Brew like a pro: difference between French press and drip coffee brewing [2022 edition]

There are several important differences between drip coffee and French press.

The main difference is how each brewing method extracts coffee in hot water. The drip coffee method brews coffee by passing hot water through coffee grounds. As water and coffee temporarily interact, oils and other coffee components release into a cup. On the other hand, the French press method brews coffee by soaking coffee grounds in water. This process takes several minutes.

In addition, there are several other differences between drip coffee vs French press. While the drip coffee method is mostly automatic, French press requires our time, attention and involvement in every step of the brewing process. On a flip side, French press gives more decision-making power, and can thus yield better coffee

Last but not least, French press can brew really delicious coffee. On the other hand, because drip coffee is mostly automatic, coffee may appear insipid and flat to coffee aficionados.

Definitive Guide: similarities and differences French Press vs Drip Coffee

Drip coffee

→ Drip coffee is more popular than French press

Drip coffee is one of the most popular brewing methods in the US and worldwide. It likely is far more popular than the French press.

There are a couple essential but simple steps to brew coffee coffee in a drip coffee machine. We need to add coffee grounds to the coffee basket in the machine, pour water in the water tank, and press the on/off button.

The drip machine brews coffee according to pre-set functions, and it does not need much involvement on our part.

Drip coffee gives some flexibility in coffee brewing. Specifically, we can control the quantity of coffee grounds and the amount of water. That, ultimately, controls the strength and boldness of the coffee beverage.

However, unlike French press, drip coffee does not give a lot of ownership or flexibility in the brewing process. We cannot control the brewing time, brewing temperature, or strength.

Though some drip coffee machines come with an automatic pre-infusion function, most don’t. French press allows to pre-infuse coffee grounds much more easily than drip coffee.

→ Drip coffee perks

The main advantage of drip coffee is the ease and convenience. Unlike French press, drip coffee makers do not require significant time, attention or involvement in the brewing process. In fact, drip coffee machines only need us to add coffee grounds and water to the machine. The machine will do the rest all by itself.

That does not apply to French presses, however, because the brewing process in this case is mostly manual and requires a lot of involvement.

Furthermore, most drip coffee machines also come with a warming plate. That plate remains warm for a period of time after the brewing is complete. Therefore, coffee can remain warm for an extended period of time.

Last but not least, most drip coffee machines are able to brew large quantities of coffee at a time. In contrast, French presses usually brew small quantities of coffee at a time, but, larger beakers can be purchased too.

→ Drip coffee challenges

Using a drip coffee machine does not allow full control over how coffee grounds are being soaked with water, because hot water is poured only in the middle of the coffee basket (unless the machine has a special function that allows water to be poured differently). What that means is that the coffee grounds will be soaked unequally and their full potential will not be used, leaving behind a lot of flavor and coffee components that could have been used otherwise. That does not happen when using a French press, where coffee grounds are completely immersed in water.
Also, when using a drip coffee machine, there is little control over other aspects of the brewing process, like water temperature, for instance. Using a French press gives full control over how hot I want my water to be.

→ Expected flavors

Drip coffee usually has a flat, simple flavor, and, on average, a 8oz cup of drip coffee can have around 65-120 mg of caffeine.

However, drip coffee can be strong, depending on the ratio of water and coffee. Increasing the quantity of coffee grounds and decreasing the quantity of water will, consequently, brew a cup of stronger coffee.

The flavor of the coffee will also depend greatly on the quality of coffee grounds. We personally recommend top notch organic and ethically-sourced coffee beans.

→ Who may enjoy drip coffee brewing method?

One of the main differences between French press and drip coffee maker is the target audience.

We feel that drip coffee is mainly for busy people who are careful with their time. It can fit individuals with busy lifestyles.

Further, drip coffee is great to brew larger quantities of coffee at a time.

On the flip side, this brewing method might not be for people who consider themselves coffee aficionados. It is mostly for those who drink coffee not for the taste, but solely as a means of getting their daily caffeine dose.

→ Recommended appliances & coffee

Drip coffee machines are available for purchase online and in stores. We consider them to be the easiest coffee machines to use because they do not need any special skills or coffee brewing knowledge.

