French press for tea: how to brew it correctly?

Teapot with press: how to use

To understand how a French press works, let’s touch on the design of the device a little more. The glass flask contained in it has the same diameter in all French presses. But it varies in volume.

The higher the glass vessel, the more capacious it is and the greater the volume of liquid it contains.

The flask is made of glass, so we can observe from the side how the drink is being prepared.

The container is inserted into a plastic or metal case. A piston that easily moves up and down is attached to the lid, which rotates in a horizontal plane, and serves as a squeezing press.

At the base of the piston (plunger) there is a mesh filter, a steel part and a spring, fastened with a bolt.

Brewing coffee occurs as follows: ground coffee is poured into the body and hot water is poured.

After five minutes, using a plunger attached to the lid, the sediment is squeezed out: when pressing on the piston, the latter falls down, and the coffee, in turn, falls to the bottom of the flask and is compacted.

A clear drink remains on top of it. As you can see, everything is quite simple and effective!

Rating of the best varieties

The Rondell French coffee press has good reviews. It is made of high quality materials and has a special thermally insulated handle. The kit includes an additional flask that can be used to replace the damaged main one. The flask has a displacement marking. Rondell Mocco&Latte is perfect for coffee. It has a stylish design and extended equipment:

The French brand from Bodum Kenya tops the rating. This is Swiss quality. Ecological plastic is used in the production of teapots.
A TalleR French teapot is suitable for brewing tea. It is distinguished by quality and modern design. The flask is made of high-strength glass. Tea and coffee will not leave streaks on it, since these teapots have a specially shaped spout. TalleR TR-2319 will be the best for tea. It is universal, has increased strength and an improved press mechanism.
The Gipfel French jacket can be purchased complete with mugs. Their volume is 200 ml, so they are ideal for tea. The country of origin is Germany.

Vitesse French presses are relatively good. They come complete with mugs. They are made from high-quality stainless steel and heat-resistant glass. Dishwasher safe. Designed for preparing ground coffee by settling.

Rondell

Gipfel

Bodum Kenya

TalleR

Vitesse

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any kitchen appliance, the French press has its pros and cons. True, the number of advantages significantly exceeds the number of disadvantages. Judge for yourself.

Advantages:

The French press is inexpensive. Such a purchase will be affordable even for a person with very modest financial resources.
The device is easy to clean. This quality will be especially appreciated by experienced housewives.
A drip coffee maker usually has a paper filter. The French press has a metal filter that prevents sediment and heavy oils from passing through.
Compactness of the device.
The strength of the drink can be adjusted by choosing the brewing time yourself. The main thing is to know how much coffee to put in and how much water to pour.
Preparing a drink in a French press allows you to fully and accurately reveal the aroma of coffee, and its taste becomes “clean”, devoid of foreign flavors and impurities.
If you prepare coffee using this device, it turns out less thick, without the bitterness and sourness characteristic of a drink brewed in a Turk.

Weak sides:

A glass flask is a fragile thing and requires careful handling.
There is no automation in the French press.
The device is not safe for children.
You must have a device for heating water on hand.

Varieties

French press for tea and coffee can be made from various materials. The flasks in some models are made of plastic, while more durable ones are made of glass and metal. The latter option may affect the quality of the drink, so it is better to purchase glass ones. This is a neutral material that does not affect taste or smell.

When purchasing glass models, make sure that there are no cracks or chips on the bulb. Their absence or presence indicates the quality of the product.

Filters are available in synthetic and metal types. The former are suitable for finely ground coffee, the latter for large-leaf tea. The price of the product is influenced by the material of the handles, piston, volume of the flask, and design of the jacket.

Flask

Flasks are divided according to material of manufacture and volume. Among the variety that stores currently provide, anyone can choose a teapot with a press. For example, you can find a device with a small flask, designed for tea drinking for two people, or, conversely, with a large one - for a family.

