HOW TO USE A CAFETIERE: TIPS AND TRICKS

WHY USE A CAFETIERE?

Using a French press or cafetiere is one of the easiest ways to make filter coffee with excellent in-cup quality.

In just a few minutes you’ll get a full-bodied aromatic brew. This is why cafetieres are often used to brew single origin coffee.

But be careful: one mistake and the experience can turn into a nightmare, with the result being either too strong or too watery (without flavour).

WHAT COFFEE GRIND TYPE SHOULD YOU USE FOR FRENCH PRESS COFFEE?

Grind size is an important part of this recipe. We strongly recommend that you opt for a coarse grind.

This will prevent the coffee grounds from passing through the filter. What’s more, coarse grinds result in more delicate and sweeter coffee than a very fine grind.

It’s also worth noting that finding a suitable grind in supermarkets is usually very difficult, if not impossible.

Remember, ideally you want to grind your coffee yourself at the last minute using a suitable coffee grinder. The result is freshly ground coffee with maximum aroma and flavour.

Feel free to browse our website for coffee suitable for French press makers.

HOW TO USE A FRENCH PRESS

This basic recipe is usually included in the instructions of your coffee maker. It allows you to brew coffee without effort or special equipment.

Ideally you should weigh your coffee and measure the exact amount of water.

1. Use one scoop (approx. 7.5g) per cup
2. Boil your kettle (between 88 and 92°C depending on the roast of your coffee)
3. Pour in hot water: 90 ml per cup
4. Leave the coffee to brew for 3m 30 – 4 minutes
5. Press evenly all the way down
6. Enjoy!

PREPARE YOUR COFFEE LIKE A BARISTA

Here are a few tips on how to make barista-worthy coffee, and the equipment you’ll need. The right equipment will allow you to brew your coffee precisely.

A quick reminder:

For a 2-cup French press: 15 g coffee and 180 ml water
For a 4-cup: 30 g coffee and 360 ml water
For 8 cups: 60 g coffee and 720 ml water
And finally, for 12 cups: 90 g coffee and 1080 ml water

Coffee scales with a timer and kettles with temperature control are also great devices to help brew French press coffee.

MAXICOFFEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS

At MaxiCoffee, we favour coffee beans as you can grind them yourself at the last minute. This ensures fresh coffee with a high-quality taste.

Here’s our complete list of coffee beans to use with your cafetiere :

Hopefully you’re now ready to make the most of your French press. Still looking for the right one? Check our article on the top 5 best French press coffee makers. You’ll learn everything about this coffee maker, invented almost 100 years ago, from its history to its different types.