In our Could/June 2025 concern, author Miranda Rake explores the historical past and evolution of the enduring French press. Whereas the recognition of the French press brewing methodology has ebbed and flowed over the a long time, the straightforward espresso maker stays a favourite amongst many trade professionals for producing high quality espresso with minimal effort. Right here, British barista champion, espresso educator, and French press fan James Hoffmann provides his insights on the fashion and ideas for brewing the very best cup of French press espresso.
Grinder
No matter brewing methodology, the very first thing you are able to do to enhance your espresso is grind the beans recent. As a result of a French press brews by way of full immersion of the bottom espresso, you’re going to make use of a coarser grind than for different strategies—too wonderful, and the grinds will move by way of the filter, leading to a muddy cup. Hoffmann recommends a medium-coarse grind for a fuller-bodied, silky cup (and somewhat endurance because the finer particulates settle—extra on this later).
A constant, uniform grind is essential, and for that, a burr grinder works greatest. The basic Baratza Encore is a dependable workhorse for on a regular basis use, and the Fellow Opus is a favourite for precision and consumer expertise. Even a guide grinder, just like the TIMEMORE Chestnut, will get the job executed.
Scale
Whereas a scale shouldn’t be an absolute necessity, measuring your espresso and water by weight will ship essentially the most exact ratios for brewing. And, as Hoffmann notes, it’s the easiest way to copy an amazing cup of espresso and enhance a not-so-great cup. You’ll be able to dial in your most popular ratio to style, however Hoffmann suggests beginning with 60 to 70 grams of espresso per liter (1,000 grams) of water.
For fundamental weight measurement, any commonplace kitchen scale will work, and the Escali Primo digital scale is an reasonably priced favourite amongst cooks and baristas. For those who plan to make use of the dimensions for pour over as nicely, coffee-specific scales such because the Tally Professional from Fellow supply extra particular features, together with a guided brew help mode.
Brewer
Whereas the French press brewer, or cafetiere, has actually advanced over the a long time, the mechanics of the method stay the identical. The truth is, Hoffmann is moderately egalitarian on the subject of selecting a French press. “The French press doesn’t get higher once you spend more cash on it,” Hoffmann says. “Whether or not you purchase a $10 French press or a $200 French press, the espresso is nearly indistinguishable.”
To that finish, there are nonetheless quite a few components that may be thought-about, from materials to warmth retention to cleansing and general aesthetics. For the French press platonic ideally suited, attain for the Bodum Chambord with its glass carafe and minimalist stainless-steel body. A extra rough-and-tumble possibility for individuals who prefer to take their French press tenting or on the street, the YETI Rambler consists of options like double-walled insulation and a twist-and-lock lid. For countertop aesthetics, Le Creuset provides a rainbow of colours in its signature, heat-retaining stoneware.
Clear Up
By far, the largest criticism in regards to the French press comes after the espresso is gone: The brewer is a ache to wash. The effort of scooping moist espresso grounds from the carafe and rinsing them from the filter is sufficient to dissuade some espresso drinkers altogether. Happily, some developments in gear have made issues simpler. Many French press fashions, such because the Fellow Clara, have a non-stick lining that helps the carafe rinse clear with ease. Or seize a easy accent like a silicone spatula scoop to whisk away soggy grounds.
Time
Alas, the ultimate, essential component to creating good French press espresso shouldn’t be a gadget that may be bought: It’s time and endurance. After you’ve floor your beans and boiled your (filtered) water, the time required is 9 minutes. This entails permitting the espresso to steep for 4 minutes, giving the grounds a delicate stir and skimming any foam and particulates off the highest, then steeping for 5 extra minutes.
The endurance is critical as a result of there may be nothing else required of you throughout these 9 minutes however to easily wait. As Hoffmann advises in his full video for the Final French Press Method, “I need you to do nothing in any respect for a minimum of 5 minutes.” As a result of isn’t that the final word luxurious of French press espresso?
