In order to get tasty and aromatic tea, you need not only good tea leaves, but also a container in which this wonderful drink will be prepared. Many manufacturers offer their customers a new type of container - a glass teapot with a piston. As a rule, such a product is a cylinder made of heat-resistant glass with a chrome or plastic frame. A metal piston (or, in other words, a plunger) is inserted into the glass body, which lowers as the tea leaves become saturated with color and taste.
Teapot with press: how to use
To understand how a French press works, let’s touch on the design of the device a little more. The glass flask contained in it has the same diameter in all French presses. But it varies in volume.
The higher the glass vessel, the more capacious it is and the greater the volume of liquid it contains.
The flask is made of glass, so we can observe from the side how the drink is being prepared.
The container is inserted into a plastic or metal case. A piston that easily moves up and down is attached to the lid, which rotates in a horizontal plane, and serves as a squeezing press.
At the base of the piston (plunger) there is a mesh filter, a steel part and a spring, fastened with a bolt.
Brewing coffee occurs as follows: ground coffee is poured into the body and hot water is poured.
After five minutes, using a plunger attached to the lid, the sediment is squeezed out: when pressing on the piston, the latter falls down, and the coffee, in turn, falls to the bottom of the flask and is compacted.
A clear drink remains on top of it. As you can see, everything is quite simple and effective!
Varieties
There is a classification of devices according to the material of manufacture, the type of flask wall, and volume. You need to choose a French jacket based on a number of indicators, personal needs and preferences. A family of 2 people does not need a 1.5 liter kettle. Some buyers especially focus on the design of the device so that it fits the overall design of the kitchen or is combined with other utensils.
Some buyers especially focus on the design of the device so that it fits the overall design of the kitchen or is combined with other utensils.
According to manufacturing materials
There are devices in which the glass container is replaced with a metal one, but not everyone likes such devices, since true connoisseurs believe that when brewing tea in metal, the drink turns out to have an unpleasant taste. In addition, many users love to watch the tea leaves open. You can also find flasks made of plastic. Their price is cheaper.
There are devices in which the glass container is replaced with a metal one, but not everyone likes such devices.
The piston can be made of plastic, but it is better to avoid such material, since high temperatures gradually destroy it and give the drink an unpleasant odor. The advantage of a metal piston is ease of operation and maintenance.
Stores sell models that are equipped with silicone gaskets in the place where the strainer comes into contact with the flask. They are designed to create a closed volume and reproduce the effect of a thermos. This material has disadvantages - over time, under the influence of high temperature, it hardens and breaks. Then the owner will have to change the entire strainer.
If a French jacket is purchased for brewing coffee, then it is better to choose a product with a synthetic mesh. To brew coarse grinds, it is recommended to buy a device with a metal element. It will last much longer.
If a French jacket is purchased for brewing coffee, then it is better to choose a product with a synthetic mesh.
By volume
For a small family, a glass teapot with a press with a capacity of 350 ml is suitable. He will prepare a drink for 1-2 people. If a large company of 10 people gathers, then you will need a 3-liter French press.
It is not recommended to buy a tea infuser with a larger press than necessary. It is better to choose a device that is enough for 1 tea party. Toxic substances appear in a drink that has stood for more than 3 hours.
If there are four people in a family, then they buy a liter device. It is enough for 4 servings.
It is better to choose a device that is enough for 1 tea party.
According to other characteristics
Devices are classified not only by material of manufacture, capacity, design, but also by other criteria. The price of the product also varies.
Despite the simplicity of the design, kettle flasks can be of two types:
- Traditional single wall teapots are the most popular option;
- Flask with double machines - such models are appreciated by gourmets and lovers of good drinks.
Models with double walls are appreciated by gourmets and lovers of good drinks.
According to their purpose, teapots are divided into:
- Teapot-press for tea;
- French press for coffee.
But this division is considered conditional - the French drinks for the two drinks are no different.
French for coffee and tea are no different.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any kitchen appliance, the French press has its pros and cons. True, the number of advantages significantly exceeds the number of disadvantages. Judge for yourself.
Advantages:
- The French press is inexpensive. Such a purchase will be affordable even for a person with very modest financial resources.
- The device is easy to clean. This quality will be especially appreciated by experienced housewives.
- A drip coffee maker usually has a paper filter. The French press has a metal filter that prevents sediment and heavy oils from passing through.
- Compactness of the device.
- The strength of the drink can be adjusted by choosing the brewing time yourself. The main thing is to know how much coffee to put in and how much water to pour.
- Preparing a drink in a French press allows you to fully and accurately reveal the aroma of coffee, and its taste becomes “clean”, devoid of foreign flavors and impurities.
- If you prepare coffee using this device, it turns out less thick, without the bitterness and sourness characteristic of a drink brewed in a Turk.
Weak sides:
- A glass flask is a fragile thing and requires careful handling.
- There is no automation in the French press.
- The device is not safe for children.
- You must have a device for heating water on hand.
What type of coffee is better to choose?
