Discover Four Unique Ways to Use Your Maxwell & Williams Plunger

 

Let’s explore four different ways to make the most of your plunger (also known as a French Press) and enhance your brewing experience.

 

  1. Brew a Perfect Cup of Coffee

The plunger is known for creating rich, creamy coffee that’s rich in flavour.  All you need is hot water, your favourite coarsely-ground coffee beans, and the plunger itself.

 

Start by rinsing the plunger with hot water to preheat it, ensuring your coffee stays warmer for longer. Use a ratio of 1 part coffee to 15 parts water—this generally means 50g of coffee for 750ml of water. To make it simpler, you can also work on one rounded tablespoon of coffee per cup of water.

 

The water should be hot but not boiling. Aim for around 92-96 °C. This is more-or-less the temperature of the water 30 seconds after the kettle has boiled.

 

Once you add your coffee to the press, pour in just enough hot water to cover the grounds and let them bloom. The process of blooming happens when freshly roasted coffee is brewed, causing carbon dioxide and coffee grounds to quickly bubble up. Allowing your coffee to bloom for about 30 seconds, depending on how fresh the roast is, will bring out more of its flavour.

 

After 30 seconds, pour in the remaining water, stir gently, and let it stand for 3 minutes for a medium brew or 6-8 minutes for a stronger brew. Finally, press the plunger down slowly, and you’ll have a bold, full-bodied cup of coffee. Serve the coffee from the plunger or French Press immediately. Letting it sit might make it go bitter.

 

 

  1. Brew Tea Like a Pro

Your Maxwell & Williams Plunger is not just for coffee—it works perfectly for brewing tea as well! Add loose tea leaves to the press, pour in hot water, and steep according to the package instructions. Once it’s ready, gently push down the plunger to separate the leaves from the brewed tea. Now, pour and enjoy a perfectly steeped cup of tea!

 

  1. Froth Milk for Lattes and Cappuccinos

Dreaming of café-style lattes at home? Then look no further than your plunger as it doubles up as a milk frother too. It does need practice to perfect the method, but you will soon get the hang of it.

 

First, heat full cream milk on the stove or in the microwave oven. Pour the warm milk into your plunger, and then push the plunger down just to the top of the milk.  Using small up-and-down motions, move the plunger to push air into the milk. This action creates tiny bubbles, turning the milk into a thick, frothy foam—ideal for topping off your espresso drinks.

 

  1. Make Refreshing Cold Brew Coffee

 

For a smoother, less acidic coffee, try cold brewing with your plunger. Simply add coarsely-ground coffee and cold water to the press. Stir well to ensure that all the coffee is fully wet. Taking care not to plunge, when placing the mesh filter back on top of the plunger. Refrigerate for 8-12 hours. When ready, press the plunger down and pour yourself a refreshing, smooth cold brew—perfect for hot summer days.

 

 

With the Maxwell & Williams French Press, you can enjoy so much more than just a simple cup of coffee. From making tea to frothing milk or brewing cold brew, this versatile tool makes every sip special.

 

Source: Morgan Eckroth