How to Use a French Press | The Complete Beginner's Guide to Better Coffee
A French press is one of the simplest ways to brew rich, full-bodied coffee. Unlike paper-filter brewing methods, a French press allows the coffee's natural oils and flavors to remain in your cup, producing a bold and satisfying brew.
If you're new to French press coffee, don't worry. Once you understand a few basic principles, you'll be making café-quality coffee at home in just a few minutes.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What You'll Need to Make French Press Coffee
Before you begin, gather the following:
- French press
- Fresh coffee beans (whole beans recommended)
- Coffee grinder (if using whole beans)
- Kettle
- Digital kitchen scale
- Spoon or stirrer
- Timer
While you can brew with pre-ground coffee, freshly grinding your beans immediately before brewing produces significantly better flavor and aroma.
10 Easy Steps to Make the Best French Press Coffee
Step 1: Use the Right Grind Size
Grind size is one of the biggest factors affecting your coffee. While using a hand bur grinder will provide the most consistent results, you can use an electric grinder as well.
For a French press, use a coarse grind that resembles coarse sea salt.
If the grind is too fine:
- Coffee becomes bitter.
- More sediment ends up in your cup.
- The plunger becomes difficult to press.
If it's too coarse:
- Coffee may taste weak or under-extracted.
Step 2: Measure Your Coffee
Consistency starts with accurate measurements.
A great starting point is a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio.
For a 1000 ml French press:
- Coffee: ~65 grams
- Water: 1000 ml
While a scoop will get you very close to the proper amount of grounds, however a kitchen scale provides the most accurate results for the proper amount of grounds.
Here are a few common recipes:
| Standard 8oz Cups of Coffee | Water (ml) | Water (cups) | Coffee Weight (g) | 30ml Flat Scoops | 30ml Round Scoops |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 250 | 1.5 | 16 | 1.75 | 1.25 |
| 2 | 500 | 2 | 33 | 3.5 | 2.75 |
| 3 | 750 | 3 | 49 | 5.25 | 4 |
| 4 | 1000 | 4.25 | 65 | 7 | 5.5 |
Step 3: Heat the Water
The ideal water temperature is 195–205°F (90–96°C).
If you've just boiled your water, let it sit for about 45 seconds before pouring.
Water that's too hot can produce bitterness, while cooler water may leave your coffee tasting flat.
Step 4: Add the Coffee
Place the coarse-ground coffee into the empty French press.
Gently shake the press so the grounds settle into an even layer across the bottom.
Step 5: Pour the Water
Start by pouring enough hot water to fully saturate the grounds.
Wait about 30 seconds to allow the coffee to bloom. During this stage, trapped carbon dioxide escapes, improving extraction.
After blooming, slowly pour in the remaining water.
Step 6: Stir Gently
Using a spoon or stirring paddle, give the coffee a gentle stir to ensure all of the grounds are evenly saturated.
Avoid vigorous stirring, which can over-agitate the coffee.
Step 7: Steep
Set the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled all the way up.
Do not press the plunger yet.
Allow the coffee to steep for 4 minutes.
If you prefer a stronger cup, experiment with brewing for up to 6 minutes.
Step 8: Break The Crust
Remove the top and gently stir the surface grounds. Let settle 30 seconds and replace the top.
Step 9: Press Slowly
Slowly press the plunger down slowly using steady pressure.
The plunge should take approximately 10-15 seconds.
If you have to force the plunger down, your coffee is likely ground too finely.
Step 10: Serve Immediately
Once brewing is complete, pour the coffee into your favorite mug with any dairy or sweetener additives to help you enjoy your cup to the fullest.
Leaving brewed coffee sitting on the pressed grounds can cause it to become increasingly bitter over time. If you plan to let it sit more than an hour it is recommended to pour coffee into a separate container.
Common French Press Mistakes
Using Fine Coffee Grounds
Fine grounds produce muddy coffee, make pressing difficult, and cause more bitter flavor.
Always choose a coarse grind when possible. Store ground coffee will brew, but it may be more bitter and have more sediment.
Guessing Measurements
Using a scale produces far more consistent coffee than measuring by scoops alone. But if you aren't very particular, scoops will work just fine for the average user.
Boiling Water
Boiling water can scorch coffee and create bitterness.
Aim for 195–205°F instead. This is best achieved by boiling water first, and then letting sit around 45 sec after boiling has stopped.
Brewing Too Long
Brewing significantly longer than four or five minutes often results in over-extraction.
Leaving Coffee in the Press
Once brewing is finished, drinking the coffee within 10 minutes will maintain the best flavor. Letting it sit longer will not ruin your coffee, although it may be stronger and more bitter.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Press Coffee
How long should coffee steep in a French press?
Four minutes is an excellent starting point. Adjust slightly to match your preferred strength.
What grind size works best?
A coarse grind roughly the size of sea salt produces the cleanest, most balanced cup.
Can I use pre-ground coffee?
Yes, although freshly ground coffee generally produces noticeably better results as store bought pre-ground coffee is usually finer than recommended. If pre-grinding whole bean coffee is store have it ground to French press standards.
How often should I clean my French press?
If using daily you can rinse it after every use and perform a more thorough cleaning weekly to remove coffee oils that can affect flavor. If letting it sit for longer than a daily it is best to clean every time.
Final Thoughts on How to Properly Use a French Press
Brewing exceptional coffee with a French press doesn't require expensive equipment or years of experience. By using fresh coffee, a coarse grind, the proper water temperature, and consistent measurements, you can enjoy rich, flavorful coffee every day.
If you're looking for a premium brewing experience, the BREVIK French Press Kit combines a double-wall insulated stainless steel French press with thoughtfully selected accessories to help you brew consistently great coffee from the very first cup.