The French press—also known as a press pot or plunger pot—is one of the simplest and most satisfying ways to make coffee at home. It requires no paper filters, minimal equipment, and delivers a rich, full-bodied cup that many coffee lovers adore.
In this article, you’ll learn how to brew perfect French press coffee, including the ideal coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, timing, and pro tips to improve your results.
Why Choose the French Press?
French press coffee is popular for several reasons:
- Full body and flavor: It preserves the oils that paper filters typically remove.
- No need for electricity: Just hot water and ground coffee.
- Customizable: You control the strength, temperature, and steep time.
- Eco-friendly: No paper filters or pods.
If you enjoy a bold and robust cup of coffee, the French press might be your ideal brew method.
What You’ll Need
Before we begin, make sure you have the following:
- French press (also called a cafetière or plunger)
- Freshly ground coffee (coarse grind)
- Hot water (just off the boil, around 195°F–205°F / 90°C–96°C)
- Burr grinder (optional but recommended)
- Kettle (preferably with a gooseneck spout for control)
- Digital scale or measuring spoon
- Timer
- Stirring spoon or wooden stick
Coffee-to-Water Ratio for French Press
The standard brewing ratio is 1:15 — that means:
- 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams (or ml) of water
Here’s a simple reference:
| Coffee | Water | Yield |
|---|---|---|
| 20g | 300ml | 1 large cup |
| 30g | 450ml | 2 cups |
| 50g | 750ml | 3–4 cups |
You can adjust this ratio based on your preference. For a stronger cup, use a 1:13 ratio.
Step-by-Step French Press Brewing Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Water
Boil your water and let it sit for about 30 seconds to reach the ideal brewing temperature (90°C–96°C). Too hot, and it will over-extract the coffee; too cool, and it will under-extract.
Step 2: Measure and Grind the Coffee
- Grind your beans coarse, about the texture of sea salt.
- Use a burr grinder for consistent grind size.
- Measure using a scale for accuracy, or use about 1 rounded tablespoon per 100ml of water if you’re measuring by volume.
Step 3: Preheat Your French Press
Pour a little hot water into the French press to warm it up. This helps maintain the brewing temperature. Discard the water after a few seconds.
Step 4: Add the Coffee Grounds
Add your ground coffee into the empty, preheated French press.
Step 5: Add Hot Water
Start your timer and pour the hot water evenly over the grounds. Make sure all the coffee is saturated.
At the halfway mark, stir gently to ensure all grounds are wet. Then finish pouring the rest of the water.
Step 6: Let It Steep
Place the lid (with plunger pulled up) on the French press to retain heat and let the coffee steep for 4 minutes. This is the sweet spot for most brews, but you can adjust by 30 seconds more or less to match your taste.
Step 7: Plunge Slowly
After 4 minutes, press the plunger down slowly and evenly. Don’t force it—resistance is normal.
If the plunger gets stuck or feels too hard to push, your grind might be too fine.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Pour the coffee into cups or a separate carafe right after plunging. Leaving it in the press will cause over-extraction, making your coffee bitter.
Enjoy it black or add milk, cream, or sweeteners as desired.
Pro Tips for Better French Press Coffee
- Use freshly roasted, whole beans for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different origins and roast levels—the French press highlights body and richness, making it great for chocolatey and nutty beans.
- Clean your French press thoroughly after each use to avoid residue build-up that can affect flavor.
- Don’t let coffee sit in the French press—it continues to brew even after plunging.
- Try a bloom: After adding a small amount of water to saturate the grounds, let it sit for 30 seconds before pouring the rest of the water. This releases carbon dioxide and improves extraction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using fine grind: Leads to a muddy cup and makes plunging difficult.
- Forgetting to stir: Causes uneven extraction.
- Not timing the brew: Can result in sour (under-extracted) or bitter (over-extracted) coffee.
- Leaving coffee in the press after plunging: Makes the second cup taste worse than the first.
Why the French Press Is Perfect for Home Brewing
The French press offers an approachable way to brew coffee that feels both artisanal and comforting. With just a little practice and attention to detail, you can consistently create coffee that’s flavorful, aromatic, and tailored to your preferences.
Whether you’re starting your coffee journey or looking to simplify your morning ritual, mastering the French press is a great place to begin.