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  • Plunger advice needed

    Well, had a holiday, couldnt bear to do without good coffee, so ground up enough for a few days, quickly double-bagged and sealed off. First plunger brew since my CS journey... not impressed.

    What are the golden rules? And how should it taste? It was plunged at 3 minutes, much coarser grind (20 half turns on my Macap screw), large quantity of grinds vs water (trying for an espresso intensity ;D).

  • #2
    Re: Plunger advice needed

    http://www.squaremileblog.com/2008/11/12/videocast-2-french-press-technique/

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    • #3
      Re: Plunger advice needed

      Great video link there Luca.
      Getting back to intellidepths other question, if you like espresso, you might be initially disappointed with plunger brews, cos they arent espresso, not as intense....but I think it is better than some alternatives

      Suggest try some instant and then try a plunger brew and it will be in perspective.

      Bullitt

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      • #4
        Re: Plunger advice needed

        Its great to see some interest in the humble plunger/french press.

        I have another method that does leave sludge at the bottom and gives a nice crema as well. The trick with the sludge is to swirl the cup as you drink it which gives a silky texture

        1. Use the plunger appropriate to the amount of coffee you would like to serve i.e. 3 cup, 8 cup etc.

        2. Boil the kettle

        3. Pre heat the plunger and beaker

        4. Discard water

        5. Dispense a fingers width of medium grind (just coarse/fine enough so there is a little resistance)

        6. Pour in water that is now off the boil in a circular motion. (if the grinds are really fresh it may fizz up, you will need to stop and swirl the beaker briefly)

        7. Sit for three minutes with plunger on top of coffee before plunging.

        8. As you pour rock the beaker so you get a bit of crema on top to give a balanced flavour.

        Of course using the right coffee is essential, something bright is better. But everyone has their own tastes of course.

        James Carter

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        • #5
          Re: Plunger advice needed

          I tend to go for about double what the plunger box says, generally 2 slightly heaped spoons of whole beans per dose

          I usually boil the kettle and leave it for 2 to 3 minutes so as not to burn the grounds

          put the grounds in and stir if I get any bloom, then top up, sit it for 3 to 4 minutes and then press

          I always tend to grind a bit finer than I think I should, you do get cup sludge but a much richer flavour

          As far as beans for plunger go, Nicaragua is the absolute bees knees, ive never had plunger coffee that has tasted nicer than some Nic, look for beans with fruitiness and low acidity is what ive been told

          In case you havnt realised, im obsessive with Nicaraguan coffee

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          • #6
            Sorry for the old thread dig up, but there's some good advice here and it came up whilst searching to see if there was a snob preferred brand / style of plunger.

            Is Bodum the way to go? Seems to be the most popular.

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            • #7
              I've got two bodums and like them - the filter has stood up to a lot of use, and it has a nice steady and quality feel to the plunging action. The great thing about Bodum, is that you can easily get replacement parts, like glass beakers, but you pay more initially. I've never broken a beaker, but know a few people that have (they may have been cheaper/more fragile plungers in the first place though).

              Pro-tip, visit your local salvos and look for the Bodum brand, pay your <$5, wash it well and enjoy.

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              • #8
                Thanks axisa, I've seen a Bodum on evilbay very cheap.

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                • #9
                  i've still got mine from god knows how many years ago (though now it rarely used), have had to replace the glass due to my own clumsiness and the filter screen

                  good that the more breakable or wearable parts are all pretty standard and easily obtainable

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                  • #10
                    Why not consider an Aeropress?

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                    • #11
                      As thundergod says.

                      I do long stints away and love having an aeropress (got it earlier this year). Have a hario hand grinder (or other of your choice) to go with it and you have the potential for some very good coffee of your choice in your cup. Taste is very subjective of course but IMHO it make a substantially better brew than a plunger.

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                      • #12
                        Yeh, the only reason I could imagine using a plunger instead of my aeropress(es) would be if I had to make 4 cups at once.....but can't think of the last time that happened.

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                        • #13
                          Thanks for the replies, I'm also looking at an Aeropress. In fact I think I'll get both. You can never have too many devices can you?

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                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Barry O'Speedwagon View Post
                            Yeh, the only reason I could imagine using a plunger instead of my aeropress(es) would be if I had to make 4 cups at once.....but can't think of the last time that happened.
                            Is there that much of a difference? I love french-press coffee, but if there's a same-but-better alternative I should probably give it a shot...

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                            • #15
                              G'day,
                              Normally I would stay out of threads that I may appear to be in sales mode.
                              But I have always enjoyed plunger coffee,it's just my thing.
                              Don't get me wrong I love espresso. A lot.

                              This year I have been blown away by the Innofors plunger filters, they are a game changer for plunger coffee.
                              Grind finer, steep for a shorter period and the outcome is amazing coffee, full flavour profiles with depth and great mouth feel,just what you don't expect with plungers.
                              The original idea for them was actually to reduce the clean time and mess made, reduce waste water etc, with these you get pretty much a puck drop it out then you rinse, done.
                              As I said a game changer.
                              so for what it's worth check them out, the link is below.
                              You will be amazed.

                              As for what brand, I have Bodum brand, another stainless steel one the name of which escapes me right now, and supermarket cheapies, sometimes the filter part of the cheaper ones is not as good but I usually break the glass before they giveout! As I said I use them a lot.
                              My experience with them would indicate that they make very little difference other than the quality of the finish as for what's in the cup then that is pretty much the same with all of them.
                              As long as they filter and plunge efficiently.
                              have a grouse weekend,
                              Craig.

                              CoffeeSnobs - BeanBay

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