The French press is the simplest brewing method for coffee in practical terms. It consists of a carafe with a plunger that has a relatively coarse filter. You fill the carafe with water and coffee, then press the plunger with the filter down to stop the brewing when you are satisfied with the extraction. This yields a relatively strong flavor profile with a rich, full body and little finesse. The coarse filter allows the finest particles and oils from the coffee to pass through, which gives high viscosity and can increase cholesterol levels in the blood.