Coffeemakers that are all about flavor are the French press coffee makers. This is the belief of many coffee connoisseurs. They believe that the best and most flavorful way to make a pot of coffee is by using this method of coffee making. A fine screen, usually of nylon or steel mesh, is pressed down on the coffee grounds after they have steeped directly in hot water.
French press coffee makers come in non-electrical and electrical models. The electrical model allows you to boil and brew your coffee (or tea) all in one carafe. A solid state heating element boils the water in just 4 minutes, faster than on a stove or in a microwave, and will automatically shut off once the water reaches a full boil. The brew cycle is shorter than most conventional coffee makers thanks to the unit’s ability to brew at the optimum temperature of 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in superb flavor and aroma. The ingenious German-made Cordless Electric French Press brews this way and comes with a boil-dry alert, safe Lid Lock system for easy pouring, heat-resistant glass carafe, easy-to-clean stainless filters and an extra lid for use as a hot pot. The Chef’s Choice Electric Cordless French press coffee maker has an 8 cup capacity and the cord stores in the base.
The non-electrical French press coffee makers usually use a fine screen to press down on the coffee grounds after they have steeped directly in hot water. An electric tea kettle is fast and convenient way to have the right water temperature. After the water comes to a boil, wait one minute and the water should be between 195 and 205 degrees, again, just the right temperature for the best flavor and aroma. The grind of the coffee cannot be forgotten here. Remember, whole coffee beans that you grind yourself give you the freshest ground coffee all of the time. The grind of the beans needs to be a much coarser grind so that it won’t clog the filter of the French press plunger.
French Press coffee makers come in different brands. The Bodum is the most popular. It makes the most of these coffee makers and was the first company to make this type of coffee maker. There glass beakers are temperature safe borosilicate glass or polycarbonate with stainless steel. There Columbian by Bodum is a double-walled stainless steel thermo press. This means it is a thermally insulated pot so the coffee you make will stay hot for up to 2 hours. This feature makes this a durable and practical coffeemaker that is great for small group settings at home or at an office. Other brands include the Bonjour, which offers a selection of 9 French Press coffeemakers. Some of them are made of glass and others are metal. The Trudeau Chrome Coffee Press 17 oz. will join the 34oz size in late November; both use stainless steel filters. French press coffeemakers come in various serving sizes from a 3 cup to12 cup size; remember a cup is between 4-6 ounces. Bodum also offers travel mugs that are French press coffee makers.
