Use a French Press for More Than Coffee

The Problem

You have a French press sitting in the cabinet that you only use for coffee occasionally.

The Hack

Loose-leaf tea: steep in the press, plunge to filter. Milk frothing: warm milk in microwave, pump the plunger rapidly 30 times. Infused water: add fruit and herbs, press to strain.

Why It Works

The French press is a versatile infusion and filtering device. The metal mesh plunger separates liquids from solids cleanly — that's useful far beyond coffee grounds.

Pro Tips

• Pumping warm milk in a French press creates café-quality foam
• Steep loose-leaf tea without any infuser or strainer
• Also makes excellent cold brew — grounds + cold water + 12 hours + plunge
• Clean thoroughly between uses to avoid flavor transfer