Safety precautions when using the French press coffee pot

There are two potential hazards when using the French press coffee pot, both of them can lead to burns. The first one is hot water splashing out while you are pushing the filter down. The second one applies only to models with glass jug - the risk of the glass breaking while you are preparing your coffee (most models use borosilicate glass which does not break easily but despite of this there is still a small risk of the glass breaking).

The following precautions will help you to minimize the risks.

• Never allow children to operate the French press.
• Do not use it when small children are around.
• Regularly check the jug for scratches and cracks. Do not use the French press if you spot any defects in the glass.
• Do not use metallic spoon to stir the coffee in the glass jug. Use wooden or plastic spoon or chopsticks.
• Rinse the glass jug with hot water before you start brewing your coffee. That way you make it easier for the glass to adapt to the higher temperature.
• Not overfill the jug. Leave at least 1 inch of space above the waterline.
• Do not use finely ground coffee as this makes it more difficult to press the filter down. That increases the likelihood of hot water splashing out.
• Make sure that the spout is not facing anyone when pressing the filter down.
• The bottom of your kitchen sink is a good place to put the press pot full of hot coffee. That way you are likely to avoid severe burns even if the press breaks while you press it.
• Press the filter down slowly and gently.

Following these tips should help you prevent accidents and enjoy the delicious coffee that French press can make.

Check my tips on how to get the best out of your French press coffee pot.