MTC Senior Member Joined: 4 Jul 2010 Posts: 1 Location: S.F. Expertise: Professional
Posted Sun Jul 4, 2010, 9:48am Subject: Re: How to Use a Press Pot
85C (185F) sounds a bit low for water temp. it should be more like 91C (195F) when the water hits the grounds. Keep in mind water rapidly cools as soon as it the air. I bring my water to a boil then remove it from the burner ( approx. 212F) and let it cool for a bit and then pour. Good suggestions made for preheating your press w/ hot water, remember to do this for your cup too. For grinding at home you should buy the best you can afford and experiment with it to learn to identify proper grind sizes. Then if you have access to a commercial grinder you''ll be able adjust the grind appropriately. Do to parts wear and varying factors the settings on grinders in supermarkets e.t.c. should only be used as a starting point. Clear the grinder buy turning it on and tapping the shoot and opening up the burrs to a large setting then to your preferred setting. Take a palm full of beans and run them through to check the grind and then make appropriate adjustments to the setting.
I prefer to stick to a standard ratio that suits my personal taste. After 1 or 2 pots, I can fine tune the grind/dose, but it's generally pretty minor. I've been enjoying ~6 grams coffee/100 grams of water.
BradandRisa Senior Member Joined: 21 Aug 2010 Posts: 1 Location: Mansfield, Texas Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sun Aug 22, 2010, 8:32am Subject: Re: How to Use a Press Pot
When I use my Press Pot at work, I use the water from the hot spigot from the company coffee machine; 120 degrees of piping hot water to brew my coffee; I let it steep for about 3 - 5 minutes and the result is luke warm coffee at best; what am I doing wrong?
KingV911 Senior Member Joined: 3 Dec 2010 Posts: 2 Location: Eau Claire, WI Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Fri Dec 3, 2010, 6:34pm Subject: Re: How to Use a Press Pot
The author seems a little overly frustrated about people not using an expensive "quality grinder". I use a cheap Krups blade grinder (apparently a wannabe bean grinder that is totally useless for french pressing) and I have perfected getting a decent coarse grind with it. By pulsing the power and shaking the beans around every few pulses I get a coarse grind that is quite uniform. I've got it down to where I never have any random large chunks or overly pulverized beans; most importantly, it works great with my french press. NO sludge! Obviously, a high end grinder like the author mentions would be the best choice, but if you practice you can get away with using a decent blade grinder and still end up with great pressed coffee. The author suggests it will pretty much be a disaster and you'l be embarassing yourself and your ancestors.
Posted Sat Jan 1, 2011, 12:18pm Subject: Re: How to Use a Press Pot
Great how to piece, still the same technique over the years.
Question, using a Virtuoso grinder I've had better luck with the 30 size setting for my Bodium. What size grind am I really looking for? I've played around for a few years and finally got a decent grinder but it seems like the optimal setting needs to change with the bean origin. Anyone have an idea?
riffi Senior Member Joined: 10 Jan 2011 Posts: 1 Location: Nashville Expertise: Just starting
Posted Mon Jan 10, 2011, 9:04am Subject: Re: How to Use a Press Pot
Question for the experts: Hi. I have a press pot and find sometimes that it is very difficult to push down the press. I try to grind the beans to the same level every time. Any ideas? Thanks.
Posted Mon Jan 10, 2011, 10:10am Subject: Re: How to Use a Press Pot
It may be the result of a build-up of fines against the screen, a symptom of a grinder that cannot produce an even coarse grind. What grinder are you using? An alternative method of filtering is to not push the plunger down at all, and simply use it as a more passive filter. This would essentially convert your press into more of an Eva Solo style brew. You may still get fines clogging the screen, which can be remedied by simply twisting the plunger as you pour. Hope that helps.
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