The basic method of brewing coffee in a French press is to soak the ground coffee in water. It has been in use for a century. Brewing coffee in a French press will get rid of coffee grounds in your cup.
Stainless steel French press
French presses work best when they are used to brew the exact amount of coffee you will drink. This is because the coffee will continue to brew after you press it into the bottom of the press vessel.
black French press and metal cup ESPRO
What is
A French press for tea and coffee preparation resembles a teapot in appearance. Consists of a glass flask, filter, squeezing piston. In America it is more often used for coffee, and in Russia a French press is used for tea. The French has the same diameter for all glass flasks. It just varies in volume. Accordingly, the higher it is, the more liquid will enter. A glass flask allows you to observe the process - this makes brewing coffee in a French press or drinking tea an interesting procedure.
The flask is placed in a housing. It can be made of plastic or metal. There is also a cover into which the piston is inserted. It gently moves up and down and serves as a wringing device. At its base there is a mesh filter, a steel part, and a spring. All this is fastened together with a bolt.
Before you make your favorite drink in a French jacket, you should pour the tea leaves and pour boiling water over it. After a few minutes, you will need to squeeze out the sediment with a piston. He lowers the tea leaves down, and the aromatic liquid rises up.
The French press for tea has a number of advantages, these are:
- convenience of design;
- ease of use;
- compactness.
Brewing coffee or tea in a French press takes a little time. You can adjust the strength of the drink. The tea and coffee press fully reveals the aroma of any drink. Its taste will be pure, without foreign tastes or odors. For example, coffee prepared in this way is not thick, has no bitterness or sourness.
How to choose a French press
To choose a quality tea brewer, you need to pay attention to several important points.
- First you need to choose a kettle of the required volume. If you need to make 1-2 servings of tea at the same time, then a small French press with a volume of 350 ml will be enough. If you need much more drink, it is better to pay attention to liter devices. After all, the contents of the vessel fall into the cups immediately, without subsequent dilution with water.
- Take a good look at the flask. There should be no scratches, cracks or glass defects in the form of bubbles.
- Check whether the flask is firmly attached to the body. It is best if it is fixed with two holders. One of them should be located at the base of the kettle, and the other at the lid.
- Take the press in your hands and try to lower the piston. It should move with force, and the strainer should fit snugly against the walls of the flask. However, you should not choose models with a silicone seal. It gives the drink an uncharacteristic smell and quickly becomes unusable.
- It is important to pay attention to the material from which the product parts are made. The best choice is stainless steel.
- You should not neglect such a thing as an additional flask. Unfortunately, it is this part of the structure that fails most quickly, especially if the device is used by different people.
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
Types of French presses
You can also tell us in a nutshell what types of French presses there are. In fact, if you do not take into account the difference in volume, you can distinguish only two varieties that differ in materials. In the first case, colored plastic is used as a “frame” holding the flask and filter material, and in the second case, polished steel is used. The flask itself is always made of glass, and a metal mesh is used for filtration.
The difference between materials, for the most part, lies only in the design and cost of the product. They do not affect the taste of drinks or ease of use.
How to use
The coffee and tea press is easy to use. You just need to have a little time, tea leaves, and boiling water. Even a child will understand how to use it in everyday life. You should add the tea leaves, pour in boiling water and lower the piston. After a few minutes you can pour into cups.
It is easy to wash the teapot after use. It will be enough to take out the filter with a lid and pour out the used tea leaves. The flask can be easily washed with water without the use of detergents.
For coffee
A coffee maker or Turk is used to make coffee. But a drink prepared in a press will contain more caffeine. It has a more tart taste and a pleasant aroma. You can use already ground coffee or prepare it yourself from whole beans. The second one will be doubly fragrant. Before the first use, you should pour boiling water over the inside of the jacket.
How to brew coffee in a French press:
- Coffee is poured with unboiled water, which has just begun to boil slightly. Usually it is 90°C. To prevent the temperature from dropping, the press should first be doused with boiling water.
- Water should be poured in parts. First, fill it halfway, and after a couple of minutes add it to the required volume.
- To prepare coffee correctly, it should be allowed to brew for 3 minutes with the lid closed.
Grinding is important for a French press. It is desirable that he be rude. In some cases, the average may be used. Only then is it better to use a filter made of synthetic material.
For tea
To make the drink especially aromatic, the flask must first be doused with boiling water. This will prevent the water temperature from decreasing. When it drops by 10-20 degrees, this affects the quality of the leaf brewing. Remember, the larger the leaves, the more you need to take. The tea drink is infused for a couple of minutes.
The tea leaves are poured into a tea press treated with boiling water. If it is large-leaf, then it is one teaspoon per person, if it is small-leaf - half of it. Next, add water depending on the volume and desired strength of the drink.
