Brewing coffee with a French press is one of the simplest yet most rewarding methods for achieving a rich, full-bodied flavor. However, the coffee-to-water ratio determines whether your coffee turns out bold, balanced, or bitter. Too much coffee leads to an overpowering taste, while too much water produces a weak, watery cup. Finding the perfect ratio allows every note of the beans to shine.
This guide explains the correct French press ratio, how to adjust it based on personal taste, and the small details that help you get the most out of your SELLWELL French Press coffee maker.
A French press uses immersion brewing, meaning coffee grounds stay in contact with hot water for several minutes. Because of this, precision in ratio is key to maintaining balance.
The general rule is a 1:15 to 1:17 coffee-to-water ratio, meaning for every 1 gram of coffee, use 15–17 grams (or milliliters) of water.
Here’s a simple reference table for various cup sizes:
| Desired Yield | Coffee (grams) | Water (ml) | Ratio | Flavor Intensity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Cup (250 ml) | 15 g | 250 ml | 1:16 | Balanced |
| 2 Cups (500 ml) | 30 g | 500 ml | 1:16 | Standard |
| 4 Cups (1 L) | 60 g | 1000 ml | 1:17 | Smooth |
| 6 Cups (1.5 L) | 90 g | 1500 ml | 1:16.5 | Medium-Strong |
This ratio works perfectly for medium roasts and most specialty coffee beans.
A kitchen scale ensures accuracy far better than scoops or spoons. One level tablespoon of ground coffee is roughly 5–7 grams, but density varies by roast type and grind size. Measuring by weight is always more consistent.
For the best extraction, grind your coffee coarsely, similar to sea salt. This prevents over-extraction and allows clean flavor development. Fresh grinding also ensures aromatic oils are retained for richer taste.
Boil the water, then let it cool for about 30 seconds to reach 90–96°C (195–205°F). Use filtered or clean drinking water for optimal taste. Measure water volume accurately using a scale or measuring cup before pouring.
Place the measured amount of coarsely ground coffee into your French press. For example, to brew 500 ml of coffee, add 30 g of coffee grounds.
Pour hot water evenly over the grounds. Start the timer immediately. Stir gently to ensure that all coffee is fully saturated.
Cover the French press with the lid and let it brew for about 4 minutes. If you prefer a lighter cup, reduce the steep time to 3.5 minutes. The balanced ratio ensures the brew stays smooth even with short adjustments.
After the steeping time, press the plunger down slowly and steadily. This helps separate the grounds without releasing fines that can cause bitterness.
Pour the coffee out right after plunging. Leaving it inside the French press will lead to over-extraction, even with a correct ratio.
Different people enjoy different coffee strengths. Here’s how to modify the ratio safely without losing balance:
| Taste Preference | Ratio | Example (for 500 ml water) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strong | 1:14 | 35 g coffee | Rich, bold, thicker body |
| Medium | 1:16 | 30 g coffee | Smooth, balanced flavor |
| Light | 1:18 | 27 g coffee | Milder taste, more clarity |
Tips:
Do not simply brew longer to make the coffee stronger — it increases bitterness.
Always adjust by changing the coffee weight, not the steep time.
If your coffee tastes too sour, slightly reduce the ratio (use more coffee).
Flavor Balance – The correct ratio ensures sugars, acids, and oils are evenly extracted.
Consistency – Using a scale creates a repeatable brewing experience every time.
Efficiency – You’ll use just the right amount of beans, reducing waste and saving cost.
Better Mouthfeel – With correct proportions, the natural oils in coffee produce a smooth and velvety body.
Temperature Control – The SELLWELL French Press’ durable borosilicate glass or stainless steel maintains stable temperature for ideal extraction.
Our french press coffee makers are designed with every ratio and brewing variable in mind:
Accurate Measurement Marks: Easy-to-read capacity lines help users follow any ratio precisely.
Heat-Retaining Body: Double-wall stainless steel or thick glass keeps water temperature stable.
Fine Mesh Filter: Prevents small grounds from entering the coffee, ensuring clean flavor.
Ergonomic Handle & Pour Spout: Makes serving easier and avoids spills.
Simple Maintenance: Detachable parts for easy cleaning, keeping each brew fresh and consistent.
Using SELLWELL equipment ensures your brewing variables — including ratio, temperature, and contact time — stay perfectly balanced, giving you professional-level coffee at home or in a café.
Q1: What is the most common French press ratio?
The most popular and well-balanced ratio is 1:16, suitable for most medium roast coffees.
Q2: How do I make stronger French press coffee without bitterness?
Use a 1:14 ratio but maintain the same 4-minute brewing time. This keeps flavor full without over-extraction.
Q3: Can I use the same ratio for cold brew in a French press?
Cold brew requires a higher ratio, usually around 1:8, because it brews for 12–16 hours.
Q4: How does grind size affect the ratio?
A finer grind extracts faster, so you may need a higher water ratio (1:17 or 1:18). Coarse grinds work best with 1:15–1:16.
Q5: Why does my ratio taste different each time?
Inconsistent grind size or water temperature can alter extraction. Always measure coffee and water accurately using a scale for repeatable results.
Perfecting your French press coffee ratio is the foundation of great brewing. With a clear understanding of the 1:15–1:17 guideline, accurate measurement, and steady temperature, anyone can enjoy a balanced, aromatic cup of coffee.
By pairing this technique with a SELLWELL French Press Coffee Maker, you ensure precision, durability, and a consistently smooth result every time.
Experiment, adjust slightly to your preference, and you’ll quickly find your perfect cup ratio — full-bodied, flavorful, and never bitter.
WhatsApp:
Phone:
Contact Now