How To Make Great French Press Coffee

1. What You’ll Need

• French press

• Fresh coffee beans (coarse grind, like sea salt)

• Hot water (about 200°F / 93°C — just off the boil)

• Spoon or stir stick

• Timer

2. Coffee-to-Water Ratio

• Standard: 1:15 ratio (1 gram coffee to 15 grams water)

• Example: 30g coffee (about 6 tbsp) + 450ml water (about 2 cups)

• Adjust to taste (more coffee for stronger, less for lighter).

3. Steps to Brew

1. Preheat the french press

• Pour hot water into the press to warm it up, then discard.

2. Add Coffee Grounds

• Put your coarse grounds into the empty, warmed press.

3. Add Hot Water

• Pour water evenly over the grounds.

• Start your timer immediately.

4. Stir the Bloom

• After 30 seconds, stir gently to break the crust of coffee grounds and release aromas.

5. Place the Lid

• Set the plunger on top (don’t press down). This keeps the heat in.

6. Steep

• Brew for 4 minutes (3 minutes for lighter, 5 for stronger).

7. Press

• Slowly press the plunger down with steady pressure.

8. Serve Immediately

• Pour the coffee into mugs or a carafe right away.

• Don’t leave it sitting in the press, or it will over-extract and taste bitter.

4. Pro Tips for Better french press Coffee

• Grind fresh: Use freshly ground beans, coarse and even.

• Use filtered water: Better water = better coffee.

• Consistency matters: Weigh your beans and water for repeatable results.

• Experiment: Try lighter roasts for bright, fruity notes, or dark roasts for bold, rich flavor.