 I mean why wouldn’t you right? Just that my friends with French press think it so unnecessary 😉😄

[@demwood8921]

I do exactly the same thing, chopstick and tea towel wrap, my Mrs. loves the French Press coffee that I make. Good coarse grind is key in my opinion.

[@BhavyaAndrea]

@@lennybuttz2162 In my case to avoid some bitterness after steeping for longer than usual I don’t plunge, just pour. I tried the insulated carafe but swear the coffee had a slight metallic taste so back to glass with towel😁

[@MizzElle-kp6nl]

Can I use very fine ground?

[@prashanthkamath7437]

I use an SS press (double-walled). I preheat the press by pouring hot water in it and draining the water, before placing the coffee powder and pouring hot water for the coffee.

[@gnrands50]

Everyone has different tastes. I preheat my French press by filling it with boiling water before starting. I toss this water, add coffee ground as fine as possible (espresso grind), pour in distilled water that is boiling, and let it steep for 3 - 5 minutes before gently pressing. A bit of silt at the bottom of my cup is just fine with me, as long as the brew is dark & strong.

[@susanpetropoulos1039]

3-5 minutes later the coffee needs to be reheated!

[@walkerhjk]

I use 7grams ground coffee per large cup (250ml) cover the grounds with hot, not boiling water, around 190 - 195C and stir, leave for about 30 seconds and fill the carafe with c.190C water, stir well and put the plunger on the pot. Leave for 4 minutes too brew, not much longer or the coffee is bitter. Scoop off the floating grounds with 2 soupspoons which fit nicely, remove any grounds left on the side of the glass, replace the plunger and push it to the bottom V E R Y S L O W L Y and then pour the coffee into the cups. Add milk, cream, sugar if required, stir and enjoy !

[@EuroScot2023]

@@walkerhjk Lol. Really!! 190-195C. I would love to know what ambient pressure you live in. Are you on Saturn or Jupiter perchance?

[@prdmakovy]

"Sir, i just asked you with or without milk"

[@ovariantrolley2327]

Loooool

[@DrNasciturusIII]

Best comment ever! 😂

[@christophersantos8986]

with out unless im feeling festive

[@joycelynchurch4731]

lol

[@jadegrowsveg]

😂😂😂😂

[@PranaadhikaSinhaDevburman]

My French Press and I are watching this together. Thank you for sharing the ratio, really changed my cold brew game ❤

[@randalalansmith9883]

It doesn't "press" unless you've overloaded it with grounds. It's just basically a filter system after doing immersion brewing. And then you gotta clean all these parts (and the screen has sharp edges.) I just pour boiling water over grounds in a big mason jar, then stir and wait four minutes. Then I filter into the serving cup with a re-usable nylon filter and mason jar funnel. Same coffee. Easy clean.

[@Taylor44555]

genius

[@MarySanchez-qk3hp]

Thank you. I already know how much ground coffee I use in my Mr, Coffee with 24-25 oz of water. Yoir way is certainly less expensive. I’ve got mason jars, both paper filers and my,in filter, so why not try. I’m not a gourmet, I just need the caffeine and I’m tired of my Mr, Coffee Ms,king it taste like ashes.

[@bill72pa]

That's like cowboy coffee but with a filter instead of cold water

[@RocketSmokedCoffee]

I always wondered why sometimes my french press coffee was great and other times it was bitter or even sometimes sour, even though I thought I was using the same method every time. Very insightful. Thanks so much!

[@ot7bg]

Same! Mine has been sour too often

[@peterpiper487]

I think we need a filter that fits onto the cup. That way, when the French press filters the coffee, it can be filtered again as it is poured into the cup.

[@Maxaldojo]

I use a quart Mason jar as a carafe and then seal it and refrigerate the leftover coffee for ice coffee, later! Thanks for this explanation!

[@Gladtobemom]

I agree with everything you say. We use a French press every day. The addition of a double walled french press will improve the brew also, especially if you are like us and like to add cream to your coffee.

[@mimsicle1]

I’m very new at using a French Press mostly because of travel convenience. I have been completely off of caffeine so am using French Chicory each morning. I put two heaping teaspoons of Chicory into my Press, add water and stir then press it down. Very nice substitute and I sleep better.

