A coffee plunger makes a unique brew that stands out from any other brewing method out there. The plunger is known for its other term – French press, a coffee press, plunger pot, or even a cafetière. Whatever you name it, the coffee plunger makes a silky, rich, and full-flavored coffee. It brings out the flavors that are often forgotten by drip or pour-over coffee methods.
The coffee plunger is a simple way to prepare coffee at home or in a professional setting. Most of the time, it does not require extra filtration as the device itself will do this for you. Coffee plungers are great if you are looking for an affordable and quick solution when making coffee at home or on the road.
This device is referred to by coffee drinkers and enthusiasts as one of the best method for brewing coffee. It is one of the few brewing methods that let all-natural oil and proteins in the coffee grounds be present in the final serving. It is viewed as an exceptional method because it does not use any paper filter that alters the taste of the coffee. Even better, making coffee with a plunger is extremely easy once you learn barista basics.
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How to Use a Coffee Plunger
There is no doubt that coffee tastes twice as better when it has been brewed in a coffee plunger. While plunging is a relatively slow brewing method, the one-of-a-kind aroma it produces serves as a constant reminder that it is worth the wait.
The slower brewing time is what gives the coffee its rich and flavorful taste. This device allows the coffee to brew without exposure to pressure or the boiling process. The result is quite different from what you taste in espresso machines.
There are also factors you can control when using the plunger. These include the amount of ground coffee and the water content, as well as the temperature.
Our easy-to-follow 6-step guide below will teach you how to use a coffee plunger to the highest standard.
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Measure the coffee beans
Carefully measure the coffee beans to ensure you have the right amount of grounds for your coffee. The recommended ratio is one rounded dessert spoon per cup or uses a ration of 60g/L.
For instance:
1 mug: 15g coffee & 250ml water
2 mugs: 30g coffee & 500ml water
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Grind the beans coarsely
Place the measured beans in a coffee grinder. Set the grinder to level 10 or the coarsest setting to grind the beans down until they are similar to bread crumbs. The ideal way to do it is to wait till the last convenient minute to keep the beans is as fresh as possible.
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Boil the water and cool
Let the water boil to around 195-205 Fahrenheit. If the water is about to bout, remove it from the heat and let it cool down. Allow the water to cool for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute before starting to make coffee.
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Steep your coffee
Steeping is part of the coffee-making process where the ground coffee is added to the hot water. Once done, place the lid on the press. Do not press the coffee right away. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes to give it time to fully steep.
A good rule of thumb is following the 4 up to the 5-minute mark. By that time, the coffee ground should be sufficiently steeped for you to move on to the next step.
As you become more experienced with the steeping process, you may discover certain types of coffee that tastes better in a much longer or shorter process. You can adjust the brewing time to suit your personal taste.
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Plunge or Press
After the coffee has steeped for several minutes, it is now time to plunge the press. Press the plunger down gently, while keeping it firm and steady. Make sure it goes all the way to the bottom of the carafe.
When plunging or pressing your coffee, you should feel some resistance while doing it. However, it should be a battle. Too much resistance may mean that the coffee has been ground too fine. Whereas not enough resistance when pressing may indicate coffee beans being too coarse.
Pushing on the press too hard can agitate the coffee and can produce a bitter taste. When you feel resistance while you are plunging, slow back down the press a couple of inches. Plunge it again until you get to the bottom carafe.
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Drink and Serve
Once you have plunged the press all the way to the bottom, the coffee is now ready to drink. Pour it into cups, mugs, or a serving carafe – whatever works for you. Not many coffee-plunging devices have the insulation feature. You will want to serve and drink the coffee promptly.
The coffee will grow bitter if left too long in the plunger.
Having a coffee plunger makes a big difference in your morning, afternoon, and even evening coffee preparation routine. On top of that, using a coffee plunger is relatively easy. Whether you prefer a cold brew, a solid black, light with cream, or anything in between – a coffee plunger helps ensure that you will have your coffee in the best possible way.
We believe that even the most humble and easily accessible coffee plunger can produce a great cup of coffee. It only requires knowledge on how to use the plunger with a little care and attention.
The use of a coffee plunger can produce wonderful, full-bodied cups of coffee for everyone. This classic brew method captures the full array of flavors and aromas of coffee beans.
PRESS LIKE A PRO
The right tools and skills are vital in making a perfect French Press coffee. Press like a pro with a barista course that will teach you to ground to the perfect coarseness to press like the best.