A cup of coffee is not just a cup of coffee, as can be clearly witnessed with the vast differences between French press coffee and regular coffee. From the price to the taste and versatility of the coffee that can be made in each type of machine, there are numerous differences between French press and regular coffee.
Below will show a comparison between French press and regular coffee to help you determine what type of coffee machine should be your next investment.
What Is French Press Coffee?
French press coffee is coffee that is brewed using a French press, also sometimes called a coffee plunger or a cafetiere. These machines don’t require any plugs or electricity, and essentially steep your coffee for enhanced flavor and aroma.
The French press was invented in Italy in the early 1900s. It is somewhat fitting, considering that many French press lovers compare the strong coffee brewed inside the machine as similar to espresso. This is because you get a very strong, rich flavor every time you use a French press.
What Would Be Considered Regular Coffee?
Regular coffee would be coffee brewed in a typical coffee machine found in most homes, also referred to as a drip coffee machine. This is because when the coffee is brewing, it slowly drips from the top of the maker where the coffee beans are held in the basket into the coffee pot.
You can also find smaller drip coffee machines that are not electric, where you simply place the filter system over the carafe and pour hot water over the beans sitting in the filter.
Regular coffee machines are commonplace in most households with multiple people, considering you can easily brew a large pot of coffee and keep it hot for a long time, so people can grab a mug as they please.
Does French Press And Regular Coffee Use The Same Beans?
In order to get the most out of each type of coffee maker, you will most likely be using different grinds of coffee beans. The particular beans you choose for each machine are entirely up to you based on your preferred strength or flavor profile.
For a French press, you want to select a more coarse grind of coffee bean, while a regular coffee maker only needs a medium grind.
Does French Press Coffee Taste Different Than Regular Coffee?
One thing many French press lovers enjoy about their machine is the ability to tweak your coffee every day to get the exact flavor and strength you might want. It could take some experimenting before you find the perfect balance for you, but you have much more freedom to play with your coffee than with a drip coffee maker.
You might also find that when using a French press, some of the residue from the brewing process will get into the coffee. This could result in a stronger taste. With regular coffee, the filter traps all of that residue in, so the taste is smoother and cleaner.
Is French Press Coffee Easier To Make Than Regular Coffee?
French press coffee takes more effort to make, considering you just have to pour water and coffee grounds into your regular drip coffee machine and press a button. Furthermore, you can fill up a drip coffee maker the night before and set a timer to brew your coffee before you even leave your bed.
Does Regular Coffee Take Less Time From Start To Finish Than Using A French Press?
French press coffee requires a little bit more grunt work than making regular coffee. With a French press, you will have to heat up water, pour it in with your coffee grounds, and let it steep. You will then have to press the coffee to finish it.
Overall, the time it takes to make French press coffee versus regular coffee isn’t that different; it just requires less work to make regular coffee.
Do You Get Less Coffee In A French Press Machine Than In A Regular Coffee Machine?
This will really depend on how big your French press is. Generally speaking, however, you will be able to brew more coffee in a regular coffee maker. This is ideal if you are entertaining a big crowd or are looking for something to install in your office.
Which Machine Is Easier To Clean?
Both a drip coffee maker and a French press are actually quite easy to clean. It is definitely important to keep both clean, as a dirty machine will alter the taste of your coffee. Neither machine requires a lot of heavy duty maintenance.
Does One Type Of Coffee Have More Caffeine Than The Other?
A typical cup of French press coffee and regular coffee will yield around the same amount of caffeine. For example, a typical cup of regular will have between 60 to 100 milligrams of caffeine, while French press will have between 80 to 100 milligrams. You can get more caffeine from your French press if you let the coffee steep for longer.
Another reason French press coffee can get a little bit more caffeine consistently compared to regular coffee is that you have more control over the temperature of the water. The hotter you are able to get the water, the more flavor and caffeine you can get out of your coffee.
Which Type Of Coffee Is More Expensive To Make At Home?
Overall, it is more expensive to consistently brew regular coffee than coffee in a French press. You will use less coffee grounds to brew French press coffee, and you don’t have to purchase filters. Furthermore, a French press will probably outlast a regular coffee maker, unless you purchase a high quality machine.
Is French Press Coffee Ultimately Better Than Regular Coffee?
Which type of coffee is better is really a matter of personal preference. If you really like the strong taste of coffee, you might prefer coffee from a French press. However, if you’re just simply looking to get your coffee as quickly and easily as possible, you will probably opt for a regular coffee machine.
Hi, I’m Jen Williams, chief editor and writer for ThirstPerk.com.
I’ve been drinking coffee and tea for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I started working at Thirstperk.com that I became an expert on the subject. I’m a total caffeine addict who has spent hours upon hours reading about and experimenting with the different types of coffees out there in my search to find the perfect cup of joe.
I’ve been a tea lover for as long as I can remember as well. I grew up in a house with a mom who loved to drink herbal tea, and I think that’s where my love for tea first began. These days, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting teas to try, and I love experimenting with different brewing methods and flavoring combinations.