The coffee world is vast and ever-growing. There are so many brewing methods to choose from, each with its own unique flavor profile and devotees. If you’re new to the coffee world, or just looking to switch up your brew routine, this post is for you. In it, we’ll compare two popular brewing methods: percolator vs French press. Read on to find out which one is right for you.
There’s a lot of debate about which coffee brewing method is better: the percolator or the French press. Both have their pros and cons, but which one is really the best?
About The Percolator
The percolator is a type of coffee maker that works by repeatedly cycling the boiling water through the grounds, so as to extract their flavor.
This technique was refined in the early 20th century, when several patents were taken out for percolators with automatic timers. The term “perk” (short for percolator) became common in some US households in the 1950’s due to this method becoming much more commonplace than drip brewing at home.
The word “percolate” means to pass something (usually liquid), which is then filtered, through a filter; typically in reference to passing gas or steam through a device that lets it dissolve or be absorbed into another substance. As such, the use of the term ‘percolator’ to refer to a device by which water is passed and forced over coffee grounds in order to extract their flavor, may be confusing. This is because the term ‘percolate’ has been used in scientific literature since at least 1870 to describe a process of filtration that involves forcing a fluid (gas or liquid) through a filter. The French press is one apparatus that employs this method.
Percolators tend to produce an especially strong coffee compared with other filters such as drip-brewing by forcing hot high-pressure water through the grounds. The coffee produced by percolators tends to be very bitter when brewed using conventional methods, although “full-immersion” percolation brewing produces much less bitterness if done correctly.
Most modern coffee makers use an automated electronic process to control brewing temperature and time. This process, which is known as “shower” or “pre-infusion”, sprays water evenly over the ground coffee in the filter basket before shutting off the heater so more hot water can settle under the coffee grounds to extract flavor. The result is a balanced extraction that preserves both acids and aromas – this means lighter roasts and a sweeter taste. There are percolator machines available with built-in timers that allow users to schedule their percolators to start brewing at a certain time, usually resulting in fresh tasting coffees being ready for consumption when desired.
With its basic design consisting of a metal tube containing a stem on one end, a metal or plastic basket with open, slotted sides on the other end, and a lid in between them to cover the tube/basket connection point, percolators are easy to use manually. A removable hand crank at the top of the tube near the lid is used to raise and lower an internal stem that forces boiling water vapor into the grounds. The user then slowly pumps water up out of the boiler into anywhere from one to four chambers located above it. As these chambers fill with water they force their content down over coffee in the filter chamber producing approximately desired amount of finished product.
The Benefits Of Percolator
On a regular day, people drink a lot of coffee. There are individuals who make their own coffee in the morning to wake themselves up for work or school. Nowadays, there are various kinds of coffee makers for people to choose from because everyone has different preferences towards their coffee; some like it strong while others like it milder tasting.
Percolator Coffee Maker
There are many ways on how you can make your cup of joe but one way that is gaining popularity these days is by using percolator coffee maker. This kind of coffeemaker might not be that well known compared to other kinds but if you want hotter and better tasting coffee, then this is the best option for you. The benefits of using perco lator coffee maker as stated below include:
– It is Affordable
One of the reasons why percolator coffee maker s are gaining popularity these days is because they are cheaper compared to other kinds. This coffeemaker might not be as well known like other brands but it can make a great cup of coffee and many people appreciate this kind of brewer. It’s pretty cheap and affordable that every household should have one.
– You Don’t Need To Wait For Your Coffee To Cool Down
For those who love drinking hot coffee, then you won’t have any complaints about using percolator coffee makers . Unlike brewing methods such as drip which can take up to 10 minutes for your coffee to cool down, this one will only take a few minutes before your cup has reached the ideal drinking temperature.
– Provides More Flavorful Coffee
Besides making hotter coffee, this kind of brewer also provides a more flavorful one because it is able to extract all of the flavors from your coffee grounds in just a few minutes. This means that percolator coffee maker s are perfect when you want to enjoy stronger coffee without having to worry about being burned when you drink it.
