How to Use a Cafetiere

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

How to Use a Cafetiere is a question many coffee lovers are asking as they move away from bland instant coffee and embrace the art of brewing at home. The cafetiere, also known as a French press, has become the go-to choice for those seeking a richer, more flavourful cup.

In this guide, we’ll provide tips and show you how to use a cafetiere step by step, from assembling your equipment to brewing and cleaning, so you can enjoy a truly satisfying coffee experience. We’ll also explore the origins of the cafetiere and help you choose the perfect ground coffee, all available from The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. Ready to discover a better way to brew? Let’s get started.

What is a Cafetiere?

A cafetiere, also known as a French press, coffee plunger, or coffee press, is a popular manual coffee brewing device. It consists of a heat-resistant glass or stainless steel jug fitted with a plunger and a fine mesh filter. To brew coffee, you simply add coarsely ground coffee and hot water, allow it to steep, and then press the plunger down to separate the grounds from the liquid, resulting in a rich and aromatic cup.
The history of the cafetiere is as intriguing as its design. The term “cafetiere” comes from the French word for “coffee pot.” While there are charming legends about its invention, the first known patent for a similar device was filed by Henri-Otto Mayer and Jacques-Victor Delforge in France in 1852. However, this early version lacked a proper seal, which limited its effectiveness.

The cafetiere as we know it today began to take shape in the early 20th century. In 1913, Frenchman Louis Forest created the first commercially successful model. Later, Italian designer Ugo Paolini refined the concept, and in 1929, Attilio Calimani and Giulio Moneta patented a version with a filter that effectively separated the grounds from the brewed coffee. This innovation set the standard for the modern cafetiere, making it a beloved brewing method for coffee lovers around the world.

1. Boil Fresh Water
   Bring your kettle to a boil, then let the water cool for about 30 seconds. Water that’s just off the boil (around 92–96°C) is ideal for brewing.
2. Measure Your Coffee
   Use coarsely ground coffee for the best results. Add one tablespoon (about 7 grams) of coffee per cup to the bottom of your cafetiere.
3. Add Hot Water
   Pour hot water over the coffee grounds—about 125ml per tablespoon of coffee. Pour enough to cover the grounds first, stir gently, then add the rest of the water.
4. Stir and Steep
   Give the mixture a gentle stir to ensure all the grounds are soaked. Place the lid on the cafetiere with the plunger pulled up, and let it steep for four minutes.
5. Press the Plunger
   After four minutes, slowly and steadily press the plunger down to separate the grounds from the coffee.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Pour your freshly brewed cafetiere coffee into your favourite mug and enjoy the rich, full flavour.

How Much Ground Coffee in a Cafetiere?

When making cafetiere coffee, the general guideline is to use one tablespoon (about 7 grams) of coarsely ground coffee per cup. This ensures a balanced, flavourful brew.

If you’re making coffee for more than one person, or using a larger cafetiere, here’s a helpful guide with useful tips:

• 3-cup / 350ml cafetiere: 3 tablespoons (20–23 grams) of coffee
• 4-cup / 500ml cafetiere: 4 tablespoons (25–30 grams) of coffee
• 8-cup / 1 litre cafetiere: 8 tablespoons (50–60 grams) of coffee

Of course, everyone’s taste is different. If you prefer a stronger cup, simply add a little more coffee—try a heaped tablespoon per cup. Finding your perfect strength might take a bit of experimenting, but that’s part of the fun of making cafetiere coffee at home!

How to Clean a Cafetiere

Keeping your cafetiere clean is essential for the best-tasting coffee and a longer-lasting device. Here’s a simple guide to ensure your cafetiere is ready for your next brew:

1. Let It Cool
   After enjoying your coffee, allow the cafetiere to cool to a safe temperature before handling.
2. Remove the Grounds
   Scoop out the used coffee grounds and place them in your compost or bin—avoid rinsing them down the sink, as this can cause blockages over time.
3. Quick Wash
   Add a few drops of mild dish soap and some warm water to the jug. Replace the lid and move the plunger up and down to create a soapy lather. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Clean the Lid and Plunger
   Remove the lid and plunger, and wash them separately using the soft side of a sponge or a bottle brush to reach all the nooks and crannies. Rinse until the water runs clear.
5. Deep Clean (Occasionally)
   For a more thorough clean, disassemble the cafetiere and scrub each part with baking soda. If you notice hard water stains, use a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water to clean both the inside and outside of the jug.

By following these steps, you’ll keep your cafetiere in top condition, ensuring every cup of coffee tastes as fresh and delicious as the first.

Now that you know how to use a cafetiere, it’s time to choose the perfect coffee to enjoy with it. At The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, our online store offers an impressive selection of over 70 coffees, each one freshly roasted and ground to order for your cafetiere.

Whether you’re searching for a classic Pure Arabica Coffee, a vibrant Single Origin Coffee like Ethiopian Sidamo, a Fair Trade blend, or something truly special like Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, you’ll find it in our extensive range. Simply select your favourite coffee and choose the “Ground Cafetiere Coarse” option for the best possible results.

Every order is roasted using our advanced Neuhaus Neotec fluidised air-bed system and packed fresh at our Kent-based factory, ensuring you receive the highest quality and freshest flavour in every cup.

Visit our online store today and discover your new favourite coffee, delivered straight to your door, anywhere in the UK or worldwide. Your perfect cafetiere coffee experience starts here!

Cafetiere FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

If you have more questions about using a cafetiere, our team is always happy to help!

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Author: Richard Smith

Partner at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company

Richard Smith is a Tea expert, entrepreneur, and owner of The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. Part of a family of renowned Tea planters dating back four generations, he was born in Calcutta (Kolkata), India, where he spent his childhood between Tea Estates in Assam and Darjeeling.

In the late 1970s, having accumulated years of knowledge in the industry, Mr Smith and his mother, Janet Smith, moved to Kent, South East England, to establish a Tea business in the village of Pluckley. Their early days of packing Tea Bags by hand from chests of 10,000 prompted the creation of the company’s flagship infusion known as Pluckley Tea. It remains our most popular product today.

Mr Smith, who studied economics at London Polytechnic, has since specialised in over 1,000 types of Loose Leaf Tea – in addition to around 70 varieties of Roast Coffee – from around the world. These are now available at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, where everything is still packed by hand and fresh to order, not only to honour tradition but to ensure the utmost quality and consistency.