French Press or Pour Over Coffee: Which Brewing Method is Right for You?
French press or pour over coffee...which brewing method is right for you? I'll take a little risk here and state that both methods brew a darn tasty cup of coffee. No doubt about it.
One method involves infusion, the other, immersion. If those terms don't mean much to you it's okay, my friend. We'll get to those details shortly.
There is a little bit of practice involved, but anyone can learn how to brew with either method. It's probably more accurate to say a bit of experimentation along with a healthy dose of patience. But it's well worth the time spent, my friend.
If you're not familiar with the similarities, differences, and unique taste to the pour over and French press methods, you'll find all of the information you need right here, along with some helpful resources to get you started.
Fortunately, both the French press and the pour over dripper are quite budget friendly, so they are on par where the wallet is concerned. Sure, you can spend more money on the latest and greatest version of the brewer, or throw some extra dollars into equipment that will make the process more automated. But the bottom line is, you can make a great cup of coffee on a tiny little budget using either method.
By the time you've read through this article you'll have a good idea of which method may fit your taste buds and lifestyle the best French press or pour over coffee. If not, it's fun to try both and see what works for you! (Or, like me, use both methods depending on the mood of the day).
If you happen to click on a link and then make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
French Press Coffee: Let's Delve Deeper
What is French Press Coffee? The Facts
French press coffee is brewed using coarsely ground coffee beans and letting them soak in hot water in a French press for about 4 minutes. This brewing process is referred to as immersion. Pretty simple, right?
Interestingly, the French press was originally patented in Italy in the 1920s by Ugo Paolini, developed from his original idea of a tomato juice separator. The simple design has evolved over the years with both French and US designers filing patents for their versions.
It is sometimes referred to as a coffee press or a cafetiere.
The French press itself is comprised of a narrow cylindrical carafe with a handle that is most often made of glass or plastic. It has a metal or plastic lid and plunger that fits tightly into the cylinder. There is also a filter that is typically made of stainless steel wire or nylon mesh.
How to Brew French Press: Step by Step
The process of brewing French press coffee is quite simple. Of course, most java lovers will tweak the process by adding more/less coffee, or increasing/decreasing the steeping time. This is something you'll decide as you go about brewing coffee with your French press.
It's always helpful to note, literally, how much coffee / how much water / how long of a steep time for the brew, so write it down while you're experimenting. If you're like me, my little head just doesn't retain all the details until I've gotten the process down pat. Just sayin'.
Step 1
Your water should be at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just short of boiling. Pour a little bit of water into the press to warm it up, then discard.
Step 2
Grind fresh coffee beans to a coarse grind, kind of like sea salt. Remember the 'golden rule' of 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water as you decide how much coffee to use. Add the freshly ground coffee beans to the French press.
Step 3
Pour in the water slowly, making sure that all of the grounds are completely immersed. It's best to stir with a non-metal type spoon or stick...wood works really well.
Step 4
Place the plunger on the press and leave it at the top...don't let the filter touch the water and grounds. Steep for 4 minutes.
Step 5
Press the plunger down slowly and evenly. Now pour yourself a delicious cup of French press coffee.
What French Press Coffee Tastes Like: The Result
Coffee brewed with a French press has a distinct flavor and body. It is rich and flavorful, with a heavier feel than a cup of coffee brewed with a drip method, because the coffee grounds remain in contact with the water throughout the brewing process.
Because there is no paper filter, the natural oils in the coffee grounds are retained, which is why the flavor is deep and rich. One of the distinct features of French press coffee is that you can see the coffee oils floating on top. It may look a little strange at first, but that is what makes this brew so rich, smooth, and tasty.
You'll also find a bit of sediment (the grounds) at the bottom of your cup when you're almost finished drinking it. Don't worry - that's normal and due to the way the coffee is steeped. Just discard that last little bit in the bottom of the cup.
