The French press is one of the most popular methods of brewing coffee all around the world: Can you use a French press for espresso? The answer is a definite YES. The real question is how to go about it without messing it up. With a French press, you get a more flavorful and light coffee. This is a different kind of coffee from espresso.
An espresso should be denser, bolder, and stronger in taste and aroma. Since you can use a French press for espresso, it is time to learn how to do it. There are different techniques to master and several steps to follow. This guide will give you a deeper understanding of making espresso without the use of an espresso machine.
Can You Use a French Press for Espresso?
The French press is essentially a glass beaker (cylinder-shaped), with a plastic lid. The press, which is protruding from the lid, can be pressed into the beaker. At the outer end of the press lies a mesh wire filter, which allows for the passage of liquid. This is done by slowly pushing the coffee grounds into the bottom of the beaker.
This gadget tends to produce heavier coffee. The rustic, robust coffee it produces can equate to a nice demitasse or shot of espresso.
Things to Remember in Preparing Espresso
Espresso is a crowd favorite but regarded as the most complex in terms of the preparation method. To fully understand the mechanism in making good espresso, here are the pieces that comprise an entire espresso machine.
- A boiler (This affects how the coffee is extracted)
- Internal water pressure of 9 bar
- A screen for the group head for preventing coffee grinds from floating up into the machine.
- A portafilter, for allowing the espresso to emerge from the saturated coffee grinds.
- A basket for the portafilter
- A tamper for even, consistent extraction
Espresso is a crowd favorite but regarded as the most complex in terms of the preparation method. To fully understand the mechanism in making good espresso, here are the pieces that comprise an entire espresso machine.
Most Effective Methods in Making Espresso
These methods are fool-proof in making the perfect espresso through your beloved French press.
Pre-heat Method
This method is done by adding pressure to the French press by pre-heating it. This way, the hot air pockets get trapped in the process.
- Pre-heat your French press. Fill it with hot water and close the lid.
- Grind the coffee beans. Grind them until they are fine. Make sure that no water can pass through the grounds.
- Heat the water for brewing.
- Pour out the water that you used for pre-heating and do not open the lid.
- Pour the water using the spout.
- Put on the coffee grounds. Add more compared to the regular amount. Do this fast to prevent the release of hot air pressure.
- Pour in all the water in one go. Make sure that the grounds are being covered. Do this in a circular motion
- Brew for five minutes.
- Raise the plunger in one whole stroke. Push it down as fast as you can.
- Make sure you handle it strongly and firmly.
- Pour yourself a cup of coffee.
Mixing Method
This method does not require pre-heating. You can achieve this by following these steps:
- Grind the coffee beans thoroughly.
- Heat the water.
- Put the coffee grounds in the French press.
- Add the heated water.
- Let it brew for at least three to five minutes.
- Push the plunger down abruptly and forcefully.
- Mix the liquid inside by moving the French press itself. Use round motions.
- After mixing the brew for at least 300 seconds, pull the plunger slowly then push it back.
- Mix the French press twice. Continue doing this until you see the froth forming.
- Pull the plunger up then push it back.
- Pour out the coffee and serve.
Plunger Method
Espresso coffee needs about 10 bars of pressure to remove all the oils inside the machine. The extraction of coffee oils is very important. The extraction temperature is another cost of the change in the taste of espresso. The extraction needs enough heat that requires about 94 degrees C. Adjust the broiler thermostat or give the espresso machine the right amount of temperature.
- Grind the coffee beans thoroughly.
- Heat the water.
- Put the coffee grounds in the French press.
- Add the water.
- Let it brew for five minutes.
- Push down the plunger slowly with one firm grip.
- Pull it back carefully.
- Push it down again, this time in a speedy manner, and then pull it back.
- Do this until you see the froth developing.
- Let the liquid settle and push it down for the last time.
- Pour out the coffee.
As discussed, espresso can only be made due to intense pressure. The pressure is the critical element in making a good cup of espresso. A French press, as you can glean from the methods, takes a little bit longer in making espresso. If you do not have the patience to follow all these steps, then you can opt for the Aeropress. Find out more about french press.
Espresso Making in a Nutshell
Now that you have learned the different methods in making espresso using a French press, you can now start brewing comfortably. I suggest that you try the pre-heating method first since it is known to cause the most successful results. All of the methods rely upon the pressure exerted on the coffee grounds.
Can you use a French press for espresso? That is a definite yes. There are many ways to do it. It is up to you, which suits your liking. Find the easiest method for you and voila, easy espresso in a matter of minutes. You can also browse for the top-rated French press brands you can purchase. It is time to make espresso magic with your very own French press in the comfort of your kitchen. Happy brewing!