Is a French Press a Cafetiere?

Another name for a french press is a cafetiere. The french press is a popular coffee maker in many parts of the world, and it has developed different names in different cultures. All it takes is one sip of this plunger-style coffee to see why so many people have fallen in love with it.

There are many different ways to make coffee and the french press is becoming one of the most popular methods for making delicious coffee at home. If you have ever heard people use the term cafetiere when making coffee, you may have wondered what they meant. On this page, we’re going to discuss what a cafetiere really is. Keep reading to learn more.

What is a Cafetiere?

A cafetiere is the exact same as a french press, which is a manual coffee maker that requires you to use a plunger-style press when making the coffee. There is no difference between a french press and a cafetiere, the terms simply stem down to what part of the world you are in.

In North America, the coffee maker is referred to as a french press. However, in Britain and Ireland, people will call it a cafetiere.

What are Other Names For a French Press?

It seems as though the french press coffee maker has earned a different name for each section of the world. Some other names it has earned are coffee plunger, piston, press pot, caffettiera a stantuffo, and press coffee.

In South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, people call freshly brewed coffee in a french press “plunger coffee”.  Since North Americans don’t want to think of a plunger while enjoying their coffee, they simply call it french press coffee.

What is a French Press Coffee Maker?

A french press is a simple manual coffee maker that results in a very flavorful brew. The coffee is made in a cylinder carafe and the lid has a built-in plunger.

When the coffee is ready, the user will push the press plunger down to stop the coffee grinds from pouring out into their cup. This plunger has a metal filter that separates the coffee from the grinds.

Why is the French Press Coffee Maker Popular?

The french press has become one of the most popular coffee-making devices because it’s easy to use and always results in a delicious cup of coffee. On top of making great coffee, these coffee makers also produce no waste because they don’t require a disposable filter.

Another reason people are loving the french press is because of how affordable these coffee makers are. It’s not often you can find a quality coffee maker for under $30, but that’s normal with a french press.

What Makes French Press Coffee Taste Better Than Other Methods?

If you’ve ever tried french press coffee, you’ve likely noticed that this coffee maker does a much better job of bringing out the coffee’s flavor profiles. This coffee is made by immersing the coffee grinds in hot water and allowing them to steep.

During this process, the coffee grinds release natural coffee oils into the beverage which are full of bold flavor. Regular coffee0making methods filter out the coffee oils, which results in coffee that isn’t as bold.

Does French Press Coffee Need a Filter?

You don’t need to use a paper filter when making french press coffee because it will tamper with the quality of the coffee. The french press will have a metal filter to make sure you don’t get a cup with grinds floating through it.

However, the paper filter catches the coffee oils and particles that are needed to flavor french press coffee. The particles are an important part of what makes the french press coffee taste so good, as they continue to percolate the beverage with more flavor after it has been poured.

When Was the French Press Coffee Maker Invented?

What you may not have known is that the french press isn’t a french invention, it’s actually from Italy. In 1929, the first french press patent was made by Giulio Moneta and Attilio Calimani, two Italian entrepreneurs.

However, this style of coffee maker really jumped to fame in 1958 when a Swiss entrepreneur Faliero Bondanini created the Chambord style of french press. This style was manufactured in France, which made people think of the french when they used this coffee maker.

What is the Purpose of a Cafetiere/ French Press?

The main purpose of a cafetiere is to make coffee in its purest form with the best flavor. This coffee maker is much different than automatic makers because it uses pressure to infuse the beverage with concentrated flavors.

The plunger of the french press is used to force the coffee grinds to the bottom of the pot so they don’t float around the beverage. This style of coffee making helps people achieve a dark and delicious cup of coffee every time they use it.

What Type of Coffee is Best For a Cafetiere?

When choosing a coffee bean to use in a cafetiere, you will have the best results using a medium or dark roast. Review the flavor notes of the different coffee beans and choose one to your liking because the cafetiere will do a better job than other coffee makers of bringing out that flavor.

If you are buying coffee that is already ground, make sure you choose a coarse grind. It’s important to use a coarse grind coffee because fine grinds can cause the plunger to get stuck.

Does Cafetiere Make Coffee Blends Taste Bitter?

If coffee is over-extracted in the cafetiere, it could result in a bitter flavor. Always set a timer when using the french press because it needs to steep for 4 to 5 minutes to get the best taste.

If you forget about your coffee brewing and allow it to steep too long, it will likely have a bitter flavor. Additionally, if you pour the coffee out too soon, it may taste watered down.