How To Brew Perfect Coffee with a French Press

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. You will need a French press, freshly roasted coffee beans, a grinder (preferably burr grinder for consistent grind), hot water (just off the boil), and a stirring spoon.

Select high-quality coffee beans that suit your taste. Ideally, use beans roasted within the last month for the freshest flavor. Experiment with different blends to find your perfect match.

A good rule of thumb is to use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15, meaning 1 part coffee to 15 parts water. For example, use 30 grams of coffee with 450 grams (or milliliters) of water. Adjust according to your taste preference.

Grind the coffee beans to a coarse consistency. If the grind is too fine, it can make the coffee bitter and muddy. A coarse grind resembles breadcrumbs and will create optimal extraction.

Heat your water to around 200°F (93°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, boil the water and let it sit for about 30 seconds. This temperature is ideal for brewing without burning the coffee.

Add the coarsely ground coffee into the French press. Ensure that all the coffee grounds settle evenly at the bottom.

Slowly pour the hot water over the coffee grounds, ensuring all are saturated. Start with a small amount of water to bloom the coffee (let it swell for about 30 seconds) before adding the rest.

After pouring all the water, gently stir the mixture with a spoon to ensure even saturation. Then, place the lid on the French press but do not push the plunger down yet. Let it steep for about 4 minutes.

After 4 minutes, press the plunger down slowly and evenly to separate the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee. Avoid pressing down too quickly to prevent coffee from spilling over.

Once you’ve pressed down the plunger, pour the coffee into your cup. Enjoy it plain or with milk, sugar, or any favorite add-ins. Avoid letting the coffee sit in the French press, as it may become bitter.

After enjoying your coffee, clean the French press by disassembling it and rinsing all parts with warm water. You can use mild detergent but avoid abrasive materials to keep the glass safe. Let it dry completely before storage.