French Press Coffee
A French press excels at extracting oils that paper filters strip away, giving the coffee a thick, tactile mouthfeel. It is a forgiving method that relies more on temperature and time than expensive machinery.
Consistency starts at the grinder
If your grounds are too fine, they will pass through the mesh and make your coffee muddy. Aim for a texture like kosher salt.
- French press
- Burr grinder
- Kettle
- Long-handled spoon
What goes in.
- 30gfreshly roasted coffee beans
- 500gfiltered water
Expelling trapped gas
Pour just enough water to wet the grounds and let them sit for 30 seconds. This allows carbon dioxide to escape, ensuring the rest of the water extracts coffee solids rather than hitting air pockets.
The method.
Grind the beans
Measure 30 grams of beans and grind them to a coarse, consistent size.
Heat the water
Bring water to a boil, then remove from the heat and wait 30 seconds. You want it roughly 200°F (93°C).
Bloom the grounds
Add grounds to the carafe. Pour 60 grams of water over them, stir once, and wait 30 seconds for the coffee to puff up.
Fill and steep
Pour the remaining water. Place the lid on top to retain heat, but do not press yet. Let it sit for 4 minutes total.
Press and pour
Lower the plunger with steady, firm pressure. If you feel too much resistance, pull it up an inch and try again. Serve immediately to prevent over-extraction.
Other turns to take.
Cold Press
Use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio and let it steep at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours before pressing.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Warm your glass carafe with a splash of hot water before adding the grounds to keep the brew temperature stable.
If the coffee tastes bitter, grind slightly coarser; if it tastes thin or sour, grind slightly finer.
Clean the mesh screen thoroughly after every use; old coffee oils trapped in the metal will go rancid and taint your next batch.
The ones that keep coming up.
Why is my coffee bitter?
The grounds are likely staying in contact with the water too long. If you aren't ready to drink it, decant the coffee into a separate carafe or mug as soon as you press.
Do I need a paper filter?
No. The French press is designed to be a full-immersion brewer that uses a metal mesh filter to keep the coffee's natural oils in the cup.