French Press coffee, known for its rich and robust flavour, has been a favorite brewing method for coffee enthusiasts worldwide. It’s a simple yet elegant way to brew coffee that allows you to enjoy the full spectrum of coffee flavours.
In this blog, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to make French Press coffee according to coffee experts, what equipment you need, and the history behind this beloved brewing method.
Let's dive into the art of making French Press coffee!
What is French Press coffee?
Unlike other brewing methods that use paper filters, French Press coffee, also known as press pot or plunger coffee, involves steeping coffee grounds in hot water and then pressing them to the bottom of a pot using a metal or plastic plunger.
This method extracts the coffee’s oils and fine particles, resulting in a rich, full-bodied brew.
The first patent of a French Press that resembles what we use today was patented by the Italians Attilio Calimani and Giulio Moneta in 1929. Read more about French Press history!
It has since become a popular brewing method due to its simplicity and ability to produce a flavourful cup of coffee.
What you need to make French Press coffee
Before we get into the step-by-step process, let’s gather the necessary equipment and ingredients:
1. French Press coffee machine: The essential piece of equipment for this brewing method. Ensure you have a quality French Press with a sturdy glass or stainless steel body, a fine metal mesh filter and a metal or plastic plunger.
2. Coffee grinder: Freshly ground coffee beans are key to a great cup of French Press coffee. A burr grinder is recommended for consistent grind size.
3. Kettle: A kettle to heat your water.
4. Coffee beans: High-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans. Medium to dark roast beans are often preferred for French Press.
5. Water: Filtered water for the best taste.
6. Scale: A kitchen or coffee scale to measure your coffee grounds.
7. Stirring tool: A wooden spoon or plastic stirrer to mix the coffee and water.
8. Timer: A timer to ensure you steep the coffee for the right amount of time.
Step-by-step guide to making French Press coffee
Step 1: Measure and grind your coffee
Start by measuring your coffee beans. The standard coffee-to-water ratio for French Press coffee is 1:15, which means one part coffee to 15 parts water. For example, for 30 grams of coffee, you’ll need 450 grams (or milliliters) of water.
When preparing a French Press coffee using Coffee Grinder Fellow Ode we usually set the grinder at 8.
There are many other recipes and ratios available online, but as you are the coffee lover enjoying your cup, you can adjust the dose as your preference.
If your coffee tastes too strong or overpowering, consider using a ratio with more water.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a bolder and more intense flavour, add a bigger ratio of ground coffee.
In Happy Out, we find 65g coffee to 1 litre of water is the sweet spot.
Step 2: Heat your water
Heat your filtered water to just below boiling point, around 200°F (93°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, bring the water to a boil and let it sit for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Preheat your French Press coffee machine
While the water is heating, preheat your French Press coffee machine by adding some hot water to it and swirling it around. This helps maintain the brewing temperature. Discard the preheating water.
Step 4: Add coffee grounds to the French Press coffee machine
Add the coarse coffee grounds to the French Press coffee machine. Use the kitchen or coffee scale to ensure you have the correct amount.
Step 5: Bloom the coffee
Pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds, just enough to saturate them. This step, known as blooming, allows the coffee to release carbon dioxide and enhances the flavour. Let it sit for 30 seconds.
Step 6: Add remaining water
After blooming, pour the remaining hot water evenly over the coffee grounds. Use a gentle, circular motion to ensure all the grounds are saturated. Place the lid on the French Press coffee machine without pressing the plunger down and let the coffee steep.
Step 7: Stir and steep
After adding the water, give the coffee a gentle stir with a wooden spoon or plastic stirrer. This helps ensure even extraction. Place the lid back on the French Press coffee machine and set your timer for 4 minutes.
Step 8: Press the plunger
Once the 4 minutes are up, slowly and steadily press the plunger down to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee. The plunger should move smoothly with gentle pressure. If you encounter resistance, it may indicate that the coffee grind is too fine.
Step 9: Serve and enjoy
Pour the freshly brewed French Press coffee into your favorite mug or carafe. Enjoy the rich, full-bodied flavour of your perfectly brewed coffee!
Expert tips for the perfect French Press coffee
1. Use freshly roasted coffee: Freshly roasted coffee beans enhance the flavour and aroma of your brew.
2. Experiment with ratios: While the 1:15 ratio is standard, you can adjust it to suit your taste preferences. For us, 65g to 1 litre of water is the sweet spot.
3. Grind consistency: A consistent coarse grind is crucial for even extraction.
4. Filtered water: Always use filtered water to avoid impurities affecting the taste.
5. Avoid over-extraction: Do not let the coffee steep for too long, as it can result in a bitter taste. If not drinking it all at once, pouring it into a carafe helps to retain the correct extraction for drinking later.
6. Clean your French Press coffee machine: Regularly clean your French Press coffee machine to prevent any old coffee residue from affecting the flavour.
Making French Press coffee is an art that combines simplicity and sophistication. We hope you enjoy this step-by-step guide and have a fab cup of French Press coffee!
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