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Despite high end coffee equipment continually flooding the market, the century old french press still sells like hot cakes.
And for good reason.
It’s easy to use, cheap and makes dependably delicious coffee (just ask the pros).
But while the french press is remarkably simple, the extra user steps can become a nuisance over time (especially when brewing everyday).
So, how do we get french press coffee with minimal user involvement?
Below we’ve created an intuitive guide to all the creative ways the industry has attempted to automate the french press.
Table of Contents
To better navigate this page, it’s important you understand the difference between these two terms.
An electric french press heats the water in the same vessel it brews the coffee. In other words, it’s a regular french press with a heater intact. However, after steeping, you still have to push the plunger.
An automatic french press heats the water in the same vessel it brews the coffee. However, the plunger is automatically depressed after a specified time interval of steeping.
Advantages
Disadvantages
- Available products have subpar reviews
- A little pricey
- Many of the products are no longer available
Is it Worth It?
The key advantage to the electric French press is its space-saving design. Instead of needing a separate kettle, the heating component and the French press are combined into a single unit.
For some people, this convenience alone justifies the minor price difference.
With that said, the number of user steps to create coffee is essentially the same (with the exception of the Bodum electric french press which has a separate vessel to heat the water).
So, if you're hoping for an effortless "set it and forget it" kind of experience with your french press coffee, then the electric french press probably won't live up to your expectations.
All Electric French Presses to Date:
#1 Kalorik Bartista Electric French Press (Still available)
The Kalorik Bartist heats up the water and brews the coffee all in one carafe. The carafe does detach from the base (similar to a modern day electric kettle) and includes an agitator at the bottom to stir the coffee.
The brewing process goes as follows:
- Put the desired water into the carafe.
- Select “Hot Brew” setting.
- Unit beeps, agitator stirs water and heating element turns on.
- Unit beeps again, and LED flashes when water hits approximately 195°F (which takes about 15 minutes).
- Add coffee grounds (manual recommends you stir with a spoon).
- Press center selection button again.
- Electric agitator will stir coffee/water mixture.
- After a 3 minute steep, the unit will beep and stop stirring (no adjustable timing).
- User depresses plunger.
- Coffee is ready to be poured.
Advantages
- No need to preheat carafe
- Agitator is a nice thought (but one extra thing that can go wrong)
- Unit beeps when it’s done so no timer is needed (with an important caveat outlined to the right)
- Saves Space
- The carafe detaches from the heating unit for easier cleaning (as opposed to the Mr. Coffee unit below)
Disadvantages
- Can’t change the steep timer (will beep at 3 minutes no matter what)
- Common complaints about customer service
- Common complaints that motor gives out prematurely
Our Take:
The idea, actually pretty cool.
The execution, not so great.
Unfortunately, Kalorik may have bit off more than they can chew with the 8 functions in 1 product idea.
While making cold brew or iced coffee in your french press is a nice perk, the extra tech left more things to go wrong.
Had they kept it simple and stuck with a self heating french press, it may have lived up to the name.
To make sure it wasn’t just the rantings of angry customers, we bought the kalorik electric french press and put it through some strenuous testing.
We'll post the review [here] when it's ready.
#2 Bodum Bistro Electric French Press (Tricky to find)
The bodum electric french press is the only available model that has a separate reservoir to heat the water.
This means one less user step for the brewer.
The brewing process goes as follows:
Advantages
- No longer required to come back to the french press to add hot water (one less user step)
- Can dial in your water to coffee ratio (it transfers all the liquids you pour into the right reservoir)
Disadvantages
- Does not preheat the left carafe
- Cannot set the water temperature
- Still have to keep track of when the hot water is transferred to time your steep.
- No longer sold (can still find through sites like ebay)
Our Take:
If taking one step out of the brewing process is enough to make your life a little easier, it’s worth checking out.
However, if you’re someone who likes to fine-tune their coffee with precise temperatures and steeping times, there is still some manual work here that can make the price point hard to justify.
#3 Mr. Coffee Electric French Press (Tricky to find)
The Mr. Coffee Electric French Press heats and brews the coffee all in the same carafe. It is very similar to the Kalorik model above but with fewer settings (simpler design).
The brewing process goes as follows:
- Put the desired water into the carafe.
- Select the start button to boil water.
- After the water comes to a boil, the heater automatically turns off.
- Add coffee grounds.
- Steep your coffee for the preferred time.
