If you like coffee and buy bulk coffee beans, there are many choices when it comes to brewing. You can spend hundreds of dollars on a coffee machine from some fancy coffee shop or 10 bucks on a cheap brewer at Wal-mart, it all depends on your preference. You can even use an old-school percolator should you desire. But the choice for many coffee drinkers is the French press and for good reasons.
How it Works
Some people might fear using a French press because it looks intimidating. That is, you don’t plug it in and there is no on/off switch and it doesn’t even have a clock, so it must take skill to use one. Well, that assessment couldn’t be further from the truth. You simply scoop ground coffee into the carafe, pour boiling water on top, stir everything together, let sit five minutes, press down on the plunger and pour yourself a fine cup of coffee.
It Won’t Break
Well, that isn’t entirely true, if you drop your French press on the tile floor is will likely shatter. But think about how many electric brewers you have gone through up to this point in your life. You probably started off like so many people have with a Mr. Coffee machine, which probably lasted a few years before you upgraded to something a little better.
A French press has very few moving parts, so there is less chance of breakage. This means you won’t suffer a meltdown like you did when that Mr. Coffee machine made a loud popping noise, billowed smoke and you couldn’t make your morning cup of coffee.
No Electricity Needed
You don’t plug in a French press, so it comes in real handy on camping trips or at other locations without electricity.
You Look Cool Using One
Bring your French press to the office and you will garner plenty of attention to be sure. Your status as a geek may also be overturned once word gets around that you use a French press. On the downside, you will be having to field all sorts of questions about your French press.
No Coffee Filters
You don’t need to buy coffee filters if you use a French press. You also don’t have to spend money on expensive pods or other gadgets used with coffee makers. In addition to the money you save on filters, you are saving the Earth.
More Space
The counter space in your kitchen is already a cluttered mess with the toaster, mixer and waffle iron taking up precious space. A French press is a compact device that saves on counter space. In fact, it can be easily stored in the cupboard and taken out for use.
Portable
French presses are compact and portable and can be taken with you wherever you go. Have you ever tried to pack a drip coffee maker?
Better Flavor
This is purely subjective of course, but if you talk to people with French Presses, they will swear the coffee tastes so much better.
Kind of makes you want to try one out.