The French press is one of the most widely used coffee brewing devices in the world, and for good reason. Also known as the cafetiere, it works by steeping coffee grounds in hot water using immersion brewing, then pressing a mesh filter to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee. It’s simple, affordable, and makes consistently great coffee.
Why the French Press Works So Well
Unlike paper filters, the mesh filter in a French press is made of metal, which allows the coffee’s natural oils to pass through. This preserves more of the natural flavor notes and provides a thicker, more satisfying texture.
Immersion brewers like the French press provide uniform extraction, though they are more vulnerable to over-extraction if grind size is too fine or brew time runs too long — so watch both variables carefully.
Compared to a standard electric drip machine, the French press gives you full control over steeping time, the amount and size of grounds, and water temperature. It’s also portable, requiring only a source of hot water, and generally costs under $30.
Step-by-Step French Press Tutorial
Step 1: Boil Your Water
Heat water to slightly below boiling — around 95 degrees Celsius (205 F). Boil your kettle, then remove it from the heat for about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Preheat the French Press
Fill your French press about a quarter full with hot water, press the plunger all the way down, and swirl the water around for about 10 seconds. Pull the plunger back up, remove the lid, and discard the water.
Step 3: Grind and Add Coffee
Always use a coarse grind for French press. Add two tablespoons of ground coffee per cup of water. Gently shake the press back and forth to settle the grounds evenly.
Step 4: The Bloom
Pour about half of your hot water evenly over the grounds. This forces the coffee to release trapped gases, causing the grounds to expand and fill the room with wonderful aromas. A thick crust of coffee grounds will form on top.
Step 5: Stir and Add Remaining Water
Start a timer. At 30 seconds, stir gently for about 5 seconds to break up the crust and mix the grounds evenly. Then pour in the remaining half of your hot water.
Step 6: Place the Lid and Steep
Place the lid on your French press with the plunger pulled all the way up. Let the coffee steep until your timer reads 4 minutes.
Step 7: Press and Pour
When time is up, press down on the plunger evenly and slowly to filter out the grounds. This is important: don’t let the coffee sit in the French press after pressing, or it will over-extract and turn bitter. Pour immediately.
Why We Love the French Press
It’s nearly impossible to get wrong if you follow the steps above — you’re practically guaranteed a good brew every time. You can also make enough coffee for a small group at once, which makes it perfect for having friends over for breakfast. And for solo brewing, smaller single-cup models work just as well. It’s one of our go-to methods, and we think it should be one of yours too.