How to Brew French Press Coffee
How’s it going? Hope the coffee is flowing! Today I’m sharing how to brew French Press coffee, the exact method I use to get a rich, flavorful cup every time. The French Press is one of my favorite brewing methods because it produces bold flavor and is easy to make once you get the hang of it. In this guide, I’ll walk you step-by-step through my French Press coffee brewing process so you can consistently make a great cup at home.
My French Press Coffee Brewing Setup
I use a simple 45 oz Bayka French Press similar to this one. It is a great size for brewing multiple cups at once. I recommend using at least a 45 oz French Press to allow you to make coffee for guests or brew large batches.
You will also want a high-quality burr grinder, such as the Baratza Encore, which is what I use. A high quality electric tea kettle, like this Cosori Gooseneck Kettle will help with your pour and temperature control. If you are just starting out a budget option like this Amazon Electric Kettle will do the trick.
How to Brew French Press Coffee
Step 1: Measure and Grind
One of the most important parts of brewing great French Press coffee is the water-to-coffee ratio. I follow this simple rule:
1 tablespoon of beans per 4 oz of coffee
This ratio works well for most beans, but you can always adjust it depending on how strong you like your coffee.
When reviewing coffee, I usually brew 8 oz at a time so I can focus on flavor while still having enough coffee to experiment with. I currently use a Baratza Encore for grinding, set at 28 for a coarse grind. A coarse grind is crucial for French press brewing as it prevents grounds from passing through the filter and ensures a smooth, well-extracted cup.
Step 2: Prepare the Water
I love my Cosori Gooseneck Kettle, the built in temperature controls are convenient and the water temperature is consistent each time I use it. Brewing between 195°F and 205°F extracts the best flavor without burning the coffee.
For the best taste, try to use filtered water whenever possible. When I’m reviewing coffee beans, I typically use reverse osmosis water for consistency. This AquaTru Countertop RO System is a great option if you do not have a built-in filter.
Step 3: Pour and Stir
Slowly pour the hot water over the coffee grounds in the French press.
After pouring, gently stir the mixture for about 30 seconds to make sure all the grounds are fully saturated.
If you’re using a glass French press, I recommend stirring with a wooden spoon to avoid damaging the glass.
Step 4: Brew and Press
Two factors determine the strength of your French Press coffee:
- Grind size
- Brew time
For most French press brewing, you should aim for 4–5 minutes of brew time. I personally prefer a stronger cup, so I usually let my coffee brew for 5 minutes.
Once your brew time is complete slowly press the plunger down, using the last 30 seconds of your brew time. Pour immediately to avoid over-extraction.
Step 5 (the best step): Enjoy
Now the best part, enjoy your freshly brewed cup of French press coffee.
This brewing method produces a cup that is:
- Rich
- Smooth
- Packed with natural coffee oils for flavor
This method gives you a consistent brewing process so you can focus on the flavor profile of the coffee itself.
Tips for Better French Press Coffee
If you want to improve your results even more, try these tips:
- Use freshly roasted whole bean coffee
- Grind the beans right before brewing
- Use filtered water
- Stick with a coarse grind
- Pour the coffee immediately after pressing
Final Thoughts
Learning how to brew French press coffee properly only takes a few minutes, but the results can dramatically improve the quality of your daily coffee. With the right grind size, brew time, and water temperature, the French press method produces one of the most flavorful cups of coffee you can make at home.
As always, stay up to date with my latest coffee reviews and adventures by following me on Instagram and Facebook to get notified whenever new content drops!