What to look for when choosing
Choosing a French press will not be difficult if you take into account the following parameters:
- Volume is considered the main parameter, which is determined taking into account the number of people in the family. Liter models are considered universal.
- Material. Most often you can find devices with plastic and metal casings. Both materials do a good job of protecting any user from getting burned. The flask is almost always made of special glass that is highly resistant to high temperatures.
- Form. Most manufacturers produce round French presses, but you can also find round ones on sale. Round appliances are considered more popular and efficient. Thanks to their shape, they do a good job of distributing heat along the entire perimeter of the flask.
- Functionality. Modern devices provide the ability to independently adjust the brewing strength.
- Care. Collapsible French presses are the easiest to clean. When creating, some manufacturers use resistant materials that allow the device to be washed in a dishwasher. We recommend that you clarify the rules for caring for the accessory in the instructions included in the kit.
Differences
French is a device that allows you to easily prepare your favorite drink. It has its pros and cons, it differs from brewing with a coffee pot, teapot, or Turk. The brew with the press does not fall into the cup, but remains in the flask.
Press and teapot
The main difference between a teapot is that it can only be used for making tea. The advantage is that it can be used to prepare both drinks. They turn out rich, aromatic, and brew in a matter of minutes.
Presses for tea and coffee
There is no particular difference between coffee and tea presses. Outwardly they are very similar. They have a handle, a flask, and a piston. The only difference is in the material of manufacture and the filter. Small volume products are suitable for coffee; for tea, you can use 750 ml or more.
What's better than a French press?
And finally, let’s determine why French presses are better than regular teapots?
- they conveniently filter out tea leaves,
- can be used not only for making tea, but also coffee,
- because of the transparent walls you can always see how much drink is left,
- come in various volumes - from 350 ml to 1 l,
- they are easy to disassemble, wash and put back together,
- French press prices are lower than regular kettles.
As you can see, the Italian designer’s invention turns out to be really simpler and more convenient to use. However, for some reason, it is still in no hurry to overtake classic teapots in popularity. And if you have never tried it in action, then why not do it, because you can now buy a French press very, very cheaply.
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
Comparison table of characteristics
In order to more clearly compare the models presented above, we will use the comparative table of characteristics.
| Model | Volume (ml) | Material | Weight (g) | Manufacturer country | Price, rub) |
| Rondell Akzent RDS-938 (1 l) | 1 000 | glass, steel | 600 | Germany | from 940 to 1,290 |
| Bodum Caffetiera 1918 (1 l) | 1 000 | steel, heat-resistant glass, plastic | 730 | Portugal | from 2,479 to 4,199 |
| Taller TR-2317 Elfie (0.8 l) | 800 | stainless steel and heat-resistant glass | 550 | China | from 603 to 1,200 |
| WALMER Bamboo (0.6 l) | 600 | high quality steel and borosilicate glass | 550 | Switzerland | from 689 to 1,439 |
| Bodum Kenya 10683 (0.5 l) | 500 | borosilicate glass, stainless steel, food grade plastic | 390 | Switzerland | from 2,546 to 3,709 |
| Taller TR-2323 Barry (1 l) | 1 000 | borosilicate glass, steel, plastic | 720 | China | from 890 to 1,290 |
| WALMER George (0.6 l) | 600 | heat-resistant glass, steel | 360 | China | from 979 to 1,206 |
| Bialetti Signature (1 l) | 1 000 | heat-resistant glass, stainless steel, plastic | 730 | Italy | from 2,158 to 3,230 |
| Rondell Tasse RDS-101 (0.6 l) | 600 | steel, glass | 850 | China | from 845 to 1,200 |
| Mallony Cellula 950064 (1 l) | 1 000 | stainless steel, glass | 740 | China | from 386 to 696 |
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How to brew coffee in the device?
Small secrets of using the device will help you always get excellent results. Recommended sequence of actions when operating a kitchen appliance:
- Rinse the teapot flask with boiling water.
- Pour ground powder at the rate of 7-8 g per 100 ml of water. For a French press, the coffee grind should be coarse and uniform.
- Pour the powder with hot water at a temperature of 90-95 °C so that it is all covered. It is unacceptable to brew with boiling water.
- Leave for 1 minute.
- Add the remaining water and close the lid.
Some coffee lovers recommend lowering the piston to the water level so that the coffee particles are completely covered with liquid. Professionals advise leaving a distance of 1 cm for foam and steam.
- The brewing time depends on the grinding of the beans - coarse beans will need 8 minutes, fine beans will need 4 minutes. It is not recommended to hold it longer, nor is it recommended to store the drink in the mechanism’s container. Otherwise, the taste will be bitter and the organoleptic characteristics will deteriorate.
- Lower the plunger all the way and carefully pour the contents into the cup.
