There is technically no way to make a ‘true’ espresso than by using an espresso machine, but you can make espresso-style coffee in a French press to get your espresso fix. Espresso is made by pushing hot steam through fine coffee grounds, whereas French press coffee is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in hot water for several minutes.
We will dive into the differences between espresso and French press coffee, how they are made, and how to make an espresso-style coffee in your French press.
Can A French Press Be Used to Make Espresso?
You can make espresso-style coffee in a French press by using dark roast or espresso grounds and grinding them finer than you usually would for a French press.
What is the French Press Method?
French presses make coffee by steeping coarsely ground coffee in hot water for around four minutes before separating the grounds from the water. This method of brewing extracts all the flavors, aromas and oils from the coffee grounds for a robust, heavy flavor.
How Do I Make Perfect French Press Coffee?
- Place 2 tablespoons of coffee grinds in French press.
- Boil one cup of water.
- Leave for 30 seconds.
- Pour half of the hot water over the grounds.
- Leave to bloom for 30 seconds.
- Add rest of hot water and stir.
- Leave to steep for around 4 minutes.
- Press plunger down to bottom.
What is Espresso Coffee?
Espresso is a strong shot of coffee which is extremely quick to make. Espresso is produced by pushing hot water and hot steam through fine, tightly packed grounds with a lot of pressure behind it. Pushing the hot water through the grounds creates the crema, or foam, on top of the espresso.
How Do I Make Perfect Espresso Coffee?
According to Coffee Statistics, to make perfect espresso coffee you need a good espresso machine to achieve the perfect ratio of coffee to water and have the right amount of pressure behind it. You can make espresso using other methods, but a ‘proper’ espresso can only be made using an espresso machine.
How Do I Make Espresso in a French Press?
- Use a dark roast, and grind beans fine to midsize.
- Warm up press with water first and then empty it.
- Boil water and leave to cool for 30 seconds.
- Place grounds in press.
- Pour on half of the hot water and let grounds bloom for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the rest of your water and stir.
- Put on the lid to seal in the heat and steep for up to 4 minutes.
- Gently push the plunger to the bottom.
- Make the crema that espresso is famous for by pumping the plunger halfway up and down a few times.
What Is the Difference Between Espresso and French Press Coffee?
Method
French press steeps coarse coffee grounds in water for between 3 and 6 minutes. Espresso shoots hot water quickly, with lots of pressure, through fine coffee grounds to quickly extract flavor.
Grounds
For espresso, coffee is finely ground. The water is in contact with the coffee for a short amount of time so needs a smaller surface area to extract the flavor. For French press, coffee is coarsely ground. The water is in contact with the coffee for several minutes and if too fine the coffee becomes over-extracted and tastes bitter.
When making espresso in a French press it can take a few attempts to get grounds to the right size – aim for a fine to medium size grind. If too small the grinds can get through the metal filter and into the coffee, causing sediment and bitterness.
Water
For French press coffee, you should use two tablespoons of coffee with one cup of water per cup. An espresso requires more coffee and a higher water ratio of 1:6 for coffee to water to get the strong taste.
Time
Espressos are made extremely quickly, in around 30 seconds or less. Whereas French press coffee takes at least 4 minutes – you wait for water to boil, to let it cool, for the coffee to bloom, and finally for it to steep for 3-6 minutes.
Effort
Espresso machines are automatic, so you can simply push a button to make your espresso and do other things as it brews. French presses are a very involved way to make coffee – you grind the beans, boil the kettle, pour the water twice, and plunge yourself.
Roast
Espresso coffee has a strong, robust flavor that can only be achieved in such a short time by using dark roast coffee beans. French presses are more versatile and can use any kind of bean, from light to dark. You can adjust the brew time to alter the flavor and strength of your coffee.
Caffeine
French press coffee has almost double the amount of caffeine as espresso. French press coffee contains the most caffeine of any brewing method because of the prolonged steeping time, allowing the water to extract more caffeine from the grounds. An espresso cannot extract as much caffeine in 30 seconds.
Price
Espresso machines vary from low-end to high-end, starting from around $50 or less and going up to hundreds of dollars. Dependent on which one you purchase, they can be a pricy investment. French presses can be as little as $10 and can fit into any budget.
Size
French presses are a lot smaller, as they are just made up of a carafe and a plunger. They can be stored in any cupboard next to your mugs or take up minimal space. Whereas an espresso machine is larger and will take up room on your kitchen countertop.
Convenience
For one cup of coffee an espresso machine is a lot quicker. But a French press is more convenient if making more than one cup. Espresso machines are single serve, whereas French presses can make several cups at a time, up to a litre of coffee in one go.
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.