How to Make a Perfect French Press

Learning how to make French Press coffee is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to elevate your daily brew. Known for producing a bold, full-bodied cup, the French Press allows natural oils and fine coffee particles to shine through, creating a rich and satisfying flavor. With a few simple steps, you can master how to use a French Press coffee maker and enjoy cafe-quality results at home.

Step 1: Measure and Grind Your Coffee

The foundation of great French Press coffee is freshly ground beans. Start with a coarse grind—similar to sea salt—to avoid over-extraction or a gritty cup. A burr grinder provides the best consistency.  A good ratio is about 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water. We recommend 48 g of coffee, but you can always adjust to taste.

Step 2: Heat Your Water

The ideal water temperature for French Press brewing is 205°F, just off boil. Too hot and the coffee becomes bitter; too cool and it will taste flat. Using a kettle with temperature control can make this step easy and precise.

Step 3: Add Coffee and Bloom

Warm your French Press with hot water, then discard. Add freshly ground coffee. Start the timer and pour 100 g of hot water. Let bloom for 30 seconds. This allows trapped carbon dioxide to escape and prepares the grounds for even extraction.

Step 4: Brew and Steep

After blooming, pour in the remaining water up to the total weight of 720 g, stirring vigorously to ensure all grounds are saturated. Place the lid on the French press without pressing down. Let the coffee steep for about three minutes. This immersion process is what gives French press coffee its signature rich body and depth of flavor.

Step 5: Press and Pour

After 4 minutes of total brewing time, slowly press down the plunger with steady pressure. Pour your coffee immediately to prevent over-extraction. Enjoy it black to appreciate its natural oils and bold flavor, or add cream for a smooth, comforting cup.

How to Brew Coffee in a French Press: Final Tips

If you’re exploring how to brew coffee in a French Press, consistency is key. Always start with fresh, high-quality beans like those from Stone Creek Coffee, grind just before brewing, and adjust your ratio and steeping time until you find your perfect cup.

Mastering the French Press is about balancing simplicity with care. With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to brewing rich, flavorful coffee every time.

If you want a deeper dive into the nuances French Press vs. Pour Over, we have you covered. And if you want to expand your skillset even further, try our blog on How to Make a Perfect Pour Over.