Coffee is a very personalized beverage. Everyone must select the type of coffee or blend best suited to his or her individual taste. That however is just the beginning. The strength, flavor and aroma depend critically on the amount of coffee used, the brewing temperature, and the total extraction time of the brewing cycle.

The Chef'sChoice® Electric French Press-Plus® - Model 695 brews at the optimum temperature range of 195 to 205°F as recommended by the Coffee Brewing Institute of the Pan-American Coffee Bureau and the Norwegian Coffee Brewing Institute. These experts have also found the preferred amount of coffee per quart (or liter) varies between a minimum of one and two thirds (1 2/3) ounces (or 6 1/2 rounded tablespoons) to a maximum of two and one eighth (2 1/8) ounces (9 rounded tablespoons) depending on the strength you prefer. The ideal brewing time for optimum flavor and aroma using coarse grind is approximately 5 minutes or less for fine grind. Using your favorite brand of coffee you need only adjust the amount of coffee you use and the length of time for extraction until you have the Perfect Cup of Coffee.

As coffee is brewed, water soluble components of the coffee are extracted into the water. The more flavorful components come out first and fortunately the undesirable astringent and bitter flavors are extracted more slowly. As a consequence the most delicious coffee is obtained if the brewing (extraction) cycle is not too long - say less than 5 minutes. It is better to limit the brewing time to 5 minutes and to increase or decrease the amount of coffee used until the best strength and flavor is obtained. Longer brewing times would be appropriate only for those individuals that like a hint of bitter flavor.

Fill the kettle with water to the "max" level or 8 cups which is one liter (approximately one quart). Place the "Boiling" lid on the kettle and rotate lid clockwise to slide the tab on the lid into the plastic slot on top of the handle. Set the kettle on the Power Base and plug the electrical cord into a 120V, 20 amperes three prong grounded power receptacle. (Do not use a 3 to 2 way converter on the power plug). Press the "ON/OFF" power switch on the handle to the "ON" position and confirm that the red power light at base of handle is illuminated. The water will be at a full boil in about 4 minutes and then the steam will automatically snap the "ON/OFF" switch to the "OFF" position.

When the power switch snaps "OFF" (you can hear it), carefully rotate the "Boiling" lid counter clockwise until the lid tab clears the handle slot and then carefully lift and remove that lid. Measure and add about 2 ounces (about 8 rounded tablespoons) of coarse grind coffee for one quart of water in the kettle, or use proportionately less coffee for a fractional pot of water. It is best to add the coffee and to stir it well into the water within 2 minutes of the time the power switch and the red light go "OFF". That insures that the infusion starts at the optimum temperature of 205°F.

Reinsert the Boiling lid until the brewing time is complete. (Do not turn on the power switch). The ideal brewing time is about 5 minutes. Then remove the Boiling lid and insert the French press screen assembly into the kettle. Hold the assembly at a slight angle to the vertical until the screen filter slips easily just inside the kettle, then align the assembly vertically and slide the lid down the assembly rod and onto the top of the kettle. Rotate the lid clockwise to slide the lid tab into the slot in top of the handle. Press down lightly on the round plastic ball on top of the stainless rod of the assembly and slowly lower the filter screen fully which will confine the coffee grounds. Your perfect cup of coffee is now ready to serve. If you plan to consume the coffee promptly you can pour directly from the kettle without removing the French press screen assembly.

If you do not plan to drink the coffee within 20-30 minutes it is desirable to transfer and hold the brewed coffee in a thermal carafe to retain its flavor and temperature. Reheating the coffee by any means can increase oxidation and result in flavor degradation or possibly a mild burnt flavor. Coarser grinds are recommended to minimize the amount of fine grinds in the coffee.

Chef'sChoice® French Press-Plus® Water Temperature After Boil, Coffee Cycle F (Elapsed Time After Steam Switch Snaps Off)
Minutes	Temperature
0	212 Insert coffee & stir into water
1	208
2	205
4	203
5	199