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Old 03-27-2012, 09:16 AM   #1
smitty81
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Default Help with french press

Just got a bodum 4 cup press and used it for the first time today.

It said to add a scoop for every cup. So I added 4 scoops.

Got the water hot but not boiling. Poured it in with the ground up beans and stirred.

Let it sit for about 5 minutes and then pressed it.

I like strong coffee but this was almost to strong. It was so strong that I had a hard time tasting the actual flavor of the coffee. It wasn't bitter though.

I did use a coarse grind on the beans but my grinder is a cheapy and there were some smaller fragments of coffee like one would use in an auto drip.

Is it because of those smaller fragments of coffee that it's so strong or should I just use 3 scoops instead of 4?

I must say though, DAMN I GOT A CAFFINE HIGH. It's been ages since I have gotten a caffine high from coffee.
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Old 03-27-2012, 09:22 AM   #2
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Default Re: Help with french press

Just scale back on the amount of coffee until you get the strength you want.
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Old 03-27-2012, 09:24 AM   #3
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Default Re: Help with french press

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Originally Posted by galaga View Post
Just scale back on the amount of coffee until you get the strength you want.
ok thanks. The little particles are fine?

I thought about getting one of those fine mest baskets or tea balls to put the coffee in to shake out the fine stuff.

Won't worry about it if its fine though.
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Old 03-27-2012, 09:37 AM   #4
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Default Re: Help with french press

I think the reason you want more of a coarse grind is because it makes it easier to press the coffee down. If it's really fine, it'll cause more pressure to build up, while a coarse grind will allow the liquid to pass through the grounds easier. If you can press it and it's not ending up in your cup, I'd say you're fine.
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Old 03-27-2012, 09:49 AM   #5
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Default Re: Help with french press

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Originally Posted by smitty81 View Post
ok thanks. The little particles are fine?

I thought about getting one of those fine mest baskets or tea balls to put the coffee in to shake out the fine stuff.

Won't worry about it if its fine though.
You're talking about the fine "coffee dust" that mostly of settles to the bottom of the cup, right? That's normal, nothing to be alarmed about.
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Old 03-27-2012, 09:54 AM   #6
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Default Re: Help with french press

ok, thanks guys. Ill just try 3 scoops next time.
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Old 03-27-2012, 11:28 AM   #7
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Default Re: Help with french press

Shorter infusion time might also help. Try 3 minutes instead of 5. When you find your groove with it, nothing beats a french press for a good cup a joe IMO.
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Old 03-27-2012, 11:32 AM   #8
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Default Re: Help with french press

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Shorter infusion time might also help. Try 3 minutes instead of 5. When you find your groove with it, nothing beats a french press for a good cup a joe IMO.
I've yet to try a 3 minute steep. I was always told 4 minutes. Been loving the way the coffee comes out that way so don't want to mess with perfection.

Smitty, I get that little dust at the bottom of my cup too. That's with my grinder (Bodum) set on the coarsest grind. Like Adam said, nothing to worry about.

How long before you start home roasting?
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Old 03-27-2012, 11:35 AM   #9
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Default Re: Help with french press

For my 4-cup Bodum, I use 3 scoops or a bit more (3 1/3).
In theory I steep for 4 minutes but often I'm busy and it stays longer.
I haven't noticed much difference between steeping 4 minutes and steeping 15 minutes.
The number of scoops is much more sensitive/noticeable.
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Old 03-27-2012, 11:36 AM   #10
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Default Re: Help with french press

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I've yet to try a 3 minute steep. I was always told 4 minutes.
Yup, 4 minutes is perfect for me
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Old 03-27-2012, 11:37 AM   #11
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Default Re: Help with french press

I was just going to tell you to 'man up' but since everyone else is giving you legit advice I'll go that route.

The fine dust left at the bottom of your cup is part of using a French Press. I experimented with filtering the pressed coffee through a gold filter into my cup but it lost some flavor and body. I agree with everyone that you will need to experiment on what ratio you need but THIS THREAD is where I started.
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Old 03-27-2012, 12:02 PM   #12
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Default Re: Help with french press

Quote:
Originally Posted by galaga View Post
Just scale back on the amount of coffee until you get the strength you want.
Took a few tries, but I found that this method worked for me with my Bodum.
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Old 03-27-2012, 04:39 PM   #13
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Default Re: Help with french press

French Press Math
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