French presses are traditionally used to make coffee, but you can make all kinds of tea in this device too, whether that is tea bags or loose-leaf tea. This is because a French press, or coffee press, works in an extremely similar way to a tea press. French presses are versatile enough to make all kinds of tea and coffee.
Read on for an in-depth look into how to use tea bags in a French press, how to use loose-leaf tea in a French press and how to make tea in a French press.
Can You Make Tea in A French Press?
Yes, you can. You can make any kind of tea in a French press, including bagged or loose-leaf. A French press, or coffee press, works in the same way as a tea press, so can be used to make both hot beverages. You can steep your tea in a French press for the desired amount of time before filtering it.
How Do You Use a French Press to Make Tea?
Making tea in a French press is very simple and easy:
- Place your tea bag or loose leaves into the carafe.
- Pour over boiling water.
- Leave to steep for the desired amount of time (usually two to three minutes, dependent on your preference).
- Push the plunger down to filter the tea from the water with mesh.
- Serve to your liking.
What Kinds of Tea Can I Make in A French Press?
Essentially any kind of tea can be made in a French press as long as it is prepared correctly. Including:
- Bagged
- Loose leaf
- Black
- White
- Green
- Herbal
- Yellow
- Fruit
- Peppermint
- Chamomile
- Matcha
- Chai
- Oolong
- Darjeeling
- Turmeric
- Breakfast
- Earl grey
- Flavored
- Infusions
How Much Tea Should I Put in A French Press?
The general rule of thumb is that for one cup of tea you would use one teabag for bagged tea, and one teaspoon of leaves for loose tea, along with one cup of hot water. However, using a French press gives you the ability to make more than one cup at a time – so multiply this for each additional cup.
How Long Do I Brew Tea in A French Press?
This depends entirely on the type of tea you are using, and your personal preference for how strong you like your brew. For lighter teas such as white or green, 2 to 3 minutes is recommended. Yet for darker teas such as black tea or breakfast tea, anywhere between 2 and 5 minutes will work best dependent on your tastes.
Is A French Press Good to Brew Tea In?
Although this device is not made specifically for tea, a French press is as good to brew tea in as a tea press, teapot, or strainer, as it works in a similar way. Using a French press allows you to steep (brew) your tea for the desired amount of time before filtering it from the water and keeping it warm.
Does Tea Taste Better Made in A French Press?
Using a French press is a great way of making tea as it allows you to control how long tea is infused in hot water to create the perfect strength brew. As you are not brewing directly in a mug or teapot, where if steeped too long it can taste bitter, the tea is filtered when it’s the right taste.
What Is the Difference Between a French Press and A Tea Press?
French presses work in the same way as tea presses – steeping tea in hot water for several minutes until it is brewed and then filtering. French presses separate water and coffee grinds by pushing a mesh filter to the bottom. Tea presses have a filter in the centre and push leaves down into the bottom filter with no holes.
What Are the Benefits of Using a French Press?
- You can create some of the best tasting tea and coffee as it is brewed for the perfect length of time.
- You have more control over how strong and flavorful your brew is by how long you steep it for.
- You can make more than one cup at a time.
- It can make both tea and coffee.
What Are the Cons of Using a French Press?
- It takes longer and is more hands-on than other methods as you pour and plunge yourself.
- The French press should be cleaned after each use to avoid leaves getting stuck or residue build-up that tastes bitter.
- Some trial and error is needed to create the brew exactly how you like it and get it spot on each time.
How Do You Clean a French Press After Making Tea?
Ensure your French press is cleaned thoroughly after each use, as loose leaves can get trapped and cause bitter tasting tea next time you use it.
- Rinse the entire press thoroughly in hot water and dish soap.
- Unscrew the filter and clean any leaves or sediment out.
- Fill with hot water and push the plunger down a few times.
- Rinse!
What Are Other Ways to Make Tea?
- Teabags (made straight into a mug)
- Teapot
- Infuser
- Strainer
- Sachet
- Iced
- Hot drinks machine
- Tea press
What Is A Tea Press?
A tea press looks like a cross between a teapot and a coffee press, or a round glass cafetiere. Tea presses work the same as a French press by allowing you to steep tea for several minutes before filtering it. It has a centre filter with no holes at the bottom to push the tea down into with a plunger.
How Does A Tea Press Work?
A tea press allows you to steep your tea for an optimum amount of time.
- Place your tea into the metal filter.
- Pour in boiling water.
- Leave to steep for between 2 and 6 minutes (dependent on the type of tea).
- With the plunger push the tea into the bottom of the filter with no holes.
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.