How to Make Coffee in a French Press: Everything You Need to Know

Before we start learning how to make coffee in a French press, you need to understand the coffee-to-water ratio. Many people wonder how much coffee to use for a perfect French press. The answer depends on how strong you like your coffee, but there is a general rule that helps you get a balanced taste every time.

The ideal ratio for most people is 1:15. This means one part of coffee to fifteen parts of water. For example, if you use 30 grams of coffee, you should add about 450 grams of water. If you want a stronger flavor, use slightly more coffee. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter taste, use a bit less coffee. Measuring with a kitchen scale helps you get consistent results every time.

Now, it's time to learn how to make coffee in a French press. Follow this guide to use this helpful tool to make a tasty cup of coffee at home:

Step 1: Heat the Water

Boil fresh water, then let it cool for about 30 seconds before pouring. The perfect temperature is around 90–96°C (195–205°F). Water that is too hot can make your coffee taste bitter.

Step 2: Measure and Grind the Coffee

Use coarsely ground coffee beans. The grind should feel like breadcrumbs. If it’s too fine, it can pass through the filter and make your coffee muddy. Measure your coffee using the 1:15 ratio as your guide.

Step 3: Add the Coffee Grounds to the French Press

Remove the plunger and put the coffee grounds into the bottom of the press. Spread them evenly for better extraction.

Step 4: Pour the Water

Pour half of the hot water slowly over the coffee grounds. Stir gently to make sure all the coffee is wet. Then, pour the rest of the water. This helps the coffee bloom and release its natural aroma.

Step 5: Let It Steep

Put the lid on the French press and let it steep for about 4 minutes. If you prefer stronger coffee, wait another minute or two. Don’t stir during this time; just let the coffee brew.

Step 6: Press and Serve

Slowly push the plunger down. Be gentle to avoid spilling. Once the plunger reaches the bottom, pour the coffee into your cup right away. Leaving it in the French press too long can make it bitter.

Even though the French press method is simple, a few smart tricks can make a big difference in flavor and texture.

1. Preheat Your French Press

Pour a little hot water into the French press before brewing to warm it up. This step helps maintain the temperature throughout the brewing process, ensuring that your coffee stays hot and extracts evenly for a better-tasting cup.

2. Use Filtered Water

Water quality affects the taste of coffee more than most people realize. Using filtered or bottled water removes impurities and chlorine, giving you a cleaner, smoother flavor that highlights the natural taste of your coffee beans.

3. Stir Before Pressing

After brewing, give the coffee a gentle stir before pushing the plunger. This helps distribute the oils and flavors evenly, resulting in a more balanced, rich, and aromatic coffee from the top of the press to the bottom.

4. Pour It Immediately

Once you press the plunger, pour the coffee right away into your cup or carafe. If it sits too long in the press, it will continue to brew, becoming too strong and bitter over time.

5. Clean Your French Press Regularly

Coffee oils can build up over time and affect the flavor of future brews. Make sure to disassemble and wash every part of your French press after each use to keep every cup fresh and consistent.

Don’t have a French press either? No problem. There are many simple ways to make coffee without a machine at home.

1. Pour-Over Method

Place a coffee filter on top of a cup or a dripper. Add coffee grounds and pour hot water slowly over them. This method gives you a clean, light cup of coffee.

2. Coffee Bag Method

If you have a coffee filter, fill it with ground coffee, tie it up like a tea bag, and steep it in hot water for a few minutes. It’s fast and convenient.

3. Moka Pot Method

Fill the bottom chamber of the moka pot with water up to the safety valve, then add finely ground coffee into the filter basket. Assemble the pot and place it on the stove over medium heat until coffee starts flowing into the top chamber. Remove it from the heat once you hear a hissing sound.

4. Cold Brew

Mix coarsely ground coffee with cold water and leave it in the fridge for 12–24 hours. Strain it using a fine filter or cloth. This method makes a smooth, less acidic drink.

5. Cowboy Coffee

Perfect for camping! Boil water in a pot, add coffee grounds, and wait a few minutes for them to sink to the bottom. Then pour the top layer into your cup.

Learning how to make coffee in a French press is one of the best ways to enjoy coffee at home without fancy machines. Once you master this method, you’ll not only save money but also enjoy a cup made just the way you like it.