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Brewing Coffee with a French Press: A Beginner’s Guide

French Press

The French press is a timeless tool for crafting rich, full-bodied coffee. Whether you’re a coffee newbie or just looking to master this classic method, this guide will walk you through the process with ease. Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Need

French press (any size, but a 350–500ml model is ideal for beginners)
Coarse-ground coffee (freshly ground beans work best)
Hot water (just off the boil, around 93–96°C / 200–205°F)
Timer (your phone works perfectly)
Spoon or stirrer (wooden or metal)
Mug (preheated to keep your coffee warm)

Step 1: Heat the Water

Start by boiling water. If you don’t have a thermometer, simply bring water to a rolling boil, then let it sit for 30 seconds to cool slightly. This ensures the optimal temperature for extraction without scalding the coffee.

Step 2: Prep Your French Press

While the water cools, preheat your French press. Add a splash of hot water, swirl it around, and discard. This keeps your brew warm and avoids temperature shocks.

Step 3: Measure and Add Coffee

For a standard 350ml press, use 30 grams of coffee (about 4 tablespoons).

Adjust based on your taste: more coffee for stronger brew, less for milder. Use The Coffee Calculator to help get the right coffee-to-water ratio for your French Press recipe.

Grind size matters – aim for medium-coarse grind, like sea salt, to avoid sludge in your cup.

Step 4: Bloom the Coffee

Pour just enough water to saturate the grounds (roughly double the coffee’s weight).

Let it “bloom” for 30 seconds. This releases trapped gases and ensures even extraction.

Give it a gentle stir to break the crust that forms on top.

Step 5: Add Remaining Water and Steep

Fill the press to the top with hot water.

Place the lid on but don’t plunge yet. Set a timer for 4 minutes.

For a smoother cup, try the James Hoffmann method: let it steep for about 4-5 minutes, then skim off floating grounds before plunging.

Step 6: Plunge Slowly

After steeping, press the plunger down slowly and steadily.

If you meet resistance, lift slightly and try again. Rushing this step can stir up sediment, making your coffee gritty.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Pour your coffee into a mug right away. Leaving it in the press can over-extract the grounds, leading to bitterness.

Enjoy as is, or add milk/sweetener to taste!

Pro Tips for Better Coffee

Fresh beans: Grind just before brewing for maximum flavor.

Experiment: Adjust grind size, steep time, or ratios to suit your palate.

Clean thoroughly: Old oils and grounds can ruin future batches.