A French press makes rich, full-bodied coffee by steeping coarse grounds directly in hot water, then pressing them out. There is no paper filter, so more of the coffee's oils stay in the cup. Once you learn the ratio and timing, it is one of the simplest ways to brew.
What you'll need
- A French press
- Coarsely ground coffee
- A kettle
- Hot water just off the boil
- A spoon
- A timer
Step by step
- Heat the waterBoil water and let it settle for a moment to around 200 degrees Fahrenheit (about 93 Celsius), just off the boil.
- Add coarse groundsAdd coarsely ground coffee to the empty press, using roughly 1 gram of coffee per 15 to 17 grams of water, or about 2 tablespoons per 8 ounces.
- Pour and stirPour in the hot water to fully saturate the grounds, give it a gentle stir, and start a timer.
- Steep four minutesSet the lid on with the plunger up and let it steep for about 4 minutes.
- Press slowlyPush the plunger down slowly and evenly to trap the grounds at the bottom without forcing them through.
- Pour right awayPour all the coffee out promptly so it does not keep steeping and turn bitter, then serve.
Handy tips
- Use a coarse, even grind; fine grounds slip past the filter and make the coffee muddy and bitter.
- Pour out the full pot after pressing, since leaving coffee on the grounds over-extracts it.
- Preheat the press with a little hot water for a more consistent brew temperature.
Heads up
- Press the plunger slowly; pushing too hard on a stuck plunger can cause hot coffee to spurt out the top.
FAQ
How long should French press coffee steep?
About 4 minutes is the common target. Steeping longer makes it stronger and can turn it bitter, while too short leaves it weak.
What grind should I use?
A coarse grind, roughly the texture of sea salt. Finer grinds pass through the metal filter and leave sediment and bitterness.
What is the coffee-to-water ratio?
A good starting point is about 1 part coffee to 15 to 17 parts water by weight, then adjust to taste.