French Press Coffee: the Pros and Cons
There is a lot to love about French press coffee. It's certainly a budget friendly brewing method, doesn't take up a lot of space on your kitchen counter, is easily portable, and gives you a rich, full bodied cup of coffee. You can even use the French press to make a pretty tasty cup of espresso coffee. It's not quite the same as using an espresso machine but gets you close. It's worth a try!
The brewing process itself is quite simple, and you can tweak it to your own personal perfection.
On the other side, here are a few things to think about when brewing with a French press. As mentioned earlier, this brewing method creates a cup of coffee with oils floating on top and a little sediment at the bottom of your cup. Both are unique to French press coffee and lovers of this brew have come to enjoy and accept the characteristics.
The French press needs to be cleaned well after each use. It has only three pieces, but each piece needs to be thoroughly rinsed. The coffee grounds in the bottom of the carafe can be a little messy when they are discarded. It is the end of the world? Of course not. But it's a little different than tossing coffee grounds that are in a filter, or pitching a used coffee pod.
Best Selling French Press Brewers
If you haven't yet purchased a French press, here are a few of the current best sellers to consider:
- 【4 Minutes is All It Takes】As for our coffee fanatics, you now always have your fresh-made coffee at hand, no matter where you are and without standing in line or breaking your bank. Plus, the stylish design of our French-Press can be a big upgrade to your home-décor.
- 【Made of Reliable Material】Glass that is too thin or cheaply made would let out the heat almost instantly, which would affect the taste of your coffee. Our carafe, however, is made of heat-resistant borosilicate glass which keeps the water hot during the brewing process. Also, the thickened glass bottom tremendously extends the product service life and our handle is secured with a stainless-steel frame to keep the beaker from falling out.
- 【Innovative 4 Level Filtration Systems】- Poorly made filters often break which results in getting a mug filled with coffee grounds. This is why we developed a sophisticated double stainless-steel filter that ensures that no coffee grounds are getting in your coffee anymore. Experience an incomparable delicious, smooth and full-flavored coffee. The 34 ounce volume measurements on the carafe serve as an exact guidance for your water measurements.
- 【User-Friendly Coffee Maker】Our BAYKA French Press is incredibly easy to use that it takes only four steps to make a cup of coffee. It is suitable for both, beginners and experienced coffee drinkers. Every part of the press can be disassembled for cleansing purposes so that the small coffee grounds can be cleaned out from the filter layers and even the tiniest spots.
- 【Why do We Recommend it?】Our French-Press comes with an affordable price, a classy design and it is very user-friendly. It is, hence, not just a great gadget for on the go but a nice addition to your kitchen at home. Ultimately, it can serve you as a wonderful gift for your beloved ones, family members or even as a treat to yourself.
- Brews 8 coffee cups which is equal to 1000 ml; includes plastic measuring spoon
- Durable heat resistant borosilicate glass carafe beaker sits in stylish insulated plastic frame which makes pouring coffee easier and prevent wobbling
- Easier to use than a drip coffeemaker; brews within minutes and no soggy filters to deal with
- Perfect gift for any fun holiday occasion for both men & women alike
- Can be used for making tea, and very easy to wash
- French press: Chambord French press brews a premium cup of Coffee in just 4 minutes, simply add course ground Coffee, hot water and press
- Stainless steel: 3-part stainless steel plunger has a mesh filter that helps extract your coffee's aromatic oils and subtle flavors instead of being absorbed by a paper filter. Made of plastic
- Durable design: Coffee press features Bodum Patented safety lid to keep contents from spilling and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- Maximum flavor: pressed Coffee extracts the perfect amount of essentials oils and acids from the Coffee bean for maximum flavor; the preferred method for brewing for Coffee enthusiasts everywhere
- Servings: premium French press Coffee maker makes 8 cups of Coffee, 4 oz each
You Might Also Consider:
These tools can help make your coffee brewing experience more efficient and satisfying:
- coffee grinder - a burr grinder will give you the most precise and even grind
- electric kettle - set the exact temperature for your water so there is no guesswork
- coffee scale - if you prefer to have precise measurements
Pour Over Coffee: Let's Delve Deeper
What is Pour Over Coffee? The Facts
Pour over coffee is brewed by pouring hot (almost boiling) water slowly over ground coffee that is in a cone-shaped filter. The water seeps through to a receptacle below, going in circles around the grounds as it slowly flows through - usually your coffee cup - and within 2 to 3 minutes you have a fresh, hot cup of coffee.
