Want to know the perfect gift for the true java lover in your life? Get him (or her) a French press coffee maker.
I'm sure you've seen this unique brewer before--it's quite distinctive. It's a staple in upscale restaurants (and in the homes of coffee geeks).
It's been around for well over a hundred years, but there's some debate as to whether this brewer actually came from France. Regardless, a French company, Bodum, currently distributes more of these press pots than anyone else in the world.
Here's what it comes with: a cylindrical glass carafe with a pour spout, a metal or rubber handle that encompasses the carafe, and a plunger. Classy. Simple.
So why do java connoisseurs love it so much? Because it uses a direct infusion brewing method.
You take whole beans, grind them coarse (a burr grinder is best for this), spoon them into the bottom of the carafe, add hot water (just below the boiling point), place the plunger on top of the cylinder, let the brew steep for 3-5 minutes, depress the plunger, and voila! You've got heaven in a cup.
There's no automatic drip mechanism, no paper filters tainting the pot. It's an absurdly simple, almost archaic process.The direct immersion brewing method works so well because it retains the beans' essential oils, virtually ensuring a rich, flavorful cup of joe. Using a French press allows you to get a true appreciation for the flavors of various beans.
I guarantee, if the coffee geek in your life enjoys his brew bold and thick, he'll use his plunge pot every day. It gives you just about the best java you can possibly make at home, a true cafe experience.
But in all fairness, it does take time.
For starters, the beans must be ground fresh. No Maxwell House here!Then, you have to heat the water separately, too. This isn't as fast and painless as using, say, a Keurig kitchen brewer, popping in a K cup, walking away, and coming back a minute later to a hot beverage. It's a bit more involved.
Another potential drawback is that coffee brewed by a French press may contain sediment from the coarse grounds used. Some models, such as a few offered by Bonjour, come with special pour filters to help eliminate this problem.Another knock? Plunge pots simply don't brew much. A typical model will offer you only 32 ounces, or 8, 4-ounce cups. This is a far cry from the automatic drip machines that routinely churn out two or three times as much.In other words, this isn't made for serving to the masses. It works best for solo java aficionados, couples, and especially, small dinner parties. There's nothing quite as impressive as whipping out one of these elegant brewers after dinner. Your guests will be wowed.Best of all, French press pots are reasonably priced. You can grab a quality Bodum or Bonjour model for less than $50.The coffee geek in your life will love it.Michael J. Cross is a professional freelance writer and creator of http://www.best-coffee-maker.net . If you're serious about brewing coffee, check out his coffee maker reviews to find the ideal home brewer for your needs.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_J._Cross
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