How to Make the Perfect French Press Coffee

As with all great-tasting coffee brews, knowing how much coffee to use or adding in hot water at a specific step in the brewing process can make all the difference, and French press coffee is no different. However, French press coffee is pretty simple to pull together.

There is no hassling with figuring out how long to wait for the brewing to be completed or difficult grinds.  An effortless full-bodied coffee is what French press coffee is all about.

The Coffee Equipment you will need:  Filtered Water, Coarse Ground Coffee, an Electric Water Kettle, and a French Press.

Step 1

Preheating the French Press

You won't want to skip this step.  It is a crucial element to keeping your coffee hot.  You want to pre-heat your French Press.  Filling the press with hot water heats the canister so it doesn't immediately start cooling down.  Brewing coffee is an art, yet easy, and a joy to make. 

Step 2

Grind Your Coffee

Allow your press to warm as you grind your beans in a coffee grinder to a Coarse grind or if using pre-ground- then measure out 1-2 TBS per 6 oz of water you will be using.  1 TBS for lighter cup, 2 TBS for stronger cup.  You ideally want to use coarse ground coffee, as this type of ground coffee will sit immersed in the water and left to steep (immersion brewing) and it gives a stronger flavor.  If you use finely ground coffee or even medium grind coffee beans they will dissolve into the water rather allowing the the flavor to be extracted, thus resulting in a more diluted coffee brew.  A burr grinder is great for overall coarse consistency.  

Step 3

Add the Coffee Grounds 

Next you want to pour out the once-boiling water which has some-what cooled but has retained its heat in the coffee plunger vessel. Then add your coffee grounds to the carafe. No mater what type of coffee beans you prefer, whether arabica or a lighter roast, making sure you have the right coffee-to-water ratio is key to a rich taste and a delicious cp of coffee.  French press coffee for the most part uses 15 grams of water to 1 gram coffee grounds.  Using a scale will make this easier for the first time around.

Step 4 

Creating a Coffee Bloom

Check your water temperature to ensure it is hot and add it into the press.  Pour over the beans making sure you are wetting all of the coffee simutanously.  As you become familiar with how to use a French Press you will taste the difference between regular coffee and great coffee.  You are welcome to use filtered water for this method to aid in creating the perfect cup.  When you pour the 1st dose of water for your French press coffee, you will begin to notice bubbles or coffee ground growing in size, which is the magic of blooming coffee.  Your coffee is changing from coffee grounds into a wonderful cup of delicious.  

Step 5

Fill it Up and Stir

The second dose of water is where you fill up the coffee press and let the French Press work its magic.  French presses are one of those humble, yet reader-supported brew methods that have stood the test of time since patented as early as 1852.  Now stir the ground coffee beans to fully immerse them in the liquid to extract as much flavor as possible.  Don't over stir to create an over extraction that causes bitterness, just a gentle stir will do it right.  The metal mesh filter, unlike paper coffee filters used in other brewing methods, allows the coffee's natural oils to pass through into your cup.  This extra boost of flavor and strength helps the coffee's taste shine through.

Step 6

Let the Coffee Steep

This part of making French press coffee is where you wait a bit.  Push the coffee plunger in- just to the top of the water line- so the mesh filter is touching but not submerged.  

Step 7

Pour the Coffee into your Mug

After your coffee has been steeping for about 4 minutes, it is time to enjoy your coffee.  Don't go longer than this, or it will become too extracted.  Press the plunger down to squash the coffee to the bottom. Don't feel you need to force it flat as you have already been brewing the coffee to draw out its aromatics.  If you press too hard, the smart grind-choice of beans that are coarse consistency will cause some bitter pieces to float through the filter and into your coffee.  Pour the French Press coffee into your mug and enjoy.  Ideally, any coffee brewed should not be left in the coffee press as leftover coffee will continue to steep and when you go back for a second cup, it will be bitter from over-extraction.   If there is extra coffee, it is suggested to put it in another container and place to the side and if not consumed, put it in the fridge for an ice-coffee pick me up later in the day.