What makes French press coffee different

The two biggest differences in French Press and brew methods like drip coffee are filtration and immersion. 

The metal mesh filter in the press does not trap the natural oils found in the bean. This makes it an ideal method for those who enjoy a full-bodied cup, but can also let some fine particles through, making for a less clean-tasting cup. If you value body over clarity, the French Press is for you; if you like a super clean cup, stick to paper filter brew methods.

The second difference lies in the physics of the brew. Vertical brew methods like pour over provide a constant stream of clean water that makes extraction more efficient, while also agitating the grinds. In a French Press, grinds sit in the same water the whole time, making extraction take a little longer.

What you need

To get started, you only need a few essential tools to ensure a clean and flavorful result. We like starting with a slightly stronger ratio than we would for drip, to make sure the flavors really punch through those coffee oils. For a single serving, just use half this amount of coffee and water.

• French press: any standard glass or stainless steel brewer.

• Fresh coffee: 33 grams of coarse-ground beans.

• Hot water: 500 grams (about 17 ounces) of water heated to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Timer: to track the four-minute steep.

You can brew any coffee you enjoy as a French Press, but to take maximum advantage of its strengths, start with a big-bodied coffee like Portrait’s Stacey.

Step-by-step French press brewing guide

Follow these steps to ensure a balanced extraction:

1. Preheat your press by rinsing it with hot water, then discard the water.

2. Add 33 grams of coarsely ground coffee to the bottom of the carafe.

3. Start your timer.

4. Pour 60 grams of water over the grounds and wait 30 seconds for the coffee to bloom.

5. Pour the remaining 440 grams of water in a steady stream.

6. Place the lid on top without pressing down.

7. Press the plunger down slowly, stopping before you press down on the grinds at the bottom.

8. At four minutes, slowly pour the coffee into a mug or carafe to stop the brewing process.

Coffee-to-water ratio and grind size

Though you don’t have to go all the way coarse on your grinder, a coarse grind similar in texture to sea salt is key. If the grind is too fine, more of those ultra-fine particles will be created and potentially pass through the filter, and the brew might taste bitter. As Serious Eats notes, a coarse grind ensures that the water can flow through the metal filter without bringing too many fine particles into your cup.

We like a 1:15 ratio for the French press. For a 1:15 ratio, you use one gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water. Using a scale is the only way to be precise, but if you do not have one, use a little over 3 tablespoons for every 8oz of water.

As Perfect Daily Grind points out, the French Press is pretty easy to experiment with compared to other brew methods, so you can try out different ratios, temperatures, and even grind sizes pretty easily.

How to avoid common French press mistakes

The most common mistake is leaving the coffee in the press after you have pushed the plunger down. Because the grounds remain in contact with the water through the coarse filter, they will continue to extract, making the final few sips taste muddy. For best results, decant the coffee into a separate container once the four minutes are up.

As with all brew methods, temperature can also play a factor. Especially for dark roasts, like Huck’s Bom Senso, using boiling water can extract some really bitter flavors. Use water closer to 200F for a sweeter, more balanced dark roast brew. 

Finally, people tend to really focus on coarse grind for French Press, and while that’s correct, it doesn’t mean you have to use the coarsest setting on your grinder. If your French Press is tasting sour, you can definitely try it a little finer.

Refining your immersion brew

Coarse grind, four-minute steep, and a slow press are the keys to a perfect result. French press rewards bold, full-bodied beans that can stand up to the long immersion time. 

If you want to explore further, you can take the taste quiz to find beans from independent roasters based on your preferences. You can also browse our French Press collection to find other coffees that pair perfectly with this brewing method. Every bag is roasted to order to ensure you start your brew with the freshest beans possible.