Which brewing method requires steeping coffee ground in hot water?

The French press is characterized by its brewing method, which involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in hot water. This process allows the coffee grounds to fully saturate and infuse their flavors into the water for several minutes. The result is a robust and rich cup of coffee, as the longer steeping time extracts more oils and solids from the coffee, leading to a fuller body.

In contrast, other methods, such as the Aeropress, utilize a pressurized system to force hot water through coffee grounds quickly rather than steeping. The drip coffee maker relies on gravity to pass hot water through coffee grounds in a continuous flow rather than allowing them to steep. The pourover method involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds, and while it can create a rich flavor, it does not involve the same extended steeping time that defines the French press method. Thus, steeping is specifically a hallmark characteristic of using a French press.