- User depress plunger.
- Coffee is ready to be poured.
Advantages
- No need to preheat the carafe
- Saves space
- Simple to use
- Customers remark it boils water very fast
Disadvantages
- Common complaints of product failing prematurely
- A bit expensive
- Product is currently hard to find
Our Take:
While Mr Coffee’s design is remarkably simple, many customers complained about miscellaneous parts breaking over time.
It is a gamble….but if you get a properly functioning unit, it can definitely serve a purpose.
Once again, a hard product to find since the reviews are predominantly negative and the company probably stopped making it.
If you find one, let us know by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.
#4 Chef's Choice 695 Electric French Press (Tricky to find)
As I’m writing this, the Chef’s Choice 695 Electric french press is unfortunately no longer available.
It’s a shame because we assumed this model’s simplicity would make it have better longevity than some of the models above.
Not the case.
Customers continually commented on how quick the heating element went out.
If you find this Chef’s Choice model for sale (new or used), please let us know! We’d still love to give it a try.
#5 Bravura Press (Commercial Electric French Press)
The Bravura is a massive electric french press that was created for serving immersion brewed coffee in cafes. The video below outlines the brewing process.
A larger french press is really only practical if you own a coffee shop.
If you’re interested in the Bravura press, we recommend reaching out to them via their contact form at the bottom of their website.
Daily Coffee News created an article that provides a more in-depth look at the brewing process.
Automatic French Press
Unfortunately, a completely automated french press has not been invented yet (to our knowledge).
While it’s hard to understand why none of the major coffee companies have taken a crack at it, we have some ideas.
Why hasn't anyone invented an
automated french press?
Although an automated french press has yet to be invented, the closest available option would be theBunn Trifecta model below.
Can I Automate My French Press?
Despite the lack of interest from bigger coffee-tech companies, a handful of innovative individuals have taken the initiative to automate the french press themselves. You can view their valiant efforts below.
A Very Inventive Way to Automate the French Press
First Build's Automatic French Press Prototype
Once an automatic french press actually hits the market, the next obvious step will be to make an automatic french press with a grinder all in the same unit.
We look forward to the day 🙂
Alternatives to the French Press (Immersion Brewing)
While these brewing methods aren’t strictly “french press” per say, they offer a similar quality in coffee and provide certain trade-offs worth mentioning.
#1 The Bunn Trifecta MB (unavailable now but might be able to score through certain vendors)
The Bunn trifecta is an automatic “french press” with a timer. The reason we put the quotes around the term “french press” is because no filter is actually depressed to separate coffee from coffee grounds.
Instead, a mesh screen sits at the bottom of the reservoir and gravity feeds the liquid through.
A few disclaimers before I get into the American Press.
Firstly, it isn’t really more automated, it’s just more easy to clean than a traditional French Press.
Second, it’s debatably more on the side of percolation than immersion brewing since clean water passes through the coffee grounds and is quickly separated into the upper compartment (depending on how slow you depress the plunger).
Still definitely worth mentioning.
Coffee expert James Hoffman does an awesome review of the American Press that illustrates the brewing process and sheds a light on the inherent advantages/disadvantages.
#3 The Clover Coffee Machine
We had to include the clover because it’s a marvel to watch.
Although it can be quite expensive, you can still get your hands on one through eBay vendors.
But beware that if it malfunctions, finding replacement parts might be impossible.
Syphon Coffee Makers
Syphon brewing is definitely not easier, or more automated than a french press. It is, however, a really unique way to make immersion brewed coffee that’s mesmerizing to watch.
Check out the demonstration below.
Here’s an example of one that doesn’t run the risk of setting your house on fire (at least from direct-flame).
Better Chef Electric Siphon Coffee Maker
FAQs
Is there a one cup electric french press?
To our knowledge, a one cup electric french press is not available.
Conclusion
After some serious research, I was a little disappointed to find there weren’t a lot of options for automated immersion brewing. You’d think with all the die-hard “french pressers” out there, the market would be flooded with them.
Despite the reality, we will remain optimistic and keep our eyes open for new and upcoming products. If you find one yourself or we missed any, please leave a comment below. We do miss a product here and there.
Michael
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FAQs
Is there an automated French press? ›
Bravura Press is the world's first commercial automated French Press coffee brewer. In Stock and Ready to Ship!
