The French press is one of the simplest, most satisfying ways to brew rich, full-bodied coffee at home. Loved by coffee purists around the world, this method doesn’t require electricity, fancy equipment, or expensive pods—just high-quality coffee, hot water, and a few minutes of your time.
If you want to unlock the bold, aromatic flavors that only a French press can deliver, this guide will show you exactly how to do it—step by step.
1. What Is a French Press?
Also known as a press pot or plunger pot, the French press is a manual coffee brewing device that consists of a cylindrical glass or stainless steel container, a metal plunger, and a mesh filter.
The method is called immersion brewing, because coffee grounds are fully immersed in hot water for several minutes before being filtered. This creates a deeper, more robust flavor than drip coffee or other methods.
2. What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following tools and ingredients:
- A French press (12 oz or 34 oz, depending on how much you want to brew)
- Freshly roasted whole coffee beans
- A burr grinder (for even grind size)
- A kitchen scale (optional but helpful for accuracy)
- A kettle (preferably gooseneck for control)
- Filtered water
- A timer
3. Choose the Right Coffee and Grind
Fresh coffee beans make all the difference. Look for medium to dark roast for a fuller body, but any roast can work if you prefer lighter flavors.
Grind size is crucial for French press. You want a coarse, even grind—similar to sea salt. If the grind is too fine, you’ll get sludge in your cup and a bitter taste.
4. Measure Your Coffee and Water
The standard French press ratio is 1:15 – one part coffee to 15 parts water. A good starting point:
- For a single cup (12 oz French press):
- 21 grams of coffee (~3 tablespoons)
- 315 grams of water (~11 oz)
- For a larger batch (34 oz French press):
- 55 grams of coffee (~8 tablespoons)
- 825 grams of water (~28 oz)
Using a kitchen scale ensures consistency, but you can eyeball it if needed.
5. Heat Your Water
Heat your filtered water to about 200°F (93°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, boil the water and let it sit for 30 seconds.
Using water that’s too hot can burn the coffee and create bitterness. Too cool, and you won’t extract enough flavor.
6. Add Coffee and Start the Bloom
Pour the ground coffee into the French press. Add just enough hot water to cover the grounds—about 2–3 ounces. Stir gently with a spoon or wooden stick.
Let it bloom for 30–45 seconds. This releases gases from the beans and allows for better extraction.
7. Add the Remaining Water and Stir
After the bloom, slowly pour the rest of the hot water into the French press in a circular motion. Fill it up, then stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.
8. Steep for 4 Minutes
Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled all the way up. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes. You can adjust the time slightly based on taste preference:
- Shorter (3 min): lighter flavor
- Longer (5 min): stronger, bolder flavor
Avoid over-steeping, as it can result in over-extraction and bitterness.
9. Plunge Slowly and Evenly
After the brew time is up, press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Don’t force it—if it’s hard to push, the grind might be too fine.
The metal mesh filter separates the grounds from the coffee, leaving you with a rich, aromatic brew.
10. Serve Immediately
Don’t let the coffee sit in the French press—this will continue the extraction and may lead to a bitter taste.
Pour it into your cup or a thermal carafe if you’re saving some for later. Sip and enjoy the bold, smooth flavors that only a French press can deliver.
ips for a Better Brew
- Preheat your French press with hot water before brewing to maintain temperature.
- Use freshly ground beans right before brewing for the best flavor.
- Clean your French press regularly to prevent oils and residue buildup.
- Experiment with brew time and coffee-to-water ratios to find your perfect balance.
Enjoy the Ritual
Part of the joy of using a French press is the ritual—the rich aroma of fresh grounds, the gentle bloom, the slow press, and the first warm sip. It’s a method that invites you to slow down and appreciate your coffee, one thoughtful cup at a time.
