The French press method has been a consistent and dependable technique to brew coffee since its inception almost 100 years ago. And while it may be a little less talked about in the corners of third-wave coffee shops compared to other brewing methods, home-brewed coffee using the French press is an art.
However, even this tried-and-true method requires practice and patience if you want to produce the perfect cup of coffee.
In this step-by-step brew guide, we reveal the secret to making French press coffee. We include everything you need for a seamless brewing process and tips for a balanced brew every time.
French press coffee is as unembellished as it is delicious. It requires a few simple tools, many of which are easy to get at home:
● French press coffee maker
● Coffee grinder
● Hot water
● Spoon or small spatula
● Timer
With so much potential in one press, the ultimate question is: how to make French press coffee? The trick to brewing coffee with a French press is maximizing the alluring, intense flavors that make this brew enjoyable, and minimizing flavors and a mouthfeel you don’t enjoy.
Personal preference is always at the end of every cup—that is, taste is subjective. So don’t be afraid to experiment with grind size or your target brewing time. That said, there is a method to achieve the ideal press. We’ll tell you how in five simple steps.
To begin, use a coffee grinder until you achieve coarsely ground coffee—coarse grounds are preferred for French press as they typically produce that balanced, full-bodied flavor French press is known for. To be sure your grind is just right, your grounds should resemble the texture of coarse sea salt or steel-cut oats.
To achieve a standard brew, follow a 1:15 ratio, or 3 tablespoons of coffee to 1 cup of water.2 If a strong, complex cup of coffee tantalizes your taste buds, you can increase the ratio of coffee to water by adding one more teaspoon.
Heat the water between a simmer and a soft boil, or between 200–205° degrees Fahrenheit.1 If you don't have a thermometer handy to determine whether or not your water is at the ideal temperature, a simple visual test will do: if there is movement in the water and little to large bubble streams rising to the top, then you’re ready for the next step.
Add the coarsely ground coffee to your French press, evenly distributing each scoop in the carafe. You can pack the coffee by tapping the bottom of the carafe on the counter.
French press brewing is inherently a slower, more gradual method compared to other techniques. It typically takes around four minutes to brew.
Pour water over the grounds, filling the carafe halfway. Pause here and let the immersion process begin. If you’re feeling eager to enjoy your coffee at this point in the process, let us explain:
This is the moment when the coffee blooms. Blooming your coffee releases CO2 that gets trapped in the grounds during the brewing process. Patience is paramount here—releasing the CO2 unleashes the full flavor notes of the bean, including essential oils, for a fresher taste and enticing aroma.
At the one-minute mark, use a spoon to give the brew a gentle but thorough stir.
Add more water to the carafe until it reaches the top, completely covering the coffee. Let sit for the remainder of the brewing time, or about three minutes.
Use a small spatula to break the top layer of the brew or the crust. This confirms brewing continues for an even extraction.
At the four-minute mark, you’re ready to press your coffee. But press gently—applying light pressure to the plunger ensures a slow and steady brewing process and doesn’t agitate the grounds.4 Once the grounds are firmly pressed to the bottom of the carafe, you’re ready to pour.
If you’re you’re still in the introductory phase of your French press journey but are craving the perfect cup of coffee, consider these tips for a sublime sip with every brew:
● Mind your grind size – Coffee that is too finely ground can give off a shiny, oily sheen and produce an overzealous flavor that may be too intense for some people. See more tips on how to grind coffee.
● Prime the press – Warm an empty French press with a hot water rinse to maintain temperature throughout the brewing process for the perfect press.
● Watch the clock – A well-timed press can make all the difference when it comes to flavor.
● Pour promptly – Pour out the contents of the carafe shortly after you press it to stop the brewing process and prevent over-extraction—this is when coffee grounds are immersed in water too long which can produce a biting, acerbic aftertaste.
● Taste test – Take a moment to lean into the experience of your first French press sip— this is crucial to determine if the process can be refined to meet your preferences.
Like any brewing method, French press is prone to human error. But don’t dump the coffee out with the bathwater just yet—fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of common mistakes to avoid:
● Grinding your beans too fine or too coarse
● Skipping over the blooming part of the press process
● Grinding grounds too fine or too coarse
● Over-brewing or under-brewing coffee
With its easy-to-assemble materials and straightforward process, the French press produces simple but sublime-tasting coffee.
The essence of making French press coffee at home is finding your footing in the process. Experimenting with the variables to find your preferred brew is the key to the perfect press, and indeed, the perfect cup of coffee.
With Breville, you never have to wonder if you’ll enjoy your coffee every morning. Our selection of coffee machines like the Breville Precision Brewer are expertly designed to brew coffee catered to your tastes. Engineered with six preset brewing modes, you can control temperature, water flow, and brew time for just-right coffee, every time.
Sources:
1. Stumptown Coffee Roasters. How to Brew with French Press. http://www.stumptowncoffee.com/pages/brew-guide-french in-press
2. Food Network. How to Use a French Press. https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/how-to-use-a-french-press
3. What’s Cooking America. How To Boil Water – Boiling Points of Water. https://whatscookingamerica.net
4. Serious Eats. Coffee Science: How to Make the Best French Press Coffee at Home. https://www.seriouseats.com/how-to-make-better-french-press-coffee-tips-technique-grind-timing