French press coffee is hailed by many to be the best, even over other methods like filter or percolated. A french press is easy and simple to use. Even Barnes and Noble sell some, complete with instructions.

Which you should read first, even if you just glance over them and look at the pictures. This device is pretty simple, but little tips like don't overfill and coffee first can be useful.

Next, set some water to boiling while you measure out the coffee and add it. It may take a few cups to ensure you eventually get it just the way you want it.

After the coffee, add water, not too hot but just hot enough. Just below boiling, or just been boiled and cooled only slightly, is the recommended temp. Place the plunger in at the top to keep heat from escaping, but don't press yet.

Let it sit, or stir it. Most people prefer to let it sit, and soak slowly. The water will change color. This part of the process should take between 2-5 minutes, again depending on individual taste.

When it has steeped sufficiently, press the plunger down slowly.

Now is that moment worth the wait, when that first cup of coffee is poured. Pour all the coffee out. A french press is not good at holding coffee for any length of time. Clean quickly and add more water if you want a second cup.

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