[@Commando303X]

These topics -- stirring, breaking crust, plunging -- have been studied and pontificated upon endlessly; and, the verdict is, everyone has the right answer, and everyone else is wrong. At the end of the day, one just has to have a decent starting-point, whence to play around, figure out what one likes, develop one's habits into strong and pernicious dogma, never change one's ways, then eventually die a meaningless death.

[@wayfa13]

rofl

[@hamesmck5061]

@@wayfa13 doth one rofl? surely one doth not?

[@28105wsking]

LOLOLOL!!Surely that is how everyone is about what they love! Dont die a meaningless death!

[@LastAphelion]

@@lennybuttz2162 No one should be spending 30 minutes even following some weird esoteric barista championship winning recipe. But is it a foreign concept to you that people get excited about different things in life and they want to explore the nuances and techniques of it all more deeply? Maybe someone loves bread and researches and tries all the recipes that they can find and start working at a bakery because they're just crazy about bread and they have a different technique of doing it. Maybe its wine or cheese you get passionate about whether eating or making. We get different wonderful kinds because people tried doing it different ways. Why is it weird if its coffee.

[@hisroyalblueness]

Always grind fine, always stir vigorously after adding water and then again before plunging. Do fine particles get through the plunger mesh? Yes of course they do. Are the fine particles a problem? No of course they're not - because if you leave the 'plunged' coffee to stand for a few minutes those fine particles sink . . as is explained in this video that then goes on to detail elaborate ways to avoid getting fine particles into the coffee when it is already understood that they sink if you leave them for a few minutes .

[@ImYourOverlord]

James Hoffman's technique is fantastic, and consistently following it will yield satisfying results.

[@MissGrandeko]

I’m so glad I stumbled on this video. I just bought a French press for the first time but don’t really know how to use it. These tips are really helpful 💕

[@ddewittfulton]

I'm currently at the stage where I am considering whether I prefer French Press to Pour Over method. I really appreciate the clean consistency of the pour over. The French Press, even with the Hoffman Steep is less time consuming than a careful pour over. But Pour Over saves time in cleaning.

[@stephenshoihet2590]

I'm doing the same! 😄I usually make mochas but I'm home for 3 weeks and I can't drink THAT many so I need something else to drink. I was using my bodum pour over but i recently got a new (to me) coffee grinder so I'm experimenting with the French press again 🙂 I like my coffee on the cooler side so I don't mind that extra time for the French press because it's too hot for me to drink anyway.

[@CrazyLinguiniLegs]

Ever try a Clever brewer?

[@jameslifetimelearner]

I’m using a Barrista cone when I pour over, micro mesh extends brew time.Plus I stir.

[@DanielSnyder-bz8kp]

I have the Espro french press. I have the P0 for a single cup and the P7 for 2 or 3 cups. It has 2 mesh filters, fine and super fine. I also use a paper filter with it. In reviews it has been docked for not tasting "french-pressy" enough because it filters too fine. I don't feel the need to fit neatly in categories. The Espro with a paper filter kinda tastes like a cross between a pour-over and a french press. It's also fast and easy. You could probably be retarded and still make a good cup. Ok , maybe not that last one.

[@earthoid]

I gave up on my French press because the plunger would sometimes get so hard to push down all the way that I was afraid I might break the glass. I could see plenty of liquid below the strainer but it wouldn't go down all the way. I would then swirl the liquid around and sometimes get the plunger to go a little farther. This happened with a different press too. I think I'll try again with a finer grind after watching your video.

[@CrisTina-tp2jg]

I love my French press and have been using it for decades. I have tried other methods but keep going back to the French press.

[@glindathegoodwitch3385]

Thank you ESPECIALLY for highlighting your main points so they are easy to review in the transcript. Wow! I am actually already doing everything you suggest. ❤

[@bunkyman8097]

I love my French press. Thank you for sharing your research with us. It is greatly appreciated.!