Made of plastic

Models with a plastic flask have a small range. Their disadvantage is that they quickly break down, and the prepared drink may contain foreign flavors. To fully enjoy your tea, you should pay attention to products made from other materials.

From glass

It is advisable that the glass be tempered. This refractory material can withstand high temperatures and has low thermal conductivity. This way, the drink will be hot for a long time. Although the glass flask is quite fragile, if used carefully it will last for a long time. A drink brewed in such a press will have a pleasant taste and aroma. You should not store prepared drinks in it. This can lead to oxidation of metal parts, which will subsequently affect the taste of the freshly brewed drink.

The practicality of the product will be influenced by the quality of materials used, design, and the presence of additional functions. The cheapest ones are made from low-quality glass. Therefore, it is better to give preference to jackets from well-known manufacturers.

Made of metal

Stainless steel flasks can ruin the taste of the drink. For this reason, it is better to use glass ones. Only the piston should be made of metal. Another disadvantage is that the stainless steel flask does not allow you to monitor the metamorphoses that occur with the drink. A plus is its durability.

Filter

Filters are available in synthetic and metal types. They are attached to a piston, which is made of plastic or stainless steel. The second option does not absorb odors, is easy to clean, and has a long service life.

Synthetic mesh

A synthetic filter is capable of retaining small particles. Therefore, it is suitable for lovers of medium-ground coffee or fine-leaf tea. This filter is made from nylon. The disadvantage of synthetic mesh is its fragility.

Metal mesh

Metal mesh has a longer service life than synthetic mesh. Large-leaf tea is brewed better in a French press with such a mesh. Small particles will fall into the cup. A small rash of grains will only be suitable for brewing in a Turk.

Volume

First you need to decide what the press is needed for. If for coffee, then a volume of 0.5 liters is sufficient, and when tea is brewed in it - 0.75 liters. On sale the maximum volume can be found up to 2 liters. For a large family or office, it is better to choose a larger model. For one person, a small one is suitable - 0.5 liters.

Small

Big

How to brew coffee in a French press

Brewing coffee using a French press is a simple procedure. To do this you will need boiling water, ground coffee and a spoon for stirring.

Next, follow the following algorithm:

Boil the water.
Once the water boils, start grinding the coffee. Then the grains will not lie in the open air for a long time, which means they will not lose their properties.
Coffee is added at the rate of one spoon per cup of water.
The ground coffee is poured into a French press and evenly poured with boiling water. You need as much water as the number of cups of drink the preparation is designed for.
After pouring, the coffee is quickly mixed with water, thanks to which the product delivers maximum flavor.
The resulting liquid is infused for 2-5 minutes.
Slowly lower the plunger with the mesh filter to the bottom of the glass container. Do this smoothly and evenly so that the mesh does not tilt. Otherwise, the coffee will end up in the top of the container.
Well, the coffee is ready. You can try!

Warsaw-style coffee recipe

You will need:

water, 50 ml;
natural coffee, 50 g;
cane sugar;
milk, 450 ml.

Baked milk is heated. The French press is heated with hot water. Coffee is ground. Then water is poured out of the flask, cane sugar and coffee are poured into it. They are filled with a small amount of hot water.

Everything is mixed, after which milk is poured. The piston is slowly lowered, the drink is infused and poured into a heated cup. Warsaw style coffee is ready.

Classic coffee

There are only two ingredients:

water, 500 ml;
natural coffee, 50 g.

The coffee is ground and the French press is heated with hot water. Coffee is poured inside, which is poured with boiling water in a circular motion. Everything is mixed and covered with a piston.

The drink is infused for 4 minutes, after which the plunger is lowered to the very end. Coffee is poured into cups. Bon appetit!

