While there are a few extra steps more than a drip-brew machine, making the perfect cup of cafetière coffee isn't too difficult. With the proper coffee beans, a high-quality cafetière brewer, and a little time, you’ll be impressing your friends with your flawless steeped coffee.
Heat water to around 200 F, heating enough water to match the amount of coffee. Here’s the average ratio of coffee-to-water: 1:12–1:15, though we recommend starting with less water and diluting it after. Start grinding the coffee beans as the water heats.
Grind your coffee beans until they’re diced and chopped but not ground or powdery.
Remove the mesh filter and presser from the pitcher and place the coarse beans at the bottom of the pitcher. It's best to do this with a completely dry pitcher, so particles of coffee don't stick to the sides. Make sure the beans are evenly dispersed and not in small clumps.
Blooming is crucial to the Cafetière process, which helps saturate the beans for optimal flavor. Cover the coffee beans with just enough water to soak them at the bottom, then wait 30 seconds for the blooming process to complete.
Immediately after blooming the beans, add the rest of the hot water to the container and stir with a wooden spoon. Put the filter on top, but don’t push down yet. Put the lid on (if it’s not connected to the presser) and let it steep for 3-5 minutes.
Once the coffee is done steeping, press down on the presser to push the filter down to the bottom. Be sure to push it all the way.
Some prefer a stronger taste and will squeeze the beans, but this can cause a bitter taste. Once the filter is at the bottom, serve the coffee. Put any remaining coffee in a different container since the beans will make the coffee stronger over time.
Notes
The secret to perfect Cafetière coffee isn't solely in the quality of the beans but how they’re ground up. Grind the beans until they’re diced and chopped but not ground or powdery. Fine-ground coffee might get stuck or pass through the filter screen, so it’s important that the beans aren’t processed too finely.