Percolator vs French Press: Which One Makes Better Coffee? Keep reading…
About The French Press
The French press, sometimes referred to as a press pot or coffee press, is a simple coffee-brewing device. The French press works using the steeping method; essentially the same method used in many other manual brewing devices, such as pour-over and vacuum coffee brewers. The main difference between these methods is the way the coffee and water connect and interact. In a French press, the grounds are fully immersed in water, whereas with other methods they simply come into contact. The steeping time depends on the fineness of the grind setting, but usually ranges from 30 seconds to 4 minutes.
The French press has been around since 1929 when two Italian designers created it to make espresso. It then became popular in France and Italy, as it is an inexpensive and easy-to-use coffee maker that produces a bolder cup than drip coffee makers due to the high contact time with the water.
The French press has gained such widespread popularity because it is easy to use and clean, and produces a richer flavor without any sediments.
The French press is quick and easy, but it does have some downsides. The lack of paper filters means that more oils can enter the coffee, which may go against the palate most people are accustomed to. Since there are no paper filters, you also cannot use pre-ground coffee or save any for another time because quickly air will cause the coffee to start losing flavor.
Most baristas will recommend a grind size somewhere between “coarse” and “medium.” This ensures the grounds do not slip through the mesh filter and into your cup (which would be considered channeling) while also allowing optimal contact with water during steeping. Most store-bought ground coffees should contain instructions on their packaging as far as amount of coffee and water to use.
For first time users, it is recommended to start with more coffee grounds than water, as this allows for easier press manipulation and the ability to slowly add water if needed. As you become more familiar with your French press, feel free to experiment with ratios until you find what works best for your palate.
The Benefits Of French Press
A French press is a great investment for people who enjoy making their own coffee at home. It takes very little time or skill, and it will make your coffee taste much better than the pre-packaged stuff in a jar. In addition to being tasty, French pressed coffee offers many benefits that you simply do not get from other brewing methods, which is why it has been around since the early twentieth century.
– The method extracts about 70% of the caffeine from a coffee bean , compared to 20% when drip brews are used. This means that you will probably need to use about half as much ground beans when using a French press as you would normally have to with traditional methods. You can still get your caffeine fix without having to drink half a cup of coffee, which is nice for those who are trying to cut down on their daily intake.
– The “gritty” factor that some people find unappealing about French pressed coffee has also been found to increase the caffeine content. This may simply be because more beans are ground up in the process, but it could also be due to increased contact with water , which allows more caffeine to make it into your cup.
– Coffee brewed using this method can stay warm for an extended period of time without getting bitter or burnt. This is beneficial if you like finishing your coffee at different points throughout the day (i.e., while working), and makes grabbing a quick cup less stressful because you don’t need to worry about warming it up again.
– It is a simple, quick process that anyone can do . There are very little to no frills associated with French pressed coffee, so you don’t need expensive equipment or to be an expert in order to brew a cup. Since all you have to do is add ground beans and water, there isn’t much room for humans to screw up the end result.
– The method produces very little waste besides filters. In drip brewing methods, paper filters are required in order to keep the ground beans from getting into your mug, which means throwing away a sheet of paper every time you make a cup. While this may not seem like much, it accumulates quickly if you drink multiple cups per day.
– French pressed coffee has a smoother taste that lets the subtle flavors and notes of each variety shine through. Since there is no paper filter, this also means that you do not have to worry about sifting through your grinds in order to get rid of those with unnatural flavors (i.e., the ones used to make K-cups).
– It looks nice when served as part of a classy breakfast or lunch spread . When compared to other methods such as drip brewing, French pressed coffee is aesthetically pleasing and makes for beautiful presentation. Specially designed presses even allow you to pour the finished product directly into your cup, which saves time and cuts down on messes.
– You can use it without having to worry about burning anything on the stove . If you are not comfortable with using a traditional coffee maker, but do not want to go through the hassle of boiling water on your own, then this is definitely an option for you. You can essentially make French pressed coffee by pouring hot water over ground beans and letting them steep before pushing the ground out. This method even has its own name; it is known as “cold brewing.”
The benefits of using French press coffee makers are many, so if you have never tried one before, there really isn’t any reason why you shouldn’t. They can be found at almost any department store or retail location that deals with kitchen appliances, so getting started should only take a few minutes. With all of these advantages, there isn’t any reason to keep paying for overpriced coffee shop drinks when you can brew some yourself.
Comparison Percolator vs French Press
At first glance, both the Percolator and the French Press appear to be made for each other. Both coffee makers are designed with a cylindrical body that allows for hot water to pass through grounds and into a waiting vessel. In fact, many of us have been using percolators as makeshift French Presses for years… But have we been missing out on something?
