How to Make French Press Coffee | Brewing Guide
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French press coffee is known for its deep body, bold flavor, and satisfying texture.
Unlike paper-filter methods, French press brewing allows natural oils and fine particles to remain in the cup — creating a heavier, richer mouthfeel that showcases the full character of the bean.
Why It Stands Out
Body, Richness & Full Immersion
French press uses full immersion extraction — grounds steep directly in hot water with no paper filter to strip away oils. The result is a cup with more body, more texture, and deeper flavor than most other methods. It's especially effective for showcasing medium roasts and dark roasts with chocolate, earthy, and nutty notes.
Ratio & Grind Guide
French Press at a Glance
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Grind Size | Coarse (like sea salt) |
| Ratio | 1:15 (coffee to water) |
| Steep Time | 4 minutes |
| Water Temp | 195–205°F (just off boil) |
Instructions
Step-by-Step French Press
1. Preheat Your Press — Add hot water to the empty French press, swirl, and discard. This keeps your brew temperature stable.
2. Grind Coarse — Use a coarse grind, similar to sea salt. Too fine and you'll get a muddy, over-extracted cup.
3. Add Coffee — Add your measured grounds to the press. A standard 8-cup French press uses about 55g of coffee.
4. Pour and Bloom — Pour just enough water to saturate the grounds (about 2x the coffee weight). Wait 30 seconds for the bloom.
5. Fill and Steep — Pour in the remaining water, place the lid on with the plunger pulled up, and steep for 4 minutes.
6. Press Slowly — Apply gentle, even pressure on the plunger. Pressing too fast stirs up sediment and muddies the cup.
7. Pour Immediately — Don't let the coffee sit in the press after plunging — it will continue to extract and turn bitter.
Common mistakes to avoid: Grind too fine · Steeping too long · Pressing too fast · Leaving coffee in the press after plunging · Using water that's too hot
Best Coffees for French Press
Bold, Rich & Built for Immersion
French press rewards full-bodied, flavorful beans. These are our top picks for a rich, satisfying press.
Sumatra — Bold, earthy, and deeply satisfying
Guatemala — Rich, chocolatey, and beautifully balanced
French Roast — Deep, dark, and boldly expressive
House Blend — Your everyday coffee, perfected
Shop All CoffeesMethod Comparison
French Press vs Other Brewing Methods
French press — Body, richness, fuller mouthfeel
Pour over — Clarity, brightness, clean finish
Espresso — Intensity, concentration, crema