What's the secret to using a french press?

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fuzzyreactor

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I received a grinder and press for x-mas this year and today is my third time trying to make a tasty cup of coffee with it.

The first time the grind was to fine and it was bitter. The second and third time the flavor has been very weak. I'm using a medium bold coffee. When i go to the local coffee shop, it is so good. :(

I think my coffee to water ratio is fucked up.
 
Time
Temperature
Grind size

Time: I usually do a little over 3 min
Temperature: 195-200 F (90-93 C)
Grind: Coarse

The water to coffee ratio is tricky. I had to dabble for a while before i found out that the coffee I was using required around 9g per cup.
 
EmmanuelMunoz said:
Time
Temperature
Grind size

Time: I usually do a little over 3 min
Temperature: 195-200 F (90-93 C)
Grind: Coarse
Click to expand...

Grind size has a huge impact. Too fine, and your coffee is like drinking sand and grit. Too coarse, and you don't get the flavor out of the beans. They do make grinders just for French Presses, but I don't have one. When I make it, it can be hit or miss with my regular grinder.....
 
fuzzyreactor said:
Today i did 5 minutes and it was still weak. I was doing 4. You really temp the water? I just boil it and pure it in.
Click to expand...

You should keep in mind that french press coffee is typically a bit weaker then drip or espresso. Yes, but my electric kettle has a programmable temperature setting so it makes it easy. Try to boil and then let sit for a min or stop right before boiling.

Also don't be afraid to just mess around until you get it just right. It took me a lot of tries before I could just do it just right.
 
You do want the grounds to be coarse, but not so much so. There is a sweet spot and apparently you can tell based on how much pressure is needed to push the plunger down. Check the ratio of grounds to water you are using, as well. When you pour the water in, do you give it a stir with a spoon before putting the top on? Also, four minutes is supposed to be the right time. I don't even measure amount of grounds to water and it's generally always rich/smooth for me.
 
sonicfan said:
Grind size has a huge impact. Too fine, and your coffee is like drinking sand and grit. Too coarse, and you don't get the flavor out of the beans. They do make grinders just for French Presses, but I don't have one. When I make it, it can be hit or miss with my regular grinder.....
Click to expand...

Exactly. It's difficult if you don't have a grinder that works consistently or if for some reason you have one of those blade grinders.
 
Make sure your grinder is capable of a coarse grind (or grind for less time than normal). Bring water to boil and then wait for water to stop bubbling before pouring it in, stir with a spoon and place top on there. Let sit for 4 min or so. My press holds about 8 cups so I do 4 scoops of beans and fill the water a smidge over half way. Pretty strong.
 
light roasts tend to be less bitter, coarser grinds tend to be less bitter (and flavorful), use good beans, burr grinder, use below boiling water, add a pinch of coarse salt, 3tbsp:2cup, only let it steep for ~4 mins.

the ramblings of an addict. it tastes good i think.
 
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