If you order a "black coffee" in a shop, you might get asked a follow-up question: "Americano or Drip?" To the uninitiated, this seems pedantic. Isn't it just hot water...
When I first got married, French press was my go-to. It felt simple, classic, maybe even a little romantic — especially in those early days when we were figuring out life (and coffee) together.
But somewhere along the way, I stopped reaching for it. These days, I honestly haven’t touched a French press in years.
Why? Because drip just works and simply tastes better.
It might not have the same charm or ceremony, but with the right machine, like my Moccamaster, drip coffee gives me exactly what I want: a clean, consistent cup without the hassle. And when mornings are full (which they usually are), that kind of reliability is worth a lot.
So while French press still has its fans, I’m firmly in the drip camp, and I think there’s a good reason for that.
Clarity vs. Mud
The biggest difference between these two methods is the filter. The French Press uses a metal mesh, which lets oils and fine particles ("fines") pass into your cup. This creates a heavy body, but it also muddies the flavor. If you are drinking a delicate Ethiopian light roast, the French Press will bury those floral notes under a pile of silt.
Drip coffee uses a paper filter. This traps the oils and fines, resulting in a cup that is crystal clear. It allows the specific tasting notes of the bean, the blueberry, the jasmine, the citrus, to shine without interference.
The Consistency Factor
A French Press is easy to mess up. If your water is too hot, you scorch the beans. If you leave it 30 seconds too long, it gets bitter. If you grind too fine, you get sludge.
A good drip machine eliminates the variables. I use the Technivorm Moccamaster. It heats water to the exact brewing temperature (196°F – 205°F) and showers it over the grounds at the perfect speed. It makes the same perfect cup, every single morning, whether I am fully awake or not.
Check out the Moccamaster on Amazon
The Grinder is Still King
Even with drip, you can't cheat on the grind. To get that clean, sweet cup, you need a uniform grind size. I pair my Moccamaster with the Fellow Ode 2 Grinder. It’s designed for filter coffee, ensuring you don't get the dust that clogs the basket and makes your coffee bitter.
The Final Cup
The French Press has its place (usually camping or lazy Sundays), but for daily driving, drip coffee wins on clarity and reliability. It’s not about being lazy; it’s about letting the machine do what it does best so you can enjoy the coffee.
To see how I optimize my brewing station for the best workflow, check out my Work From Home Guide to the Best Coffee Setup.
And remember, a clean brew method deserves high-quality beans. I use Trade Coffee to find the single-origin roasts that really pop when brewed on the Moccamaster.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps fuel the coffee, the testing, and the writing. Thanks for supporting the work.
