French press

The French press is one of the simplest ways to brew coffee: you add coarsely ground beans to a cylindrical glass jug, pour in hot water, and wait a few minutes. Then you push down a metal plunger with a mesh filter, which separates the grounds from the brew. Unlike paper filters, the metal mesh lets through the coffee's natural oils — so the result is fuller, richer, and sometimes with a little sediment at the bottom of your cup. It's a forgiving method, but steeping time matters: leave it too long and the coffee turns bitter and harsh. It's also a great choice when you're brewing for a few people at once.