If you’re shopping for the best coffee maker, then you may have considered a French press coffee maker. That said, you may wonder, what size French press should I get? While there isn’t a “correct” answer, you want to find a coffee maker that offers brew sizes to meet your needs. So, if you want a French press with a brew chamber to fit your needs, read on.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- French press coffee makers are typically available in sizes from 3-12 cups.
- Coffee maker “cups” are not the standard 8-ounce measurement. Instead, coffee machines count 4-ounce servings.
- Go with a single-serving model unless you regularly host more than one guest.
How Big Should My French Press Be?
Just like drip or espresso machines, French press coffee makers come in many brew sizes. For example, you can find a Bodum French press from 3 cups to 12 cups. Keep in mind, a cup of coffee is not the same as a single mug.
Insider Tip
With a French press, the longer your brewing time, the stronger your batch of coffee will be. That said, you still want your coffee hot, so don’t leave it for too long.
When figuring out what capacity coffee maker you need, consider that most French press manufacturers count 4-ounce cups and not the typical cup size of 8 ounces. This means the correct size French press depends on how many servings of coffee you want. That said, let’s take a closer look at the traditional French press sizes.
If you need to know what size Moka pot to get, we can show you how many ounces of coffee to expect from that brewing method.
The Most Common French Press Coffee Sizes
As you increase your brew size, you’ll want to increase the grams of coffee in each batch. That said, you still stick to a standard coffee grounds to water ratio.
If you want an incredible brew, you need to understand what kind of thermostat is in a coffee maker. Getting your hot water to an appropriate temperature is hugely important for a nice drink.
3-Cup
This is a single-serve size French press, but it can make 1.5 cups of coffee.
4-Cup
A four-cup French press is an ideal size for a two-person household. That said, you’ll need to make multiple brews if you each want numerous cups.
8-Cup
An eight-cup coffee maker should make about four cups of coffee. So you’ll have more than enough hot coffee for the day or just enough for a small gathering.
12-Cup
A 12-cup French press will yield about six cups of coffee. If you want to make fresh coffee at an office meeting or party, this is the size you want.
Warning
Only brew black coffee in your French press because the components are tough to clean, and milk might spoil the machine.
F.A.Q.S
Do I need to use a paper filter?
While you can use a paper filter for your french press, it will cut down on the coffee oils that many people want in their drink. In addition, most French presses have a built-in stainless steel mesh filter. That said, the French press is considered an unfiltered coffee.
Why a Burr Grinder Is Important for Good French Press
The quality of your ground coffee is the most critical factor in making a great brew. In addition to your roast level, you need the correct grind size for a truly delicious coffee from your French press. A Burr grinder lets you pick a finer or coarser grind, and it will change your flavor.
Will French press coffee raise your cholesterol?
Studies have shown that unfiltered coffee contains a substance called cafestol. Since the French press brewing process is unfiltered, it contains this compound. That said, obtaining a clean, oil-free brew will not give you the same taste like a traditional French press brew.
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