French Press Coffee Guide
Rich, full-bodied, and simple. The classic immersion brewing method for bold coffee lovers.
What is French Press?
French press (also called a press pot or plunger pot) is an immersion brewing method. Coffee grounds steep in hot water for several minutes, then a metal mesh filter is pressed down to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee.
Unlike paper-filtered methods, French press allows oils and fine particles to remain in the cup. This creates a full-bodied, rich coffee with a distinctive mouthfeel that many find satisfying and comforting.
French press is forgiving, requires no paper filters, and produces consistently good results - making it an excellent choice for home brewing.
Quick Reference
Grind Size: Coarse
Ratio: 1:15 (coffee:water)
Water Temp: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
Brew Time: 4:00 minutes
Best Roasts: Medium Med-Dark
Step-by-Step Guide
The James Hoffmann method for the best French press
1. Preheat & Grind
Preheat your French press with hot water. Grind 30g of coffee coarsely (like sea salt). Discard the preheat water.
2. Add Coffee & Water
Add grounds to the empty press. Pour 500g of water (just off boil) over the grounds, saturating all of them. Start your timer.
3. Wait 4 Minutes
Let the coffee steep untouched for 4 minutes. Don't stir or agitate during this time.
4. Break the Crust
After 4 minutes, use a spoon to break the crust of grounds floating on top. Stir gently, then scoop off the foam and floating grounds.
5. Wait Again
Wait another 5-8 minutes. This allows fine particles to settle to the bottom, reducing sediment in your cup.
6. Plunge & Pour
Press the plunger down gently - just to the surface, not to the bottom. Pour slowly and stop before the last bit to avoid sediment.
Roast Recommendations
French press excels with medium to dark roasts
Medium Roast
Excellent pairing. The full immersion brings out caramel sweetness and chocolate notes with satisfying body.
Learn MoreMedium-Dark
Classic combination. Rich, bold flavors with spicy notes and the full body French press is known for.
Learn MoreDark Roast
Works well for those who love bold coffee. Intense, smoky flavors with thick mouthfeel.
Learn MoreRecommended Equipment
Quality French press options and accessories
Bodum Chambord
The classic French press design. Durable stainless steel frame with heat-resistant borosilicate glass.
View on AmazonEspro P7 Press
Premium French press with double micro-filter. Dramatically reduces sediment for a cleaner cup.
View on AmazonFellow Clara Press
Modern design with enhanced filtration and vacuum insulation to keep coffee hot longer.
View on AmazonTimemore C2 Grinder
Affordable hand grinder that produces consistent coarse grinds perfect for French press.
View on AmazonTips for Better French Press
Grind Coarse Enough
Too fine a grind leads to over-extraction and excessive sediment. Aim for a consistency like sea salt or breadcrumbs.
Don't Press to the Bottom
Pressing all the way down stirs up sediment. Stop just at the surface to keep grounds at the bottom.
Decant Immediately
Coffee left in the French press continues extracting. Pour all coffee out right after brewing to avoid bitterness.
Clean Thoroughly
Disassemble and clean the filter regularly. Old coffee oils go rancid and affect flavor.