The French press is the most forgiving way to make a rich, full-bodied cup. There's no paper filter, so more of the coffee's natural oils end up in your mug. Here's how to get it right every time.
What you need
- A French press
- Coarse ground coffee (or whole beans ground coarse)
- Hot water, about 195 to 205°F
- A spoon and a timer
The numbers
The National Coffee Association recommends a coffee-to-water ratio between 1:10 and 1:16 for French press, water at about 93°C (around 200°F), and roughly 4 minutes of contact time. We like 1:15 as a starting point: 30 grams of coffee to 450 grams (about 15 ounces) of water.
Step by step
- Heat the water. Bring it to a boil, then let it rest about 30 seconds.
- Add the coffee. Put the coarse grounds in the empty press.
- Bloom. Pour just enough water to wet the grounds and wait 30 seconds. This lets trapped gas escape.
- Pour the rest. Add the remaining water and give it a gentle stir.
- Steep. Put the lid on with the plunger up and wait until the 4 minute mark.
- Press slowly. Push the plunger down with steady, light pressure.
- Pour right away. Coffee left sitting on the grounds keeps extracting and turns bitter.
Fixing common problems
- Bitter or harsh: grind coarser or shorten the steep by 30 seconds.
- Weak or sour: use a little more coffee or steep a bit longer.
- Gritty: the grind is too fine. Coarse grind is a must for a clean cup.
Best Haluan coffees for French press
Full-bodied coffees shine here. Try 6 Bean Blend in coarse grind for a bold house cup, or browse every coarse grind coffee.
FAQ
Can I use pre-ground drip coffee in a French press?
It works in a pinch, but the finer grind slips through the screen and can taste bitter. Coarse grind gives a cleaner, smoother cup.
How much coffee for one mug?
For a 12 ounce mug, use about 24 grams of coarse grind, roughly 4 to 5 level tablespoons.
Can I make cold brew in a French press?
Yes. See our cold brew guide.
