My newbie qestion, regarding the French Press

jward

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Oct 16, 2005
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Hi,

My wife just bought a Bodum French Press for me. Instructions say to use one rounded scoop for a 4oz cup of coffee. My problem or question is this. The instructions do not say how much water to use per cup. This makes me feel stupid. I am guessing I use one rounded scoop with 4oz of water, but after brewing I end up with less that 4 oz of coffee due to the fact some water is left in the coffee grounds....right? Then 2 scoops with 8oz of water and I end up with less than 8oz at the end… did I miss something or is this correct? Do some of you use a few extra ounces of water per cup?

Thanks,
Jeff
 

cafemakers

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Nov 3, 2004
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There must have been something lost in the English translation of the instructions; probably should read something like this:

1 scoop (which we shall assume is a tablespoon) for EACH 4 oz of water. You may press as much coffee as you can drink (or your press will hold) in this proportion.
 

mrgnomer

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Jan 22, 2006
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This was interesting to me when someone pointed it out.

If coffee is brewed strong it doesn't matter if you add heated water later to dilute it a bit. There's no affect to the brew other than diluting the taste to your preference.

Getting the water quanty just right isn't so important then as long as you brew strong, not weak.
 

Mr.

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Feb 6, 2006
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In regards to using a french press, what would people recommend to use as a grinder for the beans? I know, from reading other posts, that people always recommend burr grinders, but usually when talking about getting even fine grinds for espressso. Since I don't drink espresso all that much, would a more medium priced burr grinder be sufficient for grinding beans for a french press? If so could someone recommend a decent burr grinder that doesn't cost hundreds of dollars?

Thanks. :)
 

Dark Majestic

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May 4, 2006
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Hello ...

I use a Capresso burr grinder ... it works fine .. it is not very expensive ... about $60 to $70 I think. I'll tell you what .. I use my grinder every time I make coffee ... much more then any of the kitchen gadgets ... so money spent on a grinder is well spent.

In theory from what I read a burr grinder is best even for a french press since it produces a more uniform grind then a blade grinder ... then again
I never tried a blade grinder ??? 8)


Good Day ...
 

richedie

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Jan 25, 2005
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I haven't had problems with my blade grinder. I have a low heat $30 Cuisinart and it works well - I use it everyday. I pump and cycle the grinding to get it as even as possible and rivalling a burr grinder. I use a course to medium grind since I found a fine grind did not work well in my french press. Make sure the water is just below boiling and brew about 4 minutes.
 

Night Guy

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Jan 28, 2006
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I also have not had any problems with my blade grinder. I have a Kitchen-aid I also pulse it and I hold it on an angle this seems to get the grind mor uniform. Press coffee seems to be morforgiving that espesso when ti come to the grind
 

billagirly

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Mar 29, 2005
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I don't know, but I received a Starbucks travel french press as a gift, and no matter what I do (bean courseness, etc), the last drink of coffee in that cup is mostly grounds. Any suggestions?
 

Dark Majestic

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Hello Billagirly ...

There will be some grinds in the bottom of your cup ... thats normal ... you can reduce the amount of grind by grinding coarser and more uniform. Also .. use a little knack when pouring to the end ... you may avoid pouring out the last drop of coffee.

Good Day ...
 

craig

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Jun 15, 2006
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Hi All,

Burr Grinders provide a more consistent grind than blades. I use a Krups GVX2 which is relatively cheap. About US$80, so not hundreds that some other burr grinders cost. The grind container is suppose to be static free, but it isn't really. Aside from that I am quite happy with the grind it produces. I have used it to grind for an Espresso machine, a Moka Pot and a French Press. All have produced the right brews.

For tips on grinding and brewing methods, check out these links:
http://www.the-java-cafe.com/Coffee-Grinding.html
http://www.the-java-cafe.com/Coffee-Bre ... thods.html

Enjoy your coffee....
 
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