Today we take a look at some of the major differences between these two popular brewing methods.
– Percolator vs French Press: Brew Time
Percolators brew faster than French Presses because of their reliance on high pressure to force water through ground coffee — This is why you’ll often hear professional baristas complaining about how long it takes home brewers to use percolators. It’s also why percolators (when used at home) are often considered a morning-only appliance.
French Presses have a slower brew time because they rely on gravity to pull water through the ground coffee — While percolators might be able to do it faster, French Presses win in terms of flavor clarity. This is because percolators can often lead to overextraction as they increase pressure throughout the brewing process. Time for a cup:
Percolators offer easy access to hot coffee once the brewing process is complete. Simply press a button and out comes piping hot black gold into your waiting cup or thermal carafe.
Some less expensive models require you to wait for percolated coffee to cool off before serving it. If you’re unlucky, the coffee might even have a scorched taste.
The French Press actually beats out percolators in this contest as well — In fact, many people prefer their coffee served piping hot from the French Press because of its thicker glass construction and stainless steel frame . This allows it to stay hotter longer than comparable models of percolators.
– Percolator vs French Press: Taste
Percolator coffee is generally considered a bit more bitter than French Presses due mainly to over-extraction. This is why some people will add sugar or cream after pouring themselves a cup of just-brewed coffee. The high pressure nature of percolation often works against good flavor balance when compared with the “softer” effects that are seen at lower pressure.
French Presses have their own flavor problems — especially in the beginning of a brew’s life. Fresh pressed coffee from a French Press is often described as “chalky,” or even “papery.” This is because leftover particles from ground coffee are pulled through before the real flavors have been extracted from the grounds. It takes about 3 minutes for these bitter particles to get caught up in sludge at the bottom of your French Press, leaving behind more flavorful coffee on top. The french press tends to also be slightly better at avoiding problems with overextraction, but not by much.
– Percolator vs French Press: Time To Drink
For most people, percolator brewing times are too tight for drinking any coffee other than early morning brews. French Press brewers are often criticized for letting coffee sit around after being pressed, but in reality it’s simply a matter of flavor preference — The longer you let your freshly-pressed coffee brew, the more bitter substances are extracted from the grounds. This is why some baristas like to pre-infuse their dark roast drip coffees (by pouring water over them) before serving them in order to help remove these harsher characteristics.
– Percolator vs French Press: Cost
Due in part to their popularity with American consumers in the 1950s and 1960s, percolators are still very common household appliances today. They’re also incredibly easy to find at thrift stores and garage sales when people upgrade their kitchens or buy new appliances.
French presses on the other hand are much more rare, and can often fetch a premium price on sites like eBay or Craigslist. This is why I like to recommend the French Press as a first step towards upgrading your coffee brewing process. An easy-to-use french press will run you between $20 and $40 depending on where you shop.
Summary
In this article we’ve gone over some of the basic pros and cons for using each one of these brewing methods to prepare great coffee at home . Hopefully this has helped you decide whether a percolator or a French Press would be best suited for your lifestyle!
How Does A Percolator Work?
When you brew coffee using a percolator, you are essentially boiling your water and grounds together, this makes for an incredibly strong coffee. The boiling process is key to the entire percolator process, as it brings more than just flavor out of your coffee beans. If you were to set a percolator to brew, and then go do something else for five minutes, only to come back with an insipid cup of coffee in your hands, you’ll want to know how it works.
The percolator does exactly what the name implies; it makes coffee by percolating (or boiling) water through grounds that it contains. The entire process of using a percolator is pretty simple, and can be performed by just about anyone.
All you have to do is fill the bottom chamber with cold water, add your coarsely ground coffee to the basket in its top portion, and place it on top of the heated water in the lower chamber. From here, fire up your stove and set an electric hot plate (or light a gas burner) under said lower chamber; this will heat your water and brew your coffee at the same time. All you need to do now is sit back and wait for glorious freshly brewed goodness to magically appear into your cup!
It should be noted that most modern percolators don’t even come with a “basket” anymore; they’re simply two round discs that are stacked on each other, with a space for the “coffee puck” to sit in between them.