[@FreakyRufus]

I grind slightly courser for French press than for drip. I use a 16:1 ratio, pour all the water in, stir vigorously, then put the top on and set a timer for 7 minutes, but I don’t notice much difference between 7 and 5. My coffee is in no way under extracted, it is nice and strong and not overly bitter. I do have a problem with fines getting through, so maybe decanting would help with that.

[@meatdog]

I cannot begin to comprehend how you can get this Wrong! It's the best and easiest way to make coffee super fast and easy!!! REALLY!

[@prashanthkamath7437]

I am in India. French press is not common in India, but I use and swear by one. I use a bit finer powder size than the standard recommended for French presses. We generally drink coffee with milk, so I use around 15 gm of powder with about 60 ml of water. I add about 100 ml of hot milk to the decaution. Bit of sugar to go. If I make it black, then I brew it very light, and do not add sugar.

[@richardmerriam7044]

My sister makes french press, but the last ounce or so is loaded with grounds and is undrinkable. I use a drip maker and don't have that problem. I'd change to a percolator, but I only have one or two cups in the morning. Great video.

[@franks4973]

Nice explanation, I have found that by my own trial and error that those tips are correct. I have tried the Hoff method multiple times and I don’t find that it makes a positive difference, it’s just too strong. Great work, thx.

[@eonarts]

I loosely follow our local coffee roaster’s method (ritual roasters). I used to weigh how much ground coffee was ideal but then my burr grinder broke and I got an inferior one. It still grinds well but there’s no button to repeat the same grind. I will not make that mistake again). I moved away from the bodum press as they didn’t keep the coffee warm and broke easily (plus due to a skin problem the ball on top was often painful to press). I bought a stainless steel press but the coffee taste was inferior. So I bought an expensive German press where the glass part was thicker and it was incased in some metal parts. The coffee NEVER has silt, tastes great and the glass never broke. But after 10 years the top part began to fall apart. It was no longer available but I found another with a lot more metal surrounding the thick glass. Once I left the classic press all the plungers were like your white one. I put the grinds in a pot I’ve heated up, then I add water (that’s reached ideal temps) and about 30-60 seconds later I stir and put the top just touching the crust. 4-5 min later I add to a cup add milk and sweetener and have a DELICIOUS cup of coffee. I had a guest who was complaining about the process and then they tasted their coffee and went, ok that’s a damn good cup of coffee! (I don’t have a carafe for it but often wish for one as by the last cup it gets a bit bitter. I just add collagen (mine doesn’t change the taste outside of curbing the bitterness and I add protein to my diet!) and then the cup tastes great. I don’t think 5 min is too long to wait for an excellent cup of coffee.

[@TheShape76]

Here's how you can still make French press coffee: 1. Clean all devices thoroughly. 2. Preheat the French press with warm water. 3. Coarsely grind the desired amount of coffee. 4. I like to use filtered water. 5. Coffee in the press, hot water and the pot in a vacuum chamber. 6. Wait 4 to 5 minutes. Done.

[@Gallasl666]

This has been my brew method for more years than I recall. I use a burr type grinder not a whirly blade that I can dial in grind coarseness and amount so that helps a lot. I dont really mind some sediment as it sinks to the bottom of the cup.

[@grahamgisby]

It will get cold, you´ll have to microwave....

[@susyward581]

First thing for me is the coffee. I have tried everything out there and still go back to my favourite in a red packet and begins with an L. I use a rounded coffee scoop with enough water for black coffee. If I’m adding milk it is a heaped scoop and slightly less water. I allow the water to come off the boil by opening the kettle lid for say ten seconds then pour in to my preferred level. I stir one way then the other and let it settle. I don’t push down the plunger but use the weight of my hand. Perfect every time

[@CrazyLinguiniLegs]

I use the same 1:16 to 1:17 ratio, medium grind, whether I make French press, pour over or clever brewer, all with very good results.

[@johncampbell9216]

Suggestion: Dose and fill the press, insert the plunger and let the filter rest on the crust. Place one hand on the lid as you lift the press with the other hand. Now gently swirl the press with your hands- two circles right, two circles left. Then place down for brewing. This method serves to wet the course grounds while they're being held by the filter and swirling avoids unsettling the finer grounds on the bottom. Plunge then serve.

