A French press coffee maker is one of the simplest yet most rewarding ways to brew coffee. Its design is elegant, and the process is entirely manual — giving you full control over flavor, strength, and aroma. However, to make truly excellent French press coffee, you need to follow each step with precision.
Whether you’re new to brewing or looking to refine your technique, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to use your SELLWELL French Press Coffee Maker to achieve smooth, rich, and aromatic coffee every time.
Before you start, make sure you have everything ready:
You’ll need:
A SELLWELL French Press Coffee Maker (glass or stainless steel)
Freshly roasted coffee beans
coffee grinder (preferably burr type)
Hot water (90–96°C / 195–205°F)
Digital scale or measuring spoon
Timer
Stirring spoon (non-metal recommended)
Having all items within reach ensures a smooth brewing process and consistent results.
The right ratio is key to balanced flavor. The recommended coffee-to-water ratio is between 1:15 and 1:17.
| Desired Strength | Coffee | Water | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strong | 35 g | 500 ml | 1:14 |
| Medium | 30 g | 500 ml | 1:16 |
| Light | 28 g | 500 ml | 1:18 |
Use a digital scale for accuracy. This ensures your coffee is consistent every time, regardless of bean type or roast level.
Grind your beans coarsely, about the size of sea salt crystals. A coarse grind allows water to flow freely between the particles, leading to a full-bodied but clean cup.
Why coarse grind matters:
Prevents over-extraction and bitterness.
Stops fine particles from passing through the mesh filter.
Makes plunging smoother and easier.
Use a burr grinder to ensure even grind size.
Pour hot water into the French press and swirl it around to preheat the carafe. Then discard the water.
Purpose of preheating:
Keeps brewing temperature stable.
Prevents sudden cooling that can cause flat flavor.
Helps extract more sweetness and aroma from the coffee.
SELLWELL french press coffee makers, made of heat-resistant borosilicate glass or insulated stainless steel, hold temperature effectively during brewing.
Place your freshly ground coffee into the empty French press. Gently shake or tap the press to level the coffee bed.
Tip:
Make sure the grounds sit evenly at the bottom — this helps ensure even saturation later.
Start by pouring a small amount of hot water — just enough to cover the grounds (about twice the coffee’s weight). Let it bloom for 30 seconds.
What is blooming?
Blooming allows trapped gases (like CO₂) to escape from the coffee grounds. This improves extraction and gives your brew a stronger, cleaner flavor.
After blooming, slowly pour in the remaining hot water until you reach the total amount needed. Use circular motions to ensure all grounds are soaked.
Then, gently stir with a spoon or stick to mix the coffee evenly. Avoid aggressive stirring — you just want all the grounds to be fully immersed.
Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled up. Let the coffee steep for 3.5 to 4 minutes.
| Steep Time | Result |
|---|---|
| 3 minutes | Lighter, brighter flavor |
| 4 minutes | Balanced and rich |
| 5 minutes | Stronger and darker |
During steeping, the hot water extracts the oils, sugars, and acids from the coffee grounds, forming the deep, aromatic flavor that defines French press coffee.
After steeping, press the plunger down slowly and evenly. Use steady pressure — it should take about 15–20 seconds to reach the bottom.
Avoid these mistakes:
Don’t press too fast — it stirs up fine particles and causes bitterness.
Don’t force the plunger — it should move smoothly if the grind is correct.
The precision plunger system in SELLWELL French Press Coffee Makers is engineered for easy, stable pressing, ensuring a clean separation of coffee and grounds.
Once pressed, pour your coffee into cups or a separate carafe right away. If you leave it sitting in the French press, it will continue to extract and become bitter.
Serving Tip:
If you’re not drinking all the coffee immediately, pour the remainder into a thermal carafe to keep it warm without over-brewing.
Proper cleaning keeps your coffee tasting fresh and prevents rancid oils from building up.
How to clean:
Discard used grounds (they make great compost).
Disassemble the filter and plunger.
Rinse all parts with warm water.
Use mild soap if needed.
Dry thoroughly before reassembly.
SELLWELL’s removable stainless-steel mesh filter and smooth interior design make cleaning effortless.
Use filtered water: Enhances flavor and prevents mineral buildup.
Experiment with timing: Try slightly shorter or longer steep times to find your ideal strength.
Warm your cups: Keeps coffee hot longer and maintains flavor stability.
Skim the surface before pressing: Removing floating grounds makes the brew cleaner.
Adjust ratio for different roasts: Light roasts may need a slightly higher ratio (1:15).
Our French Press Coffee Makers are designed to make every step easier and more precise:
Fine stainless-steel mesh filter for smooth, sediment-free coffee.
Double-wall insulation to keep coffee hot for longer.
Ergonomic handle and stable base for comfortable, safe pouring.
Durable materials — borosilicate glass or premium stainless steel.
Easy disassembly and cleaning, perfect for daily use.
Every SELLWELL French press combines function, durability, and modern style — helping you brew professional-level coffee right at home.
Q1: How long should I brew French press coffee?
About 4 minutes is ideal for balanced flavor. Adjust by ±30 seconds depending on your taste.
Q2: Why is my coffee bitter?
It’s usually over-extracted — either the grind is too fine or you let it steep too long. Use coarse grounds and stick to 4 minutes.
Q3: Can I use pre-ground coffee?
Yes, but it’s better to grind fresh. Pre-ground coffee tends to be too fine and can make your brew cloudy.
Q4: Should I stir before plunging?
Yes. A gentle stir after the first pour helps distribute grounds evenly for better extraction.
Q5: Can I make cold brew with a French press?
Absolutely. Combine coarse coffee with cold water and steep in the refrigerator for 12–16 hours before pressing.
Using a French press coffee maker is as much an art as it is a method. By mastering each step — from grind size and ratio to brewing time and pressing technique — you can enjoy coffee that’s richer, smoother, and more flavorful than anything from a machine.
With a SELLWELL French Press Coffee Maker, you’ll enjoy perfect control, elegant design, and consistent results every time. Once you follow this step-by-step guide, making exceptional coffee becomes part of your daily ritual — simple, satisfying, and truly enjoyable.
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