The Underrated Coffee Brewing Method You Should Try

When it comes to how you make your morning cup of joe, there are quite a few methods to choose from. From coffee percolators to moka pots, there are various ways to get your daily caffeine fix, but some are commonly overlooked. With the help of Matt Woodburn-Simmonds, an ex-barista and founder of Home Coffee Expert, we discovered that there is one undervalued way to brew coffee that has been hiding in plain sight all along.

It is certainly convenient to pop a K-cup into a machine and get your day going, but your taste buds miss out on some of the complex flavors the dark brown nectar has to offer. When asked for an example of a brewing method that is too often left out of the conversation, Woodburn-Simmonds said, "I really feel that the French press is underrated. It's so easy, requires very little money to get a good setup with, and can produce incredible coffee with any roast level or origin of coffee bean."

Whether you prefer ground robusta beans or arabica — the type of coffee Starbucks serves — a French press like this Bodum variety is an exceptional way to appreciate the full flavor of your roast. It may seem like a lot of work when you first try it out, but once you become acclimated to the routine, you may well wonder how you ever lived without such bold taste in your morning pick-me-up. A French press is also versatile, affording you many more beverage options than what a traditional coffee maker allows.

Although its designated function is to give you your morning jolt of caffeine, a French press has other uses than making coffee. Tea comes out steeped to perfection, and if you are more in the mood for fresh juice, you can even use a French press to juice soft fruits for a vibrant burst of natural flavor. You can even make a glass of refreshing sangria if you are craving a boozy nightcap.

That's not all. According to Woodburn-Simmonds, "You can also use your French press to make cold brew in summer." A cold brew made with freshly ground arabica beans — or robusta if that's your forte — grants you a richer flavor in an iced coffee than some other appliances could ever hope to make.

It's also much easier on your wallet. Sometimes, folks hear the word "French" and automatically think "expensive," but most French presses aren't going to break the bank. Our bona fide expert describes a French press as nothing less than "a fantastic brewing method for the budget-conscious coffee lover." It's more than just a manual coffee maker — it is an affordable go-to for several beverages you enjoy all year round.