[@eldante4139]

I invested in one this week as I find instant coffee too bitter. I want a coffee that is palatable so that I can switch to drinking coffee more and drink soda less. I tried it for the first time yesterday. Came out very well but good to see this video for tips on how to improve going forwards. Thank you

[@prashanthkamath7437]

Use medium roast, it will be less bitter and more fruity.

[@SomeRandomBarista]

Funny enough, about 1 year ago, I was using the french press quite a lot. Until I broke it by accident. I was having deceiving cup, and didn't have the patience to properly skim the top like in the hoffmann recipe. So I had an idea similar to yours. I got the plunger out, pop-it onto classique melitta filter, cut the filter to a circle. And from one melitta paper filter, i was getting two round filter to add on the bottom of my plunger I was putting one of those filter at the bottom of the plunger for each brew and Sticking it like an aeropress filter on a inverted aeropress method And I was having some realy great result, some really clear brew. Then my french press fall on the ground and the glass broke, and I got an aeropress insted, since I'm brewing for two person at most

[@veganpotterthevegan]

I always have a couple backup beakers. I French press because I don't like paper filtration. You may be a good candidate for a Clever dripper...it kinda does 2 cups

[@john.heinlein]

I've been doing French press for years (and mostly doing it right!) but this was a fantastic video, so helpful. I have liked and subscribed!

[@PursuingHeaven]

I find that people over complicate the process, especially the guru James- I am not going to wait five mins AFTER its brewed. I have been brewing intuitively for over 20 years and most of what you said I do but my process is slightly different. I grind my beans past a course but before a powder. I have a cheap grinder and I just keep an eye on it and turn it upside on the last second or two of spin. I then scoop out 1 level tablespoon of grounds for every 2 oz of water plus a tablespoon or two for the whole batch depending on the roast of the coffee. So for my standard 12 oz French Press brew I put in six tablespoons plus 1 or 2. I have found just as said above you need a little more. I pour water just under boiling at the bottom third, and stir to get it mixed then fill the rest of the way and let it sit for 5 mins and yes it builds a crust-just leave it the alone, that is magic at work! I plunge then decant then serve and I only decant because I don't always drink 12 oz. I will put the left over in in the refrigerator for ice coffee later (makes great ice coffee because it is already strong). I never have bitter gritty brew, just smooth strong groundless coffee and its been this way long before KZbin lol. I do have a small strainer incase it doesn't go accordingly, usually due to the grinding process but I rarely use it. I will also say I like very strong coffee because I always use cream-the real cream.

[@rodrigoerthalwilson7178]

Great video! Nowadays I'm using french press for Cold Brew (it's summer here in Brazil, 107° fahrenheit last week)

[@Deem57]

I just watched your video. I love my french press and will now tweak how I stir my coffee. Decanting it into a carafe is a great idea but my favourite french press is stainless steel, which holds in the heat. I guess I could find a stainless steel carafe and use it but...

[@Least3charakters]

Ive heard this called cowboy coffee. Fill your pot 1/3 with grounds then cover the grounds with water then stir then sit 30 sec to a minute then fill the rest of the way with water. Then wait 4 mins. Then press or pour through filter.

[@angelbulldog4934]

Enjoying a cup of fresh-ground beans done in my Bodum stainless steel double-wall French press Ive had for 30 years. Ive learned something here about the stirring. Thank you!

[@CragScrambler]

I like Hoffmans version just because it prolongs the life of my Jetboils press. By not forcing it, and pouring through the crust I also thinknits acting like an extra filter as you said while not putting any undue stress or pressure on the equipment. I use 35g medium course grind on 500ml in my Jetboil, after the first cup I oress down again until I get to the top of the liquid.

[@Iz0pen]

As a retired tall ship sailor I can say with confidence that you’re overthinking it. TMI

[@rastus666]

A lot of coffee fads come and go. I found that the coffee type and brewing method is a personal matter. Cowboy coffee is my favorite. Throw a big handful of fresh ground coffee in a pot of slowly boiling water, let it simmer a couple minutes, turn the heat off and let the grounds settle. I don’t mind a few grinds in my cup, but you could filter it as you pour it.

