Q&A: Can you use store bought ground coffee in a french press?
Question by Troy: Can you use store bought ground coffee in a french press?
So i just got a French press and are a little unsure of how to use it properly. The directions and other websites have said to only use coarsely ground coffee in the press ( the directions said it would clog the filter and other how-to sites said it would go through the filter). My question is then this: is pre ground coffee (ex. fresh market Christmas blend) from the store not a good idea to put in the French press? I do not have a coffee grinder and am not planning on buying one.
Best answer:
Answer by Tom ツ
Unfortunately you cannot use ground coffee from the supermarket, or even coffee you grind in a regular coffee grinder for a French Press because the grind will be too fine. As you noted, the directions for the press tell you to use coarse-ground beans and the only way to really get a uniform grind is to use a Burr Grinder … and they aren’t cheap. The good news is that you can use your French Press for tea (using tea bags or whole loose leaves).
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
You can, I’ve done this several times, however since the grind is finer, it makes for very strong coffee (which I like). I would recommend using a coffee filter to pour it into your cup though, unless you don’t mind, for lack of a better word, “gritty” coffee.
For just a few dollars, I would say you would find a coffee grinder an excellent buy. French press and store bought coffee, to me is an oxymoron. Freshly grinding it makes all the difference in the world in regards to flavor and aroma. Some grocery stores allow you to grind right there, which is great, but how old are the roasted beans sitting there waiting to be bought? Peak freshness for flavor and aroma is grinding 24 hours after roasting, those could be weeks or months old! I may be a coffee snob, admitted, but if you bought the press, your on the right track for an exceptional cup, its a great start. check into gourmet beans at http://www.coffeeam.com they ship the same day they are roasted! And see if you can find a grinder at your local Target to suit the grind your looking for. Good Luck!!!!