A Bodum (French press) is a versatile immersion brewer for robust coffee and aerated drinks. Use coarse grounds and a 3-4 minute steep for coffee. For an iced frappé, aerate a small amount of brewed coffee by pumping the plunger, then pour over ice. For frothy hot chocolate, heat milk to steaming (about 150°F / 65°C), then plunge to create foam. Clean the mesh filter regularly and avoid overheating milk or using the press in ways the manufacturer doesn't recommend.

Why a Bodum (French press)?

A Bodum or French press is a simple immersion brewer: coarse coffee grounds steep in hot water, and a metal mesh plunger separates liquid from grounds. It's low-tech, quick, and versatile. Beyond straightforward coffee, the plunger technique also aerates liquids - handy for iced frappés and frothy hot chocolate.

Basic French-press coffee (quick guide)

  1. Use coarsely ground coffee (about 1:15-1:17 coffee to water by weight).
  1. Bring water to a boil, let it sit ~30 seconds (target ~200°F / 93°C).
  1. Add grounds to the press, pour water, stir, and place the lid with the plunger pulled up.
  1. Steep 3-4 minutes, then press the plunger down slowly and steadily.
  1. Pour immediately to avoid over-extraction and sediment.
Short steep times and a coarse grind help limit grit and bitterness. Clean the mesh filter regularly to maintain flavor.

Quick iced coffee / Bodum frappé

This cold, aerated coffee is easy and fast.

  1. Brew a strong batch of French-press coffee and sweeten while hot if desired.
  1. Rinse out the press and return just enough coffee to fill about one-third of the carafe.
  1. Insert the plunger and pump up and down quickly and firmly to aerate the liquid. The coffee will increase in volume and develop a light foam.
  1. Fill tall glasses with ice and pour the aerated coffee over the ice.
The result is a frothy, cold coffee best served immediately.

Frothy hot chocolate (milk frothing with the press)

A French press makes excellent frothed milk for hot chocolate, cappuccinos, or mochas.

  1. Pour cold milk into the press to the quarter- to one-third mark.
  1. Heat the milk until steaming but not boiling (about 150°F / 65°C is a common target).
  1. Insert the plunger and pump up and down vigorously until froth forms and the milk volume increases.
  1. Place a spoon over the foam and pour the hot milk into mugs with cocoa or chocolate syrup, then spoon foam on top.
Warning: heat carefully to avoid scalding. If your press isn't rated for direct heating or microwaving, heat milk separately and transfer it to the press.

Tips and care

  • Use a coarse grind to reduce sediment.
  • Press slowly for brewed coffee; plunge more vigorously only when intentionally aerating.
  • Disassemble and rinse the filter assembly after each use to prevent oils and buildup.
  • The press also handles cold-brew steeping: coarse grounds, cold water, 12-18 hours, then press and decant.
Experiment with sweeteners, flavored syrups, or milk types. The Bodum/French-press method is practical for making both everyday coffee and simple frothed drinks without extra equipment.

FAQs about Bodum Coffee Maker

What grind size should I use for a Bodum/French press?
Use a coarse grind. Finer grinds pass through the mesh filter and make the brew gritty and over-extracted.
Can I froth milk in a French press?
Yes. Heat milk until steaming (about 150°F / 65°C), then pump the plunger up and down until foam forms. Heat carefully to avoid scalding and check that your press is safe for hot liquids.
How do I make an iced coffee frappé with a French press?
Brew and sweeten coffee, return about one-third to the press, then plunge rapidly to aerate. Pour the foamy coffee over ice and serve immediately.
Is it okay to microwave milk in the press?
Only if the manufacturer specifies the carafe is microwave-safe. Otherwise heat milk separately and transfer it to the press to froth.
How should I clean my Bodum/French press?
Disassemble the plunger and mesh filters, rinse promptly, and wash with warm soapy water. Regular cleaning prevents oil buildup and preserves flavor.

News about Bodum Coffee Maker

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