[@arthuroldale-ki2ev]

I have been making my own coffee now for 63 years, I use a cup size aprox. three to a litre. a heaped table spoon of beans to a cup of water put in a small saucepan bring to the boil then put into a French press and drink black nothing added. I worked for a rich 64 year old man in the 1980s who lived in Green street Mayfair and had his meals at the SAVOY grill. he said my coffee was the best he had ever tasted and insisted on me making it for him, when I was handy !

[@garrycompton7214]

Cowboys add a little cold water to the finished coffee - this takes all those grounds to the bottom of the coffee pot. less in your coffee/mouth. Happy Trails !

[@phantasyphotography3813]

I follow Jame's technique and I get great coffee from it, even though I don't skim. I stir and let the particles drop. Decanting isn't necessary for me as I have a single cup french press

[@Ric_James]

Great video and tips. I learnt the hard way not to break the crust. When I first started brewing French press so many videos said to break the crust and all it ever did was add unwanted sediment to my coffee.

[@chicobicalho5621]

I like to pour the kettle water from a hight, in fact, as high as my arm permits, so, the water creates a natural turbulence as it hits the coffee grounds, and there is no need for sttirring.

[@YIDARMY08]

I used to know a Romanian man who was adamant on making me a 4X4 which was 4 spoons of coffee straight into a cup pour the water in - mix and let settle at bottom and then drink… I asked him what the second 4 was made up of and he said I don’t know 😂

[@Hopeincoming]

That sounds like what we would call "cowboy" coffee. Pretty strong stuff! 😂

[@meganwoehl5277]

So, whats the best way to add hot water if you dont have a kettle? Im American and really dont want to buy another appliance 😂 just boil a pot on the stove and hope it doesnt spill down the sides when im pouring it in?

[@oceanlbi]

that's what I do and it doesn't spill, it's fine

[@JP-lu9ed]

An electric kettle is not a big space appliance so it’s worth getting. Also all your tea drinking friends will be glad you have it. Pouring from a stove kettle is awkward and can be an easy way to burn yourself. Not worth it.

[@michaelmerck7576]

I place the french press in my kitchen sink and pour the water in the french press and i never spill any water​@@oceanlbi

[@michaelmerck7576]

​@@JP-lu9edI actually burned my hand more often using the kettle because the handle was so close to the kettle do using a handled saucepan is way easier because the long handle is easier to control

[@rebeccagarner2576]

Microwave your water in a Pyrex pitcher

[@JaImOcAs57]

Love your vids I like the way that you make alternative recipes that are much simpler than the others and even tastier, the French press recipe that you made with the paper filter is not common to see and I always struggled with the dirty cup of my French press and that vid helped me a lot Keep up with the good work, very soon people will start to valorize your knowledge 👍

[@coffeechronicler]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@cycoklr]

I've only used the french press since the pandemic broke. For decades I drank coffee from a dripper, percolator, espresso machine, moka pot and instant. I prepare my coffee to satisfy my taste and not necessarily following popular and tried methods. The ratio I use depends on the beans I'm using, how they're roasted and how coarse I grind them. I gulp the dregs at the bottom of my cup too. For now, french press is my preferred method.

[@thedowagerd.2431]

Electric percolator and Nabob coffee. Perfect every time.

[@petergreenwald9639]

I retired my Farberware percolator when it became apparent that I was becoming a "one cup a day" drinker. I miss the flavor immensely.

[@thedowagerd.2431]

@@petergreenwald9639 Life is short. Use it anyway.

[@gregarioussolitudinist5695]

there are two types of BAD coffee. One is BURNED. The WORST? is WEAK. other than that, It is PERFECT. Bon Appetit

[@Trogdorflykid]

@@gregarioussolitudinist5695 what does “weak” mean? Bad taste? Low caffeine levels? Under extracted?

[@UncleBenjs]

Coffee doesn't burn.

[@ErikaWelindt-cs6uz]

@@UncleBenjscoffee does not burn, but the burn the beans by roasting to long and you can see on the color on the beans, almost black

[@UncleBenjs]

@@ErikaWelindt-cs6uz true

[@MizzElle-kp6nl]

Can I use very (cheap, packaged in foil bag in supermarket ready ground) fine ground coffee in my bodum mini French press?

