A French press, also known as a cafetière, press pot or coffee plunger, is a type of coffee maker that uses a manual coffee brewing method. Coarse coffee grounds steep directly in hot water inside the cylindrical container rather than passing through a paper filter like other coffee makers. After steeping for 3 to 5 minutes, you push the plunger down to trap the grounds at the bottom. A French press can create a rich, thick and bold coffee flavour compared to other brewing methods.

To make coffee in a French press, start by placing coarse coffee grounds into the bottom of the carafe. Pour hot water over the coffee grounds. Fill it halfway first, then let it bubble for 30 to 60 seconds and stir it gently. Then pour in the rest of the water. Put the lid and plunger on top of the carafe to trap the heat and make sure the plunger is pulled all the way up. Let the coffee steep for 3 to 5 minutes. After the coffee steeps, slowly and evenly push the plunger straight down to the bottom. Do not force it if you feel resistance. Pour the coffee into your coffee mug or travel mug right away and enjoy.

Leaving coffee in a French press for too long can cause over-extraction, which turns it into a harsh and bitter brew. After you push the plunger down, the mesh filter only slows down extraction rather than stopping it. The water keeps pulling out extra oils and plant compounds from the ground coffee. This can replace the rich coffee flavour with a dry, flat or bitter taste. To prevent that from happening, serve your coffee immediately after you push the plunger down.

To clean your French press, start by scooping out the coffee grounds with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Don’t use metal spoons to prevent damage to the glass. Place the coffee grounds in a garbage can or compost bin. Fill the carafe with warm water with a drop of mild dish soap. Insert the plunger and move it up and down to scrub the sides. Dump out the soapy water, rinse the carafe with clean water and let it dry completely before using it again.