French Press Brewing Guide

What You Need

The French press (also called a cafetière or press pot) is one of the simplest and most forgiving brewing methods. It produces a heavy, rich cup that showcases the natural oils and flavors of the bean.

• —French press (any size)
• —Coarse-ground coffee (sea salt consistency)
• —Hot water (200°F / 93°C — about 30 seconds off boil)
• —Kitchen scale (optional but recommended)
• —Timer

Coffee-to-Water Ratio

Use a 1:15 ratio (1 gram of coffee to 15 grams of water) for a balanced cup. Adjust stronger or weaker to taste.

Step-by-Step

1. 01Boil water and let it rest for 30 seconds (target: 200°F / 93°C).
2. 02Add coarse-ground coffee to the press.
3. 03Pour water over the grounds, saturating evenly. Start a 4-minute timer.
4. 04At 1 minute, break the crust on top with a spoon and stir gently.
5. 05Place the plunger on top but do not press down yet. Let it steep until the timer hits 4 minutes.
6. 06Press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Pour immediately to stop extraction.

Tips for a Better Cup

Grind size matters most with French press. Too fine and you get a muddy, over-extracted cup with silt. Too coarse and it tastes watery. Aim for the texture of coarse sea salt. If your coffee tastes bitter, grind coarser or reduce steep time. If it tastes sour or thin, grind finer or steep longer.

Best Beans for French Press

French press shines with medium to dark roasts that have chocolate, nutty, or caramel flavor notes. The full immersion method brings out body and sweetness. Single-origin beans from Brazil, Colombia, or Guatemala work particularly well. Light roasts can work too — they produce a tea-like, complex cup.