9 Surprising French Press Uses

You can use a French press to infuse water, keep veggies and herbs fresh, and even froth milk for you espresso!

What Can You Do With A French Press? A Lot!

Although I’m not a coffee drinker, there are so many other practical uses for french presses that I ended up buying one of my own! Because as it turns out, you can do a lot more with a “french press” coffee maker than make coffee!

In less than an hour of research on the topic, I discovered 9 other uses for french presses that were so clever and useful. I had no idea that such a low-tech kitchen tool could be quite so helpful! Check out those 9 french press uses below — I bet you’ll be as surprised and delighted as I was!

9 Surprising French Press Uses

Rinse rice and grains with a French press.

1. Rinse Grains

It’s so quick and easy to rinse grains like rice, quinoa, and farro in a french press coffee maker! Just pour the grains into the carafe and cover them with water. Put the top in place and press the plunger down to separate the water from the grains. Pour the water out, and your grains will be rinsed and ready to cook!

Use a French press to keep herbs fresh in the fridge.

2. Infuse Oils

You can use a french press to make delicious herb-infused olive oil. Toss a handful of fresh herbs into the french press (rosemary makes a great choice!) and cover them with olive oil. Put the top in place, then put the french press into your fridge for a couple of days. Then press the plunger down, and pour your deliciously infused oil over bread, fish, vegetables, and more!

You can use a french press to rehydrate dried foods.

3. Rehydrate Dried Foods

Whenever you need to rehydrate a dried food like cranberries, peppers, or mushrooms for a recipe, reach for the french press! Just place the dried food inside and cover with hot water. Let the food rehydrate for a few minutes, then press and discard the water. Easy!

A french press is a great way to froth milk for coffee.

4. Froth Milk

Did you know that you can froth warm milk using a french press? It’s true! Just fill your french press about halfway with warm milk, then slide the plunger up and down to start frothing the milk. Continue this for about 30 seconds, or until the milk is frothed to your liking! Use it in your morning coffee to make it extra special.

A french press is perfect for draining wet foods.

5. Strain Wet Foods

Frozen foods can be really convenient, but thawing them often leaves you with a lot of extra moisture that you don’t want. To get rid of all that extra water, use a french press! Place thawed spinach, thawed shredded potatoes, or any other kind of wet food in the french press. Press the plunger down firmly and pour out the excess water.

Save money by using loose tea in your french press.

6. Make Tea

French presses aren’t only useful for coffee—you can make tea in them too! Measure out your tea leaves and place them in the bottom of the carafe. Cover with the correct amount of hot water, and let the tea steep for the recommended amount of time. Then just press the plunger down and pour yourself a lovely cup of tea!

You can use your french press to make almond milk.

7. Make Almond Milk

Have you ever tried making homemade almond milk? I highly recommend giving it a try! It’s delicious and not as complicated as you might expect. Check out the directions at the post below, and make it even easier by using a french press instead of cheesecloth when it’s time to strain the almonds.

8. Infuse Water

Use a french press to make tasty and refreshing infused waters! Just add fruit and/or herbs to the french press and cover them with cold filtered water. Put the french press into your fridge overnight, then press and enjoy the next day! (Try infusing water with strawberries and fresh mint leaves—my favorite!)

Keep herbs fresh in a french press and make them easy to access, too.

9. Keep Herbs Fresh

Many fresh herbs last longer when stored with their stems in a little bit of water, including cilantro, mint, and dill. A french press is perfect for this purpose!

Just pour an inch or two of water into the bottom of your french press, then insert the top piece about halfway. Place your fresh herbs upright between the strainer and the lid, then press the plunger down just enough to submerge the stems. Store the whole thing in your fridge to help keep your herbs fresh!

Looking For More Posts Like This?

I’ve written dozens of blog posts about creative alternative uses for everyday items, and now there’s a quick and easy way to peruse them!
Check out all of my “Uses For” posts here.

Do you use a french press coffee maker at home?