In this article we will tell you which coffee machine to choose for your home: customer reviews of popular brands will help you make your choice.
In this publication, we have prepared for you recipes for making coffee in a coffee machine, from espresso to coffee cocktails: more details here.
Which instant coffee is better? Rating of popular drinks - here: https://chay-i-kofe.com/kofe/vidy-kf/kakoy-rastvorimyj-kofe-luchshe-nash-reyting-samyh-vkusnyh-marok-otzyvy/

Latte

You will need:

1 glass of milk;
2 tsp ground coffee;
sugar to taste;
cinnamon.

Coffee is poured into a French press, which is filled with boiling water to fill about half the container. The French press is closed for 3 minutes to allow the drink to brew. Then the coffee is poured into a container with a spout, the jacket is rinsed, and warm or hot milk is poured into it. The piston is inserted and its handle quickly rises up. A high-quality aromatic foam is formed. The resulting milk-foamy mixture is poured into a tall glass, and coffee is poured in a thin stream along its very edge. You can sprinkle cinnamon on top if desired.

Learn how to correctly stress the word latte. We wrote about the difference between a latte and a cappuccino here.

In this video, we will tell and show how to brew French press coffee correctly and easily:

Recipes for non-alcoholic punch based on tea and syrups

Many people know that using traditional tea brewed in a French press, you can also prepare a very aromatic punch, which is drunk not only hot, but also cold.

Raspberry punch

To prepare it, you will need a tall glass, in which you need to mix 100 ml of strong iced tea, 2 tbsp. spoons of milk and 3 tbsp. spoons of raspberry syrup.

Lemon punch

In the same tall glass, mix 100 ml of hot tea with 1 tbsp. a spoonful of vanilla syrup, two tbsp. spoons of lemon juice and lemon syrup.

English punch

For this punch you will need to brew 120 ml of strong tea in a French press, mix it hot with 30 g of raspberry syrup and add 4 tbsp. spoons of lemon juice. Pour the prepared punch into preheated glasses.

How to make tea using this device

It is believed that the French press was invented for making coffee. But it will also serve well for brewing herbs and tea.

Moreover, the tea in it is natural and not bagged, so it is drunk with great pleasure.

So, the algorithm for brewing tea in a French press:

Stock up on loose leaf tea. Prepare hot water.
Pour the tea into the glass flask of the press. If the tea leaves are large, add 2 tsp. for 200 ml of water. If the tea is small, 1 tsp is enough.
In order for the tea to fully express its aroma and have less bitterness, it is better to pour it with hot water, just starting to boil.
The French press glass is covered with a lid for 2-3 minutes, but the plunger does not lower yet.
The piston gently lowers, separating the tea leaves from the finished drink.
The prepared tea is poured into cups.

Tea lovers say that before brewing it should be filled with hot water and drained. This allows you to rinse the tea leaves and make the taste and aroma of the drink much stronger.

Ice lemon tea

4 slices of lemon are poured with boiled water and sugar and then frozen;
500 ml of strong black tea is prepared in a French press;
the tea is cooled, honey and lemon ice are added to taste;
Carbonated water is added to the resulting drink.

Instead of lemon, you can use other berries or fruits.

With ice, Indian style

Place 3 tsp in a French press. tea and pour 300 ml of boiling water;
several ice cubes are laid out in a tall glass, the prepared tea is poured into it, sugar and lemon cut into slices are added;
cover the drink with a napkin and leave for 5 minutes;
It is better to drink the finished tea in small sips.

You can read about Indian masala tea and its various recipes at the link.

With fruit juice

regular tea is prepared in a French press;
the drink is cooled;
add berry or fruit juice: 50 ml for each cup;
Ice and slices of citrus fruits: lemon or orange are placed in each serving.

Enjoy your tea!

Brewing tea in a French press:

Do you think hibiscus tea increases or decreases blood pressure? Our article will answer the question. Find out more!
The widest range of Greenfield teas is presented for review in our material. Enjoy your tea!