This is an infusion method, which means that the flavors are extracted as the hot water swirls through and past the grounds, but the natural oils are trapped by the filter.
Another, perhaps less well-known name for this brewing method is the Melitta process, named after Melitta Bentz, a German woman who originated it in 1908. She also founded The Melitta Company, and she is believed to have done more than anyone else to popularize this method.
The pour over dripper itself is cone-shaped and typically made from ceramic or stainless steel. You can use a cone-shaped paper filter along with it, or if you prefer, use a coffee dripper with a built-in filter. A permanent, stainless steel mesh filter can help extract your coffee's aromatic oils and subtle flavors instead of being absorbed by a paper filter, so you get a brew that more closely resembles French press brew. It's your choice.
How to Brew Pour Over: Step by Step
Brewing a cup of coffee using the pour over dripper is my preferred method. Why? The taste, my friend, the clear, clean taste of the java.
These are my personal instructions for brewing a pour over coffee without using a scale. The method is not as precise and scientific as some; no coffee scale required; but if you have some patience and are willing to experiment a bit, these instructions will get you off to a good start!
Step 1
First, grind your coffee beans (unless you are using pre-ground coffee). Measure out 4 tablespoons - not heaping - of coffee beans and grind them to a medium - medium/fine level.
If you have a grinder with settings, you're all set. If your coffee grinder is like mine and doesn't have settings, it's a timing thing. You might have to experiment a little bit, but for me, it's a 12 second count to the perfect grind.
Like I said, this is a simple and unscientific method, my friend.
Step 2
Place a filter in your coffee dripper and put the ground coffee in the filter. Some folks say that if you wet the filter before adding the coffee it helps to keep it in place. Give that a go if you like.
Tap the dripper a time or two, to even out the grounds.
Place the dripper over your coffee cup or mug.
Step 3
Now, heat your water. It's best to use filtered water because you'll most likely get the truest, cleanest coffee taste. Again, experiment and see what type of water gives you the best result.
If you're using an electric kettle, set it to 195 or 200 degrees and wait for it to heat. You can heat up to 205 degrees but don't go higher than that for optimal taste and extraction.
Are you heating water on the stove? No worries. Let it just come to a boil, take the water off the heat and let it sit for 30-45 seconds, then go to the next step.
If you want to be certain that you're using the right amount of water, pour 10 ounces into a measuring cup. Once you become accustomed to brewing with the pour over method you'll be able to eyeball it and can skip the measuring cup.
Step 4
Now we are going to let the coffee 'bloom'. Pour just enough water over the grounds to cover them, then wait for the water to drip through. It will take about 30 seconds or so.
A lovely benefit of the blooming process is that you get to enjoy the aroma of the coffee as the carbon dioxide is being released.
Step 5
Pour more of the water in the dripper, starting from the outside edge and going in a circular motion toward the middle. Stop when the dripper is getting full, and wait for the coffee to drip through to the cup.
One more pour should use up the remaining water. The entire pour over process will take about 3 minutes.
And yes, it's a bit of a ritual once you get the hang of it. I really enjoy the process, and somehow it makes the coffee taste that much better!
What Pour Over Coffee Tastes Like: The Result
Coffee brewed with a pour over has a clean, smooth taste, and of course, as fresh as can be. For me, there is nothing that compares to the taste and mouth feel of a pour over brew.
The strength of the brew will depend on your choice of coffee roast as well as how much coffee you use, but you'll be able to taste the unique notes of the roast, which is very satisfying!
