How to Use a Coffee Press

First, you'll want to have coffee grinds that are not ground too fine. Make sure they are a bit coarser than what you would use in an electric coffee maker. If you enjoy your morning cup of joe to be moderately strong, then you might want to use one tablespoon of coffee for about every five ounces of water. It's recommended that you use filtered water in your coffee press. Heat your water until it's just before the boiling point. You don't want to use actual boiling water to brew.

Once your water is done heating, pour your coarsely ground coffee into the press. Then add the heated water into the machine slowly. Stir your grounds and coffee to prevent coffee from getting stuck at the bottom of the press. Now it's time to place your lid that includes the plunger onto the press. However, do not press down the plunger at this point. You'll want to let the coffee brew for several minutes. The exact time, typically between three and six minutes, that you allow your coffee to remain brewing depends on the size of the press and how strong you'd like your drink to taste. After the coffee has had a chance to brew and simmer, steadily press down the plunger into your coffee. Your beverage is then ready to drink.

Immediately pour your drink into a mug to avoid any coffee to become bitter as a result from continuing to brew inside the coffee press.