French Press Brew Guide

Grind Size: Course

Brew time: 5-6 minutes

Advantages: Simple to use, produces a rich and full-bodied coffee. 

What You'll Need:

• French press (also known as a press pot or plunger pot)
• Coffee beans (preferably freshly ground)
• Grinder (burr grinder is recommended)
• Hot water (just off the boil, around 200°F or 93°C)
• Stirring utensil (wooden or plastic to avoid damaging the glass)
• Timer

Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions:

1. Measure and Grind the Coffee:
• Ratio: Use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15. For example, if you’re making 1 liter (16 ounces) of coffee, use about 33 grams (around 4-5 tablespoons) of coffee.
• Grind: Grind the coffee beans to a coarse consistency, similar to sea salt. A consistent grind is important to avoid over-extraction or under-extraction.
2. Boil the Water:
• Bring water to a boil, then let it cool slightly to about 200°F (93°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, wait 30 seconds to 1 minute after boiling.
3. Add Coffee Grounds:
• Place the coarse coffee grounds into the bottom of the French press.
4. Add Water:
• Pour hot water over the coffee grounds. Start by adding just enough water to saturate the grounds, then wait about 30 seconds (this is called "blooming" and allows the coffee to release carbon dioxide).
• After blooming, pour in the remaining water.
5. Stir the Coffee:
• Give the coffee a gentle stir to ensure all the grounds are fully saturated. Be careful not to use metal utensils as they can crack the glass.
6. Place the Lid on the French Press:
• Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled all the way up. This helps retain heat while the coffee brews.
7. Brew:
• Let the coffee steep for about 4 minutes. For a stronger cup, you can extend the brewing time to 5 minutes, but be careful not to over-brew, as it can make the coffee taste bitter.
8. Press the Plunger:
• After brewing, slowly and evenly press down the plunger. Apply gentle pressure to avoid spilling or causing the coffee to escape from the sides.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
• Pour the coffee immediately into your cup or a carafe to prevent it from sitting on the grounds, which can lead to over-extraction.

Tips for the Best French Press Coffee:

• Use Fresh Coffee: Freshly ground beans always yield better flavor.
• Adjust the Ratio: Experiment with the coffee-to-water ratio to find your preferred strength.
• Clean Your French Press: After each use, thoroughly clean the French press to prevent any residual oils or coffee particles from affecting the taste of your next brew.