How to make coffee in a French Press: the classic French method
French Press (or Press Pot, Cafetière) is a classic French coffee brewing method that creates a rich, full-bodied coffee with a rich, velvety texture. This immersion method allows the coffee to be in contact with water for a longer period of time, extracting maximum aroma and intensity. French Press is one of the simplest and most efficient coffee brewing methods that does not require electricity or complicated equipment.
History and Origin of the French Press
The history of the French Press dates back to 1852, when French inventors Mayer and Delforge patented the first press-operated coffee maker. However, the modern French Press design was refined over decades in France and Italy.
This method has become particularly popular in France due to its simplicity and the ability to prepare strong, rich coffee without any electronic devices. The French Press philosophy is based on a culture of slowness - a ritual of coffee preparation that requires patience and attention.
Advantages of the French Press method
- Full scent: Metal filter lets coffee oils and fine particles through
- Simplicity: No special skills or electronics required
- Economy: Cheap, reliable and long-lasting solution
- Control: You can control the extraction time and strength
- Volume: Can make a lot of coffee at once
- Portability: Perfect for travel and outdoor activities
Inventory required
- French Press coffee pot (350ml, 600ml or 1L)
- Burr type coffee grinder
- Electronic scales
- Timer
- Thermometer or adjustable kettle
- Wooden or plastic spoon for mixing (not metal)
Ingredients for a 350 ml serving:
- 21 grams quality coffee beans
- 350 ml filtered water
- Additional water for heating the French Press
French Press coffee making steps
1. Preparing and measuring ingredients
Weigh 21g of freshly roasted coffee beans accurately into 350ml of filtered water. For the French Press method, we use a ratio of 1:16.7, which ensures the optimal balance of strength and flavour. Quality ingredients are the foundation of a successful result – invest in good coffee and clean water.
Professional advice: If you want a stronger coffee, increase the amount of coffee, not decrease the amount of water. The optimal coffee to water ratio for the French Press method is 1:15 to 1:17.
2. Grinding coffee for the coarse French Press method
Grind the coffee beans coarsely (1.2-1.5 mm particle size). The French Press method requires a coarse grind, similar to coarse sea salt. A fine grind will result in over-extraction and difficulty pressing the plunger.
Important: Use a burr grinder to ensure a uniform grind. Blade grinders create an uneven grind, which will result in some coffee being overextracted and some not being extracted enough.
Grind coffee only immediately before brewing – this preserves maximum aroma and flavor intensity.
3. Preparing French Press Coffee
Preheat the French Press by pouring hot water into it and waiting for 30 seconds. This will keep the coffee at the right temperature throughout the extraction process. Pour out the preheating water and add the ground coffee to the coffee maker.
Make sure your French Press is clean – any residue from previous coffee preparations can alter the taste.
4. Beginning of the Blooming Phase
Pour a small amount of 92-95°C water (about 50-70 ml) over the ground coffee and stir gently with a wooden or plastic spoon. This blooming stage allows the coffee grounds to release CO2 gas and prepare for an even extraction.
Wait 30 seconds - during this time the coffee "foam" should form and start to rise closer to the surface of the water. This indicates that the coffee is fresh and suitable.
5. Basic water pouring and extraction
After the blooming phase, pour in the remaining water in a slow, circular motion. The water should be 92-95°C. Place the lid with the pusher, but do not push it down - leave it on top to retain the heat.
Wait exactly 4 minutes for extraction. This time is optimal to extract maximum coffee aroma, while avoiding over-extraction that would cause bitterness.
Expert advice: A shorter extraction (3 min) will produce a milder coffee, a longer one (5 min) will produce a stronger and richer coffee.
6. Pusher pressure and coffee flow
After exactly 4 minutes of lapse time, slowly and evenly press the pusher down. The pressure should last for about 15-20 seconds. If you press the pusher too lightly, the grind is too coarse; if too hard, the grind is too fine.
Critically important: Immediately after pressing, pour all the coffee into cups or another container. If you leave the coffee in the French Press, it will continue to extract and become too strong and bitter.
If the pusher is very difficult to push, stop and lift it back slightly, then try again - this will prevent coffee dust from getting into the coffee.
Features of the French Press method
- Full aroma: The metal filter lets through the coffee oils that add richness
- Real texture: A little coffee dust creates an authentic French Press experience
- Flexibility: Easily change strength by changing extraction time
- Economy: No paper filters or electricity required
- Longevity: A quality French Press lasts for decades
Suitable coffee types for the French Press method
The French Press method perfectly reveals the characteristics of darker roast coffee, but is also suitable for medium roast coffee:
- Badass: Strong, intense coffee with chocolate and nutty nuances
- Super Cream: Rich coffee with a creamy texture
- Brazil: Classic coffee with chocolate chips
- Colombia: Balanced coffee with caramel aromas
- Jungle: Exotic coffee with complex flavors
Professional French Press Tips
- Water quality: Use filtered water with proper mineralization
- Temperature: 92-95°C is the ideal temperature for the French Press method
- Time: Keep the extraction time to exactly 4 minutes
- Grinding: Coarse, uniform grinding is essential for success
- Proportions: A ratio of 1:16 is optimal for a start
- Cleanliness: Clean thoroughly after each use.
- Freshness: Use coffee roasted within the last 2-4 weeks
French Press vs. other methods
French Press vs. Pour-over: French Press produces a richer, thicker coffee with a more pronounced body, while pour-over methods produce a cleaner, more subtle flavor profile.
French Press vs. Espresso: French Press coffee has lower concentration but more volume, and differs in extraction method – immersion vs. pressure.
French Press vs. Moka: French Press is milder and less concentrated than Moka pot, which is closer to espresso strength.
Problem solving
Too bitter coffee: Reduce extraction time to 3-3.5 minutes or use a coarser grind.
Weak coffee: Increase the amount of coffee or extend the extraction time to 4.5-5 minutes.
Too much sediment: Use a coarser grind and wait 30 seconds after pressing before pouring the coffee.
It is difficult to press the pusher: The grind is too fine, try a coarser grind next time.
Cold coffee: Preheat the French Press before use and use hotter water (95°C).
French Press Care and Cleaning
Proper care will extend the life of your French Press and ensure consistent coffee flavor:
- After each use, disassemble all parts and rinse with warm water.
- Wash once a week with a mild dish detergent
- Check the condition of the filter - replace if damaged.
- Store folded in a dry place.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes that may damage the glass.
Conclusion
French Press is not just a coffee brewing method, but a tradition of French coffee culture, symbolizing simplicity, taste and pleasure. This method is ideal for those who appreciate rich, full-bodied coffee with a pronounced body and do not mind spending time on the coffee brewing process.
With the right ingredients, care, and practice, the French Press method can become part of your daily coffee ritual, providing a unique French coffee experience in your home.