Can I Use Instant Coffee in a French Press? (Solved & Explained!)

Yes – technically you can make instant coffee using a French press. Any kind of coffee bean can be used in a French press, meaning any type of coffee can be made using this device. Using instant coffee in a French press is not recommended, however, as the coffee is ground too finely and can get through the mesh filter.

The following will explore in detail whether you can, and should, use instant coffee in a French press, and the differences between French press and instant coffee.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zYyxio-_3I

Can You Make Instant Coffee Using a French Press?

You can use instant coffee in a French press, but the pre-ground coffee powder you buy for instant coffee drinks will be too small and fine to create the ideal results that French press coffee usually offers. As the coffee grinds are too small, they can get through the mesh filter into the water, causing sediment and a bitter taste.

What Are the Differences Between Instant and French Press Coffee?

1. Bean size – instant coffee comes pre-ground in a fine powder. For French press coffee, beans are ground coarsely and midsize.  
2. Method – coffee grounds are steeped in hot water for a few minutes in a French press.
3. Time – it takes around 30 seconds to make instant coffee, compared to around 4 minutes of steeping in a French press.

Which Is Better, Instant or French Press Coffee?

There are pros and cons to both methods, dependent on your lifestyle and preferences. French presses win for taste, creating some of the best-tasting coffee in terms of richness and aroma. It also gives you complete control over how you make your brew to suit your tastes. Instant coffee does not have as much flavor but is quicker and easier.

Does Instant Coffee Taste Better When Made in a French Press?

French presses make incredible tasting coffee with a rich and distinct flavor. This is due to the freshly ground beans and the method of steeping coffee for several minutes, extracting all the flavors and aromas. Instant coffee powder does not have as much flavor and although the French press method can help, it can also make it taste bitter.

Is French Press Coffee Better for You Than Instant Coffee?

All coffee has certain health benefits from the antioxidants present (when drunk in moderation). French press coffee is unfiltered and so contains more caffeine than instant, which is a benefit or disadvantage dependent on how many cups you consume daily. Instant coffee is pre-roasted and ground, so can have impurities, and has a slightly higher presence of the chemical acrylamide.

What Are the Pros and Cons of French Press Coffee?

Pros:

1. French press coffee has a rich, strong flavor.
2. Altering steeping time allows you to make your brew to your strength and taste preferences.
3. It makes more than one cup at a time.

Cons:

1. It takes longer than other methods, especially instant!
2. Cleaning after each use.
3. It can taste bitter if steeped too long.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Instant Coffee?

Pros:

1. It’s quick and easy to make.
2. It’s cheap and accessible from most stores.
3. It comes in different flavors and brands.
4. It’s portable – take a tin/jar anywhere.

Cons:

1. It has a lot less flavor than French press coffee.
2. It is weaker and contains less caffeine.
3. It makes one cup at a time.

How Do I Make My Coffee in a French Press?

1. Put coffee grinds into beaker of French press.
2. Boil water and leave for 30 seconds to cool slightly.
3. Pour hot water over grinds.
4. Stir.
5. Put lid on beaker and leave to steep.
6. Filter by pressing plunger down to separate grinds and water with mesh.

How Long Does Coffee Brew in a French Press?

Coffee should be steeped, for between 3 and 6 minutes in a French press. 4 minutes is the average brewing time, but it depends on how strong you like your coffee – if you brew it for longer, closer to 6 minutes, it will taste stronger. This may be your sweet spot, or too bitter, it’s all in the taste buds!

How Should I Make Instant Coffee?

1. Add one to two teaspoons of instant coffee powder into a mug.
2. Pour boiling water into the mug.
3. Stir coffee with water.
4. Add sugars or sweeteners to your liking.
5. Add milk or cream (or leave it black).

Why Does My Instant Coffee Taste Bitter Made in a French Press?

Instant coffee powder is bought pre-ground and comes in a very fine powder. This is usually too small to be used in a French press as it is not filtered through paper. French presses use a metal mesh to separate the grinds and water, and if the grinds are small enough they can escape through and cause sediment and bitterness.

Which Coffee Beans Should I Use in a French Press?

Any kind of coffee bean can be used in a French press – Arabica and Robusta, light and dark roasts. French presses do not require any special kind of coffee, the beans just need to be ground to the right size to filter properly. Beans should be ground coarsely and midsize, not too finely, to be stopped by the mesh.

How Do I Grind Coffee Beans to Use in a French Press?

A burr grinder is suitable as it can grind the midsize, coarse, and uniform grounds that are needed for a French press. Burr grinders grind the beans between two abrasive surfaces and by changing the distance between them you can change the size of the grinds. You can purchase an automatic or manual burr grinder.

What Other Types of Coffee Can I Make in a French Press?

Besides instant (as discussed), you can use a French press to make all different kinds of coffee.

• Americano
• Flat white
• Latte
• Cappuccino
• Espresso