French Press

The French press is a classic and simple way to brew rich, full-bodied coffee. It allows the coffee grounds to steep directly in the water, extracting oils and flavors for a bold cup.

Our favorite French press technique offers a simple, reliable way to get a great cup of coffee every single time. We were blown away by the results when first trying this method, so this is our go-to recommendation for anyone who is looking to branch out into manual brewing.

This video by James Hoffman illustrates this technique:

 Written summary of the technique:

Use a 1:16.6 ratio coffee to water. In the example below we will use 30g coffee.

30g coffee (ground on a medium setting).

500g water (or just over 2 cups).

  1. Pour coffee into French press
  2. Bring water to boil. Let it sit for about 30 seconds to cool slightly. Shoot for around 200 F if you measure it.
  3. Pour water into French press, making sure to wet all the coffee.
  4. Let sit for 4 minutes. Don't touch it!
  5. Stir the coffee crust with a tablespoon. It will start to fall to the bottom.
  6. Scoop off any foam or floating  grounds floating on the top and discard.
  7. Let sit for 5-8 more minutes.
  8. Push plunger down just until it contacts the liquid. Don't push it down any further than that.
  9. Pour coffee through into serving cups. Don't leave liquid in the French press or it will continue to brew and cause a bitter taste.
  10. Enjoy!

 

James Hoffmann is a renowned coffee expert, author, and YouTube personality, known for his deep knowledge of coffee brewing techniques, equipment reviews, and industry insights. He co-founded Square Mile Coffee Roasters in London and won the World Barista Championship in 2007. Through his educational content, Hoffmann has become a trusted authority in the specialty coffee community worldwide.