Any French Press coffee users? Tips needed. Thanks.?

Question

Sub-questions:

Can I use more coffee and soak/ brew it for a shorter time?

Why? I don't like 'long soaks', because of the sour after taste.

Get what I mean?

Your personal experiences with coffee (ground coffee) would be appreciated.

(Note: I like the taste of fine coffee brewed with cloth filters. However, I am trying to get the same taste using the French Press, but that is very difficult).

Answer 1

myself I do use more coffee and dont let it soak long, I use Cuban coffee, real cuban coffee, very fine grind and no matter if using press or drip or perk. I always use much more coffee than most, thank goodness my hubby enjoys very strong kickin coffee

Good Luck to you

Answer 2

Well, I think you will have a hard time simulating single cup drip coffee (that used to be the only way I made coffee too, but now I love the french press) the main difference is that with the french press the coffee grounds actually sit in the water and then are strained out instead of the water filtering through the grounds--hence you get the grit that is left in the bottom of your cup with a french press that you don't have with filtered coffee--I think this affects the flavour but that is what I like about it (if you want less grit, leave a little bit of water in the french press instead of pouring it into your cup--most of it comes out at the end). However the principle is the same: with a filter the water only passes through the grounds (there is no soaking involved) and it only takes a few seconds, so you can do the same thing with the french press--just leave it for a minute or two, and you do not need to increase the amount of coffee you use. Also, after you add the water push the press down about 1/4 of the way so that the coffee grounds are actually in the water and not floating on top--this will ensure you get the max amount of flavor with less time. Another trick is to use more coarsely ground coffee--the finer the grounds the more bitter the brew--but that is true no matter what method you use. I would invest in my own coffee grinder if you haven't already, that way you can control how course or fine your grounds are. Good luck!

Answer 3

The filter is not as tight as a paper filter and because of the larger pores, a coarser grind is required so the grounds are filtered out, and the plunger does not become almost impossible to press down. The mesh of the filter allows the coffee oils and all those delicious dissolved and undissolved solids through without a problem. Also, because a coarser grind is required, a longer steep time is required (because of the decreased surface area to volume ratio). A brew time between 3 to 6 minutes is common for French-pressing. This prolonged, direct contact of the grounds with the water allows for a more complete, more controllable, and even extraction. If you are saying that your coffee has a bitter taste...try putting a pinch or two of regular table salt into your coffee grounds before you brew. This often cuts the bitterness.
Basically, the best advise I can give you is to keep experimenting. Only you know the taste you are looking for. In the long run, if you are not enjoying the brew produced by your French press, try another method. French presses are not for everyone. Keep experimenting.
In addition, the following is a really great website if you want experienced advice about coffee.
http://www.coffeegeek.com/
Also, you may want to change the type (origin) of coffee you are using as this may also be the problem. Maybe try a coffee that is known to be less bitter. I personally love Sumatra Mandheling.
Good luck to you!

Answer 4

Unfortunately, the french press uses those metal filters, so you get the full effect of the oils in the coffee.

Paper filters in typical coffeemakers will filter out those "sour" oils.

And also, unfortunately, you have to grind your coffee coarser for a french press, so the only way to get the full flavor of the coarsely ground coffee is to let it stand longer.

I do not like french presses which I am sure you can tell.

The best way to brew coffee at home is with a slow dripping, cone-shaped PAPER filter machine like krups or braun.

The flat-fluted basket-type filter like Mr. Coffee doesn't allow full enough contact between the water/grounds, and the water rushes through too fast. Paper filters (and I bet cloth filters) are the best way to get rid of those oils.