Do you need electricity for a French press? ›A French press doesn't require electricity or disposable filters to brew, just hot water and coffee grounds. The grounds steep directly in hot water, and are then filtered out when the user presses down the plunger. French press is probably the second most hands-off brewing method, after drip.
What are the positives and negatives of French press? ›2 – French Press Coffee Brewing Style
Pros: inexpensive equipment, consistently good coffee, minimal learning curve. Cons: requires additional equipment to boil water, less safe than other methods, lack of experience or attentiveness can lead to over-extraction of the grounds and a dishwater-like flavor.
WINNER: The French press is the winner when it comes to full-bodied, rich-tasting coffee. At the same time, some people prefer the lighter taste produced with the drip method. Thus, choosing a better method for your subjective taste is a matter of your taste rather than the method.
Why is a French press better than a coffee maker? ›This is because the French Press allows the coffee grounds to steep in the hot water for an extended period of time, which results in a more robust and flavorful cup of coffee.
Is there a French press that heats water? ›An electric French press heats the water to the temperature it's built to. You can't control it. Depending on the press you buy, it may make your water colder or hotter than you prefer. If you like to be in control of every part possible during the brew — you may be a coffee connoisseur!
Is French press better than instant? ›The French Press makes better-tasting coffee quickly, but the taste of each batch is never consistent, and you have to drink it quickly, or else it will get bitter. Instant coffee, on the other hand, is cheap and quick to make, but it doesn't promise excellent tasting coffee and has less caffeine.
Should you put boiling water in French press? ›Water. Wondering how hot water should be for a french press? The answer is somewhere between boiling and hot, or about 200° Fahrenheit. The easiest way to do this is to bring water to a boil, either on the stove or in an electric kettle, and then remove it from the heat for about a minute.
Should you wash French press after every use? ›How often should you wash a French press? You should wash your French press after every usage. Coffee oils quickly go rancid and rancid oils can ruin the flavor of your coffee! A clean French press is essential for making a good cup of coffee.
Why is French Press less healthy? ›French Press - Bad Press - Addressed
The French Press has been in the news for awhile as an unhealthy way to brew coffee, because it's filter doesn't filter out the cafestol. Cafestol is a substance that causes the body's LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, levels to rise.
Is French press coffee bad for cholesterol? ›
Research has shown that drinking five cups of coffee daily over 4 weeks from a French press brewing method can increase blood cholesterol levels by 6 to 8 percent.
Do French people drink French Press? ›But do people in France actually use this brewing method? Contrary to popular belief, the answer is no. You may find a press in people's homes, but you will not in most cafés and restaurants. The French coffee culture is all about serving up a quick shot of espresso or a similar espresso-based drink.
Do you push French press down right away? ›After your coffee has brewed for four minutes, it is time to push down the plunger. This pushes the coffee grounds to the bottom of the cup and leaves the brewed coffee in the upper portion of the press. Your coffee is ready to pour!
What kind of coffee is best for French press? ›Medium to dark roasts are generally best suited to brewing with a French Press. The darker roast will complement the French Press if you enjoy adding milk and sugar to your coffee—a dash of milk really complements the deep, chocolatey, and earthy flavors.
Can you French press twice? ›The short answer is yes, you can use French press coffee grounds again to make a second batch of coffee. However, the resulting coffee will likely be weaker and less flavorful than the first batch, as much of the flavor and aroma compounds have already been extracted during the first brew.
What is the strongest coffee brewing method? ›Espresso is considered the strongest coffee brewing method. The strongest ratio is reached at 1:2, however some people prefer ratios of extraction not as concentrated or strong as 1:3 which are more commonly used in cappuccinos or lattes.
What is the cleanest way to brew coffee? ›Most experts recommend a pour-over method (this is a great, affordable vessel option), with an unbleached filter to avoid extra chemical exposure. You eliminate most—but not all—of the diterpenes while retaining as many polyphenols as possible.
Is pour-over coffee better than French Press? ›If you like dark roasts and strong flavors, the French press will likely be best for you. However, if you like a lighter roast, pour-over is the best method. Shop Larry's selection of light and dark roasts along with the tools you need to make the best cup now.
Do baristas use French press? ›Although French presses are primarily used for preparing coffee, many baristas who useFrench presses know the amazing versatility of this time-honored device. Here are just some of the many ways in which using a French press can expand your kitchen as more than just a coffee maker.
