HOW TO MAKE PLUNGER COFFEE IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
There's nothing like brewing fresh coffee at home.
Using a coffee plunger (aka French Press) is ideal for entertaining guests as it’s easy to use, requires minimal equipment, and produces a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee.
A common misconception is that plunger coffee is a relatively slow brewing method, but we'll show you how to make plunger coffee with a richer taste and stronger aroma than what home coffee machines can produce, all in under 5 minutes.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Plunger coffee takes 4 minutes brewing time + prep
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Premium coffee plunger prices start at $20. We stock the CHAMBORD from Bodum - the original and best French Press coffee maker.
WHAT ITEMS WILL I NEED?
- Coffee plunger
- Coffee grinder (if using coffee beans)
- 60 grams (8 tbsp) of coffee beans or coffee grounds - see our guide to the best beans for plunger coffee
- Hot water (just off the boil at 94-96 degrees celsius)
- Spoon or wooden paddle
- Kitchen scale
- Timer
- Coffee cup
STEPS TO MAKE A PERFECT PLUNGER COFFEE:
Note: This recipe uses 60 grams of coffee and 800 ml of water. If you're looking to brew more or less coffee, use a water to coffee ratio of 13:1. If you like your coffee stronger, you can decrease the ratio, using less water. Increase the ratio, using more water, to make the coffee less strong.
Step 1 - Warm up your plunger
Pour boiling water into the plunger to warm it up. This helps maintain the temperature while brewing to ensure a primo extraction.
Step 2 - Measure 60 grams of ground coffee
Always try to use freshly ground coffee. If you don’t have access to a grinder, then, pre-ground, vacuum-sealed coffee is your next best bet.
If using coffee beans, grind the beans until they are a medium-coarse consistency, like sand or breadcrumbs. If your coffee grind is too fine, it can cause muddiness and sediment can creep into the filtered coffee.
Make sure the plunger is empty of all water, then add the 60 grams of coffee grounds.
Step 3 - Boil 800ml of water and slowly add to the coffee plunger
For the best results, the water temperature should be between 94-96 degrees celsius. When pouring, make sure to evenly cover the coffee grounds by pouring slowly in a circular motion.
Fill the water to near the top of the glass jar and let the coffee sit for four (4) minutes to allow a coffee crust to form at the top.
Step 4 - Break the coffee crust and plunge
Using your spoon or paddle, gently break and stir the coffee crust. Then, insert the plunger and apply gentle, steady pressure to push the plunger down.
Step 5 - Pour and serve
Now your coffee is ready! Serve immediately by pouring into cups, or decant into a jug or carafe. This will help you avoid over-brewing, which can cause a nasty bitter taste.
Enjoy your delicious, fresh coffee.
