Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing with a French Press

by thecafehq Admin

The French press is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to brew coffee at home. With its rich, full-bodied flavor and simple process, it’s perfect for beginners who want a reliable daily brew. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step to get the most out of your French press.

☕ What You’ll Need

  • French press 🛒 Shop for french press here

  • Freshly ground coffee (coarse, like sea salt)

  • Hot water (just off the boil, ~93–96°C)

  • Digital scale (optional but recommended)

  • Spoon or paddle for stirring

📝 Brewing Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Measure & Grind

  • Ratio: 1:15 coffee-to-water (e.g., 20g coffee to 300ml water)

  • Grind size: Coarse, similar to sea salt

Step 2: Add Coffee

Place your ground coffee into the empty French press.

Step 3: Add Hot Water

  • Pour in hot water evenly, saturating all the grounds

  • Fill to the correct ratio

  • Stir gently to break the crust of floating grounds

Step 4: Steep

  • Place the lid on with plunger pulled up

  • Let coffee steep for 4 minutes

Step 5: Press & Serve

  • Slowly press the plunger down

  • Pour immediately into your mug (don’t let coffee sit in the press — it will over-extract and taste bitter)

✅ Pro Tips for Better French Press Coffee

  • Bloom your coffee: Pour a small amount of water first, let it sit for 30 seconds, then add the rest. This releases trapped gases for better flavor.

  • Use fresh beans: Coarse grind + fresh roast = best results.

  • Clean regularly: Oils build up in the mesh filter, so wash thoroughly after each brew.

  • Once you get familiar with the process, you're free to experiment with brewing time and different grind size to adjust the taste to your liking 
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