You might think a French press is only good for making coffee, but this versatile kitchen tool can do so much more. If you haven’t yet explored its potential beyond brewing coffee, here are nine creative ways to put your French press to use:
1. Froth Milk
Enhance your homemade lattes or matcha by frothing milk in your French press. Fill the press a third full with warm milk, pump the plunger up and down for about 30 seconds, and watch as the milk becomes frothy and creamy.
2. Make Broth
Use your French press to create a simple broth. Add aromatics like ginger, garlic, chiles, or scallions to the press, pour in hot water, and let it steep for 5 to 7 minutes. After steeping, press down the plunger and season to taste. This makes a great base for soups and other dishes.
3. Infuse Oil
You can also use the French press to infuse oils. Add flavorings such as garlic or herbs to the press, pour in hot oil, and let it steep. After steeping, press down the plunger to strain out the solids. Your infused oil can elevate dishes like pasta or roasted meats.
4. Steep Tea
Skip the bagged tea and use loose-leaf tea in your French press. Add a teaspoon of tea leaves to the press, pour in hot water, and let it steep. Depending on the tea type, steeping times vary—herbal teas need the most time, while white teas need the least. Press down the plunger and pour to enjoy freshly brewed tea.
5. Rinse Grains
The French press is great for rinsing grains like quinoa or rice. Add the grains to the press, cover with water, and use the plunger to agitate and strain. Repeat until the water runs clear.
6. Make Cold Brew
For a refreshing cold brew coffee, coarsely grind 6 oz. of coffee beans and add them to your French press. Pour over 28 oz. of cold water, stir, and let it steep for 15 hours. After steeping, press down the plunger and transfer the coffee to a container. It keeps well in the fridge for a week or two.
7. Squeeze Excess Water from Vegetables
To remove excess moisture from shredded vegetables, like for veggie burgers or latkes, place them in the French press. Press down firmly to squeeze out the liquid through the spout, making your vegetables ready for cooking.
8. Shake Up a Cocktail
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, your French press can step in. Add your cocktail ingredients to the press, gently pump the plunger to mix, and then pour into a glass or enjoy straight from the press.
9. Self-Clean
Cleaning your French press is simple. Rinse the glass, add a squirt of dish soap and water, and pump the plunger a few times. Pour out the soapy water, rinse, and your French press will be clean and ready for its next use.
With these tips, you’ll see that your French press is much more than a coffee maker—it’s a versatile tool that can enhance many aspects of your cooking and beverage preparation.