How to make coffee in a French Press: the classic French method
French Press (also called press pot or cafetière) is a classic French coffee brewing method that produces a rich, full-bodied flavor with a pronounced body and a lightly oily texture.
This is an immersion method, in which the coffee is in contact with water for a longer period of time, thus releasing maximum aroma and intensity. It is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to prepare coffee at home, as it does not require electricity or complex equipment.
History and Origin of the French Press
The history of this method of preparing coffee dates back to 1852, when French inventors Mayer and Delforge patented the first press-operated coffee machine. Over the following decades, its design was refined in France and Italy until it took on the form we recognize today.
The method has become popular due to its simplicity and ability to prepare strong, rich coffee without any electronic devices. The philosophy behind it is based on the culture of slowness – a ritual of coffee preparation that requires patience, attention and enjoyment during the process.
French Press Method: Advantages
- Full scent: Metal filter lets through coffee oils and fine particles
- 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 machine
French Press coffee making steps
1. Preparing and measuring ingredients
Weigh 21g of freshly roasted coffee beans accurately, 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 basis for 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 method is 1:15 to 1:17.
2. Grinding coffee for the French Press method
Grind the coffee beans coarsely (1.2-1.5 mm particle size). This 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 for a uniform grind. Blade grinders create an uneven grind, so some coffee will be overextracted (it may absorb too much coffee) and some will be underextracted.
Grind coffee only immediately before brewing – this preserves maximum aroma and flavor intensity.
3. Preparing French Press Coffee
Preheat the coffee pot by pouring hot water over it and waiting for 30 seconds. This will maintain the correct temperature of the coffee throughout the extraction process. Pour out the preheating water and add the ground coffee to the coffee pot.
Make sure the coffee maker 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 about 30 seconds - during this time, coffee foam should form on the surface. This is a sign that the coffee is fresh and properly roasted.
5. Basic water pouring and extraction
After the blooming phase, pour the remaining water in a slow, circular motion. The water should be 92-95°C. Place the lid with the pusher on, 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, but avoid over-extraction, which would cause a bitter taste.
Expert advice: A shorter extraction (3 minutes) will produce a milder coffee, while a longer one (5 minutes) will produce a stronger and richer coffee.
6. Pressing the plunger and pouring coffee
After exactly 4 minutes, slowly and evenly press the pusher down. The pressure should last for about 15-20 seconds. If the pusher is too light, the grind is too coarse; if it is too hard, the grind is too fine.
Very important: immediately after pressing, pour all the coffee into cups or another container. If the coffee remains in the container, it will continue to extract and become too strong and bitter.
If the pusher is extremely difficult to push, stop and lift it back slightly, then try again - this will prevent coffee grounds from getting into the drink.
French Press method. Features
- Full aroma: The metal filter lets through the coffee oils that add richness
- Real texture: A little coffee dust creates an authentic 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 aroma
- Jungle: Exotic coffee with complex flavors
Professional advice
- Water quality: Use filtered water with proper mineralization
- Temperature: 92-95°C is the ideal temperature for the French method
- Time: Keep the extraction time to exactly 4 minutes
- Grinding: Coarse, uniform grinding is the key to 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 a 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
Coffee is too bitter: 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 machine before use and use hotter water (95°C).
French Press Care and Cleaning
Proper care will extend the life of your coffee maker 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 regularly; replace if damaged.
- Store in a dry place, completely dry.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes that may damage the glass.
- If coffee oil deposits accumulate, soak the parts in warm water with baking soda or a special cleaner for 15-20 minutes.
- Do not wash in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer recommends it.
Conclusion
French Press is not just a method of brewing coffee, but also a part of French coffee culture, symbolizing simplicity, taste and pleasure. This method is perfect for those who appreciate rich, full-bodied coffee with a bright body and are not in a hurry to enjoy the brewing process itself.
With quality beans, proper grinding, and a little practice, this method will become part of your daily coffee ritual, giving you an authentic French coffee experience at home.