Instructions for use

Using a teapot with a press is quite simple. You should choose a high-quality type of tea for brewing and perform all the steps correctly:

At the initial stage, you need to boil a sufficient amount of filtered water and leave it for a couple of minutes. Before this, you should wash the flask, wipe it dry, and then pour boiling water over it and drain the used water.
You need to pour tea into the prepared flask. Its quantity may depend on the preferences of those for whom the drink is intended. To get a pronounced taste and sufficient strength, experts recommend using the following proportion: 1 teaspoon of tea leaves per 1 medium-sized cup.
The tea leaves are poured with boiling water, and a press is inserted into the flask. To make the taste more pronounced, it is recommended to mix everything using a wooden stick. Then the lid is closed.

The drink is allowed to brew for about 3 minutes. If you want to get stronger tea, then leave it for 5 minutes. After the leaves float up, you need to gradually immerse the piston to the very bottom of the flask. This is necessary to prevent tea leaves from falling into the cup. When the drink is ready, you can pour it and enjoy the unique taste.

How to choose a French press

When choosing a French press, first of all, you should know which brands produce these kitchen appliances.

Among them, the Danish company Bodum stands out. It is considered a leading manufacturer of French presses and vacuum coffee makers and is famous for the high quality of its products. We wrote about how and which coffee maker to choose here.

French presses are also produced by the German brand Röndell. Its products are also of impeccable quality, which is why they are purchased by chefs of the best restaurants in Europe.

Vitesse brand devices from China are good because when they are brewed, the taste and aroma of coffee or tea is revealed to the maximum. Well, which manufacturer to give preference to is, as always, up to buyers to decide.

And now the rules for choosing a good French press:

Check the fastening of the flask in the device. It must be of high quality and durable.
The flask is the main part of the device. Inspect the glass from which it is made. Surfaces with cracks, scratches and bubbles are excluded. During operation, it can crack at any time.
There are metal presses, but in them the brewing process will not be visible.
The filter should fit tightly to the flask and move softly and smoothly, without jerking or tilting. In this case, the drink will be tasty and of high quality, and the coffee will remain at the bottom and will not get to the top.

How to care

To ensure that your drink infuser lasts a long time, it is recommended that you take proper care of it. There are some rules. The product must be washed after each use. Sequencing:

Immediately after using the brewed tea, empty the container of leaves.
Take out the inner rod and set it aside.
The body is washed inside and out under the tap. You can use a soft sponge. Do not use detergents as they are scented; in the future this may spoil the taste of the drink.
Using a waffle towel, wipe the body and assemble the device.

The kettle should be stored in a dry place, away from chemicals and synthetic products, as the device can absorb odors.
The kettle should be stored in a dry place, away from chemicals and synthetic products, as the device can absorb odors. The French press requires little maintenance; some models can be washed in the dishwasher. If you follow basic recommendations and follow the instructions, then no yellow spots or streaks will form on the surface.

Customer Reviews

Alexandra, Voronezh: “For a work office, a French press is an excellent option. Makes coffee quickly and tasty. I recommend!"

Yana, Arkhangelsk: “Our family likes to drink tea and coffee. We prefer loose, large-leaf tea, and freshly ground and freshly brewed coffee. I saw French press in the store a long time ago, but I didn’t have anything like it at home. And then my husband bought it. The quality of the brewer is good, so I never regretted the purchase.”

Irina, St. Petersburg: “I have two French presses at home: one for tea, the second for coffee. It is better not to brew these two drinks in the same container. Then the smells and tastes won’t mix!”

What kind of tea is suitable for brewing?

Any type of loose leaf tea is suitable for a French press: black, green, red, white, herbal. Even the degree of leaf crushing is not particularly important; a high-quality device will easily filter even small-leaf products (except for tea dust, of course). Large tea leaves will require more brewing time, while small ones will infuse faster. The selected raw material does not affect the quality of the drink in any way (provided all preparation rules are followed).

Cleaning the French press after loose leaf tea is easier. But this is important only for the maintenance of the device. Otherwise there is no difference.