French Press Coffee Recipe (Perfect Step-by-Step Guide)
French Press brewing delivers a bold, full-bodied cup. Mastering the grind size, water temperature, ratio, and timing gives you consistent, rich coffee every time.
Equipment
- 1 French Press (350–600ml)
- 1 Burr grinder
- 1 Kettle
- 1 Digital scale
- 1 Timer
- 1 Wooden spoon or stirrer
- 1 Mug or carafe
Ingredients
- 30-40 g coarsely ground coffee (sea salt texture)
- 450-600 ml filtered water (195–205°F / 90–96°C)
Instructions
Preheat the carafe
- Pour hot water into your French Press to preheat it. Swirl, then discard the water. This helps maintain temperature consistency during brewing.
Measure & grind coffee
- Use a 1:15 ratio. For example:30 g coffee → 450 ml water40 g coffee → 600 ml water Grind your beans coarsely, like sea salt. A coarse grind prevents over-extraction and reduces sediment in your cup.
Add grounds & pour water
- Place coffee grounds into the warmed French Press. Pour hot water (around 200°F / 93°C) evenly over the grounds until fully submerged.
Stir & bloom
- After 1 minute, gently stir the grounds to ensure full saturation. This breaks the crust and helps release trapped gases for better extraction.
Steep
- Place the lid on with the plunger pulled up. Let the coffee steep undisturbed for 4 minutes. This produces a balanced, full-bodied brew.
Press
- After 4 minutes, slowly and steadily press the plunger down. Use even pressure to avoid agitation and sediment in your cup.
Serve immediately
- Pour the brewed coffee into your mug or a separate carafe to avoid over-extraction. Enjoy immediately for optimal flavor.
Notes
- Grind Size: Always use coarse grind (sea salt texture) to avoid bitterness and sludge.
- Water Temperature: Ideal range is 195–205°F. Use higher temps (203–212°F) for light roasts to balance acidity.
- Steep Time:
- 2–3 min = brighter taste
- 4 min = balanced cup (recommended)
- 5–6 min = stronger, bolder brew
- Coffee-to-Water Ratio: Standard is 1:15. Adjust to taste (1:12 for strong, 1:17 for mild).