If you want to make great coffee simply at home, French Press and pour over are two of the best options out there, but what’s the difference between them? The clue is in the name: French Press coffee steeps before the grounds are filtered out whereas for pour over coffee you pour water directly over your grounds.
Both methods are very popular and each has its own qualities that make for an easy, tasty brew – particularly at home. The French Press is also known as a cafetiere and is an attractive option for a full-bodied beverage, while the pour over method gives less grit and an easier clean-up for a lighter and less intense coffee.
This article will go into detail about the two different methods and how the coffee makers that utilise them work, what the benefits are for each one and what sort of things you will want to look out for when choosing the best method for your brew.
How Does a Pour Over Coffee Maker Work?
The pour over method is relatively self-explanatory, in that it involves hot water being poured over the top of the coffee grounds and into a container. The grounds sit in the bottom of a funnel of some kind, on top of a filter, so the water passes over them and extracts the flavour before dripping out underneath.
How Does a French Press Coffee Maker Work?
A French Press, or a cafetiere, is essentially a vessel in which coffee grounds and hot water can be steeped together to allow the coffee to be extracted. After the coffee has steeped, a plunger can be pressed down which filters out the grounds, separating them from the delicious brew that can then be poured out.
What Do You Need to Make French Press or Pour Over Coffee?
The French Press is convenient because all you need is the coffee maker itself, some hot water, and your coffee grounds. A pour over coffee maker, on the other hand, requires filters as well, which are generally only single-use and can be specific to your particular brand or device
What is a French Press Better For?
A French Press draws out more of the oils and microparticles from the coffee, which means that the flavour is bolder and more intense. Once the steeping is finished, cafetiere coffee is also very easy to serve and, with small adjustments, it can suit many different tastes so it is great for pleasing multiple guests.
In What Ways Are Pour Overs Better?
Pour over coffee has less grit left over in the brew and results in a smooth cup that is less intense and very easy to drink. This method is also much easier to clean up after and is ideal for making a lighter coffee for one or two people early in the morning, without any extra hassle.
How Difficult is Pour Over and French Press Coffee to Brew?
Both methods are relatively straightforward, though it is perhaps a little trickier to get the technique perfect for a pour over. A French Press is very forgiving and is hard to get wrong, but with pour over you need to add the water gradually and there are some optional techniques that can improve extraction.
Is Pour Over or French Press Quicker to Make?
To get good results from your French Press you will want the coffee to steep for around 5 minutes, if not longer, which does make it a little slow. The pour over method requires you to pour your water in a few stages rather than all at once, but it shouldn’t take more than 3 minutes to brew.
What Type of Roast and Grind Size Are Best for a Pour Over Coffee?
The pour over method suits a lighter roast because it results in a more gentle and bright coffee that compliments subtle flavours. Because the grounds are not in contact with the water for long, it is recommended that you use a medium-grind so that there is enough surface area for extraction, but not too much.
What Type of Roast and Grind Size Are Best for a French Press?
The French Press suits all kinds of roasts so it really depends upon your personal taste, though the end result will generally be quite strong. As for grind size, a coarser grind is better suited to the French Press because if the particles are too small, they will slip through the filter and end up in your cup.
Is the Hario V60 the Best Pour Over Coffee Maker?
When you are looking at pour over coffee makers, the Hario V60 is likely the first that comes to mind, and for good reason because it is stylish, very easy to use, and perfect for single-cup coffees. The V60 is known for making coffee with clear flavours and strong aromas, and it comes in different materials too.
Is the Chemex Worth the Price?
The Chemex is another popular choice for your pour over, and it consists of an hourglass-shaped vessel with a densely woven filter that allows you to watch your coffee pouring through. Because of its unique shape, specialist filters and all-glass design, it is known for making a bright and clean cup that is a favourite for many coffee drinkers.
What are the Best French Press Coffee Makers?
One of the great advantages of the French Press is that they come in many different styles, designs and sizes to suit your home and your needs. While Kona coffee makers are known for having great filtration, the Bodum Chambord is often recommended for beginners because of how easy it is to use and clean.
Can a French Press of a Pour Over Coffee Maker Make Espresso?
Because neither method uses pressure, the coffee that you get from a French Press or the pour over method will never have the concentration, flavour density or bubbly “crema” of an espresso. The closest that you can get in the home-brew coffee world is the AeroPress, which is very popular amongst coffee enthusiasts.
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.