How long to leave coffee in French press? ›Fill French Press with the desired amount of water (see measurements below). Watch the coffee bloom (fresher coffee results in a better bloom). Give the grounds a good stir. Let it brew for 4-5 minutes.
Why does French press coffee taste different? ›
For French press coffee, the grinds stay in the bottom of the beaker throughout the entire process. Because the grinds remain in contact with the coffee, the bean extraction never ends, creating an oily and bold taste. If you prefer a more mild coffee, this taste may be overbearing.
What not to do with a French press? ›- You're Grinding Your Coffee Beans Too Finely. ...
- Your Water Temperature Is Too Hot. ...
- Your Coffee to Water Ratio Is Off. ...
- You're Brewing the Coffee for Too Long. ...
- You Leave the Coffee In the Press After Plunging.
Allowing the coffee to settle and saturate the water for 4 minutes will produce a strong, flavorful explosion in your coffee. Play with the times to produce different tones in your coffee. Note: Do not plunge yet. Let plunger float just on top of the water until your coffee is fully steeped.
Can you use regular coffee grounds in a French press? ›You should not use ground coffee that you use in a drip coffee maker in a French Press. The coffee is ground too finely, will plug up the filter and likely result in muddy, gritty coffee. Instead, grind your own beans or buy coffee that has specifically been coarsely ground for the French Press.
Can you drink French Press everyday? ›Drinking one to four cups per day of French press coffee generally shouldn't have negative health effects, Laing explained. However, those who are sensitive to caffeine, have a heart condition, are pregnant or take medications known to alter blood cholesterol should consume less.
What is the perfect French Press for 1? ›The rule is two tbsp. coffee, one cup water (8 oz.). Regardless of the type of beans you have, this is the mix that will give you a great flavor without overpowering you. Of course, if you want a stronger mix, you can certainly negotiate this ratio!
Do you push fast or slow on French Press? ›Speed of the plunger does not affect the flavor. However, speed of plunger may be important in this case: if you push the plunger rapidly, the flow of water push the grounds from the sides of the filter. Thus, the grounds will probably mix with the final cup of coffee.
Do you get less caffeine from French press? ›Brewing Method
But the coarser grinds favored for immersion methods also have less surface area than more finely ground coffee. This lessens the amount of caffeine extracted. French press coffee ends up having slightly less caffeine than drip or filter coffee per equivalent serving.
Whether your French press is glass, stainless steel, or enamel, you'll want to go easy with the scrubbing. Scratches on the surface of the carafe can weaken it over time, causing it to crack or break easily. This can be especially dangerous if it breaks while pushing down on the plunger at the end of a brew.
Is French press coffee not as good for you? ›French press is one of the more popular forms of unfiltered coffee and thus falls into the less healthy category in terms of cardiovascular illness and mortality rates. That being said, switching your coffee preparation likely isn't going to make or break your heart health.
Can you use tap water in a French press? ›
we recommend spring water or filtered tap water. do not use distilled or reverse osmosis purified water, as these do not contain enough dissolved solids.
Do you stir coffee and water in French press? ›The French press is one of the simplest coffee brew methods in a barista's repertoire — grind the coffee; add hot water; wait for a bit; give it a stir; plunge and you're done. Even the plunge is optional.
How much coffee do you put in a French press for 2 cups? ›As a general guideline, a French press that makes 2 cups (or 12 oz) of coffee will require about 14 to 16 grams of coffee grounds. This is equivalent to about 3 to 4 tablespoons of coffee. So the ratio of coffee to water is roughly 1:15.
Should I put my French Press in the fridge? ›Recipe FAQ
You can also make cold brew by leaving the French press out on the counter overnight. I recommend the fridge because that way your cold brew concentrate is nice and cold in the morning, perfect for iced coffee. But you don't have to put it in the fridge if it won't fit.
Unfortunately, coffee grounds do not break down in water, so instead of grinding up and washing away as normal foods do in a garbage disposal, they clump together and as time goes by, the grounds can form a clump and pack the drain until it develops a clog.
Can you leave French Press in the fridge? ›Large-batch iced coffee: If you have a larger French press, you can make a larger batch of iced coffee using the same ratio of ground coffee to water. Plunge and transfer any unused coffee to a new container. Iced coffee can be kept refrigerated for about 1 week.
Which is healthier French Press or drip? ›Filtered coffee may be better for you than French press coffee or the espresso version. This is due to cafestol, one of the chemicals present in coffee which is known to raise levels of LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol.
