The French press, also known as a press pot or plunger coffee maker, is one of the most classic and efficient tools for brewing coffee. It’s beloved by coffee enthusiasts for its simplicity, full-bodied flavor, and control over brewing variables.
A French press is a manual coffee brewer that uses immersion brewing, meaning coffee grounds steep directly in hot water before being separated by a metal mesh filter.
This method allows the coffee oils and fine particles to stay in the final cup, resulting in a richer and more aromatic brew compared to paper-filtered coffee.
Typical materials:
Borosilicate glass or stainless steel body
Metal mesh plunger and filter
Heat-resistant handle and lid
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| Carafe (Body) | Holds the water and coffee grounds during brewing. Usually made of glass or stainless steel. |
| Plunger | The central rod connected to the lid that you press down to separate coffee grounds from liquid. |
| Mesh Filter | A fine metal screen that filters grounds while allowing oils and flavors to pass through. |
| Lid | Helps retain heat and secure the plunger mechanism. |
| Handle & Spout | Designed for safe pouring and easy control. |
Each component works together to extract coffee through pressure and filtration — without electricity or disposable filters.
At its core, the French press operates through a process of steeping and filtration.
Here’s what happens step-by-step:
Coarsely ground coffee is combined with hot water (around 92–96 °C). The grounds are fully immersed, allowing even extraction of flavors, caffeine, and aromatic oils.
Unlike drip coffee makers that let water pass quickly through grounds, the French press lets water and coffee stay in contact, resulting in a deeper and fuller flavor profile.
During the 4–6 minute brewing time, you control:
Steep time → Strength and intensity
Grind size → Smoothness and body
Temperature → Balance between acidity and bitterness
This flexibility is what makes French press brewing so customizable.
Once the coffee is ready, the plunger is pressed down slowly. The metal mesh filter pushes the grounds to the bottom, letting the brewed coffee rise above.
Because the mesh doesn’t absorb oils (unlike paper filters), you get a full-bodied cup with natural crema and rich texture.
Pour the coffee immediately after plunging to avoid over-extraction — leaving it in contact with grounds too long can make it bitter.
The result? A flavorful, aromatic, and smooth cup of coffee that truly captures the bean’s essence.
| Brewing Method | Filter Type | Flavor Profile | Control Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Press | Metal mesh | Bold, full-bodied | High |
| Drip Coffee Maker | Paper filter | Clean, lighter | Medium |
| Espresso Machine | Pressure extraction | Concentrated, intense | Low (automated) |
| Pour-Over | Paper filter | Bright, delicate | High |
The French press gives you maximum flavor control with minimal effort — no electricity, no filters, just your coffee and technique.
Add coarsely ground coffee — about 1 part coffee to 13 parts water (1:13 ratio).
Pour hot water over the grounds and stir gently.
Cover and steep for 4–6 minutes, depending on strength preference.
Press slowly to separate grounds from brewed coffee.
Pour immediately into your cup or thermos.
That’s it — no complicated parts or timers needed.
No paper filters: Keeps natural coffee oils for better flavor.
Complete control: Adjust steep time and coffee ratio easily.
Environmentally friendly: Reusable design, no waste.
Portable and durable: Works anywhere — no power required.
Ideal for multiple brews: Can make both hot coffee and cold brew.
It’s a timeless, low-maintenance method trusted by coffee professionals and beginners alike.
Sellwell French presses are engineered with precision and quality for consistent extraction and effortless operation.
Borosilicate glass or double-wall stainless steel for temperature retention and durability.
High-density 304 stainless steel mesh filter for sediment-free, full-flavor coffee.
Ergonomic handle and secure plunger for smooth pressing.
Easy disassembly for thorough cleaning.
Available in multiple sizes — perfect for single servings or cafés.
Each design focuses on maximizing flavor while ensuring ease of use and safety.
To keep your French press in perfect condition:
Rinse after every use to remove oils and grounds.
Deep-clean weekly with mild soap or vinegar-water solution.
Avoid metal spoons that can scratch the mesh or glass.
Check the filter screen periodically and replace if worn.
Proper maintenance guarantees clean taste and extends your coffee maker’s life.
Not recommended — it clogs the filter and causes a gritty texture. Stick to coarse grind.
No — espresso requires high pressure. The French press produces a strong, full-bodied brew, not concentrated espresso.
Yes — simply steep coarse grounds in cold water for 12–18 hours and press as usual.
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Add coarse grounds | Full-bodied flavor |
| 2 | Pour hot water | Begin extraction |
| 3 | Steep 4–6 minutes | Control strength |
| 4 | Press slowly | Separate grounds |
| 5 | Serve immediately | Prevent bitterness |
A French press coffee maker works through immersion and filtration — steeping coffee grounds in hot water, then pressing them through a fine mesh to separate liquid from grounds. The result is a rich, aromatic cup that retains natural oils and flavor complexity.
For the best results, use a high-quality French press from Sellwell — crafted with heat-resistant materials, precision mesh filters, and ergonomic designs that bring professional brewing quality to every kitchen.
Whether you enjoy it strong, smooth, or cold, the French press remains one of the most authentic and rewarding ways to experience coffee.
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