Alright all you french press fans. I discovered around the internet an alternate method to the french press: the french pull. The main difference is that you pull the beans out with the filter instead of pushing them down. Why would you want to do this? Because you’re tired of scraping out those used grounds after each brew! That’s why!

The French Pull

French Pull

The technique is almost identical to the french press, so make sure to check out the guide here, but there are a few small differences. For starters, you’re following all the steps of the french press guide with the filter already in the carafe. This will allow you to pull it out at the end of the brew instead of pressing it down. You know the drill: grind, saturate, stir, and pull. It’s a very simple ordeal.

One of the most important parts of the french pull is the pulling. I typically take the lid off the filter, which requires me to be extra careful when filtering. If I’m not pulling straight up, grounds may fall through the side, which isn’t good. If you decide to leave the lid on, pulling will be easier, but pouring water in and stirring will be a challenge.

The Benefits

The french pull method allows for very easy cleaning. Scooping the grounds out of the carafe after a good cup of coffee is just a drag, but the french pull solves that problem. After pulling, I just tap the filter several times over a trash can and the majority of the cleaning is done! A quick rinse takes care of the rest.

Another benefit is the lack of the actual press. Placing excess pressure on the coffee beans forces out more bitterness. The difference between the pull and press bitterness levels is noticeable, but not significant enough to be the reason for the switch. I just hate cleaning.

Interested in getting your own french press to press or pull with? Check out my review of the Bodum Brazil French Press!