How to Brew Coffee in a French Press

If you're looking for a way to brew coffee that brings out rich flavours and aromas, the French press is a perfect choice. This classic method is a completely underrated piece of coffee equipment that people like to frown upon, without realising it can make some unbelievable coffee. 

What is a French press?

A French press coffee maker, also known as a cafetière or press pot, is a popular coffee brewing device that is made up of a cylindrical carafe and a plunger with a fine mesh filter. It’s designed to steep coarsely ground coffee in hot water for maximum extraction of flavours and oils.

This method is loved for its simplicity and the ability to produce a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee. Unlike other brewing methods that use paper filters, the French press holds the natural oils from the coffee grounds, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy their coffee to the fullest.

Pros of French Press Coffee

 A French press comes with some fantastic perks that make it a go-to choice for many coffee lovers:

• Full Flavour: The French press lets those delicious oils from the coffee grounds shine through, giving you a rich and flavourful cup that’s hard to beat.
• Easy and Affordable: No fancy coffee machines or complicated setups here! The French press is simple to use and won’t break the bank, making it perfect for anyone who loves great coffee at home.
• Customisable: You can adjust the steeping time just how you want it, whether you like it strong and bold or smooth and mellow.
• Eco-Friendly Choice: Say goodbye to disposable coffee filters! Using a French press means less waste, making it a smart choice for those who care about the environment.
• Versatile Brewing: A French press is also great for loose-leaf tea or even making cold brews, giving you plenty of options for your drink of choice.

Cons of French Press Coffee

While the French press is a fantastic way to brew coffee, it does have a few downsides to keep in mind:

• Sediment in Your Cup: Since there’s no paper filter, you might find some fine coffee grounds settling at the bottom of your cup. It’s not for everyone, especially if you prefer a cleaner finish.
• More Hands-On: A French press demands a bit more attention than automatic coffee makers. You’ll need to keep an eye on your steeping time and manually press the plunger.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Getting the water temperature just right can be a bit tricky. If it’s too hot or too cold, it can impact the taste.
• Smaller Capacity: Most French presses brew fewer cups than traditional coffee makers, which might not be ideal if you’re serving a group or need multiple refills.
• Fragility: Glass French presses can be delicate and may break if not handled with care. While you can buy a stainless steel French press, it's often a bit more expensive.

What do I need to make coffee in a French press?

Ingredients

• Coffee Beans: Freshly roasted coffee beans are key to a flavourful brew. We recommend using a lighter roast to prevent getting the bitter roasty flavours that you get from darker roasted coffees. Or you can use up some pre-ground beans you have at home.
• Hot Water: You’ll want water heated to about 90°C (just off-boiling) for optimal flavour extraction.

Equipment

• French Press: Choose a coffee press that suits your needs. Whether you prefer a compact model for solo brewing or a larger one for sharing with friends, there’s one out there that’s perfect for you.
• Coffee Grinder: A good grinder will help you achieve that coarse grind you’re after. Freshly ground coffee makes all the difference!
• Stirring Spoon: A plastic or wooden spoon is best to avoid scratching your carafe.
• Timer: Keeping track of your steeping time is an important step. If you don't have a specific coffee timer, a simple kitchen timer or your phone will do just fine.
• Coffee Scale: If you want to get precise, a scale can help you measure the right coffee-to-water ratio. 

Lucky for you, our French Press and Hand Grinder Bundle includes nearly all of this equipment, so you've got everything you need to kickstart your brewing journey.

What is the best grind setting for a French press?

When it comes to brewing French press coffee, the grind size matters a lot. A coarse grind is the way to go. This size means you'll get an even extraction during steeping, giving you a well-balanced and flavourful cup.

Using a coarse grind also helps prevent clogging the mesh filter, which means you can press down smoothly without any hassle. If you’re using a burr grinder, aim for a setting that resembles sea salt or breadcrumbs.

Feel free to play around with the grind size to find what suits your taste best - experimenting is part of the joy of brewing!

How to Make French Press Coffee

Step 1: Measure Your Coffee

For a standard ratio, use about 65 grams of coffee for every 1 litre of water. You can adjust this depending on how you like it. 

Step 2: Grind Your Coffee

Make sure you have all of your ingredients and equipment ready, and pop your beans in a coffee grinder for your espresso. We recommend using a coarse grind, similar to filter ground coffee, to extract all those delicious flavours.

Then, pour hot water into the French press to preheat it. 

Step 3: Heat the Water

Bring your water to about 90°C (just off boiling). If you don’t have a thermometer, boil your kettle and let it sit for about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Add Coffee Grounds and Hot Water

Place the coarse coffee grounds into the bottom of the French press and pop it on your scale. Make sure the scale reads zero, and slowly pour 1 litre (about 963 grams) of hot water over them, making sure all of the grounds are soaked. 

Step 5: Stir Gently

Using your stirring spoon, gently stir the mixture to make sure you get an even extraction. Be careful not to scrape the sides if you're using one made of glass. 

Step 6: Steep

Let it steep for about 4-5 minutes. You can adjust this time based on how you like your coffee - the longer you steep, the stronger your brew! Don't press down during the steeping process!

Step 7: Press Down

After steeping, using a spoon, gently push all the ground coffee to the bottom and stir again. Remove the pale floating foam from the surface, guaranteeing the cleanest-tasting cup possible. 

Put on the lid and slowly press the plunger to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. Apply even pressure to avoid splashing yourself with hot coffee. 

Step 8: Pour and Enjoy

Wait a minute to get rid of sediments, and then pour your freshly brewed coffee into your favourite mug and enjoy!

Get Everything You Need for Perfect French Press Coffee

If you’re ready to take your coffee to the next level, Brew Box has everything you need to get started on your journey to perfect coffee at home. With a wide range of top-quality coffee equipment, including French presses, coffee grinders, and more, you can find the best tools to suit your brewing style.

Plus, why not sign up for our coffee subscription service to enjoy fresh, high-quality beans delivered right to your door? This way, you'll always have the best coffee on hand for your brews!

Explore Brew Box today and discover how easy it is to create delicious coffee at home!

French Press Brew FAQs

Why is it called a French Press?

The name "French Press" comes from France (who knew?), where it was first patented in the 1850s. The design has evolved over time, but the core concept remains the same: steeping coarsely ground coffee in hot water and then pressing down a plunger to separate the grounds from the brew.

Can you make French press coffee without a French press?

While the French press is designed specifically for this brewing method, you can create a similar effect using a fine mesh strainer or even a clean cloth. Just remember that you won’t get the same rich oils and flavours, but it’s a fun way to experiment if you’re in a pinch!

Does coffee get stronger the longer it steeps in a French Press?

Yes, coffee will generally become stronger the longer it steeps in a French press. However, be cautious, as steeping for too long can lead to over-extraction and make your coffee overly bitter. Aim for that sweet spot for around 4 minutes to get the best flavour!

How do I clean my French Press?

After enjoying your coffee, throw away the used grounds and rinse out the carafe and filters with warm water. For a deeper clean, you can use mild soap and a soft sponge. Just make sure to avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.