Best Coffee For Your French Press Brewing – Ultimate Guide

Are you a coffee lover who’s always on the hunt for the perfect cup? If so, then you know that the French press is one of the best ways to enjoy a rich and flavorful brew. However, not all coffees are created equal when it comes to this brewing method. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to find the best coffee for French press brewing.

What Makes a Coffee Ideal for French Press Brewing?

To understand what makes a coffee ideal for French press brewing, it’s essential to first understand the brewing process. French press coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in hot water for several minutes, then using a plunger to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. Unlike drip coffee, the French press method allows for more contact between the water and the coffee, resulting in a richer, fuller flavor.

When it comes to selecting the best coffee for French press, there are a few key factors to consider:

• Roast level: Medium to dark roasts are ideal for French press brewing, as they offer a more robust and full-bodied flavor that can stand up to the steeping process.
• Bean quality: Look for high-quality, specialty-grade coffee beans that are freshly roasted and free of defects or off-flavors.
• Grind size: The grind size should be coarse and even to prevent over-extraction and bitterness.

The Top 5 Coffees for French Press Brewing

Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into our top picks for the best coffee for French press brewing:

1. Kicking Horse Coffee, Three Sisters Medium Roast – This Canadian coffee is a favorite among French press enthusiasts for its rich, chocolatey flavor and smooth finish.
2. Peet’s Coffee, Major Dickason’s Blend – This dark roast coffee from one of America’s most renowned coffee roasters offers a bold, complex flavor that’s perfect for French press brewing.
3. Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Hair Bender – This medium roast blend features a mix of Central and South American beans for a balanced, smooth flavor that’s perfect for French press.
4. Blue Bottle Coffee, Bella Donovan – This medium roast coffee is a blend of African, Indonesian, and Central American beans, offering a unique flavor profile with notes of dark chocolate and cherry.
5. Intelligentsia Coffee, Black Cat Classic Espresso – While this coffee is marketed as an espresso blend, it’s also a fantastic option for French press brewing, offering a bold, smooth flavor with notes of caramel and chocolate.

Tips for Brewing the Best French Press Coffee

Now that you have your ideal coffee, it’s time to brew the perfect cup. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Start with a clean French press: Residual coffee oils and grounds can make your coffee taste stale or bitter, so always start with a clean French press.
• Use the right water-to-coffee ratio: A general rule of thumb is to use 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water. Adjust to your liking.
• Use the right water temperature: Boil water, then let it cool for 30 seconds to a minute. The ideal temperature for French press coffee is between 195°F and 205°F.
• Let it steep for the right amount of time: Steep your coffee for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.
• Plunge slowly and evenly: Press down the plunger slowly and evenly to prevent any grounds from escaping into your coffee.

5 No To Do Tips when using a French press!

1. Using pre-ground coffee: Pre-ground coffee is often too fine for French press brewing, which can result in over-extraction and a bitter taste. It’s best to grind your coffee fresh just before brewing, using a medium to coarse grind.
2. Using water that’s too hot: Water that’s too hot can scorch the coffee and result in a burnt taste. The ideal temperature for French press brewing is around 195-205°F (90-96°C).
3. Leaving the coffee to sit in the French press: After plunging the French press, it’s best to transfer the coffee to another container to prevent it from continuing to steep and over-extract. Leaving the coffee in the French press can result in a bitter taste.
4. Pouring out all the coffee at once: It’s best to pour out the coffee in stages, rather than all at once, to prevent over-extraction. Start by pouring a small amount into your cup, then pour more as needed.
5. Neglecting to clean the French press: It’s important to clean your French press thoroughly after each use to prevent leftover coffee oils and grounds from building up and affecting the flavor of future brews. Disassemble the press, rinse it with hot water, and scrub it with a gentle soap if needed.

Best Medium Roast Coffee for French Press

Medium roast coffee is perfect for those who want a balance between boldness and smoothness. It is aalso a great choice for those who are new to the world of specialty coffee. Here are some of the best medium roast coffee for French press:

• Kicking Horse Coffee Three Sisters Medium Roast: This coffee has a smooth and mellow flavor, with hints of chocolate, hazelnut, and cinnamon. It is certified organic, fair trade, and kosher.
• Intelligentsia Coffee House Blend: This blend is a combination of Latin American and Indonesian coffees, with notes of caramel, dark chocolate, and black cherry. It is roasted to perfection and has a smooth finish.
• Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend: This blend has been a favorite of Peet’s customers since 1969. It has a rich, smooth, and complex flavor, with notes of dark chocolate and toasted nuts.

