The French Press (or press pot) is one of the simplest, most flavorful ways to brew coffee. With its full immersion brewing method, it produces a rich, full-bodied cup that highlights the natural oils and deep flavors of coffee beans.
But while the French Press is easy to use, there’s a big difference between an average cup and a perfect one. In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The best coffee-to-water ratio for optimal flavor
✅ Step-by-step brewing instructions
✅ Common mistakes and how to avoid them
✅ The best grind size, steeping time, and pouring technique
Let’s get brewing!
Why Choose the French Press?
The French Press is loved by coffee enthusiasts for several reasons:
✔ Rich & Full-Bodied Flavor – The metal filter allows coffee oils to pass through, creating a deeper taste.
✔ Easy & Affordable – No expensive equipment or paper filters needed.
✔ Control Over Brewing – You decide the grind size, brew time, and strength.
✔ Eco-Friendly – No paper waste or plastic parts.
It’s the perfect method if you love a bold, heavy-bodied coffee without complicated brewing techniques.
Essential Equipment for a Perfect French Press Brew
Before we get started, here’s what you’ll need:
- French Press
🔹 Recommended brands:
- Bodum Chambord – Classic and durable
- Espro P3 – Double micro-filter for a cleaner cup
- Fellow Clara – Sleek, modern design with heat retention
- Burr Grinder (for fresh, even grinding)
🔹 Best grinders for French Press:
- Baratza Encore – Affordable, precise grind control
- Timemore Chestnut C2 – High-quality manual grinder
💡 Why a burr grinder?
Blade grinders produce uneven grounds, leading to inconsistent extraction. A burr grinder ensures an even coarse grind, which is ideal for French Press.
- Fresh Coffee Beans
🔹 Best coffee for French Press:
- Medium to dark roast – Enhances the rich, full-bodied texture
- Single-origin beans – Brings out complex flavors
💡 Buy whole beans and grind just before brewing for the freshest taste.
- Kettle (Preferably Gooseneck)
🔹 Best kettles:
- Fellow Stagg EKG – Precision temperature control
- Hario Buono – Budget-friendly, great pour control
💡 Water Temperature: Use 195–205°F (90–96°C) for optimal extraction.
- Digital Scale (For Accuracy)
Coffee is all about precision! A scale ensures you get the right coffee-to-water ratio.
🔹 Best coffee scales:
- Timemore Black Mirror – Stylish and accurate
- Hario Scale – Affordable and reliable
The Best French Press Ratio: Coffee to Water
The golden ratio for French Press:
✔ 1:15 ratio → Mild, balanced flavor
✔ 1:12 ratio → Stronger, richer taste
🔹 Example Measurements:
For one cup (12oz / 350ml): Use 23g coffee + 350ml water
For two cups (24oz / 700ml): Use 47g coffee + 700ml water
💡 Pro Tip: Adjust to taste! More coffee = stronger, less coffee = milder.
Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing the Perfect French Press
Step 1: Heat the Water
Heat filtered water to 195–205°F (90–96°C).
If you don’t have a thermometer, bring water to a boil and let it sit for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Grind the Coffee
Use a coarse grind (like sea salt).
If too fine, your coffee will be muddy and bitter.
If too coarse, it will be weak and under-extracted.
Step 3: Preheat the French Press
Pour hot water into the empty French Press to warm it up.
Discard the water before adding coffee grounds.
💡 Why preheat? It helps maintain the right brewing temperature for even extraction.
Step 4: Add Coffee Grounds
Use 23g (for 1 cup) or 47g (for 2 cups) of coarsely ground coffee.
Step 5: Add Hot Water (Bloom Stage)
Pour just enough hot water to wet the grounds (~2x the weight of coffee).
Let it sit for 30 seconds to release trapped CO₂ (this is called blooming).
💡 Why bloom? Fresh coffee releases gases, and blooming allows for better extraction.
Step 6: Pour the Rest of the Water
Slowly pour the remaining hot water in a circular motion.
Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.
Step 7: Steep for 4 Minutes
Place the lid on with the plunger up and let it brew.
4 minutes is the sweet spot for balanced extraction.
💡 Want a bolder cup? Steep for 5–6 minutes.
Step 8: Plunge and Serve
Slowly press the plunger down evenly.
Pour immediately into a cup—don’t let it sit!
💡 Why pour immediately? If coffee sits in the French Press, it keeps extracting and becomes overly bitter.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
❌ Coffee is too bitter → Steeped too long or ground too fine
❌ Coffee is too weak → Not enough coffee or grind too coarse
❌ Muddy texture → Grounds too fine; use coarser grind
❌ Lukewarm coffee → Water wasn’t hot enough or preheating was skipped
💡 Experiment with your grind size, steeping time, and coffee-to-water ratio to find your perfect cup!
How to Enhance Your French Press Coffee
✅ Try different beans – Experiment with African (fruity), Latin American (nutty), or Indonesian (earthy) coffees.
✅ Use filtered water – Improves taste and clarity.
✅ Use a second filter – If you don’t like coffee sediment, try an Espro French Press with a double filter.
✅ Add a dash of cinnamon, cardamom, or vanilla – Elevate your coffee with subtle flavors.
Final Thoughts: Why the French Press is Worth It
The French Press is one of the best ways to enjoy bold, rich, and full-bodied coffee. Whether you’re a beginner or a coffee aficionado, it offers control, customization, and a deeper flavor experience.
✔ No need for fancy equipment
✔ Eco-friendly, no waste
✔ Perfect for slow mornings and rich, satisfying coffee
So grab your French Press, grind some fresh beans, and enjoy a perfectly brewed cup—the French way. ☕🇫🇷
