How to Brew the Perfect French Press

There’s just something about a French Press. No fancy machines. No filters to fuss with. Just coffee, water, and time. It feels simple—but when done right, it delivers one of the boldest, smoothest cups you’ll ever taste. Here’s how to make it perfect, step by step.

1. Start with the Right Bean
The French Press highlights big, bold flavors. Since the coffee steeps directly in water, you get all those natural oils and rich notes that other methods sometimes filter out. Go for beans with a strong flavor profile—darker roasts, earthy single origins, or blends with chocolatey or nutty tones are especially delicious here. My personal favorite for French Press is Columbia due to the denseness and rich flavors associated with Columbian coffees.

2. Grind Coarse and Consistent
This part is key. A French Press needs a coarse grind—think sea salt. Too fine, and your coffee can taste muddy and bitter. Too coarse, and it will come out weak. If you can, use a burr grinder to keep the grind size even. Consistency really makes a difference.

3. The Science of Immersion
Here’s the fun part: the French Press works by immersion, meaning the coffee grounds steep directly in hot water. That’s what creates that full-bodied, rich flavor. To get it just right, use water just off the boil (about 200°F), steep for around 4 minutes, and keep your coffee-to-water ratio close to 1:15 (that’s one part coffee to fifteen parts water). Adjust a little to match your taste, but this is the sweet spot.

4. Press, Then Pour
When the time is up, slowly press the plunger down to separate the grounds. But here’s the pro tip: don’t let the coffee sit in the press afterward. It will keep extracting, and before you know it, that smooth flavor turns bitter. Pour it right away into mugs or a carafe, and you’ll capture the coffee at its best.

The Perfect Cup
The French Press is proof that sometimes, simple really is better. Bold beans, a coarse grind, the science of immersion, and a little patience are all it takes to brew something unforgettable. Just remember: once you press, pour and enjoy—because good coffee waits for no one.