Is there really a difference ?
 

Let me start by saying I do enjoy coffee, ecspecially with a good stick. I mostly just drink dunkin doughnuts ground coffee in my drip. But after reading this thread I am thinking about purchasing a French press to try out. I just want to know if there is a real difference between the two and what I should try for coffee. Nothing to strong yet and I have a small grinder for beans.

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

It s a whole new world of flavor using the Press. My eyes were opened about a year ago after buying a press and I will never go back. I cringe now when I have to drink Drip.
Definate Difference!

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

I'm going to buy one today!

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To me, it's a much better flavor; strong and robust but not bitter. Unfortunately I need to get a new one. I got careless washing my previous one and broke it in the sink :td

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You can still get good, drinkable coffee from drip, if you have the right machine and use a gold filter. I just can't deal with the hassle of the press. That said, the press does make a more flavorful cup.

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Bummer. I'm right there with you. Mine slipped out of my hand and busted on the side of the sink about a week or so ago. I had to run out and get another that afternoon. Can go a day without my Press :D

That being said, you dont need to go out and spend top dollar on a press. I got the $20 Bodum from Target. I got a year out of my first one but I'm gonna be more carefull with this one. :rolleyes:

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

:tpd:

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

The press for me is awesome.
The flavor is excellent, and upkeep is minimal compared to a drip. (Drip machines always annoy me. I don't care how much you run that cleaning stuff through them at some point you still get grime in every crevice, hose and pump that just makes me cringe)

Press is a little mroe time consuming, but I prefer to look at it as forcing me to slow down in my otherwise busy day. Take a few moments to do something right, that I like, for me, before I spent the rest of the day slaving for The Man.

Just me :2

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

How much does a frenchpress cost?? Can it be had relatively cheap? Also any reading on the proper way to use a frenchpress..or other coffee reading? Thanks :cool2:

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

I've been using the same french press since the mid 1970's and like it. I don't find it to more of a hassle than drip. A Thermos is needed unless you drink the whole press at once.

Bodum is a good brand and look for ones that have the silk micro filter. Alessi is really nice if you're into high quality "euro" designer stuff.

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

I'd check around for a coffee shop or friend who has one. Sometime, places that sell lots of coffee supplies (Williams-Sonoma, e.g.) will have a press on hand for demonstrations and tastings. Nothing wrong with liking DD's coffee and just because you go to a more expensive setup it doesn't mean that you will enjoy your coffee more.

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

Not sure if it's a nation-wide chain, but I bought a large Bodum at a TJ Maxx store for less than $15. It seems like their inventory changes often, and they don't get a lot of the same items, but I've seen them there a couple of times.

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

Yes there is a real difference. Flavor, body, aroma ect.
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Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

Bodum 8-cup french press for $20 delivered on Amazon

As for proper reading on how to use a french press...

1. Coffee Grounds - Should be similar grind to drip, maybe a touch coarser.
2. Warm the carafe (glass jug bit) with warm water.
3. Boil the kettle.
4. Once the carafe is warm, empty out the water.
5. Place the ground coffee in the carafe.
6. When the kettle has boiled, wait a short while, 20 to 30 seconds, as the water needs to be slightly below boiling point for the best results. (90 to 95 celsius, or 195 to 205F)
7. Stir mixture with a wooden spoon.
8. Leave to brew for 3 to 4 minutes
9. Slowly and gently, push the press to the bottom of the carafe.
10. Enjoy.

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

Thanks! With a large one like that...do I leave the coffee in it? Will it continue to get stronger and stronger? Or do I pour it into another container for serving?

What is a good measurement of grounds per cup of water?

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

sorry, my bad... I forgot the final link...

Or check here:
http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-French-Press-or-Cafetiere

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

...it wasn't the $20.00 French press that was the big deal, but the $220.00 Baratza grinder was a bit hard to swallow....:D

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I like to pour a couple of ounces of water first, let the coffee "bloom" stir and pour the rest of the water.

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

looks easy enough. i always thought it was some kind of machine. thanks for the info.

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learning to use a french press is kinda like learning to drive... once you've learned the basics you're ready to go, and make the tweaks along the way!

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I made coffee this morning in the press, only difference is that I only made half a container. What I found is that you need to make a whole container to truly get the best coffee. What I mean is, by only using half the water and half the grounds, my press didn't really "press" the grounds enough to get all the oils and goodness out of the beans, lesson learned.

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

They sell them everywhere from Wal-Mart, target to Starbucks for around $20

Use is real easy.

4 scoops of course ground coffee.
Boil water in a tea kettle. Put the coffee and the water in the press.
Stir.
Wait 3 minutes (Some folks like 5 for a strong cup.)
Push down on the press and serve

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

That'll teach me to not scroll all the way down before replying.

Good show:tu

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

Thats where I got mine and paid the same price! Works well and cheap, perfect!

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

A scoop equals what?? A tablespoon?

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

Yes there is a difference..:2

I Love the French Press. I have not used a "coffee maker" for several years now.(Thanks to Mr. Moo and others back in the jungle.) The Bodums I use are the 8 cup size, and I also have a couple small 2 cup sized to take on the road/jobs with me.

I also use the AeroPress. http://aerobie.com/products/aeropress.htm
It works great on the jobs where we have a hot water spout on the water cooler.. It is recommended to use water in the 170 degree range. Lower temp. means less bitter, and I agree with the results...The AreoPress is great for 1 or 2 cups, and clean up is a lot easier.
I find myself using the AreoPress more lately even at home. Very smooth, rich tasting coffee.

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

I'm fortunate enough that my wife makes my coffee for me in the morning during the week, but she's accustomed to the drip machine, and I'm not complaining. :tu Truthfully, my drip machine is pretty good. Luck of the draw I guess.

On the weekends, I've been making coffee with my press. Definitely more flavorful, and richer while less bitter.

Kirk, I'm not sure what my scoop holds exactly...I'd guess a heaping tablespoon. The ratio I started with was 1 scoop to 4 oz of water, and let it brew for about 4 minutes. I'm sure the scoop/water/time ratio is varied to personal preference. More or less of any of those would change the brew.

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

Now that I think about it I think the Bodums have a scoop included.
So does the AeroPress.

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I eyeball how much coffee goes into the press. You can put a scratch onto the glass or carafe holder so no measuring is required. There's enough leeway where it does not have to be precise.

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

Good starting point: use 1T coffee per 4oz water.

While I usually fill a press I never had a problem scaling down with larger ones. Not sure what that's all about...

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Most of the Press's come with a scoop. or at least my last 2 did. Think it's like a 30 mL scoop

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

IMHO there is a huge difference.

shane

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

I lean towards espresso-based drinks...but when I'm drinking something other than espresso, I'll take French press over drip any day.

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

My scoop = 2 tbsp.
Recently did a comparison of press and drip. I use a Capresso with a gold filter and the difference is negligible.

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I'd seriously buy an energy drink before a cup of drip coffee.

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Why would you ever buy a cup of coffee? :sh

Re: Is there really a difference ?
 

Tip of the day: Never let your water come to a boil, 205˚ is more than hot enough...at 212˚ thee water will taste flat as you throw off oxygen.