[@TeaTellyWMaria]

best to use freshly ground, from beans.

[@jla3772]

I think I will stick with the percolator pot; this underrated method makes the best tasting coffee, and I've tried them all.

[@louisaj9634]

So interesting; thank you so much; really appreciate the additional details. French Press is my fave; love the ritual and always finding new tweaks for my routine.

[@theeastman9136]

I love your detailed analysis of the process; thank you.

[@sudhakulkarni2741]

Appreciate your attention to detail and lovely explanation 👌👌

[@martinschulz9381]

Funny, my mother does a similar stirring method...here I thought it was just her. Good video, I'll have to find my old French press.

[@nekro5342]

Very interesting content. I've always followed the serious eats method. I'm going to do some things differently tomorrow based on your advice. Thanks for the well thought out video.

[@NBZW]

Only way to make coffee is in the the French Press. I’ve had every kind of coffee maker available, also Espresso machines which are a totally different subject. Somewhere in the 90’s someone gave me a French Press which I used for years till I broke the vessel, glass replacement was priced at over $30:00 so I purchased a stainless steel which is still going strong.. 3 scoops French Roast, 3 grinds of black pepper, and a pinch of salt. 3.5 Cups water, bring water to a boil and let it set about 20 seconds, pour about one third in the pot and cover, wait 5-6 minutes and pour in the rest of the water that has cooled and stir,when the plunger is pushed down with little resistance it’s ready. Smoothest brew you will ever have. Of course that’s my biased opinion 😉

[@CoffeeCrusher]

Great content! In this video, you say to pour half the water, then stir the crust before adding the rest. In your "French Press for SUPERTASTERS" video, you pour all the water, stir, steep, then break the crust again. Are you recommending that if you DON'T use a paper filter, then DON'T break the crust? Can you please clarify this for me? Thanks!

[@coffeechronicler]

Yes, in the other recipe the crust is not important, because you have paper filtration. But if you don't you want to use the crust for better filtration so you need to agitate carefully.

[@CoffeeCrusher]

@@coffeechronicler Thank you for the quick reply! Today, I tried using both methods simultaneously, and it was the most silt-free cup I've ever made.

[@Lethgar_Smith]

I use the same ratio for my one cup French press as I do with my Melita one cup filter cone: 3 heaping teaspoons for a 12 oz mug of coffee. Comes out the same either way. Taste the same either way I make it. The only thing with the French press is the cleanup. With the Melita you just toss the filter and rinse the cone.

[@grahamgisby]

Hi! I have just done the measurements and am perturbed by your ratios. We always use three spoonfuls of roughly ground coffee, four causes shrieking by the family. However, measuring these three spoonfuls beforehand it weighed only 25g!!! Can you please elucidate?

[@coffeechronicler]

25 g would be suitable for between 350-375 grams of water

[@grahamgisby]

@coffeechronicler, sorry, I assumed a one litre French press.

[@grahamgisby]

Thanks for the really quick response.

[@maggio556]

This is the video I have been looking for, thanks!

[@gky7170]

have you heard of using finer grinds and then after pressing grounds, pour the liquid through a coffee filter?

[@AlanB-h3j]

I love my French press. Done right it makes less acid or bitter and more full bodied coffee.

[@dodiekoehler]

I just got my first French Press, looking for how to's and tips. Thanks much.

[@notcherbane3218]

I end up filtering it with paper after that I did learn one thing though I need to add a little extra coffee because coffee manufacturers say 6 oz of water to one scoop of coffee but it looks like I'll have to make mine a scoop and a half to two scoops for 6 oz to get the same effect I think lol

[@dianelipson5420]

I believe in letting the grounds swell. As soon as the grounds are covered with water, I stop for half a minute to let the grounds swell and take on air as well as liquid. I add a little more water then and give it three stirs with a chopstick. Then I finish pouring slowly with a pour over kettle.

[@MediocreAtBesd]

was at an airbnb once and the only way to make coffee was a french press, and I had no clue how to do it, it was watery one day and grainy the next 😂

[@JWestLoans]

First use of French press this morning for my iced espresso. Heaven.

