How to Brew French Press Coffee

Stubby's Boston Cowboy Blend with a French press and a mug
Stubby's Boston Cowboy Blend.

Direct answer. Use 30 grams of coarse-ground coffee for 450 grams of hot water (1:15), around 200°F, and steep for 4 minutes before pressing slowly. The coarse grind keeps the cup from going bitter and keeps most sediment in the pot. It is a full immersion brew, so the grounds sit in the water the whole time.

Recipe card

Dose 30 g
Water 450 g
Ratio 1:15
Grind Coarse, like sea salt or breadcrumbs
Temperature About 200°F (93°C)
Time 4 minutes steep

Steps

  1. Warm the press with hot water and pour it out.
  2. Add the coffee. Start a timer and pour in all the water at once, wetting every ground. Stir gently.
  3. Place the lid on with the plunger up. Wait for 4 minutes.
  4. Press down slowly and evenly. If it fights you, the grind is too fine.
  5. Pour right away. Coffee left sitting on the grounds keeps extracting and gets bitter.

Troubleshooting

  • Muddy or silty. Grind is too fine, or you used a blade grinder that makes dust. A burr grinder helps a lot.
  • Bitter or harsh. Steep time too long or grind too fine. Try 3:30, then go coarser.
  • Sour or thin. Water too cool, grind too coarse, or steeping too short.
  • Hard to press. Too much coffee, or the grind is too fine.

Some people skim the foam and break the crust at 4 minutes for a cleaner cup. It is optional.

FAQ

What grind is best for French press?

Coarse. A fine grind passes through the mesh, over-extracts and clogs the press.

How long should I steep?

Four minutes is the standard starting point. Adjust by 30 seconds either way to taste.

How much coffee for a 34 oz press?

A 34 oz (1 liter) press holds about 1,000 g of water, so about 66 g of coffee at 1:15. Most people brew a bit under the maximum.

Is French press coffee bad for you?

Not for most people. Unfiltered coffee carries more of the oils called diterpenes, which can raise LDL cholesterol in heavy drinkers, and paper filters trap most of them. If that's a concern, ask your doctor.

Can I use it for cold brew?

Yes. Use a coarse grind, cold water and a long steep. See cold brew.

Next: French press suits a heavy cup. Try Nemo's Bali Single Origin in the coarse grind. Shipping is free on every website order.