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How To Make Strong Coffee In A French Press

2025-10-13

A French press is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools for brewing a rich, flavorful cup of coffee. But if you prefer your brew bold, full-bodied, and strong, the french press gives you full control over every variable — from grind size to brew time.


1. What Makes french press Coffee Strong

“Strong” coffee doesn’t just mean bitter or dark — it refers to a higher coffee-to-water ratio and a more concentrated extraction.

Several factors influence how strong your French press coffee tastes:

  • Coffee-to-water ratio — More coffee per cup equals a stronger brew.

  • Grind size — Finer grounds extract more flavor, but too fine causes bitterness.

  • Brew time — Longer steeping brings out deeper flavors (and more caffeine).

  • Bean roast — Dark roasts feel stronger due to bold oils and reduced acidity.

The key is to balance strength with smoothness, avoiding over-extraction that can make coffee taste harsh.


2. What You’ll Need

ItemRecommendation
French Press350 ml to 1 L capacity; glass or stainless steel body
Coffee BeansMedium-dark or dark roast for fuller body
GrinderBurr grinder for even coarse grind
Hot WaterJust off the boil — around 92–96 °C (197–205 °F)
Spoon or StirrerLong-handled, non-metal
TimerTo monitor steeping time

3. The Perfect Ratio for Strong Coffee

A typical French press recipe uses a 1:15 ratio (1 g coffee per 15 g water).

To make stronger coffee, use a ratio of 1:12 or even 1:10 depending on your preference.

StrengthCoffeeWater
Regular20 g300 ml
Strong25 g300 ml
Extra Strong30 g300 ml

A good starting point for most people is 25 g coffee for every 300 ml of water.


4. Step-by-Step: Brewing Strong Coffee in a French Press

Step 1: Grind Your Coffee Coarsely

Use a coarse grind, roughly the size of sea salt. Fine grounds can slip through the mesh filter and cause sediment or bitterness.

Step 2: Preheat the French Press

Pour in hot water, swirl, and discard. This stabilizes temperature and prevents heat loss during brewing.

Step 3: Add Coffee Grounds

Add the measured amount of coffee to the bottom of the press.

Step 4: Pour Hot Water

Pour half the hot water first, ensuring all grounds are saturated. Let it bloom for 30 seconds — this releases trapped gases and enhances flavor. Then pour the remaining water.

Step 5: Stir and Steep

Stir gently to mix the grounds evenly.
Place the plunger on top (do not press down yet) and let it steep for 4 to 5 minutes.

  • For a bolder, stronger brew, steep up to 6 minutes.

Step 6: Press Slowly and Evenly

Push the plunger down gently, using steady pressure. If it’s too hard to press, the grind may be too fine.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Pour the coffee into your cup or carafe right after plunging to avoid over-extraction.


5. Expert Tips for Maximum Strength

a. Use Freshly Roasted Beans

Old beans lose aromatic oils that create depth and strength. Always use fresh beans roasted within 2–4 weeks.

b. Go for Darker Roasts

Dark roasts bring robust, smoky notes that naturally feel stronger — ideal for French press brewing.

c. Increase Brew Time Cautiously

Every extra minute increases extraction. More than 7 minutes can make coffee bitter.

d. Stir Before Pressing

A quick stir helps redistribute fine particles for even flavor.

e. Clean Your French Press Regularly

Residual oils from previous brews can turn rancid and affect the flavor of new batches. Rinse after every use and deep clean weekly.


6. Optional Add-Ons for Even Bolder Flavor

Add-OnEffect
Pinch of saltSmooths out bitterness
Cocoa powderAdds body and aroma
Cold brew concentrate + hot water mixCreates intense flavor with smooth finish
Double steep methodRe-brew using previously filtered strong coffee instead of water

7. Why Choose Sellwell French presses

Sellwell offers a range of durable, heat-resistant French presses designed for consistent extraction and easy maintenance.

Key Features:

  • Borosilicate glass or stainless steel construction for temperature stability.

  • Precision plunger filter system for sediment-free brewing.

  • Ergonomic handles and easy-pour spouts for safety.

  • Available in multiple sizes — perfect for home, office, or café use.

These professional-grade presses ensure your strong coffee tastes smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced — every time.


8. Quick Summary

StepDescriptionKey Tip
1Grind coarsePrevents bitterness
2Preheat pressKeeps brewing temperature stable
3Add 1:10–1:12 ratioStronger brew
4Steep 4–6 minutesAdjust based on strength
5Press slowlyAvoid over-extraction
6Serve immediatelyMaintains clean flavor

Conclusion

Making strong coffee in a French press is all about precision and patience — adjusting your ratio, grind size, and steeping time to extract deep, bold flavors without bitterness.

For barista-level results at home or in your café, pair your technique with Sellwell’s high-quality French press brewers, built for durability and professional performance.

Enjoy your coffee just the way you like it — strong, aromatic, and perfectly balanced.

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Next: How To Make Iced Coffee in A French Press

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