Are you ready to elevate your coffee brewing game? Look no further than the classic cafetière method. With its simplicity and ability to extract rich flavours, the cafetière, also known as a French press, is a favourite coffee brewing method among many coffee enthusiasts.
French press coffee is the perfect morning wake-up alongside your wholesome breakfast, with varying sizes of French press available to suit how many cups of coffee you’re making. It’s also a quick method for making coffee – with a short brew time for when you’re in a hurry. This lightweight coffee maker is also easily portable; you can carry it from the kitchen to your desk or dining table, and just plunge and pour when it’s ready.
In this helpful coffee brew guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of brewing cafetière coffee, ensuring that every cup of coffee you make is a flavoursome and aromatic delight. We'll also explore the best type of coffee beans to use for cafetières and French presses, and why it matters.
1. Choosing the Right Coffee Beans
When it comes to selecting the ideal coffee beans for your cafetière, certain characteristics can enhance the overall brewing experience. Opt for medium to dark roasted beans that offer rich, bold flavours and lower acidity. Look for beans that maintain their flavour and aroma even with the prolonged contact time between water and coffee grounds.
Single-origin beans or blends can both deliver exceptional results, so choose according to your taste preferences. Fresh coffee beans give you rich flavours and beautiful aromas are better for grinding. Always prioritise freshness by selecting recently roasted beans and grinding them just before brewing.
2. Gather the Essential Tools
Before you begin brewing, gather the necessary tools: a cafetière, a kettle, a burr grinder/ coffee grinder (if needed), a timer, scales and freshly filtered water. Having everything at hand will streamline the brewing process.
3. Measure the Coffee and Water
It’s important to use the correct brew ratio. A standard ratio for cafetière coffee is 1:15, meaning one part coffee to 15 parts water. Start by measuring the desired amount of coffee beans based on your preference and the number of cups you wish to brew. For example, for one cup of coffee, use 1 tablespoon (7 grams of coffee) and 200 millilitres of water.
4. Grind the Coffee Beans
For the cafetière method, a coarse grind is ideal to prevent over-extraction. Adjust your grinder accordingly or choose a coarse grind setting. Consistency is key, so aim for evenly ground coffee particles by adjusting the grind size.
5. Preheat the Cafetière
Pour hot water into the cafetière to preheat it. The water temperature helps maintain the brewing temperature and prevents heat loss during the brewing process. Allow the hot water to sit in the cafetière for a minute, then discard it.
6. Add Coffee and Water
Place the desired amount of ground coffee into the preheated cafetière. Slowly pour hot water over the coffee grounds, ensuring all the grounds are saturated. Use a circular motion to fully immerse the coffee. Be mindful of the coffee-to-water ratio to achieve a balanced extraction.
7. Start the Brewing Process
Attach the plunger to the cafetière, but don't plunge it down yet. Start the timer and let the coffee brew for about 4 minutes. This duration allows for optimal flavour extraction. During this time, the coffee grounds release their flavours and oils into the water.
8. Plunge and Pour
Once the brewing time is complete, slowly press the plunger down. Apply gentle and consistent pressure to avoid splashing or agitating the coffee grounds. Plunging too quickly can result in over-extraction. Once the plunger is fully pressed, pour the brewed coffee into your favourite mug or carafe and indulge in some delicious coffee. We’re sure it’s soon to become one of your favourite brew methods.
Final thoughts
Brewing coffee using cafetières or French presses is a simple yet rewarding process that delivers robust flavours and a full-bodied experience. By following these step-by-step instructions and selecting the best type of coffee beans for a cafetière, you can master the art of cafetière brewing and enjoy delicious cups of coffee to your personal taste. You can also enjoy a cold brew using your cafetière using the same process and grams of coffee – just leave it to cool for 14-16 hours at room temperature, plunge and strain it into a vessel, and pop it in the fridge.
So, grab your cafetière and your favourite coffee, source the finest beans, let the magic unfold with each sip and make the coffee lover inside you happy. Cheers to your new coffee-brewing adventure!