Best Dark Roast Coffee for French Press

Dark roast coffee is perfect for those who want a bold and intense flavor. It is also a great choice for those who want to cut through the milk and sugar added to their coffee. Here are some of the best dark roast coffee for French press:

• Death Wish Coffee Co. Valhalla Java Dark Roast: This coffee has a strong, bold flavor with notes of chocolate, cherry, and almond. It is made with a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans and has twice the caffeine of regular coffee.
• Lavazza Super Crema Espresso: This blend has a velvety, creamy texture and a bold, intense flavor with notes of honey and almonds. It is made with a combination of Arabica and Robusta beans and is perfect for those who want a strong and smooth cup of coffee.
• Starbucks French Roast: This coffee is roasted to a dark, oily shine, with a bold and smoky flavor. It is made with high-quality Arabica beans and is perfect for those who want a strong and intense cup of coffee.

Best Single Origin Coffee for French Press

Single origin coffee is perfect for those who want to taste the unique characteristics of a particular region. It is also a great choice for those who want to support small-scale farmers. Here are some of the best single origin coffee for French press:

• Blue Bottle Coffee Ethiopia Yirgacheffe: This coffee has a bright and fruity flavor, with notes of blueberry and jasmine. It is sourced from the Yirgacheffe region of Ethiopia and is perfect for those who want a unique and flavorful cup of coffee.
• Counter Culture Coffee Hologram Blend: This blend is a combination of Ethiopian and Colombian coffees, with notes of lemon, black tea, and jasmine. It is roasted to perfection and is perfect for those who want a balanced and flavorful cup of coffee.
• Stumptown Coffee Roasters Guatemala Finca El Injerto: This coffee has a rich and complex flavor, with notes of caramel, chocolate, and citrus. It is sourced from the Finca El Injerto farm in Guatemala and is perfect for those who want to taste the unique characteristics of the region.

French press coffee is a great way to enjoy the full flavor of specialty coffee. The best coffee for French press depends on your personal taste preferences, but the above-mentioned coffee is a great place to start. Remember to choose freshly roasted beans, grind them just before brewing with the best grinder, and experiment with different brewing times and ratios to find your perfect cup of French press coffee.

The perfect French press brewing machine – to make your morning coffee routine even better?

French press brewing machines come in a variety of styles and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they make delicious coffee. One popular option is the classic glass carafe with a stainless steel plunger, which is both durable and elegant. Other options include ceramic or stainless steel carafes, and even double-walled insulated models that keep your coffee hot for longer.

One thing to consider when choosing a French press machine is the size of the carafe. If you’re the only coffee drinker in your household, a smaller 4-cup model may be perfect for you. However, if you have a larger family or like to entertain guests, you may want to opt for a larger 8-cup model.

Another important factor to consider is the quality of the filter. Look for a French press with a high-quality stainless steel or mesh filter that will ensure a smooth and delicious cup of coffee. Some models even come with extra filters, which can be handy for regular users.

Finally, don’t forget about the aesthetics of your French press. It’s not just about the quality of your coffee, but also the beauty of the machine that’s brewing it. Choose a model that fits your personal style and complements your kitchen décor.

French press brewing machines are a great option for those who love rich, full-bodied coffee. Whether you prefer a classic glass carafe or a more modern insulated model, there’s a French press out there for everyone. So go ahead, treat yourself to a delicious cup of coffee made with the perfect French press brewing machine!

Some Historic Facts on French Press Brewing- Do you know how this popular brewing method came to be?

Let’s dive into the historic background of French press brewing!

French press brewing, also known as press pot or plunger pot brewing, has its origins in 19th century France. It was originally called “cafetière à piston” or “press pot” in French, and was invented by a Frenchman named Attilio Calimani in 1929.

However, the idea of using a device to separate coffee grounds from brewed coffee dates back even further. In the early 1800s, a Frenchman named Mayer developed a coffee maker with a metal screen that separated the grounds from the liquid. This was later improved upon by another Frenchman named Biggin, who developed a cloth filter to trap the coffee grounds.

The modern French press as we know it today, with its iconic plunger and glass carafe, was patented by an Italian designer named Faliero Bondanini in 1958. It quickly became popular in Europe, and by the 1980s. It had made its way to the United States, where it gained a cult following among coffee enthusiasts.

French press brewing is beloved for its simplicity and the rich, full-bodied coffee it produces. It involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in hot water. Then pressing the plunger down to separate the brewed coffee from the grounds. This results in a rich and flavorful cup of coffee that’s perfect for those who prefer a bolder, more robust taste.

So there you have it, a brief history of French press brewing. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or a casual coffee drinker, the French press is a classic brewing method that’s sure to satisfy your caffeine cravings. Happy brewing!