A French press is convenient because you can make any type of coffee in it. But the best ones will be the expensive single-origin varieties, such as Kopi Luwak, Jamaica Blue Mountain, and Green Bourbon “St. Helena.”
Today, if you try hard, you can find coffee blends specifically designed for the French press.
The device is also convenient because you can immediately pour spices into it,
if you like to add them to your drink. Please keep in mind that coffee is prepared very quickly using this method, and not all spices will be able to manifest themselves in such a short time. You can brew the spices in advance and pour the resulting decoction into coffee - use it instead of water.
How to brew coffee in a French press
Brewing coffee using a French press is a simple procedure. To do this you will need boiling water, ground coffee and a spoon for stirring.
Next, follow the following algorithm:
- Boil the water.
- Once the water boils, start grinding the coffee. Then the grains will not lie in the open air for a long time, which means they will not lose their properties.
- Coffee is added at the rate of one spoon per cup of water.
- The ground coffee is poured into a French press and evenly poured with boiling water. You need as much water as the number of cups of drink the preparation is designed for.
- After pouring, the coffee is quickly mixed with water, thanks to which the product delivers maximum flavor.
- The resulting liquid is infused for 2-5 minutes.
- Slowly lower the plunger with the mesh filter to the bottom of the glass container. Do this smoothly and evenly so that the mesh does not tilt. Otherwise, the coffee will end up in the top of the container.
- Well, the coffee is ready. You can try!
Warsaw-style coffee recipe
You will need:
- water, 50 ml;
- natural coffee, 50 g;
- cane sugar;
- milk, 450 ml.
Baked milk is heated. The French press is heated with hot water. Coffee is ground. Then water is poured out of the flask, cane sugar and coffee are poured into it. They are filled with a small amount of hot water.
Everything is mixed, after which milk is poured. The piston is slowly lowered, the drink is infused and poured into a heated cup. Warsaw style coffee is ready.
Classic coffee
There are only two ingredients:
- water, 500 ml;
- natural coffee, 50 g.
The coffee is ground and the French press is heated with hot water. Coffee is poured inside, which is poured with boiling water in a circular motion. Everything is mixed and covered with a piston.
The drink is infused for 4 minutes, after which the plunger is lowered to the very end. Coffee is poured into cups. Bon appetit!
In this article we will tell you which coffee machine to choose for your home: customer reviews of popular brands will help you make your choice.
In this publication, we have prepared for you recipes for making coffee in a coffee machine, from espresso to coffee cocktails: more details here.
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Latte
You will need:
- 1 glass of milk;
- 2 tsp ground coffee;
- sugar to taste;
- cinnamon.
Coffee is poured into a French press, which is filled with boiling water to fill about half the container. The French press is closed for 3 minutes to allow the drink to brew. Then the coffee is poured into a container with a spout, the jacket is rinsed, and warm or hot milk is poured into it. The piston is inserted and its handle quickly rises up. A high-quality aromatic foam is formed. The resulting milk-foamy mixture is poured into a tall glass, and coffee is poured in a thin stream along its very edge. You can sprinkle cinnamon on top if desired.
Learn how to correctly stress the word latte. We wrote about the difference between a latte and a cappuccino here.
In this video, we will tell and show how to brew French press coffee correctly and easily:
Recipes for non-alcoholic punch based on tea and syrups
Many people know that using traditional tea brewed in a French press, you can also prepare a very aromatic punch, which is drunk not only hot, but also cold.
Raspberry punch
To prepare it, you will need a tall glass, in which you need to mix 100 ml of strong iced tea, 2 tbsp. spoons of milk and 3 tbsp. spoons of raspberry syrup.
Lemon punch
In the same tall glass, mix 100 ml of hot tea with 1 tbsp. a spoonful of vanilla syrup, two tbsp. spoons of lemon juice and lemon syrup.
English punch
For this punch you will need to brew 120 ml of strong tea in a French press, mix it hot with 30 g of raspberry syrup and add 4 tbsp. spoons of lemon juice. Pour the prepared punch into preheated glasses.
How to make tea using this device
It is believed that the French press was invented for making coffee. But it will also serve well for brewing herbs and tea.
Moreover, the tea in it is natural and not bagged, so it is drunk with great pleasure.
So, the algorithm for brewing tea in a French press:
- Stock up on loose leaf tea. Prepare hot water.
- Pour the tea into the glass flask of the press. If the tea leaves are large, add 2 tsp. for 200 ml of water. If the tea is small, 1 tsp is enough.
- In order for the tea to fully express its aroma and have less bitterness, it is better to pour it with hot water, just starting to boil.
- The French press glass is covered with a lid for 2-3 minutes, but the plunger does not lower yet.
- The piston gently lowers, separating the tea leaves from the finished drink.
- The prepared tea is poured into cups.
Tea lovers say that before brewing it should be filled with hot water and drained. This allows you to rinse the tea leaves and make the taste and aroma of the drink much stronger.
