The French Press is the quintessential full-immersion brewer. By letting coffee grounds steep directly in hot water, it retains natural aromatic oils and fine micro-particles that paper filters absorb, delivering a satisfying, rich, and full-bodied cup every time.
Here is our step-by-step guide to brewing rich French Press coffee (and other immersion methods).
What You’ll Need
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French Press Carafe & Plunger
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Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans: 30g (Coarse grind, like coarse sea salt)
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Hot Water: 500ml at ~94°C (202°F)
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Spoon & Timer
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Glass
Rinse the French Press carafe with hot water to warm the vessel, then discard the water. This ensures your brew temperature stays consistent.
2. Add Coffee
Add 30g of coarsely ground coffee to the bottom of the carafe.
3. The Pour
Start your timer and pour all 500ml of hot water evenly over the grounds, ensuring every particle is soaked.
4. Steep & Break the Crust
Place the lid lightly on top (plunger up) to hold in heat. At 4 minutes, remove the lid and gently stir the surface crust 2–3 times with a spoon. The grounds will sink to the bottom.
5. Plunge & Serve
Replace the plunger lid. Press down with light, steady pressure until the filter reaches the bottom. If you feel hard resistance, your grind is too fine! Decant immediately into your mug or server to prevent over-extraction.
Pro Tips for the Best Cup
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Skim for Clarity: Before plunging, scoop off the floating white foam and floating bits for a cleaner, sweeter cup.
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Don't Let It Sit: Never leave brewed coffee sitting inside the French Press with the grounds, or it will turn bitter.