Can French press coffee raise your blood pressure? ›Especially if you're drinking it excessively. Up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day (about 4 cups of coffee) is safe for most adults, but too much of this energy-boosting chemical can raise blood pressure, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
Does pour over coffee raise cholesterol? ›Though brewed coffee does not contain actual cholesterol, it does have two natural oils that contain chemical compounds -- cafestol and kahweol -- which can raise cholesterol levels. And studies have shown that older coffee drinkers have higher levels of cholesterol.
Why does French press raise cholesterol? ›Coffee itself isn't a source of dietary cholesterol — the oily materials released from the beans during steeping, known as diterpenes, have been linked to elevated blood cholesterol when consumed in larger quantities (six cups or more per day, according to a 2022 review published in the cardiology journal Open Heart).
What coffee method is best for cholesterol? ›
“Unfiltered coffee contains substances which increase blood cholesterol. Using a filter removes these and makes heart attacks and premature death less likely,” said study author Dag Thelle, a senior professor in the public health and community medicine department of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
How do you remove cafestol from French press coffee? ›Coffee filters effectively remove cafestol and kahweol molecules from your coffee without interfering with the deliciously satisfying flavor of French Press Coffee you've come to crave and love.
Do Italians use a French press? ›Italians love their Lavazza in the morning, yet they don't limit themselves prepping an espressoat home or a having a cappuccino at their local cafe'—they also make use of the French Press.
Are the French heavy drinkers? ›Stereotype number 1: The French are the biggest alcohol consumers in the world. Wrong! The French are not the heaviest drinkers of alcohol in the World. France is in 6ᵉ place among the countries that consume the most alcohol in the world.
Why do French drink coffee after dinner? ›Drinking coffee after a meal will help with digestion. The caffeine in coffee makes the muscles of your intestinal tract contract more frequently. This in turn helps waste and food move along more quickly.
Can you make French press without French press? ›Pretend You Have a French Press
If you don't have one (or don't have access to one), using a spoon instead of a press can deliver a brew that's almost as delicious as French press coffee. Put 1-2 tablespoons of coarse ground coffee into a bowl. A larger amount of grounds will produce stronger coffee.
- Add coffee grounds to a bowl. In a deep bowl, add 1 tablespoon of coffee grounds for every cup desired.
- Pour boiling water over the grounds. ...
- Pour brew into a mug.
Another benefit for travelers is that AeroPress coffee makers brew well with lower temperature water than the French press requires. The long steep time of French press means greater loss of heat over time (resulting in underextracted, sour, vegetal, and bitter flavors).
How long do you let a French press sit before drinking? ›Fill French Press with the desired amount of water (see measurements below). Watch the coffee bloom (fresher coffee results in a better bloom). Give the grounds a good stir. Let it brew for 4-5 minutes.
Can I bring a French press on a plane? ›Checked Bags: Yes
Please carefully pack your electronics items and make sure all cords are wrapped. While you can pack expensive, fragile electronics items in checked or carry-on bags, we recommend packing them in your carry-on.
Why is French press so much better? ›
This is because the French Press allows the coffee grounds to steep in the hot water for an extended period of time, which results in a more robust and flavorful cup of coffee.
Can I use a paper towel as a coffee filter? ›The most common alternative to coffee filter paper
Utilizing paper towels or napkins can be just as effective! However, it is important that you keep an eye out for the type of towel used — opt for unbleached brown varieties instead since they are usually healthier with better taste than those treated with chemicals.
Cowboy coffee is a traditional drink made by cowboys on the trail. It's brewed by heating coarse grounds with water and then pouring it into a cup after the grounds have settled. Let's talk about the rich history of this outlaw drink.
Can French press coffee raise cholesterol? ›Research has shown that drinking five cups of coffee daily over 4 weeks from a French press brewing method can increase blood cholesterol levels by 6 to 8 percent.
Why is AeroPress so good? ›Medium-fine ground coffee is immersed in the chamber with a short brew time, unlike the French press brewing process which uses coarse ground coffee and a long brew time. The pressure produced when pushing the plunger through the chamber further extracts delicious flavors.
Why do people love the AeroPress? ›It's easy to fall in love with the Aeropress: its small, cylindrical chamber is perfect for brewing one cup at a time. And because it's designed around a filter cap, a chamber, and a plunger, it can make espresso-style coffee, plunger-assisted drip coffee, and even brew immersion-style coffee—just flip it upside down.