What is the Difference Between Coffee Plunger and French Press

The difference between coffee plunger and French press is in the usage of these terms. The name French press is mainly used in North America, while the name coffee plunger is used in New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.

Both coffee plunger and French press refer to one of the most popular coffee brewing devices. These two names are synonyms. Coffee brewed in these devices usually has a strong flavour.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Coffee Plunger
– Definition, Design, Purpose
2. How to Use a Coffee Plunger
– How to make coffee in a coffee plunger
3. What is a French Press
– Definition, Use
3. What is the Difference Between Coffee Plunger and French Press
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Brewing, Coffee Plunger, French Press, Coffee

What is a Coffee Plunger

A coffee plunger is a coffee brewing device with a cylindrical container and plunger. The term coffee plunger is mainly used in New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. A coffee plunger has a simple design. In fact, it has a cylindrical container and a plunger that can push the ground beans to the bottom of the carafe after brewing of the coffee. Moreover, coffee plungers can produce a strong coffee flavour.

How to Use a Coffee Plunger

Making a cup of coffee from a coffee plunger is a very simple process. It only involves a few steps. First, you have to preheat the coffee plunger – you can just add some hot water to the coffee plunger and swirl it around. Next, dump out the water and completely dry the device. The preheating step is not absolutely necessary, but it will help to keep the coffee hotter for a longer time.

Measure out the ground coffee beans and add them to the canister. You can use 2 tablespoons of coffee per 1 cup of water. Add enough boiling water to cover and soak the coffee. Then, stir the coffee, attach the lid, and allow the mixture to sit for about 30 seconds. Now you can remove the lid and add the remaining amount of water to the canister. Then give the mixture a gentle stir. Next, attach the lid of the device and make sure that you pull the plunger all the way up. This will prevent the steam from escaping. You can now allow the coffee to steep for a few minutes. This will depend on how fine the coffee beans are. After 3-5 minutes, you can slowly push down the plunger – this will push coffee grounds to the bottom of the container.

Now, you can pour the coffee into a cup. The longer you let the coffee sit on the coffee plunger, the bitterer it will be.

What is a French Press

French press is another name for coffee plunger. The name French press is particularly used in the USA. This device is also known as coffee press, cafetière, cafetière à piston, and press pot. It’s also said that two Frenchmen innovated a simpler version of this device in 1852; hence, the name French press.

Difference Between Coffee Plunger and French Press

There is no difference between coffee plunger and French press – both are synonyms. They refer to a coffee brewing device with a cylindrical container and plunger. However, the name French press is mainly used in North America, while the name coffee plunger is mainly used in New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.

Conclusion

There is no difference between coffee plunger and French press. They are synonyms. Coffee press, cafetière, cafetière à piston, and press pot are some other names for them.

Reference:

1. “How to Make French Press Coffee.” WebstaurantStore, Available here.
2. Kumstova, Karolina. “The History of French Press.” European Coffee Trip, 22 Mar. 2018, Available here.