The French press is one of the simplest and most forgiving brewing methods. Coffee grounds steep directly in hot water, then a metal mesh filter presses them down. The result is a full-bodied, rich cup with more oils and sediment than paper-filter methods. It's perfect for beginners and coffee lovers who want a bold, hearty brew.
Equipment
- French press (34 oz is standard)
- Coffee grinder
- Kettle
- Scale (optional)
- Stirring spoon
Pro Tips
- • Grind too fine and you'll get sediment in your cup — aim for coarse, uniform particles.
- • Don't let brewed coffee sit in the press. Pour it all out or into a thermos to stop extraction.
- • The French press highlights coffee oils that paper filters absorb — try it with rich, chocolatey beans.
- • Clean your French press thoroughly after each use; old oils turn rancid and affect flavor.
Step by Step
- 1
Boil water and let it sit for 30 seconds — you want it around 200°F, just off the boil.
- 2
Grind your coffee to a coarse consistency, like sea salt. A too-fine grind will pass through the filter and make your coffee muddy.
- 3
Add the coffee grounds to the empty French press. Use a 1:15 ratio — about 55g of coffee for 800ml of water.
- 4
Pour just enough hot water to wet all the grounds. Wait 30 seconds for the coffee to bloom and release carbon dioxide.
- 5
Pour the rest of the water, filling to just below the metal rim.
- 6
Place the lid on top with the plunger pulled all the way up. Let it steep for 4 minutes.
- 7
Slowly press the plunger down with steady, even pressure. Stop pressing when you feel resistance.
- 8
Pour immediately into cups — don't let the coffee sit in the press, or it will keep extracting and turn bitter.