How to Use a French Press: A Complete Guide
Quick Summary
Making great French Press coffee is all about the right grind size, water temperature, and timing. Use coarsely ground coffee (about 30g for a 4-cup press), water just off the boil (200°F), steep for 4 minutes, then press slowly. This guide will walk you through each step for the perfect cup every time.
What You'll Need
Equipment
- French Press (4-cup/500ml recommended)
- Burr grinder (preferred) or blade grinder
- Electric or stovetop kettle
- Timer or phone
- Coffee scoop or scale
Ingredients
- 30g whole coffee beans (about 2 tablespoons per cup)
- 500ml (17 oz) filtered water
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Grind Your Coffee
Coarsely grind your coffee beans until they're roughly the size of breadcrumbs. You'll need about 30g (2 tablespoons per cup).
Pro Tip: Grinding just before brewing ensures the freshest taste.
Pro Tips for Perfect French Press Coffee
- Pre-warm your French Press with hot water
- Use filtered water for better taste
- Don't press too hard when plunging
Common Problems and Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I let my French Press steep?
The ideal steeping time is 4 minutes. Steeping longer can make the coffee bitter.