[@Soesyh]

Coffee as any type of food, there is no BEST or MISTAKES method, it solely depends on each human favourite. My approach may like some and may not. Even an individual may like some approach then later changes the approach 🤷🏻. So enjoy your favourite today and no issue to change it tomorrow 😊.

[@nadinefrisch4342]

I make french press every day in the winter. I have 660g hot water to 52g fresh ground ( 8 pumps on my grinder) it makes enough for my 24 oz coffee tumbler and creamer.. am I a coffee snob or am i doing it wrong. I can't tell.

[@lakraknjeprak2536]

bit unrelated to french press but still related to one part of your video : as i watched how regular people drink their traditional black unfiltered coffee (with just coffee ground and water in a cup, no tools), i see them just scoop out the crust and dump it in a saucer and it's infuriating 😡 the correct method is wait for a minute and just stir it so the crust will sink to the bottom and your coffee is ready.

[@chriscoughlan5221]

Sorry to appear rude! but i think you´ll find most people haven´t got the time to follow any of these steps!! I like most people make coffee in the french press similar to how we make tea. take 1 tablespoon of ground coffee put into FP. pour 1 cup of boiling water into the FP, give it a stir, leave for 5 mins. Add another 1/2 cup of boiling water, stir again, then using the plunger start to push it down, slowly til it reaches the bottom, Viola !! ready for drinking!

[@awalton9024]

There are great tips here. I would add that buying a cheap press is a mistake. There is definitely a difference. As for the amount of water don't put the cart before the horse. Coffees are all different. Experiment. Start with what you think is right and adjust.

[@Icemanactual]

I actually use the cheaper fine grind cafe bustelo in my french press lol. Even though everyone says use course grind, it comes out great still.

[@robincooney1263]

The best coffee video on French press I have seen. Thank you.

[@coffeechronicler]

That's great to hear, thanks!

[@TikoyTV]

another good video! Would have loved if you did a brew in the end of the video to demonstrate

[@shialebeef7274]

The audacity. What's the point without the demo

[@bradleyhajost7161]

THANK you for your PROfessional experienced advice!

[@unknowuser1843]

For those who like ice coffee. 3 tablespoons coffee, add tumeric, pepper and cinimon to taste. Add the water and let all the groumds naturally settle to the bottom before plunging

[@bigpoppabass]

Good ideas here. My tip is never use a metal stirrer. I broke many using em. Chopsticks work great.

[@michaelmerck7576]

Try a wooden or plastic serving spoon

[@krissk77]

Use a wooden spoon

[@SarntAKluss]

Recently you showed this french press & filter method. Why did you break the crust there but recommend not to do it without this extra filter? Thx for your feedback!

[@coffeechronicler]

When you're already using a paper filter you don't need the crust for additional filtration. It will actually make it a bit more challenging to plunge. But if you're just brewing press the regular way, the crust is useful.

[@SarntAKluss]

@coffeechronicler that's reasonable!! Thx for your answer! I really like your filter method only I have troubles to have a snug seal on the sides of the plunger... always some bypass there... nonetheless I highly recommend the filter approach. Btw. I cut a circle out of the filter and get 2 french press filters with one v60

[@coffeechronicler]

@@SarntAKluss Great to hear you like it! Could it be that your mesh screen is a bit old and wrinkly? You could try replacing it, or even add an additional one for support. I find that the paper filter technique is more consistent with my Timemore french press that has a silicone seal around the edges, compared to the classic "Bodum" style

[@SarntAKluss]

@@coffeechronicler I will try the second mesh next weekend. Thx again!

[@PsychedelicCheeseburgers]

So, am I correct that points 2 & 3 are for distinct methods, they don't go together? If I pour half the water, stir, then pour the rest, then after steeping I use the plunger against the crust, then I don't have to (in fact, should NOT) skim it, and don't have to wait the 5 extra minutes before pouring? I'm having a hard time figuring out how exactly to do Hoffman's method. I still seem to get silty coffee even though I think I'm following his method 100%. Am I not skimming enough? Am I not using the plunger correctly (he describes not plunging it down at all, just resting it on top of the coffee)?

