We all know that the Vietnamese Phin filter is an iconic part when it comes to brewing traditional Vietnamese coffee. But did you know that the French press also makes rich and tasty Vietnamese coffee? Now that you now know, let’s talk about Vietnamese drip coffee Vs French press.

Vietnamese drip coffee uses a Phin filter that is affordable, easy to use and brews a bold and dark cup of coffee while French Press involves a manual coffee brewing process that takes less time to brew but produces a rich and dense cup.

Also read Blender Vs. Juicer: Which Should You Buy?

What is Vietnamese Drip Coffee?

Vietnamese drip coffee is a form of brewing involving the use of a small metal filter known as Phin. The traditional Phin filter is standard and unique among the Vietnamese people. It features a brewing chamber and a cap with a circular and perforated plate.

When brewing using this metal filter, you use dark-roasted coffee beans with a medium to coarse grind. In most cases, the coffee beans used are often Robusta coffee beans.

However, you have to be patient enough during the brewing process because it takes time. And that’s why the resulting brew is often very dark and deep in flavor. To better serve your Vietnamese coffee, you have to add sweetened condensed milk and ice cubes to it.

How to Brew Using The Vietnamese Coffee Filter

The process of brewing using the Vietnamese Phin filter is straightforward. You have to do the following;

1. Boil your water using a kettle or a saucepan.
2. Pour two tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk into your cup.
3. Take 2-3 tablespoons of medium-coarse coffee grounds and pour them inside the filter.
4. Shake the filter gently to flatten the coffee powder, then press lightly. Avoid overdoing it.
5. Slowly pour into your filter hot water.
6. Cover with the Phin metal lid to retain the steam/heat.
7. Sit back and wait for the coffee to drip into the cup containing sweetened condensed milk. It will take you about 4 to 5 minutes.

Vietnamese Drip Coffee Filter  Pros

• Ease of use, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Brews a rich, bold, and dark coffee.
• Highly portable.
• Features a sleek design.
• Very affordable.

Vietnamese Drip Coffee Filter Cons

• Take too long to brew a cup of coffee.
• Not very durable compared to the French press.

Some of the Best Vietnamese Coffee Filters in the Market

If you are looking to buy a Vietnamese filter one of these days, allow me to recommend the best two in the market currently.

Related: Difference Between Vietnamese Coffee and Regular Coffee

1. Vietnamese Coffee Filter Set

This filter is also known as a Vietnamese Coffee Maker or Press 8ozBy Thang Long

This Phin filter comes in multiple sizes and quantities. Its key features include:

• A user-friendly gravity insert.
• High-quality stainless steel.
• Lifetime warranty.
• Dishwasher safe.
• Plastic handles for ease of handling.

2.  Nguyen Coffee Supply Phin Filter Collection

Apart from producing and selling super-quality Vietnamese coffee beans, the Brooklyn-based coffee roaster also sells Phin filters of the highest caliber. The company offers many Phin filter options and sizes, including the original 4-ounce Phin, 12-ounce Phin, and 24-ounce Phin.

The key features include:

• Gravity insert.
• Different sizes for every occasion.
• Easy to use with instructions included.
• Dishwasher friendly.
• Lightweight.
• Superior stainless steel.

What is a French Press?

French press refers to a manual coffee brewing method that consistently brews rich, dense, and pure coffee drinks. French Press comes in various forms, including portable French Press ideal for those on the go.

What makes the French press different from other coffee makers is its golden ratio of 1:12 (coffee grounds to water). For instance, if you use 20 grams of ground coffee, you need 240 grams of water.

It can take about 10-12 minutes when brewing with a French press. But the resulting coffee is often more complex and bolder. That’s why I always recommend serving the coffee drink immediately after brewing. Even so, you can still add coconut milk or cream to it.

Related: Bleached Or Unbleached Coffee Filters?

How to Brew With a French Press

Like the Vietnamese drip coffee filter, brewing with a French press is straightforward. The best part is that you take less time to brew with the French press than the Vietnamese Phin. Here are the 7 vital steps to consider:

1. Boil your water.
2. Measure your ideal amount of ground coffee and pour it into the French press. Always opt for a coarse grind.
3. Pour your hot water into the French press while observing the golden ratio.
4. Tighten the lid and start to press the plunger downwards slowly.
5. Give your coffee about 2 to 4 minutes to brew.
6. Continue to push the plunger until you reach the French press bottom.
7. Transfer your resulting coffee into a cup and enjoy.

French Press Pros

• Easy to use.
• Retains coffee’s natural oils.
• Relatively less brew time.
• Premium stainless steel.

French Press Cons

• Leaves some coffee grounds particles in your brew.
• Expensive than the Phin filter.
• More cleaning time due to many parts.

The Two Best French Press Coffee Makers in the Market

To make your buying decision easier, take a look at some of the best French Press in the market today.

1. Bodum 1928-16US4 Chambord French Press Coffee Maker

With this French press, you get your premium cup of coffee within 4 minutes. The coffee maker further features the following;

• Durable design.
• Maximum flavor extraction.
• Dishwasher safe.
• Patented safety lid.
• Large serving.
• A three-part stainless-steel plunger for aromatic oil extraction.

2. Mueller French Press Double Insulated 304 Stainless Steel Coffee Maker

If you pay attention to detail and don’t like coffee ground sediments in your coffee, this product is what you need. Its triple-layered filter structure allows delicious coffee oils into your cup while preventing coffee particles from getting in.

Its features include:

• Build to last.
• Quality assurance.
• Serves many purposes.
• Ideal for any occasion.

Vietnamese Drip Coffee Vs French Press: Which is Best

Both are the best in the market. Even so, we all differ in our tastes and preferences.

Generally, I can say, go for the Vietnamese Phin filter if you:

• Are on a low budget.
• Prefer the bold and deep taste of Robusta coffee beans.
• Can wait long enough for the brewing process to be complete.
• Are looking for an easy-to-clean brewing device.

Choose the French press if you:

• Can afford it.
• Would like to take a shorter time when brewing.
• Don’t mind about the cleaning time.
• Are looking for durability.

Related: Thai Coffee Vs. Vietnamese Coffee: What is The Difference?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

It’s my sincere hope that this topic on Vietnamese drip coffee Vs French press has helped you know the subtle differences between the two products. Besides, you now know some of the best Vietnamese Phin filters and French press coffee makers in the market. Whether you decide to go for Vietnamese drip coffee or French press, the good news is that you will still enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. I hope you find the most suitable for you.