French coffee machines are perfect for homes, to make a coffee infusion, almost like the American coffee, or when used as decoration.
The French press is usually sold in a few specialised shops, even in Italy, but these type of coffee machines are mainly used in North Europe. If you’ve never seen one before, then the following video might help.
The French press consists of a glass or plastic cylinder that contains a piston which is attached to a filter.
First of all, we put the coffee in the cylinder (the best is not to use completely grinded coffee). Then we add boiling water and leave it there for approximately 4 minutes, stirring it once in a while.
After the 4 minutes have passed, we put the filter and press it down to the bottom. This is a way to separate the coffee powder from the liquid coffee.
Of course, for Italians, this is “dirty water”. In fact, if the Moka is seen as the homemade version of espresso, the French press can be defined as the homemade version of American coffee.
Were you thinking of buying one? Let’s analyse a few points:
1. Glass or plastic? – Only buy a plastic French press if you plan on taking it somewhere with you on holiday. Otherwise, it is best to use one made of glass, because plastic can influence the taste.
2. Choosing a format – for how many people is it? Like for the moka, the bigger means the more expensive.
3. Aesthetics – Since French presses are not much diffused, and some can also be of great design, you will make a great impression, owning something original and unique.
gabriele