Before you attempt to replicate this process at home , it should be noted that there is still some discrepancy over exactly how percolation works . While everyone agrees that the coffee grounds are first saturated by hot water, which then drips down into the lower chamber as its own concentrated coffee essence, some believe this happens because of gravity or vacuum pressure.
Some people also say that boiling water is pushed up through the ground coffee by steam, which again creates an incredibly rich brew. This probably doesn’t do your percolator any good if you leave it brewing for hours on end; not only will it over-extract the already super-strong coffee inside, but it will also burn it and make it taste bitter.
Percolator vs French Press? It should be noted that electric percolators eliminate the possibility of water burning; if you’re using a stovetop percolator, you’ll want to pay close attention to your water level and boiling pot for this very reason.
Also, there is another way to “perk” out rich flavor from your coffee beans: just stir them . This can be done by inserting a wooden spoon into your grounds and stirring briskly over heat so as not to combust the fragrant oils coming off your hot beverage. Stirring works almost as well as filtering, and produces a cup of joe so strong that only serious caffeine addicts should attempt to drink it.
That’s all there is to know about how a percolator works! As far as how often you utilize this ancient coffee-brewing method, that’s up to you entirely. If you’re the kind of person who just has to have coffee at any given hour of the day then be sure not to leave your stove on for too long; but if you’re more reasonable than that, then feel free to let your pot perk away until it has produced enough strong beverage for everyone in your family!
Tips To Use French Press
The French press is an exciting way of brewing coffee. The process brings out all the flavor and body of the coffee beans. The best part about the French press is that there’s no filter. It is so pure and unadulterated which makes for a potent cup of Joe.
The French press has long been used by gourmet enthusiasts around the world to brew some wonderful coffee. This method can also be applied to other varieties like decoction, espresso, etcetera. Here are some tips on how to use it:
– Heat four ounces of water before you pour it into your cup or pitcher with a spout at the bottom along with one tablespoon (4 grams) (one teaspoon) (2 level tablespoons) of coffee for every six ounces of water. If you’re going to use a French press, it is advisable that you preheat the carafe before brewing in it by filling it with hot tap water and then discarding. You can also rinse it with a bit of hot water from your faucet.
– Grind the coffee beans to a fairly coarser grind than when using an automatic drip brewer or espresso machine. For best results ground coffee should resemble breadcrumbs or sea salt in texture not powdery or fine as used for an espresso machine.
– Add two heaping tablespoons (8 grams) (two teaspoons/level tablespoon/teaspoon and a half) of ground coffee per six ounces water into the pot along with a pinch of salt (if desired). It is important that the coffee is ground correctly to allow for proper extraction.
– Add boiling water to the French press and stir briskly so there’s no sediment left at the bottom. Make sure you use hot water, not boiling or steaming it because this will interfere with temperature control. This step is very crucial as it ensures that all your grounds are evenly saturated allowing them to release their flavor into your brew over time.
– Plunge the French press by pushing down on its plunger assembly after three minutes has elapsed spout side up with a mug underneath to catch the gushing liquid. The plunging motion mixes the scum back into suspension which gives an even richer taste.
– Pour and serve the coffee immediately. The longer you let it stand, the more sediment settles to the bottom of your cup or carafe rendering it unpalatable by some standards. If you want to keep some for later on, pour it into a thermal pitcher that can retain heat.
– Serve with warm whole milk or cream, sweeten as desired according to taste. You can also add flavors like cocoa, vanilla extract but never use sugar because this may interfere with the brewing process. Enjoy!
Do You Need Special Coffee For A Percolator?
You can make delicious coffee with a percolator using any kind of coffee you like. A good rule of thumb is 2 Tablespoons (10 grams) of medium ground coffee beans for every 6 oz cup.
There are several different types of percolators that will work fine when used with standard roasted and ground coffee beans. You don’t need to use a special or expensive variety, nor do you have to buy a particular brand. The only caveat here is that some low-cost percolators may not be designed to stand up against constant contact with boiling water. This means your percolator may overheat, warp, crack or even burst if it’s poorly made or has been damaged by overheating or abuse. In order to avoid this, be sure you choose a unit that’s built for the long haul. For best results, do not try using an aluminum percolator, as it will affect the taste of the coffee.
