Let me start by saying I do enjoy coffee, ecspecially with a good stick. I mostly just drink dunkin doughnuts ground coffee in my drip. But after reading this thread I am thinking about purchasing a French press to try out. I just want to know if there is a real difference between the two and what I should try for coffee. Nothing to strong yet and I have a small grinder for beans.
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It s a whole new world of flavor using the Press. My eyes were opened about a year ago after buying a press and I will never go back. I cringe now when I have to drink Drip.
Definate Difference!
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I'm going to buy one today!
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To me, it's a much better flavor; strong and robust but not bitter. Unfortunately I need to get a new one. I got careless washing my previous one and broke it in the sink :-)
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You can still get good, drinkable coffee from drip, if you have the right machine and use a gold filter. I just can't deal with the hassle of the press. That said, the press does make a more flavorful cup.
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Bummer. I'm right there with you. Mine slipped out of my hand and busted on the side of the sink about a week or so ago. I had to run out and get another that afternoon. Can go a day without my Press :-)

That being said, you dont need to go out and spend top dollar on a press. I got the $20 Bodum from Target. I got a year out of my first one but I'm gonna be more carefull with this one. :-)
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:-)
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The press for me is awesome.
The flavor is excellent, and upkeep is minimal compared to a drip. (Drip machines always annoy me. I don't care how much you run that cleaning stuff through them at some point you still get grime in every crevice, hose and pump that just makes me cringe)

Press is a little mroe time consuming, but I prefer to look at it as forcing me to slow down in my otherwise busy day. Take a few moments to do something right, that I like, for me, before I spent the rest of the day slaving for The Man.

Just me :-)
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How much does a frenchpress cost?? Can it be had relatively cheap? Also any reading on the proper way to use a frenchpress..or other coffee reading? Thanks :-)
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I've been using the same french press since the mid 1970's and like it. I don't find it to more of a hassle than drip. A Thermos is needed unless you drink the whole press at once.

Bodum is a good brand and look for ones that have the silk micro filter. Alessi is really nice if you're into high quality "euro" designer stuff.
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I'd check around for a coffee shop or friend who has one. Sometime, places that sell lots of coffee supplies (Williams-Sonoma, e.g.) will have a press on hand for demonstrations and tastings. Nothing wrong with liking DD's coffee and just because you go to a more expensive setup it doesn't mean that you will enjoy your coffee more.
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Not sure if it's a nation-wide chain, but I bought a large Bodum at a TJ Maxx store for less than $15. It seems like their inventory changes often, and they don't get a lot of the same items, but I've seen them there a couple of times.
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Yes there is a real difference. Flavor, body, aroma ect.
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Bodum 8-cup french press for $20 delivered on Amazon

As for proper reading on how to use a french press...

1. Coffee Grounds - Should be similar grind to drip, maybe a touch coarser.
2. Warm the carafe (glass jug bit) with warm water.
3. Boil the kettle.
4. Once the carafe is warm, empty out the water.
5. Place the ground coffee in the carafe.
6. When the kettle has boiled, wait a short while, 20 to 30 seconds, as the water needs to be slightly below boiling point for the best results. (90 to 95 celsius, or 195 to 205F)
7. Stir mixture with a wooden spoon.
8. Leave to brew for 3 to 4 minutes
9. Slowly and gently, push the press to the bottom of the carafe.
10. Enjoy.
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Thanks! With a large one like that...do I leave the coffee in it? Will it continue to get stronger and stronger? Or do I pour it into another container for serving?

What is a good measurement of grounds per cup of water?
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sorry, my bad... I forgot the final link...

Or check here:
http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-French-Press-or-Cafetiere
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...it wasn't the $20.00 French press that was the big deal, but the $220.00 Baratza grinder was a bit hard to swallow....:-)
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I like to pour a couple of ounces of water first, let the coffee "bloom" stir and pour the rest of the water.
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looks easy enough. i always thought it was some kind of machine. thanks for the info.
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learning to use a french press is kinda like learning to drive... once you've learned the basics you're ready to go, and make the tweaks along the way!
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