[@coffeechronicler]

Yes, correct. I don't recommend breaking or skimming for most regular FP recipes. The only exception is if you're doing a method like Hoffmann's or my own paper-filtration technique, which I shared in another video.

[@oksanatelibko24687]

I’m struggling to find French press without plastic and made not in China. Could you recommend a brand?

[@inspectorkemp7439]

1/8 teaspoon or .6 grams of powdery fine grinds at the bottom of your French Press Cup is part of the je ne sais quoi of using a press. Full bodied murky goodness. At 5am when starting the day and the sun has yet to rise, who wants to fumble around with paper filters, filter holder and endless stop start pouring of micro streams of water in circles. Coffee is very subjective, what is your coffee's Origin? what degree is the Roast? How fine is the Grind? Whats your Water Quality? How many hours, days, weeks ago was it roasted? These will have a greater impact on the end result.

[@terryskorczewski4727]

You have complicated the whole process!!! I roasted fresh coffee add a European roastery for many years and I have been using the French press for probably over 20 years!! Grind 3 to 4 tbsp of fresh coffee beans put that into the French press add hot water to the very top and stir allow that to rest for the time that it takes to smoke a cigarette slowly plunge the press to the very bottom and you will have the best coffee that you have ever drank!!! You're making it far too complicated

[@JP-lu9ed]

Amen.

[@judeplante6241]

Just great, now I have to take up smoking...

[@LechLecha893]

I’ve been using a French pot for 40 years. I learned while living in Norway. It’s pretty simple medium to large grind preferably burr to put in English, I probably used 2 ounces of ground coffee per 8 ounces of water. I grind the coffee, heat the water, put the coffee in the press pot, add boiling water, put the press on the top, then press at about 4 minutes. Perfect coffee every time. And I am a coffee snob. I also managed to wash everything extremely well after I’ve used the French press and the grinder. No weird motor oil taste.

[@cedarethridge6445]

I've been using a French press for 62 years.!

[@f.g.9466]

you came to the wrong house sir, the best cup of coffee we ever drank was surely not made with a french press

[@pappadanny]

Best point was decanting, for me. I was considering the Stanley French Press that I've seen around. It's simply overpriced, but I love outdoor stuff, rugged stuff, and the idea of having French Press coffee that stays hot during my 3 cups on the back patio by the fire... seems great. Unless it gets stronger and stronger. Question would be, does it actually get stronger? If you have a french press that compresses "all the way down" then there wouldn't be that much more water exposed to the coffee, since you've all but separated it. What would be great, would be a backwards french press. (What?) Where you add the grounds to the water... and then after steeping, remove the grounds completely. Like tea. Why can't we have this? Then a double walled Stanley version would be perfect.

[@doricetimko5403]

There are stainless steel basket filters that fit mason jars for cold brew; I imagine they could be used like you described

[@claudiamiller7730]

This vid should have been titled “OCD French Press brew”….💕

[@gab6621-j5s]

I love the brew flavor of French press, but the residue in the cup a bit frustrating

[@jaqian]

The trick is to add slightly more water to the press than your cup takes. That way the residue won't pour out.

[@Sayuri81554]

Been pressing for years. The correct ratios are as follows: Strong Hot Black

[@HarmonyOfTheVoice]

I use a method where i brew the coffee with a cezva and use the french press as a decantor

[@AdamScottfit]

Great video. I literally make all these mustakes! Reading your articles and watching your other videos. I'm excited to implement! I'm using a basic electronic grinder - how long would you recommend I grind the beans for?

[@charlespratt8663]

After trying a considerable number of machines and methods I settled on the basic Melita pour over . The Bodrum french press was a pain to clean.

[@michaelmerck7576]

No more than any other French press

[@funwithdoka1394]

Hot water with plastic is dangerous to health

[@RobertFHarrison]

Thanks! I'm going to have to break out my French Press again. I used to use it a lot, but lately (years) have been doing pour-overs and espresso.

[@coffeechronicler]

I was in the same situation, but I'm really rediscovering the Press and find that it can make totally unique cups

[@crimeandcoffeecouple]

Drinking some hot French press in Florida where it's approaching 90°F this morning. Good video, thanks for sharing.