If you’ve ever wondered how to make French Press coffee, or even what it is, we’re here to help. French press coffee is simply made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in hot water, then pressing a plunger with a metal mesh filter through the grounds to separate them from the liquid. This brewing method allows oils, fine particles, and bold flavors to pass into your cup—creating a full-bodied, rich experience.
French press brewing, also known as press pot or plunger pot, is an easy and satisfying way to brew your own coffee. It doesn’t require fancy equipment or technical know-how, just a press, some coarsely ground beans, hot water, and a few minutes of your time. And a little patience. Pushing the plunger to press the coffee grounds isn’t a race. Ask me how I know…think more slow and steady like the tortoise rather than quick like a rabbit. Again, experience has taught me.
🛠️ What You Need to Make French Press Coffee
One of the best things about French press coffee is how little equipment you need. Here’s a basic list:
- A French press (also known as a cafetière or press pot)
- Fresh, coarsely ground coffee (usually best to grind yourself, since most ground coffee is too finely ground and made for a regular filter, paper drip. Though you can always order French Press grind specifically from us).
- Hot water (just off the boil, around 195–205°F. Read more here about best temperatures for brewing coffee).
- A scale or scoop for measuring
- Timer (optional, but helpful). Your phone or kitchen timer will work just fine.
Optional additions:
- Burr grinder (for grinding your own beans fresh, unless you order French Press ground from us).
- Kettle with a thermometer or gooseneck kettle
- Stirring spoon or chopstick (avoid metal spoons, which may crack the glass of the French Press when mixing).
⚖️ Ideal French Press Coffee Ratio
The most common brewing ratio for French press coffee is:
- 1 gram of coffee for every 15–17 grams of water. Looking for a scale?
That means for an 8-cup (1-liter) French press, you'll use:
- 55 to 66 grams of coffee
- 900 to 1000 grams (ml) of water
For a smaller, single-serve French press, try:
- 17 grams of coffee
- 250 ml of water
Adjust the ratio based on how strong you like your brew. Learn more about recommended guidelines for water coffee ratio here.
🔄 Step-by-Step: How to Make French Press Coffee
Step 1: Heat the Water
Boil water, then let it sit for 30 seconds to reach an ideal temperature of 195–205°F. If it’s too hot, you’ll extract bitter flavors; too cool, and you’ll get weak coffee. Check the temperature, don’t guess the temperature.
Step 2: Grind the Coffee
Grind your beans coarsely, similar to sea salt. A burr grinder will give the most consistent grind. Pre-ground coffee is often too fine (as this is often made for regular drip/paper filter coffee makers) for French press and can result in over-extraction and sludge. Not awesome.
Step 3: Add Coffee to the French Press
Add your ground coffee to the bottom of the French press.
Step 4: Bloom the Coffee
Pour just enough hot water to wet all the grounds. Stir gently and let it sit for 30 seconds. This “bloom” allows gases to escape and improves flavor extraction. Again, pour lightly for 30 seconds, don’t try to see how much water you can dump in 30 seconds. Slow and steady, just like pressing the plunger.
Step 5: Add Remaining Water
Slowly pour in the rest of the water. Give the mixture a gentle stir to make sure all grounds are fully saturated.
Step 6: Steep for 4 Minutes
Place the lid on the press with the plunger pulled up so it’s up high near the top of the French Press. Let the coffee water mixture steep for 4 minutes for standard strength. For stronger coffee, let it steep up to 5–6 minutes. Experiment on amount of time to find the coffee strength you prefer.
Step 7: Press and Pour
Press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Once the plunger has successfully reached the bottom of the press, pour your coffee immediately into your cup or mug. This avoids over-extraction.
🧠 Tips for Making Better French Press Coffee
- Use filtered water – Tap water with off-flavors can affect the taste of your coffee. Inconsistent water equals inconsistent coffee.
- Preheat your French press – Swirl some hot water in the carafe before adding coffee to avoid heat loss by using a cold carafe.
- Don’t let coffee sit in the press – It continues to extract and can become bitter. Transfer it to a thermal carafe if you’re not drinking it right away.
- Clean your press regularly – Old oils and coffee particles can go rancid and ruin your brew.
🔬 Troubleshooting Common French Press Problems
☕ Coffee Tastes Weak?
- Grind may be too coarse
- Water temperature too low
- Not enough coffee used (see water:coffee ratio).
- Too short of a brew time. About 4 minutes steep as a starting point, adjust as needed for desired strength.
☕ Coffee Tastes Bitter?
- Brew time too long. See recommended times right above).
- Grind too fine, try coarse similar to sea salt size.
- Water too hot; aim for 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit.
☕ Too Much Sludge or Grit?
- Use a coarser grind. Too fine of a grind allows the ground coffee to seep through with the water.
- Let coffee sit for 30 seconds after plunging to let fines settle.
- Try a double filtration by pouring through a mesh or paper filter. Plunge first, filter second.
🔄 How to Clean a French Press (the Easy Way)
- Step 1: Discard coffee grounds (or compost them! See more about ideas for used coffee grounds here).
- Step 2: Rinse out loose particles
- Step 3: Disassemble and scrub with mild dish soap
- Step 4: Let dry thoroughly
Pro tip: Add water and a drop of dish soap, pump the plunger rapidly, and pour it out to clean the mesh quickly. Again, plunge under control. Plunging too fast and you can build a soapy, sudsy mess that looks like a dirty coffee water soap volcano erupting on your kitchen counter. Yes, I was an adult when this happened.
🌍 Sustainability and Making French Press Coffee
French press brewing is eco-friendly:
- No disposable filters
- Minimal electricity use (just the grinder, otherwise it’s your person power).
- Compostable grounds (ideas on what to do with used coffee grounds here).
Pair it with Organic, Fairtrade coffee for a low-impact, high-flavor experience. Great tasting, Organic, Fairtrade coffee like this!
📦 Best Coffee Beans for French Press
While French press brewing works with all types of coffee, these are standouts:
- Medium or dark roasts – Highlight bold flavors and body
- Single-origin coffees – Let natural flavors shine
- Low-acid beans – For smoother cups
Try rotating through different origins: Ethiopia for floral notes or Colombia for balance.
🎯 Final Sips: Why Making French Press Coffee Deserves a Place in Your Routine
French press coffee is nearly the perfect balance of simplicity, brewing your own coffee and convenience. It brings out the best in your beans without needing expensive equipment, a degree in engineering or complicated techniques. With the right grind size, water temperature, and brewing time, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious, full-bodied cup every time.
Whether you're savoring a slow morning or impressing guests at brunch, the French press is your go-to tool for brewing coffee that’s rich, bold, and undeniably satisfying.
🔎 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you use pre-ground coffee in a French press?
A: Yes, but it’s often too fine. Try to find “coarse ground” or grind your own beans for the best results.
Q: How long should French press coffee steep?
A: Most people prefer 4 minutes. Experiment between 3–6 minutes to find your sweet spot.
Q: What size French press should I get?
A: For one person, a 12 oz (3-cup) size is good. For multiple servings, go with a 34 oz (8-cup) press.
Q: Can I make cold brew in a French press?
A: Absolutely! Use coarsely ground coffee, add cold water, and steep in the fridge for 12–16 hours. Then plunge and enjoy.
Not sure which coffee bean to start with? Try some of our most popular like our Mexico if you favor a medium roast, Peru for something darker or Ethiopia for something even lighter!
