These are incredibly simple filter devices, which were created in France in the late 1800’s (hence the other name for them: ‘French Press’). They’ve been improved and modified over the years, giving you a whole range of different options in terms of how to brew your coffee.
The beauty of a device like this is that it’s constantly brewing – so instead of the last cup being weaker (like from a Drip or Pod Machine), it can often be much stronger in taste, but you need to be careful that they don’t spoil and become bitter – beans in a ½ Litre Press tend to last for around twenty minutes after they are left in the drink once brewed. The French Press is able to create a smooth, rich tasting coffee as it doesn’t deteriorate any of the delicate flavours in the oil of the beans, which occurs when the coffee beans are exposed to boiling water for a long period of time.
This system is so incredibly simple – all you need is one of the Press’ (a cylinder made out of strong plastic or glass, with a tight-fitting lid and wire-mesh plunger), some coarse ground beans, and hot water. Because of it’s simple design and mechanism, there are so many different varieties of design that are on offer – and they look great on the table for after-dinner coffees.
The simplicity of the design, coupled with the success and popularity of it has lead to a wide variety of portable, travel designs – made out of plastic, and quite light-weight or out of stainless steel, or insulated to keep the coffee hot (in a similar way to how a thermos mug works)
Photo Courtesy of: Papalars