How to Make French Press Coffee

The French press is one of the simplest and most popular methods for brewing coffee. With its prolonged contact between coffee and water, it produces a strong, rich brew with a full-bodied texture, thanks to its relatively coarse filter. Here’s a guide to perfecting your French press coffee.

Grind Size and Coffee Dosage

For a French press, a medium to coarse grind is ideal. Using a finer grind will result in a more intense flavor due to increased extraction, but a coarser grind helps prevent over-extraction, which can make the coffee taste bitter.

As for the coffee-to-water ratio, aim for 30 grams of coffee per 250 ml of water (roughly 1 ounce per 8 fluid ounces). For a standard 1-liter (34-ounce) French press, you’ll need about 60 grams (2 ounces) of coffee beans.

Pro tip: Avoid measuring coffee by eye. Even slight changes in the ratio can significantly affect the taste. For consistent results, use a scale to weigh your coffee beans before each brew.

Water Temperature

The optimal water temperature for brewing French press coffee is 92-95°C (197-203°F). To achieve this, bring the water to a boil and let it cool for about 30 seconds. If you have a thermometer, you can measure the water temperature more precisely, which helps ensure consistency in your brew.

Brewing Process

1. Pour a little hot water into the French press to warm it up, then discard the water. This helps maintain the ideal brewing temperature for better extraction.
2. Measure out the coffee (30 grams for every 250 ml of water) and pour it into the French press.
3. Slowly pour the hot water over the grounds, ensuring all the coffee is evenly saturated. Stir gently to make sure the grounds are fully mixed with the water.
4. Place the lid on the French press without pressing down the plunger. This keeps the heat in during brewing.
5. Let the coffee brew for 4 minutes. If you prefer a stronger cup, you can extend the brewing time to 5 minutes, but 4 minutes is generally a good balance for most tastes.
6. After the brewing time is up, gently press the plunger down. Make sure to do this slowly to avoid agitation, which can lead to over-extraction and bitterness. Once the plunger is down, immediately pour the coffee into a serving pot or cups.

Important: Don’t leave the coffee sitting in the French press, as it will continue to extract, making the brew too bitter.

Additional Tips

• If you like your coffee stronger or weaker, feel free to adjust the coffee-to-water ratio. Experimenting with different ratios will help you find the perfect balance for your taste.
• For the freshest flavor, grind your coffee beans just before brewing. A consistent grind size is key to even extraction.
• When pouring water over the grounds, do so slowly and in a circular motion to ensure all the coffee is evenly soaked.
• After each use, thoroughly clean the French press—especially the filter and carafe—to remove old coffee oils that can affect the flavor of future brews.