The French Press is a fairly inexpensive glass pot fitted with a metal plunger mechanism. The French Press is an excellent manner of brewing coffee because you have complete control over brewing time and temperature. Because the French Press uses a fine metal screen rather than a paper filter, all of the oils from the coffee are left in the brew, making for a more distinct flavor.
To brew a pot of coffee in a French press: Boil your water while grinding beans coarsely. Remove the plunger and place the grounds in the press. Add your hot water and swirl the water and coffee gently to brew. After allowing this mixture to steep for four to five minutes, simply press the plunger down to separate grounds from coffee. There may be some sediment in the bottom of your cup after drinking French Pressed coffee. Generally one doesn’t drink it, but if you’re one of those people who likes to chew on coffee beans for a little pick-me-up then you’ll probably enjoy it.
Automatic Drip
This is the most common form of brewing coffee. First place a filter in the basket of your coffee maker. Paper filters are common, but reusable metal filters like Gold Filters will allow the coffee oils to remain in your brew and will be easier on landfills if you are a regular coffee drinker. If you use a paper filter, wetting it before filling it will help to avoid some of the paper flavor in your coffee. You’ll want a medium grind of coffee for this brewing method. Push the brew button and the coffee maker will take care of the rest. Once your coffee is brewed, you should remove it from heat to prevent it from burning. The best way to keep your brewed coffee warm is by keeping it in an insulated carafe.