They often require pressing one button to start the brewing.

If you are someone who prefers to buy whole beans, you will also need a coffee beans grinder.

Drip coffee machines work best with medium ground coffee. Fine grounds are not recommended because the small coffee particles can clog the coffee baskets of these machines. Coarse grounds are also not recommended, because the infusion time is not long enough in a drip coffee machine in order to allow the flavors of the coffee to be extracted properly.

French press

→ French press requires some basic knowledge on how to brew

One of the differences between French press and drip coffee maker is that drip coffee is mostly automatic. French press, on the other hand, is mostly manual, and it requires attention and time.

In theory, French press seems like an easy method to brew. However, it does in fact require some basic knowledge on brewing coffee.

Brewing coffee in a French press needs to occur in a systematic way, following certain steps. The French press is typically a glass or metal cylinder shaped container with a lid with a plunger. The plunger goes through the center of the lid. At its lower end, the plunger has a metal filter. Its diameter is equal to the diameter of the container.

In order to brew coffee in a French press, we need to add coffee grounds in the beaker, and then pour hot water over coffee grounds.

After a few minutes (no more than 4), we should press the plunger down. The metal filter will separate coffee grounds from coffee-infused water.

→ French press perks

When comparing French press vs drip coffee maker, it becomes clear that French press offers significantly more flexibility and ownership in reaching the perfect temperature and flavor.

With French press, I can heat up water to the optimal temperature. Further, I can allow coffee grounds to steep longer or shorter, depending on my desired strength.

The French press saves a lot of energy. It does not rely on electricity (though requires hot water). The French press is portable and easy to take on trips (like on camping trips, for instance), which would not happen with a drip coffee machine.

→ French press challenges

The main challenge of a French press is that it brews unfiltered coffee. While the drip coffee machine allows a paper filter in the coffee basket, the French press can only use metal filters. There are differences between filtered and unfiltered coffee, which may have impact on health.

Further, unlike a drip coffee maker, a French press is a manual brewing method that requires a lot of involvement and time.

The French press is mainly a single serve method, and while larger beakers are available, the French press typically brews smaller quantities of coffee.

→ Expected flavors

French press brews complete and full coffee. Coffee connoisseurs consider this brewing method to brew the best coffee possible.

Why? Unlike other coffee brewing methods, the French press allows a lot of the oils in the coffee to pass through the filter, which, it is believed, results in a stronger, richer taste.

→ Who may enjoy French press brewing method?

One of the main differences between French press and drip coffee maker is the target audience.

French press can be perfect mainly for people who love coffee and care about its strength and flavor. In fact, we believe that only these individuals have the patience and desire to put the required attention and time.

→ Recommended appliances & coffee

Unlike a drip coffee maker, French press is more of an art than science. It may require a couple of small appliances:

• A French press itself. French presses come in different sizes, although many prefer to use smaller French presses.
• A water kettle can be helpful to heat up water. There is a wide variety of kettles, from stove-top kettles to electric gooseneck kettles.
• A coffee grinder may be useful to use fresh ground coffee. Mind that ceramic blades are always better than steel blades.
• A simple kitchen scale might be particularly handy for coffee lovers who want to get their quantities absolutely right.

French press uses coarse grounds. Therefore, the size of the grounds needs to be similar to that of bread crumbs.

Smaller coffee particles cannot be used in a French press, because the resulting coffee would be over extracted. In a French press, coffee grounds are completely immersed in water. Thus, the finer the grounds are, the shorter the contact time between water and grounds needs to be.

So which one is it? Drip coffee or French press?

Choosing between drip coffee and French press will largely depend on each person’s individual preference, lifestyle and relationship with coffee.

Those who are short on time and enjoy any coffee will be happy with drip coffee machine.

However, those who are very peculiar about the quality of their coffee beverage will perhaps prefer a French press. This method will require more time and attention.

What do you think? What are some similarities and differences between drip coffee and French press for you? Which coffee brewing method do you like better? What machines do you use to brew your coffee?

Let us know in the comments!