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You are here: Home / taste / Dine In / How to: Make the perfect cup of coffee

Dine In taste

How to: Make the perfect cup of coffee

My Bialetti French Press

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.

Stir the grinds a bit & watch the coffee “bloom”

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.


40 Comments

About Zipporah Sandler

Zipporah Sandler AKA Zippy is a lifestyle and travel specialist who after living everywhere from Providence to Paris found herself suddenly residing in South Florida (something she swore she’d never do).

Whether it be San Pellegrino water or Louis Roderer Cristal, Zippy suggests that you keep your life sparkling and your glass full.

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Comments

  1. Tammy says

    September 16, 2012 at 3:48 pm

    I don’t drink coffee. I do like the smell of a good cup of coffee.

  2. Anne - Mommy Has to Work says

    September 16, 2012 at 5:41 pm

    My hubby only drinks Maxwell House…

  3. Notorious Spinks says

    September 16, 2012 at 6:19 pm

    You are the expert. However, I doubt I’ll ever be a pro.

  4. Jenn @therebelchick says

    September 16, 2012 at 8:38 pm

    I never cared for regular coffee but love iced coffee. It’s all about the creamer with that kind!

  5. Stefanie says

    September 16, 2012 at 8:46 pm

    I love coffee…haven’t tried a french press.

  6. Colleen says

    September 16, 2012 at 8:58 pm

    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!

  7. Kelly says

    September 16, 2012 at 9:33 pm

    I’m going to try this tomorrow when I make coffee 😛

  8. A Time Out for Mommy- Elaina says

    September 16, 2012 at 10:00 pm

    Thanks for sharing! I have a French Press and have no idea how to use it!

  9. Louise says

    September 16, 2012 at 10:00 pm

    when are you having me over for a cup?

  10. Lolo says

    September 17, 2012 at 12:01 am

    My husband is a coffee snob too, and loves using his french press.

  11. Leilani says

    September 17, 2012 at 12:17 am

    Unless its a one-cup coffee maker with a disc, I have no idea how to make coffee.

  12. Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says

    September 17, 2012 at 12:38 am

    My brother in law swears by a french press but I haven’t tried it!

  13. Billie says

    September 17, 2012 at 1:07 am

    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.

  14. Diego says

    September 17, 2012 at 4:14 am

    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

  15. Travellooga says

    September 17, 2012 at 7:45 am

    Hmmm…that could help me in my next long trip. I like that product and review.

  16. Tricia Nightowlmama says

    September 17, 2012 at 11:24 am

    you rock that Zippy!!! I’m not a coffee drinker but you make it look so good

  17. Jenn says

    September 17, 2012 at 11:27 am

    We have a French press. Hubs loves how strong he can get the coffee.

  18. April Decheine says

    September 17, 2012 at 12:22 pm

    I love my French Press, great review!

  19. Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy says

    September 17, 2012 at 4:41 pm

    I love your french press. I just use my Keurig or Tassimo.

  20. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:11 pm

    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?

  21. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:12 pm

    Ewwwww……

  22. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:15 pm

    LOL – it was my business for quite a few years – specialty coffee.

  23. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:16 pm

    Very true and I still put cream in my iced coffee, but drink my hot coffee (and espresso) black.

  24. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:16 pm

    Stefanie – you have to try it. You’ll get the cleanest flavored coffee.

  25. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    I believe you, and one of these days I’ll make some for you (or teach you how).

  26. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    Let me know how you like it.

  27. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:21 pm

    Anytime you want (you know that). I’ll even bake something to go with it.

  28. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:22 pm

    Just go through those steps for perfect coffee.

  29. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:22 pm

    A compatriot!

  30. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:23 pm

    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).

  31. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:24 pm

    LOL – just follow my directions. It’s VERY easy.

  32. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    You can easily do the same with decaf.

  33. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:27 pm

    I’ve never tried Alamid Coffee Diego. I’ll have to check it out.

  34. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:28 pm

    Thank you

  35. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:33 pm

    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. 😉

  36. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:34 pm

    LOL – if you have yours at four minutes it will continue to steep for him and his will be strong.

  37. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:35 pm

    Glad to see you like yours too.

  38. Zippy says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:38 pm

    I have both of those as well, for when I’m in a rush. When I want GOOD coffee, I use my press.

  39. Debbie Mitchell says

    September 21, 2012 at 7:15 am

    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.

  40. TheCycleCafe.com says

    September 25, 2012 at 10:56 pm

    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!

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