Pour Over Coffee: The Pros and Cons
There is a lot to love about pour over coffee. If you're preparing one cup of coffee, maybe two, the pour over can be a wonderful and economical method of brewing. The investment is minimal, and your pour over dripper can easily be put away until its next use, so no need for any counter space, a real plus if space is at a premium.
You don't need a lot of fancy equipment to brew using the pour over method. There are some helpful tools that will make your experience the best it can be, but none are required. If you prefer, you can use pre-ground coffee, although the result will not be as clean and fresh as when you grind the beans just prior to brewing.
Pour over coffee has a taste that is similar to coffee brewed with a drip coffeemaker. So if that is your goal, you'll like using a pour over dripper.
Clean up is pretty simple, too, with a quick disposal of the used filter and grounds, or a good rinse of the permanent coffee dripper filter.
Things to consider with a pour over brew? If you prefer a heavier, bolder coffee brew, you might find a pour over coffee to be a little light. Having said that, though, I enjoy a bold cup of coffee and love using my pour over. It comes down to the ratio of coffee to water, as I explained above in the step-by-step.
Best Selling Pour Over Coffee Drippers
If you haven't yet purchased a pour over coffee dripper, here are a few of the current best sellers to consider:
- 【TOP QUALITY】Our fine mesh stainless steel coffee filter is made of the highest quality stainless steel without using paper filters; the bottom base will stay on and not break; the extra fine wire mesh at the lower part of the filter ensure no grounds end up in your cup.
- 【SIMPLE TO USE】Simply heat the pour over coffee filter with hot water and rinse out, add coffee grounds, slowly pour in the hot water, let the coffee maker drip out the water through the fine pour over filter, and remove the coffee dripper when done, ready to enjoy your drink.
- 【WIDE CUP STAND】A wide metal cup stand makes our over coffee filter strong, stable and safe to use while you pour the water; It’s sized to sit over most single cup mugs and smaller travel canteens.
- 【PORTABLE】Compact and lightweight, the coffee dripper works great at home or work or while traveling or camping.
- 【EASY TO CLEAN】You can easily clean our coffee filter, just rinse and wipe it dry or place it inside your dishwasher, and small brush is a gift for you.
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- Does not trap essential oils of your Coffee in a paper filter, and makes a beautiful slow-brew
- Includes a Permanent stainless steel mesh filter; no paper filters or capsules needed
- Mouth-blown borosilicate glass, dishwasher safe
- Brews consistent, flavorful pour-over coffee with minimal effort
- Auto-drip tank controls water flow for a well-balanced brew
- Measurement markings on Tank show how much water to add, up to 12 ounces
- Lid retains heat while brewing, doubles as a drip tray
- Comes with 10 OXO Unbleached All-Natural #2 Cone Coffee Filters
French Press or Pour Over: The Bottom Line
When you're considering French press or pour over brewing methods, think about:
- how much preparation and brewing time you want to devote to a cup of coffee
- how many cups of coffee you typically brew at one time (i.e. how many people are drinking coffee)
- what type of strength, taste, and depth of flavor you prefer
- how committed you will be to the proper cleaning of the brewing equipment
Based on your responses, here's what the bottom line could look like:
Which Will You Prefer?
So, French press or pour over brewing method...what do you think? It really isn't a matter of one brewing method being better than the other. They're both easy to learn and they produce a very satisfying cup of coffee.
It is really all about YOU and what tastes better...which type of brew is more satisfying. My advice? Try them both, more than one time. Experiment with the ratio of coffee to water as well as the brewing time for French press. You'll discover what you love the most!
Resources:
Candi Randolph is a coffee lover, blogger, and content creator who loves to share her knowledge with the coffee-drinking world. You'll often find her tending to her coffee bar at home, deciding which method to use to brew her next cup of java. Life is full of important decisions!
Last Updated on July 8, 2021
