A French press is one of the most popular and simple ways to brew coffee, offering a full-bodied cup with deep aroma and texture. Traditionally, it uses a built-in metal mesh filter to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee. However, many people now prefer to use an additional filter to achieve a cleaner cup, reduce fine sediments, and highlight subtle flavors.
Whether you use a paper filter, metal mesh, or both, mastering the right brewing process ensures a smoother, richer, and more balanced taste. With a SELLWELL French Press coffee maker, you can combine traditional immersion brewing with modern filtration techniques for the best results.
A standard French press allows small coffee particles and natural oils to pass through the mesh screen, creating a heavy mouthfeel. Adding a paper filter helps trap these fine particles, resulting in a smoother, cleaner brew while preserving the coffee’s natural sweetness.
Some coffee drinkers dislike the fine silt that settles at the bottom of the cup. A paper or cloth filter can catch these micro grounds, leaving a clearer and grit-free coffee — ideal for serving guests or pairing with light roast beans.
Filters can slightly reduce the oils in coffee, softening strong flavors and bitterness. This adjustment enhances flavor balance, especially when brewing medium or dark roasts.
Used filters collect most of the grounds, making disposal quick and clean. It also keeps your French press mesh screen cleaner, prolonging its lifespan and reducing maintenance time.
You’ll need:
French press coffee maker (preferably SELLWELL’s stainless steel or glass model)
Freshly ground coffee (coarse grind)
Paper filter or metal filter disc
Hot water (90–96°C / 195–205°F)
Digital scale and timer
Before starting, rinse your French press and filter with hot water to preheat them and remove any paper flavor residue.
A good starting point is a 1:15 ratio — one part coffee to fifteen parts water.
For example:
30 g of coffee for 450 mL of water
40 g of coffee for 600 mL of water
Measure accurately with a scale to maintain consistency and flavor balance.
There are two ways to use a filter in your French press:
Option A: Filter Above the Plunger Mesh
Insert the paper or metal filter above the built-in mesh.
This provides double filtration for a cleaner cup.
Option B: Filter Inside the Spout (Before Pouring)
After brewing, pour the coffee through a paper filter placed in a dripper or funnel.
This method removes any remaining sediment after pressing.
Both options reduce fines and yield a smoother brew; the choice depends on how much body or clarity you prefer.
Add the ground coffee into your French press. Start your timer and pour in about half of the hot water, saturating all grounds evenly. Stir gently to ensure even extraction. Then pour in the remaining water.
Place the lid (and filter setup, if using Option A) onto the press to retain heat.
Let the coffee steep for 3.5–4 minutes. During this time, the hot water extracts the essential oils and aromatic compounds from the grounds. Avoid over-steeping, as this may cause bitterness.
If you prefer a lighter cup, reduce steeping time to 3 minutes; for a stronger brew, extend slightly but not beyond 5 minutes.
After steeping, press the plunger down slowly and evenly. The extra filter will add slight resistance, so press gently to avoid pushing grounds through the mesh.
Pour the brewed coffee into cups or a decanter right after pressing. Do not leave the coffee sitting in the French press, as continued contact with the grounds can make it bitter.
Dispose of the used paper filter (if used) and rinse the French press components thoroughly. A clean press ensures the next brew remains fresh and free from leftover oils or residue.
Use Fresh Beans: Coffee flavor begins to fade within weeks of roasting; always grind fresh before brewing.
Experiment with Filters: Try paper, metal, or even cloth filters to find the mouthfeel you prefer.
Adjust Grind Size: Too fine a grind clogs the filter and makes plunging hard; too coarse produces weak coffee.
Maintain Ideal Temperature: Water between 90–96°C extracts sweetness and aroma without overcooking the grounds.
Don’t Rush the Plunge: A slow, steady plunge ensures even pressure and prevents fines from slipping through.
Our french press coffee makers are designed for both traditional and filtered brewing. Whether you prefer bold richness or a refined clean cup, SELLWELL offers versatile features that support every brewing style:
Dual-Layer Filter Design: Fine mesh structure prevents sediments while maintaining rich texture.
Compatible with Paper Filters: Perfect fit for standard round paper filters to create a cleaner brew.
Durable Borosilicate Glass or Stainless Steel Body: Resistant to thermal shock and easy to clean.
Ergonomic Handle & Stable Base: Designed for comfortable pouring and professional presentation.
Easy Disassembly: All parts are detachable for effortless cleaning and long-term use.
By combining SELLWELL’s precision engineering with the correct filter technique, you can consistently brew café-quality coffee at home, in restaurants, or during travel.
Q1: Can I use paper filters with any French press?
Yes, most French presses can use paper filters as long as they fit under the lid or above the mesh plunger. SELLWELL models are compatible with common round paper filters.
Q2: Does adding a filter change the flavor?
Slightly. Paper filters remove some oils and fine particles, giving a lighter, cleaner taste compared to the full-bodied traditional brew.
Q3: Is a metal filter better than a paper one?
Metal filters preserve more natural oils for richer texture, while paper filters give clarity. You can even combine both to achieve a balanced result.
Q4: Do I need to change the brewing time when using a filter?
Usually no. The same 3.5–4-minute brew time works well. Just plunge more slowly since resistance increases slightly.
Q5: How often should I replace the French press filter?
Clean metal filters after every use and replace them if the mesh becomes loose or damaged. Paper filters are single-use for hygiene and consistency.
WhatsApp:
Phone:
Contact Now