I finally tried a french press after using a drip machine for 5 years

I kept thinking my drip machine was fine, but then my buddy brought his french press to the cabin last weekend and the difference was insane. The coffee had way more flavor and body, even with the same beans from Starbucks. Now I'm kicking myself for drinking watery coffee for half a decade. Anyone else make the switch and feel the same way?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_sam19d ago

You ever just sit there thinking about all the mornings you could've had better coffee but didn't? I went through the same thing after a friend lent me his french press for a week. The grinds settling at the bottom took a little getting used to, but man, the taste is just so much richer and not as flat. I actually ended up buying a cheap one at Target just to see if I'd stick with it, and now I can't even go back to drip at my parents' house. It feels like you're actually tasting the beans instead of just drinking hot brown water.

vera_murphy19d ago

So how long did it take you, @the_sam, to dial in your grind size with that cheap Target press? I ask because I tried my hand at a french press once and ended up with coffee that was either too bitter or weak as dishwater. Grind size is everything from what I hear, and getting it right for a cheap press can be a real pain. I have a buddy who swears by his, but he also spends 20 minutes fiddling with the water temperature and brew time like he's running a science experiment. Personally I find that a metal filter pour-over setup gives a similar richness without the grinds in your teeth. Your mileage may vary, but for me that's the sweet spot between convenience and flavor.

west.anna18d ago

I read a coffee blog that said French press oils are what give it that velvety texture drip machines filter out.