French press · Brew guide
French Press Basics
The simple, forgiving way to brew a good cup. Learn the ratio, the timing and the one mistake that makes French press coffee muddy.
Not tested yet We publish a recipe as tested only after making it in our own kitchen.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Total
- 10 min
- Makes
- 2 mugs (about 16 oz)
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp (about 30 g) coffee, ground coarse
- 2 cups (about 480 ml) water, just off the boil
Equipment
- French press (34 oz / 1 liter)
- Kettle
- Spoon and a timer
Gear for this recipe
- ESPRO ESPRO Press P3 French press fans who are tired of grit at the bottom of the cup. Who it suits, and who should skip it
- OXO OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder Moving from pre-ground coffee to fresh ground for French press, pour-over and drip. Who it suits, and who should skip it
- Fellow Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle Pour-over brewing, where a slow, steady pour and a set temperature help. Who it suits, and who should skip it
- To be chosen Small digital kitchen scale Anyone who wants repeatable coffee, with the same ratio every time. Who it suits, and who should skip it
Some links on the gear page are affiliate links. Disclosure.
Instructions
- Warm the French press with a little hot water, then pour it out.
- Add the coffee. Pour in about half the water, wait 30 seconds, then add the rest.
- Put the lid on with the plunger up. Set a timer for 4 minutes.
- Stir the crust on top gently, then press the plunger down slowly.
- Pour all of the coffee right away so it doesn't keep brewing and turn bitter.
If your coffee tastes muddy: the grind is probably too fine. Ask for a coarse "French press" grind, or set your grinder a few steps coarser.
If it tastes weak: add an extra tablespoon of coffee next time rather than steeping longer.