Ice lemon tea
- 4 slices of lemon are poured with boiled water and sugar and then frozen;
- 500 ml of strong black tea is prepared in a French press;
- the tea is cooled, honey and lemon ice are added to taste;
- Carbonated water is added to the resulting drink.
Instead of lemon, you can use other berries or fruits.
With ice, Indian style
- Place 3 tsp in a French press. tea and pour 300 ml of boiling water;
- several ice cubes are laid out in a tall glass, the prepared tea is poured into it, sugar and lemon cut into slices are added;
- cover the drink with a napkin and leave for 5 minutes;
- It is better to drink the finished tea in small sips.
You can read about Indian masala tea and its various recipes at the link.
With fruit juice
- regular tea is prepared in a French press;
- the drink is cooled;
- add berry or fruit juice: 50 ml for each cup;
- Ice and slices of citrus fruits: lemon or orange are placed in each serving.
Enjoy your tea!
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Instructions for use
Using a teapot with a press is quite simple. You should choose a high-quality type of tea for brewing and perform all the steps correctly:
- At the initial stage, you need to boil a sufficient amount of filtered water and leave it for a couple of minutes. Before this, you should wash the flask, wipe it dry, and then pour boiling water over it and drain the used water.
- You need to pour tea into the prepared flask. Its quantity may depend on the preferences of those for whom the drink is intended. To get a pronounced taste and sufficient strength, experts recommend using the following proportion: 1 teaspoon of tea leaves per 1 medium-sized cup.
- The tea leaves are poured with boiling water, and a press is inserted into the flask. To make the taste more pronounced, it is recommended to mix everything using a wooden stick. Then the lid is closed.
The drink is allowed to brew for about 3 minutes. If you want to get stronger tea, then leave it for 5 minutes. After the leaves float up, you need to gradually immerse the piston to the very bottom of the flask. This is necessary to prevent tea leaves from falling into the cup. When the drink is ready, you can pour it and enjoy the unique taste.
How to choose a French press
When choosing a French press, first of all, you should know which brands produce these kitchen appliances.
Among them, the Danish company Bodum stands out. It is considered a leading manufacturer of French presses and vacuum coffee makers and is famous for the high quality of its products. We wrote about how and which coffee maker to choose here.
French presses are also produced by the German brand Röndell. Its products are also of impeccable quality, which is why they are purchased by chefs of the best restaurants in Europe.
Vitesse brand devices from China are good because when they are brewed, the taste and aroma of coffee or tea is revealed to the maximum. Well, which manufacturer to give preference to is, as always, up to buyers to decide.
And now the rules for choosing a good French press:
- Check the fastening of the flask in the device. It must be of high quality and durable.
- The flask is the main part of the device. Inspect the glass from which it is made. Surfaces with cracks, scratches and bubbles are excluded. During operation, it can crack at any time.
- There are metal presses, but in them the brewing process will not be visible.
- The filter should fit tightly to the flask and move softly and smoothly, without jerking or tilting. In this case, the drink will be tasty and of high quality, and the coffee will remain at the bottom and will not get to the top.
How to care
To ensure that your drink infuser lasts a long time, it is recommended that you take proper care of it. There are some rules. The product must be washed after each use. Sequencing:
- Immediately after using the brewed tea, empty the container of leaves.
- Take out the inner rod and set it aside.
- The body is washed inside and out under the tap. You can use a soft sponge. Do not use detergents as they are scented; in the future this may spoil the taste of the drink.
- Using a waffle towel, wipe the body and assemble the device.
The kettle should be stored in a dry place, away from chemicals and synthetic products, as the device can absorb odors.
The kettle should be stored in a dry place, away from chemicals and synthetic products, as the device can absorb odors. The French press requires little maintenance; some models can be washed in the dishwasher. If you follow basic recommendations and follow the instructions, then no yellow spots or streaks will form on the surface.
Customer Reviews
Alexandra, Voronezh: “For a work office, a French press is an excellent option. Makes coffee quickly and tasty. I recommend!"
Yana, Arkhangelsk: “Our family likes to drink tea and coffee. We prefer loose, large-leaf tea, and freshly ground and freshly brewed coffee. I saw French press in the store a long time ago, but I didn’t have anything like it at home. And then my husband bought it. The quality of the brewer is good, so I never regretted the purchase.”
Irina, St. Petersburg: “I have two French presses at home: one for tea, the second for coffee. It is better not to brew these two drinks in the same container. Then the smells and tastes won’t mix!”
What kind of tea is suitable for brewing?
Any type of loose leaf tea is suitable for a French press: black, green, red, white, herbal. Even the degree of leaf crushing is not particularly important; a high-quality device will easily filter even small-leaf products (except for tea dust, of course). Large tea leaves will require more brewing time, while small ones will infuse faster. The selected raw material does not affect the quality of the drink in any way (provided all preparation rules are followed).
Cleaning the French press after loose leaf tea is easier. But this is important only for the maintenance of the device. Otherwise there is no difference.
