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First French Press (self.Coffee)

submitted ago by MrSpiffy

Right now I'm just using a Keurig machine because I'm the only one in the house that drinks coffee and it's quick and easy. I've been wanting to branch out a bit, and recently noticed that this press was on sale. I usually only drink 1 or 2 cups at a time, and want something that's quick and easy to use. Do you think this is a good option, or is there something better?

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[–]frlz 2 points3 points ago

This is definitely a good press for a good price. And you're coffee drinking world will never be the same if you switch to a french press.

My only question for you would be do you want to buy it from Amazon, or would you feel better getting it at a local shop somewhere? :D Happy pressing.

[–]MrSpiffy[S] 1 point2 points ago

I don't have any preference. Would you recommend buying it locally? I just figured I'd jump on this since it's an affordable price.

[–]frlz 2 points3 points ago

I generally try to buy things at smaller shops - but end up doing a fair amount of shopping at WalMart, BarnesNoble, etc anyway. Found mine at shops here in town for $18.

[–]Regular-RedditorFrench Press 1 point2 points ago

I have this press and I bought it from Amazon. I personally wouldn't have minded spending a bit more to buy it locally as it really is a good press. The handle is a bit loose at the top but nothing to worry about.

[–]vweltin 5 points6 points ago

I just got a french press myself, and here's my perspective on it:

The coffee tastes incredible, and you have a lot of control over how it comes out.

That being said, brewing 1-2 cups will take significantly longer than the Keurig. You have to bring the water up to temp (which takes longer for me, not sure on what heating devices you have though) and then let it brew for 2-4 minutes, and then the cleanup is a bit annoying. To compensate I just wake up 5-10 minutes earlier than I used to, and it's definitely worth it.

[–]ViaConNada 2 points3 points ago

My FP clean up, takes about a minute.

Dump out grounds into trash can.

Put a squirt of dish washing soap and an inch or two of water into the press.

Put top on and rapidly depress and lift the plunger until the entire press is filled with suds.

Rinse and dump out excess water.

Sit upside down on a paper towel to dry.

[–]vweltin 0 points1 point ago

I'd actually been brainstorming trying to think of a more efficient way to clean my press, using the plunger to "sud" the soap is a great idea!

[–]MrSpiffy[S] 1 point2 points ago

That's not too bad at all, especially considering the quality compared to the Keurig. Thanks.

[–]dangersandwich 0 points1 point ago

I bought the exact same French press from Amazon and have been using it for a year. It's sturdy, light, easy to use, and fairly easy to clean (use a toothbrush for the mesh to clean out all the old coffee dust once a week). Definitely worth buying if you're on a budget.

[–]gasbrake 0 points1 point ago

Are you sure that's the right size for you?

I have one that makes two decent size mugs worth, that's just the right size. Super easy to clean, and fill it to the start of the metal band to get two full mugs out of it.

How many people are you making coffee for?

(make sure you have a decent burr grinder)

[–]MrSpiffy[S] 0 points1 point ago

Just myself, so 1-2 cups. I know it says 8-cups, but some of the reviews said it only makes 2.

[–]king_in_the_north 0 points1 point ago

Apparently Bodum considers 4 ounces to be a cup of coffee - I have the "3-cup" one from the same line, and generally fill two mugs from it

[–]MrSpiffy[S] 0 points1 point ago

Would you recommend it? That sounds a bit better for my needs.

[–]junglizerAmericano 0 points1 point ago

I would recommend a larger one. Pretty much everywhere but the US a "cup" of coffee is 4-6oz, not 8. The larger is good since you can make a 16oz travel mug size, or multiple cups just by varying the water/grounds amount. Well, in short, you have backwards flexibility to make less and with the small one you can never make more.

[–]theRIAA 0 points1 point ago

Be careful not to push/treat the plunger/screen roughly. The plastic nut that prevents the screen from moving up breaks pretty easily. The (older/less common) all-metal-inside ones are better IMO.

[–]lookitsaustinFrench Press 0 points1 point ago

I have this one and the plastic "nut" is the only thing I don't like about it. I returned one because it became "stripped" and would unscrew along with the inner rod. My replacement is starting to do that too, I am going to switch it out with one that doesn't have this handle though. I want the one with the band. I think it would have been better if they had used metal to hold the screen down and just tac welded it or something. That all being said I switched to a FP about 2-3 months ago and could NEVER go back to drip.

[–]theRIAA 1 point2 points ago

Dude just take it to the hardware store and replace the stripped plastic with a little bolt
And yea I have the old all-metal banded one and it's awesome.

[–]thetornainbow 0 points1 point ago

I'd get a smaller french press, maybe a 4-cup size like this one. I use a similar one for both coffee and loose leaf tea, and it only makes two cups at a time so it's perfect for me.

[–]JimJongChillin 0 points1 point ago

French press will take a lot longer, but its worth it. Also I'd go with the 3 cup over the 8 if your only making 1-2 cups. I have the 8 and only fill it halfway most of the time(making ~2 cups worth).

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