My French press exploded at 6 AM last Tuesday and I still prefer it over any drip machine

I was standing in my kitchen in Portland when the glass cylinder shattered from thermal shock, sending coffee and grounds across the counter and into my slippers. Has anyone else dealt with a sudden press failure, or am I just too rough with the hot water pour?

3 comments

3 Comments

taylor_miller1020d ago

You mentioned the glass exploded from "thermal shock" - were you pouring water straight off the boil into the press? I always let my kettle sit for about 30 seconds after boiling before I pour it into the French press. The thick glass can't handle that sudden jump in temperature if the water is too hot. I had a crack form in mine once and that was enough to make me switch to a double-walled stainless steel one. Not saying you need to buy a new one, but maybe try cooling the water down a bit first.

the_jordan11d ago

You are spot on with the thermal shock thing. I cracked a glass French press the exact same way years ago, pouring boiling water right from the electric kettle into a cold carafe. The difference in temperature is just too much for that thick glass to handle. I started doing the same thing you do, just letting the water sit in the kettle for a solid 30 seconds after it clicks off. That small change has saved my press every single time since. I also started running hot tap water over the glass first to warm it up a little, which helps a ton too. It sounds like a minor tweak but it makes a huge difference in keeping that glass from shattering.

sarah_mason20d ago

Wait, doesn't letting the kettle sit actually cool the water too much for proper extraction?