You can usually find one or more of these types of percolators at yard sales, thrift stores and antique shops. They are also available on eBay and from online sellers of used goods. Shopping around is advised because prices vary dramatically depending on the quality of the maker and its capacity.
Before you buy your first percolator, it’s important to know what exactly you want so that you don’t waste money buying something that doesn’t suit your needs. If possible, take measurements and make a list of features you want. Some of the most common types are electric percolators, stovetop percolators and glass-liner coffee makers. Electric percolators are generally faster than other types, but can be tricky to clean because they have so many parts. Stovetop units are simple to use, but take longer. Glass coffee makers are very fragile and have shorter life spans due to their thin glass liners, which tend to break over time.
What You Need To Make Good Coffee Using A French Press?
Percolator vs French Press? There are four basic components needed for making great coffee using a French press: water, coarsely ground coffee (whole beans will do too), a grinder and a timer. If you’re grinding your own beans, they should be ground just prior to brewing so they retain their flavor profile when boiling takes place. A burr grinder produces the kind of even grind needed for brewing decent joe while other options include a blade grinder or manual grinder.
How To Make Coffee Using A French Press?
Percolator vs French Press? Brewing up a cup of French press coffee is not as complicated as it seems. Here’s what you need to do:
– Place the plunger/lid on top of the carafe and ensure that it fits snugly without any gaps between both parts. If there are air gaps, water will escape from your brewer and this will affect the quality of your drink – it may be too bitter or have a poor taste. You can also use a sealant to fill in those air holes. Place your uncooked (and coarsely ground) coffee grounds into the bottom part of the machine (the metal portion). The best proportion for this is 5 tbsp. of coffee with every 8 oz. of water that you’ll be using. Some people like their coffee stronger while others prefer it weaker, so choose your ingredients accordingly.
– Pour in hot water until the carafe is filled up to the “4-cup” mark on most machines. This brew will taste better if you let it steep for about four minutes so don’t be tempted to skip this step! While waiting, stir the mixture a couple of times to help dissolve all those tasty grounds into your drink before pressing down the lid/plunger.
– Place the plunger over the opening where you poured in your hot water and slowly press it down using steady pressure (about 20 lbs.). Stop once you hear a hissing sound, indicating that the water has reached the bottom of your carafe and is now making contact with those grounds.
– Remove the carafe from its base and pour in some cold water into the machine. This step will clear away any leftover coffee bits at the top part of your brewer so they don’t alter the taste of your drink in a negative way. Repeat this process if necessary and discard any remaining drops when done.
– Pour yourself a cup of joe and enjoy! If you want to achieve maximum flavor, many drinkers advise against adding milk or sugar prior to drinking as these ingredients tend to negate all those tasty flavors you worked on concealing during your brewing process. Instead, add a bit of cream or sugar after the fact. You can also try a couple of different brewing methods to discover which one suits your needs best.
How Many Times Can You Use A French Press?
If you’re willing to invest in a high-quality machine that will last for years and produce quality coffee, you can use it multiple times on a daily basis without any problems whatsoever. This is especially true if you clean the machine regularly so there’s no buildup on pieces such as the screen. If it’s dishwasher safe too, all the better! Whether you want to make coffee before heading off to work or brew enough for friends and family during a get-together, go ahead and experiment with various recipes until you find some tasty combos that you like. You can then use these time and again with your French press.
If, however, you’re using a cheap machine with low quality components that cannot be cleaned properly (or are too delicate for the dishwasher), it’s best to limit yourself to one or two uses per day. This will keep any unpleasant flavors from accumulating inside parts of the brewer where they shouldn’t belong! If possible, don’t let coffee sit in your French press for more than an hour. Try not to reheat it either as this will alter its taste once more.
So there you have it – now you know just how many times you can use that trusty French press without running into any problems whatsoever. Happy sipping.
>>> See more: Immersion Coffee Brewing Is Better Than Percolation | Percolator vs French Press
The coffee making process is very similar for both the percolator vs French press. However, if you’re looking to brew a larger amount of coffee at one time, then the percolator would be your best bet. If you prefer brewing smaller batches but want better tasting coffee that’s not too bitter or strong – then it might be worth checking out the French Press! Either way, Sweet Basil’s Cafe hope this article has helped answer any questions about which type of brewer will work best for you and your taste preferences when enjoying a cup (or two!) of joe in the morning!
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