You can make coffee with a french press in just a few steps. You combine coarse grounds with hot water, let it steep, and press the plunger down. Most people forget to wait for the water to cool, or they use the wrong grind size, which can make coffee taste bitter or sour. Only 6% of Americans use this method. If you make coffee with a french press, you get a stronger brew because the grounds soak in water longer. This way of making coffee can raise LDL cholesterol, so you might want to switch to filtered methods if you drink a lot. You just need to warm the press, measure the coffee and water, stir, steep, and press. Anyone can make coffee with this simple technique.
Key Takeaways
Use coarsely ground coffee for the best flavor. A grind that feels gritty prevents bitterness and sourness.
Get the coffee-to-water ratio right. Start with 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water, or try a 1:15 ratio for balanced taste.
Let your coffee steep for 4 minutes for optimal flavor. Adjust steeping time for stronger or lighter coffee.
Prepare to make coffee
Coffee and grind size
You want to start with the right coffee beans. Choose a roast you enjoy—dark roasts give you a bold taste, while medium roasts let you taste more of the bean’s natural flavors. If you like exploring, single origin beans can offer unique notes in your french press. Always use a medium to coarse grind. This means the grounds should feel gritty, not powdery. The ideal grind size ranges from 690 to 1300 microns. A coarse grind helps you avoid bitterness and keeps your coffee from tasting muddy. If the grind is too fine, your french press coffee may turn out bitter. Too coarse, and you’ll get a weak, sour cup.
Tip: Grinding your beans fresh right before brewing gives you the best flavor.
Coffee-to-water ratio
Getting the ratio right makes a big difference. Most people start with 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water, but you can use weight for more accuracy. A good starting point is a 1:15 ratio—one part coffee to fifteen parts water. If you want a stronger cup, try a 1:12 ratio. Here’s a quick guide:
Taste Profile | |
|---|---|
1:12 | Strong, creamy, and rich |
1:15 | Balanced, with pleasant acidity and subtle flavors |
Adjust the ratio to match your taste. More coffee means a bolder brew in your french press.
Heat water
Heat your water to about 201°F (94°C). Don’t use boiling water, since it can scorch the grounds and make your french press coffee bitter. Preheat your french press by pouring in hot water and swirling it around. This step keeps your brew hot and helps with extraction. Good water quality matters too—filtered water brings out the best flavors.
Boil extra water for preheating.
Pour hot water into your french press, swirl, and discard.
Heat fresh water to the right temperature for brewing.
Now you’re ready to brew with your french press!
Brew with a french press
Add coffee and water
You have your warm french press ready. Now, add your measured coffee grounds to the bottom. For a standard 34-ounce french press, use about 8 tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee. If you want to be precise, weigh out 56 grams. Pour hot water over the grounds, filling the press halfway at first. Make sure all the grounds get wet. This step helps the coffee bloom and releases the best flavors.
Let the coffee sit for about 30 seconds. You might see bubbles form on top. That’s carbon dioxide escaping, which is a good sign. After the bloom, pour in the rest of the hot water until you reach the top line of your french press. Place the lid on, but don’t press down yet.
Tip: Use water just off the boil for lighter roasts. Let it cool a bit for dark roasts to avoid bitterness.
Stir and steep
Grab a spoon or a chopstick and gently stir the coffee-water mix. Stirring helps every ground get soaked, which means you’ll get a more even extraction and a tastier cup. If you skip this, your french pressed coffee might taste weak or uneven.
Here’s a quick look at how stirring changes your brew:
Method Used | Extraction Consistency | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
Stirring before plunging | More consistent | More body and complexity |
No stirring | Less consistent | Weaker, more vegetal taste |
Now, let your coffee steep. Set a timer for 4 minutes. This is the sweet spot for most people. If you like a stronger brew, you can let it go for up to 6 minutes. For a lighter cup, stop at 3 or 4 minutes. The steeping time controls how much flavor you pull from the grounds. Too long, and your coffee can turn bitter. Too short, and it might taste sour or watery.
Note: The french press method uses immersion brewing, which gives you a full-bodied, rich cup.
Press and serve
When your timer goes off, it’s time to press. Hold the lid with one hand and slowly push the plunger down with the other. Don’t rush this step. Pressing too fast can force grounds through the mesh and make your coffee gritty. A slow, steady press keeps the grounds at the bottom and gives you a clean cup.
Pour your french pressed coffee right away. If you leave it sitting with the grounds, it will keep brewing and might get too strong or bitter. Serve and enjoy your fresh brew!
Tips for french pressed coffee
Want to make your french press coffee even better? Try these tips:
Use a scale to measure coffee and water for perfect ratios every time.
Clean your french press after each use. Take it apart and rinse all the pieces to avoid old coffee flavors.
If your coffee tastes bitter, try a coarser grind or a shorter steep time. If it’s weak, use a finer grind or let it brew a bit longer.
Good water makes a big difference. If your tap water tastes funny, use filtered water.
Experiment with different coffee beans and roast levels to find your favorite flavor.
For a less silty cup, let the coffee rest for a minute after pressing before pouring.
Pro tip: The quality of your french press doesn’t matter as much as your technique. Even a basic model can make amazing coffee if you follow these steps.
With these steps, you can brew a delicious cup of french pressed coffee every time. Enjoy the process and make it your own!
You can make a perfect french press coffee every time if you follow these steps:
Grind your beans coarsely.
Add coffee to your french press.
Pour hot water, stir, and let it steep.
Press and serve.
Use a checklist to remember grind size, ratio, and timing. Try different variables with your french press to find your favorite taste. Enjoy the process and make each french press cup your own!
FAQ
How do you clean a French press?
You should take it apart and rinse all the pieces. Use warm water and a little soap. Dry everything before putting it back together.
Can you use regular ground coffee in a French press?
You can, but it works best with coarse grounds. Regular coffee is usually too fine and can make your cup gritty.
Why does my French press coffee taste bitter?
Try using a coarser grind or steeping for less time.
Tip: Water that is too hot can also cause bitterness.
