No Experience Needed: Brewing with a French Press
Brewing coffee at home doesn’t have to be complicated. Each brewing method brings out different flavors in its own way, and the French Press, known for its depth and richness, delivers a bold, full-bodied cup that stands apart from other techniques.
Unlike pour-over or drip coffee, which use paper filters that absorb flavorful oils, the French Press uses a metal mesh filter. This allows more oils and fine particles to pass through, enhancing the body, texture, and mouthfeel of your coffee. As an immersion method, the coffee grounds stay fully submerged in water, resulting in a smooth, rounded, and weightier brew.
Below is a simple guide to brewing with a French press, along with tips to elevate your coffee experience!
How Much Coffee? How Much Water?
A good starting point is the 1:15 ratio (one gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water). Most cups hold between 200-300 ml of liquid, so the size of your cup and the number of cups you're brewing will determine the amount of coffee and water you need.
For example, if you're making 3 cups (250 ml each), that’s 750 ml of water in total. Using the 1:15 ratio, divide 750 ml by 15, which gives you 50g of coffee. So, for 3 cups, add 50g of coffee and pour in 750 ml of water.
What Grind Should I Use?
For a French press, use coarsely ground coffee—about the size of sea salt. This grind ensures a slower, more controlled extraction and prevents the grounds from slipping through the mesh filter into your cup.
Why Does Water Temperature Matter?
Water temperature is a key factor in extraction. Too hot, and you risk burning the coffee; too cool, and the coffee won’t extract enough flavor.
The ideal water temperature is between 90°C to 96°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, just bring the water to a boil and let it sit for about a minute before pouring over the grounds.
How Do I Pour the Water?
Start by pouring just enough water to cover the grounds. If you're using a scale, the water amount should be twice the weight of the coffee. This initial pour is called the bloom, which allows trapped gases to escape. You may see some bubbling, which is normal.
After 30 seconds, slowly pour in the rest of the water, finishing by the 1-minute mark. Wait another 30 seconds before giving the coffee a gentle stir. This is called agitation, and it helps ensure an even extraction.
When Do I Place the Lid?
After stirring, place the lid on the French press to retain heat. Wait another 2 to 3 minutes, aiming for a total brewing time of 4 minutes from when the water first touched the coffee during the bloom.
When Should I Plunge?
After 4 minutes of brewing, it’s time to plunge. Press down slowly and evenly to avoid agitating the coffee too much.
If you feel resistance, your grind may be too fine. If the plunger moves too easily, your grind might be too coarse. Sometimes, finer grinds can slip through the mesh filter and end up in your cup. To avoid this, don’t press the plunger all the way down.
After plunging, let the coffee sit for 30 seconds to allow the finer sediment to settle before pouring.
Storing Your Leftover Coffee
If you’re not drinking all of the brewed coffee immediately, it’s best to pour it into a separate container. Leaving it in the French press will result in continued extraction, causing a dry aftertaste when you’re ready for your next cup.
Just Remember:
Brewing with a French press is all about understanding the small details that affect extraction. With the right water temperature, grind size, agitation, and brewing time, you’ll notice that every cup is a great cup!
Recap of the Essentials:
Grind coarsely and use the right coffee-to-water ratio.
Bloom your coffee and use water at 90-96°C.
Agitate gently for even extraction.
Use soft or filtered water for the best flavour.
Steep for 4 minutes total and plunge slowly.
