How to Brew French Press Coffee

A cozy classic with big flavor and zero fuss.

If you like your coffee full-bodied, rich, and just a little rustic, the French press might be your perfect match. It’s simple, sturdy, and satisfying. No paper filters, no fancy gear—just hot water, great coffee, and a few minutes of your time.

Because the French press uses a metal mesh filter instead of paper, more of the coffee’s natural oils and tiny flavor-rich particles make it into your cup. The result? A brew that’s round, bold, and deeply layered—especially if you’re working with a medium-dark or darker roast. Here’s how we like to do it.

What You’ll Need

A French press

A spoon or stir stick

A kettle

A scale (optional, but helpful)

35 oz / 1,000 ml of hot water (about 200°F)

2.5 oz / 75 g of coarse-ground coffee (we’re happy to grind it for you)

Note: If you don’t have a scale we recommend you start with about 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 oz of water. Dial it in to match your taste.

Step-by-Step

1. Warm the Press

Pour some hot water into your empty French press to preheat it. This keeps your brew temperature stable and helps unlock all those rich, complex flavors. While it warms, grind your coffee nice and coarse—think sea salt. Then discard the warm-up water.

2. Add the Grounds

Add your fresh grounds to the empty carafe. A good baseline is 1 part coffee to 15 parts water, so if you tweak the batch size, just keep that ratio in mind.

3. Bloom (Optional, But Worth It)

Start by pouring just enough water to saturate all the grounds—about twice their weight in water. Let them sit for 30 seconds. This “bloom” phase helps release trapped CO₂ and allows for a cleaner, more even extraction.

4. Fill It Up 

Pour the rest of your hot water slowly and evenly, ensure all the ground are wet. 

5. Let It Steep

Set a timer for 4 minutes and walk away, at 4 minutes, break the crust agitating it gently, put on the lid and wait another 4 minutes. 

6. Press & Pour

Once time’s up, press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Don’t rush it. Pour your coffee right away into a mug or carafe—leaving it in the press too long will over-extract it and bring out bitterness.

Pro Tips

• Too strong? Add a splash of hot water after brewing.
  

• Too weak? Next time, use more coffee or let it steep a touch longer.
  

• Want to enjoy it later? Transfer to a thermos or pitcher—don’t leave it in the press.
  

• Leftovers? Store in the fridge for a smooth iced coffee tomorrow.
  
  

FAQs

What grind size should I use?

Coarse—like breadcrumbs or kosher salt. Anything finer can clog the filter and over-extract the coffee.

Can I use pre-ground coffee?

Sure—but make sure it’s ground for the French press.

Is preheating really necessary?

Yes. Warm gear means better temperature stability, and that means better coffee.