"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
...
> On 9/19/2013 9:32 PM, Paul M. Cook wrote:
>
>>>
>>> You can get good flavor from any grind in a French press simply by
>>> adjusting the brew time. But if you use a fine grind, you have to be
>>> very,
>>> very careful when plunging and go very slowly, because the fine grind
>>> tends to clog the filter screen. And that can be a serious problem with
>>> a
>>> glass FP, which might break.
>>
>>
>> If you press down and it fights back, you pull back the plunger a bit
>> then
>> proceed. This usually means your steep time was too short. Always after
>> you have pressed the plunger to the bottom you wait a minute or so to let
>> the coffee settle. That way the FP works like a decanter. And yes you
>> can
>> get great coffee with any grind because you have total control. I've
>> used
>> them for over 30 yars and the results have always been superior.
>>
>
> We only use the FP for a single cup Steep time 4 minutes seems to work
> for us. I use that time for tea too, too long givrs a bitterness.

4-5 minutes is ideal IME.

I also use my FPs to brew tea which I always buy loose leaf. I just love
them for their simplicity, price and versatility. I get the Bodum 8 cup
models. I buy 2 or 3 at a time and they last for many years until I drop
them or whatever.