How to Properly Use a Cafetière: A Guide to Perfect Coffee Without Cracking the Glass

A cafetière, also known as a French press, is a simple yet effective tool for brewing rich, flavourful coffee.

However, like all glassware, it can be fragile, and improper handling can lead to cracking or breaking. I have written this comprehensive guide on how to use a cafetière correctly and avoid damaging its glass as I was recently reading reviews on the one I own and there were many reviews claiming that the glass cracks easily, but I have not experienced this, if anything mine is as strong today as it was when I got it.

Bodum Cafetiere

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to rush through our daily routines, including making our morning coffee. However, taking the time to brew a cup of coffee using a cafetière can be a mindful, almost meditative experience.

The process encourages us to slow down, pay attention to each step, and truly savour the aroma and flavour of the final product. By investing a few extra minutes, you can transform a simple task into a relaxing ritual that sets a positive tone for the day ahead.

How to Properly Use a Cafetière

1. Choosing the Right Cafetière

Before even brewing, it’s crucial to select a high-quality cafetière. Look for one made from durable borosilicate glass, which is designed to withstand high temperatures. This type of glass is more resistant to thermal shock (sudden changes in temperature) than regular glass, making it less likely to crack. The one that I have is made from borosilicate glass.

2. Preheating the Cafetière

One of the main reasons glass cafetières crack is thermal shock, which occurs when the glass is exposed to a sudden temperature change. To prevent this, preheat your cafetière by filling it with warm (not boiling) water before adding your coffee grounds. This gradually brings the glass up to temperature and reduces the risk of cracking when hot water is added.

Steps for Preheating:

Fill the cafetière with warm water.

Swirl the water around to evenly heat the glass.

Discard the water just before adding the coffee grounds and hot water.

3. Using the Correct Water Temperature

Boiling water can be too harsh for the delicate glass of a cafetière and can also scald the coffee, leading to a bitter taste. The ideal water temperature for brewing coffee in a cafetière is around 200°F (93°C), just below boiling point. After boiling your water, let it sit for 30 seconds to a minute to cool slightly before pouring it into the cafetière.

You can also get temperature control kettles so that you can heat the water to the temperature you would like.

4. Adding Coffee Grounds

Once your cafetière is preheated and your water is at the correct temperature, add coarsely ground coffee to the glass carafe. The coarser grind prevents the grounds from passing through the mesh filter and ensures a smooth brew. Generally, a ratio of 28 grams of coffee to 475 millilitres of water is ideal, but you can adjust this to suit your taste. I can't help but share that my favourite coffee to make in a cafetière is this Machu Picchu blend.

5. Pouring Hot Water

When adding hot water to the cafetière, pour slowly and steadily to avoid creating any unnecessary pressure on the glass. Pour in a circular motion to ensure all the coffee grounds are evenly saturated. If you notice any steam rising from the carafe, it’s a good sign that the temperature is correct, but be cautious of pouring too quickly.

6. Stirring the Brew

After adding the water, give the coffee a gentle stir using a wooden or plastic spoon. Metal spoons can scratch the glass, making it more prone to cracking over time. Stirring helps to evenly distribute the coffee grounds and ensures a consistent brew.

7. Steeping Time

Place the lid with the plunger on top of the cafetière, but don’t press down yet. Let the coffee steep for 4 - 10 minutes. This allows the flavours to fully develop.

8. Pressing the Plunger

When the steeping time is up, it’s time to press the plunger. This should be done slowly and evenly, applying gentle pressure. If you press too hard or too quickly, it can cause the glass to crack or even shatter. Also, if the grind is too fine, it can create resistance, making it harder to press and increasing the risk of breakage. If you encounter too much resistance, try pressing the plunger in short, gentle bursts.

There are some who only push the plunger down to the water level of the carafe - this way is fine too and might extend the life of your cafetière.

9. Pouring the Coffee

Once the plunger is fully pressed down, pour the coffee immediately to prevent over-extraction, which can make the coffee taste bitter. Hold the cafetière securely by the handle and pour gently to avoid sudden movements that could stress the glass.

If you are not going to plunge, do not worry about over-extraction.

10. Cleaning the Cafetière

After enjoying your coffee, it’s important to clean the cafetière properly. Always allow it to cool to room temperature before rinsing with warm water. Never pour cold water into a hot cafetière, as this can cause the glass to crack due to thermal shock. Disassemble the plunger and wash all parts with warm, soapy water. Avoid using abrasive sponges or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the glass over time.

Quick Cleaning Tips:

Use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge

Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue

Allow all parts to dry completely before reassembling

11. Storage Tips

Store your cafetière in a safe place where it won’t be knocked over or exposed to extreme temperatures. Avoid placing it near the edge of a counter or in a cabinet where it could be bumped or dropped.

Conclusion

Using a cafetière correctly is simple, but it requires a bit of care, especially when it comes to handling the glass. By preheating the carafe, using the right water temperature, and handling the plunger gently, you can enjoy delicious coffee without worrying about cracking the glass. Proper cleaning and storage will also extend the life of your cafetière, ensuring many more cups of perfect coffee to come.