title_body: French press vs simple filter, is French press equipment really necessary?
upvoted_answer: The simple answer is, no. You don't really need the exact French-press equipment to prepare a drinkable cup of French-press coffee.
  
  However, the equipment is very likely to ease your preparation. Otherwise, you should take care about
  
  
  timing
  amount of water (and maybe setting the coffee/water ratio)
  filter-size
  act of filtering quickly and properly
  
  
  all by yourself to have a decent cup. If you aren't experimenting or looking for adventure I advise you to pay 5 bucks for the equipment.