This gadget can do so much more than make delicious coffee. I love it because it’s easy to use, versatile, and makes me feel like I have my life together. At least, it gives me the caffeine I need so I can actually get my life together. Ooh la la.

What is it? Do you have any guesses?
The answer is… drum roll please… THE FRENCH PRESS!

This thing will change your life! The French press is a minimalist’s dream. It’s like the swiss army knife of kitchen gadgets. It’s also zero-waste, doesn’t need to be plugged in, and easy to travel with. Not to mention, it’s sleek and stylish.

If you don’t already own one, or you are ready to upgrade from your worn-out hand-me-down from Aunt Clara, an excellent choice is the Bodum Chambord 8 cup French Press.

Here are my 7 favorite ways to use my French press… well presses because let’s be real, when you find something you can’t live without, you BUY TWO.

1. Hot Coffee
This is probably the most common use of the French press. It’s also one of my favorite ways to make hot coffee. With zero waste and no electricity required, I can savor my coffee while being good to the environment.

Measure the coffee. I use 1 part coffee to 15 parts water. Feel free to adjust the ratio depending on how strong or… not so strong you like your coffee.
Add coarsely ground coffee to the bottom of the pitcher and slowly pour in hot water. It should be between 195-205 ℉. Pouring in a circular motion helps to saturate all the coffee.
Wait for the coffee to bloom (bubble up) and gently stir. Cover and wait about 5 minutes
Slowly press down on the plunger until all the coffee grounds are at the bottom of the pitcher. Bam! Piping hot, delicious java to get yourself going.

2. Cold Brew
This is a delicious option for warmer weather, or if you’re like me, any weather. Every day is an iced coffee day.

Measure the coffee. A good rule of thumb for making cold brew is to use twice the amount of ground beans as you would for hot coffee . I use 1 part coffee to 7 parts water. Again, play around with the ratio to suit your preferences.
Pour in coarsely ground coffee then slowly cover with room temperature water. Pouring in a circular motion helps to saturate all the coffee.
To stir or not to stir? Some people advise against stirring because it can make the grounds release those oils and acids talked about earlier. If you did a good job pouring the water, skip this step. If you don’t think the water touched every ground, stir, but be gentle
Cover and leave untouched on the counter for about 12 hours. You can put it in the fridge if you want, but will slow down the process.
Slowly press the plunger down until all the coffee grounds are at the bottom of the pitcher. Pour the brewed coffee into another French press pitcher for easier, and prettier, serving.

3. Infuse Water
Infused water is refreshing, healthy, and just plain tasty, but it can be messy to make. Your French press can help with that.

Add a tasty fruit & herb combo like strawberries/basil or cucumber/mint to the bottom of the french press and cover with cold water.
Cover the pitcher and place it in the fridge overnight.
In the morning, press the plunger down to trap the fruits and herbs at the bottom of the pitcher.

4. Steep Tea
For as much as I love coffee, sometimes tea hits the spot just right. Loose leaf tea is higher quality and reduces waste from those individual tea bags, but sometimes it’s just not convenient. Using my French press to brew tea changed the game.

Add the loose tea leaves to the bottom of the pitcher.
Pour hot water over the leaves and wait while the tea steeps.
After 3-5 minutes depending on the strength desired, press the plunger down and you’re good to go.

5. Froth Milk
Frothing milk has never been easier… and it’s almost as good as when it’s steamed with an espresso machine… almost.

Add warm milk to the pitcher and press the plunger up and down until you’ve reached your desired frothiness.

6. Whip Cream
There’s nothing like freshly whipped cream to top your favorite desserts and coffee. Move over, canned stuff, the French press is here.

Pour heavy whipping cream into the pitcher and pump the plunger up and down until you reach your desired consistency. For a little extra sweetness, add a tablespoon (or 5) of white granulated sugar. Spice things up by adding a few drops of vanilla or almond extract.

7. Make Hot Chocolate
The secret is out! Achieve rich, creamy hot chocolate by using your French press.

Add chocolate syrup and warm milk to the pitcher. Lift and press the plunger until frothy.

Once you’re finished using your french press, it’s important to clean it. Fortunately, that’s not a problem. Its simple design makes it quick and easy to clean… unlike that grimy, single-pod coffee machine that shall remain unnamed.

To clean your French press:
Simply remove the plunger,
Toss out the grounds,
Wash both parts with soap and warm water.