How (and Why!) to Use a French Press Coffee Maker
I am obsessed with using a french press to make coffee. When I began hosting an eco- Airbnb from my home, I decided to provide my guests with the eco-friendly products that I use personally.
The french press for making coffee is an imporant part of this experience. French presses offer a healthier and more sustainable alternative to a traditional drip coffee maker or Kurig (those little pods create so much waste!).
How to Use a French Press
French presses are easy to use, and with good communication, many of my Airbnb guests have had no trouble figuring out how brew coffee using one. I made this quick video as part of my guest guide, which explains how and why to use a french press coffee maker.
How to Make Coffee with a French Press
If you wanted your coffee 5 minutes ago and don’t want to watch the video, here are some quick tips:
Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of coffee into your french press (your desired strength). If you are using whole beans, grind them course for best results. Already ground beans are usually finer for the common drip coffee makers, but they will still work!
Pour boiled water into the french press and place the top on with the strainer/press elevated above the coffee
Wait 2-5 minutes for the coffee to brew (your desired strength)
SLOWLY, press down on the top to push the strainer to the bottom of the french press. It should press smoothly and easily. Occassionally you may encounter some resistance from built up pressure. If this happens, you can just reposition the top/strainer and let out some pressure.
Enjoy the best freaking home-brewed coffee of your life.
Why Use a French Press
Here are a few health and eco benefits to using a French Press:
A french press is a plastic-free alternative to brewing coffee, which ensures dangerous and carcinogenic chemicals such as BPA and phthalates do not come into contact with the hot water and leach into your daily coffee.
There are no filters or K-cups required, which means less packaging waste and no need to reorder and restock filters in your home or Airbnb.
Since filters don’t drain out the flavor, a French Press makes stronger more delicious coffee while using fewer grounds! Those bags of coffee you are purchasing will last longer!
They are pretty fun and easy to use. Most of my guests appreciate this gesture. I have had maybe one or two out of thousands of guests comment they couldn’t find a coffee maker. I have stepped up my communication in both my Airbnb listing and in the kitchen and provide a link to my video to make sure there’s no morning coffee let down!
Lastly, an awesome bonus: You can use a French Press to make cold brew coffee! Yes, that expensive coffee that you buy bottled in stores. It’s very simple and easy to do this. Head down below to see how!
How to Pick a French Press Coffee Maker
If you’re interested in switching to a french press, I recommend a stainless steel version. This Starbucks one I’m using in the video has endured everyday use for 10+ years. I absolutely love it, but sadly they discontinued selling it. Don’t worry, I can recommend an even cheaper dupe!
By contrast, I’ve had a few glass ones which I do not recommend because they break very easily and do not have thermal insulation to keep your coffee warm for long.
When I bought additional french presses for my Airbnb rentals, I found this similar style of french press to my Starbucks one that is even more budget-friendly.
Best French Press Coffee Maker Option: I’m really impressed with this Secura French Press that I provide guests in my Gypsea’s Getaway Airbnb. It’s been going strong since 2018!
Best Kettle to Pair with a French Press for Coffee: I pair my French Press with this Hamilton Beach electric kettle, which I purchased back in 2014 and is still in excellent condition.
I recommend this one because there is no plastic in contact with the hot water, meaning no toxic chemicals will leach into your daily coffee! I find that the glass kettle is very study and doesn’t not chip or break easily (unlike those glass french presses!). It’s also a great for tea drinkers.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee with a French Press
Just add about 3x the normal amount of coffee you use for your French Press and combine that with room temperature water. Let the coffee steep in your refrigerator (meaning don’t press the lid down!) for 24-36 hours. After brewing, pour your cold brew coffee into a small bottle or jar to use all week long. This coffee is going to be very strong! I recommend to dilute the coffee with water (1 part cold brew to 1 part water), then add your favorite creamer and ice. So this coffee is going to last you quite a while!
Enjoy your coffee!
Thanks to my Airbnb guests and anyone else for giving this a try! I really hope you enjoy this french press coffee!
If you are looking to make health-conscious, eco-friendly and affordable changes to your everyday life or wish to create a consciously healthy and sustainable Airbnb consider a 1-1 coaching appointment with me. I have been researching household products for many years to understand which options are better for our personal health and eco responsibility. In just one hour, I can answer all your questions.
If you like my recommendations, it supports my blog and is good karma for you if you purchase from my provided Amazon affiliate links in this article. Thank you! ☕️
Note: this post was first published April 2017 and has been updated to keep the information current.
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