Utensils & kitchen tools · Coffee maker

French press / cafetière

A glass or steel jug with a mesh plunger that steeps coffee in hot water, then presses the grounds down.

Useful to have · No power needed · 3 recipes

Photo: KoeppiK, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

What it is

A cylindrical jug with a lid attached to a rod and fine mesh filter. Coarse coffee steeps directly in hot water for several minutes, then the plunger pushes the grounds to the bottom. It gives a full-bodied cup with some fine sediment. Also called a cafetière or press pot.

What it’s for: Simple immersion brewing of coffee, or loose tea, without electricity or paper filters.

How to use it

Add coarsely ground coffee, roughly 1 tablespoon per 200 ml of water.
Pour in water just off the boil and stir.
Place the lid on with the plunger raised and steep for about 4 minutes.
Press the plunger slowly and steadily, then pour straight away.

Good to know

Tasks: brewing coffee, steeping loose-leaf tea, frothing warm milk by pumping the plunger, making cold brew
Materials: borosilicate glass, stainless steel, plastic
Care and cleaning: Scoop out grounds (not down the sink), dismantle the mesh occasionally and wash all parts.
Limitations: Some sediment; coffee left on the grounds keeps extracting and turns bitter.

Safety

Press slowly; forcing it can spray hot coffee or crack glass.
Glass jugs can break if knocked or shocked with temperature changes.

If you don’t have one

Filter coffee maker — For larger amounts with a paper filter.
Moka pot — Stronger, espresso-like coffee.

Equipment guide

How it works: Coarse coffee steeps fully immersed in hot water for about 4 minutes, then a metal mesh plunger pushes the grounds to the bottom. The metal mesh lets oils and fine particles through, giving a full-bodied cup.

Material	Good	Watch out
Borosilicate glass beaker	Lets you see the brew; non-reactive.	Breakable; loses heat quickly.
Double-walled stainless steel	Unbreakable and holds heat.	Cannot see the brew.
Ceramic	Holds heat; attractive.	Heavy and breakable.

Glass-and-frame press: Classic.
Insulated stainless press: Keeps coffee hotter.
Travel press: Mug-sized.

Buying guidance

Starting out: A 1-litre (8-cup) glass or stainless press.