I am a coffee snob
Having worked in the specialty coffee business for some years. I began as a barista and worked my way up through the ranks. I admit it, there are certain things that I can be a SNOB about, and coffee is VERY high on that list (along with chocolate and good champagne). The ONE thing that I loved most about my job, was offering coffee tastings to both customers as well as at private dinners (they would hire me to do tastings much like wine tastings). I may not be a five star chef, but I DO pride myself on making a great cup of coffee (whether it be pulling the perfect espresso shot, steaming milk and foaming, or just making a simple pot to enjoy in the morning).
The beauty of coffee is that the BEST brewing method is actually the simplest. While machines with pods and plastic cups are easy to use, what makes GREAT coffee is DIRECT CONTACT between the coffee and water. That being said, my preferred method would be to use a Bialetti French Press.
Making the perfect cup of coffee:
1. Bring filtered water (I use bottled) water to a boil and let it sit while you’re going through the next steps. The water should be HOT…not boiling when you pour it over the grounds.
2. Grind your favorite coffee (mine are the Indonesian varietals) to a COURSE grind. There are people who like a medium grind, but they’ll find themselves with lots of sludge in the bottom of their cup from all of the grinds that have made it through the screen. **If you grind at home make certain that you’re using a burr grinder, as blade grinders can’t seem to get that grind right for a press.
3. Measure the coffee into the bottom of your Bialetti French Press. I use 2 TBS per 6 oz.
4. Pour the water over the grinds EVENLY (I use a circular motion).
5. Set your timer for 4 minutes. Once you do this a few times you’ll find just what timing is perfect for you. Don’t forget that the coffee will sit in the pot for a short while and get stronger between your first and second cup 😉
6. Do NOT cover the coffee with the plunger just yet. You want the coffee to BLOOM. OPTIONAL: In order to get a better more even bloom, I use chopsticks to give the grinds a little stir.
7. OPTIONAL: Some coffee drinkers like to skim the grinds off of the top before plunging. It does make a smoother cup.
8. Place the Bialetti coffee plunger on top and slowly press down making certain that the lid is centered.
9. Get your cup ready, because you’re going to wonder why you’ve been drinking any other kind of coffee.
Over the years I’ve used quite a few different brands of coffee makers, and while I have perfected the art of the perfect cup of coffee, Bialetti has perfected the coffee maker.
Don’t be satisfied with a BAD cup of coffee
I don’t know about you. But my coffee sets the day. It’s the FIRST thing that I truly enjoy upon waking up. Wasting my time with a BAD cup of coffee can throw my entire day off.
Where to buy the Bialetti French Press
- Amazon.com
- BialettiShop.com
- Bed, Bath & Beyond
- Crate & Barrel
- Kitchen Kapers
- MoMa Store
- Sur la Table
I received product to facilitate my review. I am retired from Starbucks and spent many years making GREAT coffee. All opinions are strictly my own.
Tammy says
I don’t drink coffee. I do like the smell of a good cup of coffee.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
My hubby only drinks Maxwell House…
Notorious Spinks says
You are the expert. However, I doubt I’ll ever be a pro.
Jenn @therebelchick says
I never cared for regular coffee but love iced coffee. It’s all about the creamer with that kind!
Stefanie says
I love coffee…haven’t tried a french press.
Colleen says
Would you believe me if I told you I have NEVER made a cup of coffee in my life.
I worked at an office once and I came in first and then a bunch of guys came in later. They complained that I was the “woman” and came in first so I should make the coffee.
I said I don’t drink it…I ain’t making it!
Kelly says
I’m going to try this tomorrow when I make coffee 😛
A Time Out for Mommy- Elaina says
Thanks for sharing! I have a French Press and have no idea how to use it!
Louise says
when are you having me over for a cup?
Lolo says
My husband is a coffee snob too, and loves using his french press.
Leilani says
Unless its a one-cup coffee maker with a disc, I have no idea how to make coffee.
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
My brother in law swears by a french press but I haven’t tried it!
Billie says
No caffeine for me, so coffee is only decaf flavored monstrosities very occasionally. But if I ever need to make the perfect cup at least now I know how.
Diego says
I can gratify my coffee cravings with the one in packs. One type of coffee that I can spend so much is the Alamid Coffee from the Philippines. It is rare and delightful
Travellooga says
Hmmm…that could help me in my next long trip. I like that product and review.
Tricia Nightowlmama says
you rock that Zippy!!! I’m not a coffee drinker but you make it look so good
Jenn says
We have a French press. Hubs loves how strong he can get the coffee.
April Decheine says
I love my French Press, great review!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy says
I love your french press. I just use my Keurig or Tassimo.
Zippy says
I could wear the smell like perfume. It’s odd that you love the smell and not the flavor. Do you like coffee ice cream?
Zippy says
Ewwwww……
Zippy says
LOL – it was my business for quite a few years – specialty coffee.
Zippy says
Very true and I still put cream in my iced coffee, but drink my hot coffee (and espresso) black.
Zippy says
Stefanie – you have to try it. You’ll get the cleanest flavored coffee.
Zippy says
I believe you, and one of these days I’ll make some for you (or teach you how).
Zippy says
Let me know how you like it.
Zippy says
Anytime you want (you know that). I’ll even bake something to go with it.
Zippy says
Just go through those steps for perfect coffee.
Zippy says
A compatriot!
Zippy says
You can have all of the fancy coffee makers in the world yet NOTHING makes coffee better than a french press (unless it’s espresso).
Zippy says
LOL – just follow my directions. It’s VERY easy.
Zippy says
You can easily do the same with decaf.
Zippy says
I’ve never tried Alamid Coffee Diego. I’ll have to check it out.
Zippy says
Thank you
Zippy says
It IS good, but you can drink a cup of tea or hot chocolate while I have my coffee and we can still hang out and talk. 😉
Zippy says
LOL – if you have yours at four minutes it will continue to steep for him and his will be strong.
Zippy says
Glad to see you like yours too.
Zippy says
I have both of those as well, for when I’m in a rush. When I want GOOD coffee, I use my press.
Debbie Mitchell says
I LOVE coffee! I have to try your tips sooner than later. I’ve restricted myself to one cup a day, so might as well make it a great cup of coffee.
TheCycleCafe.com says
Great advice we make it very closely to how you suggest. the only difference is that we take the water off the heat just prior to it hitting the boil. The water remains oxygenated and we believe that it delivers more crema and flavor to the sip from the french press. Thanks for your advice!