1. Introduction
After years working in coffee shops—pulling silky espresso shots and pouring smooth drip brews—I realized there was one method I’d never actually tried: the French press.
Despite my barista background, I’d never brewed this way. Kinda wild, right?
It’s one of the most iconic brewing tools in the coffee world, loved for its rich flavor and low-fuss method. So I decided it was time to finally learn.
If you’ve ever Googled “how to use a French press” and got overwhelmed by technical jargon, this post is for you. I’m figuring it out, too—and that’s what makes it fun. We’ll walk through the basics, gear options, and pro tips so you can confidently brew a bold, flavorful cup at home.
Let’s get into it.
2. What I’ve Learned (Without Ever Using One… Yet)
Yep—you read that right. I haven’t brewed with a French press yet. But that hasn’t stopped me from going full research mode: Reddit deep-dives, YouTube tutorials, asking coffee friends, and reading every tip I could find.
What’s surprised me most? How much technique actually goes into plunging? I used to think a French press was just a fancy way to make drip coffee—but it’s completely different. The grind size, the steep time, and even how you press the plunger change everything.
I also totally misunderstood what “bloom” meant until I saw it in action. There’s something really cool about learning through curiosity and a little confusion—it makes the process feel real.
3. Quick Brew Guide
A go-to reference for your first brew
- Grind size: Coarse (like sea salt)
- Coffee: 40g
- Water: 600g (just off boil, ~210°F / 99°C)
- Bloom time: 1 minute
- Steep time: 4–8 minutes
- Plunge: Slow and steady
Watch it in action: James Hoffmann’s French Press video is a great visual reference.
4. What Is a French Press?
A French press (aka press pot or cafetière) is a manual coffee brewer made up of:
- A glass or metal carafe
- A plunger
- A built-in mesh filter
It brews coffee by steeping coarse grounds in hot water and then using a plunger to separate the grounds from the liquid.
The result? A rich, full-bodied brew packed with oils and fine flavor particles—unlike the cleaner taste you get from drip or pour-over methods.
5. Why Use a French Press?
People swear by it for a reason. Here’s why:
- Bold flavor: No paper filter means more oils = more taste
- Simple setup: No electricity, just hot water and coffee
- Versatile: Works great for tea or even cold brew
- Immersion brewing: Coffee steeps fully for even extraction
It’s one of the most beginner-friendly yet rewarding brew methods out there.
6. Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
Here’s the basic French press method I’ve pieced together:
1. Heat your water
Bring it just to a boil (around 210°F / 99°C).
2. Add coffee
Measure 40g of coarsely ground coffee into the press.
3. Bloom the grounds
Pour a bit of water to wet the coffee evenly. Let it sit for 1 minute to release gas.
4. Stir gently
Break the crust that forms and stir for 30 seconds.
5. Fill and steep
Add the rest of the water and let it steep for 4–8 minutes.
6. Plunge slowly
Press the plunger down gently—no sudden pushes.
7. Pour and enjoy
Serve immediately for the best flavor.
7. Best Beginner French Press Gear
If you’re starting fresh like me, here are a few beginner-friendly presses I found through hours of research (and way too many Reddit threads):
Affiliate Note: Some of these are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the blog going. I only share gear I genuinely trust.
☕ Espro P7 French Press — A lot of pros swear by this one for a cleaner cup. It’s more premium, but worth it if you’re serious about avoiding grit.
Check price on Amazon
☕ Bodum Chambord French Press — This is probably the one I’ll start with—classic, affordable, beginner-friendly.
View on Amazon
☕ OXO Brew GroundsLifter — Designed for easy cleanup. Great if you hate dealing with wet grounds (like me).
See it on Amazon
8. What Makes a Great French Press Brew?
Here’s what the pros say makes a standout cup:
- Full-bodied, rich flavor
- Smooth texture (minimal grit)
- Balanced coffee-to-water ratio
- Proper steep time (4–8 minutes)
- Coarse grind for cleaner extraction
Dialing in each of these helps you go from “meh” to “whoa” with each brew.
9. Tips from the Pros (Reddit, YouTube, Blogs)
Here are the most useful tips I’ve found—stuff I wish I’d known sooner:
- Let it steep before stirring: Wait 4 minutes before breaking the crust. It improves extraction.
- Scoop off the foam + floaters: It makes the brew taste cleaner and less bitter.
- Let it sit after plunging: Some pros recommend waiting another 8 minutes before pouring for a smoother cup.
- Preheat your press: Just swirl hot water inside before brewing to keep temps stable.
- Plunge slowly: Rushing the plunge can ruin the texture. Slow = smooth.
10. Final Thoughts
Do you have any go-to tips or gear you swear by? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you. Drop a comment below, please 🙂
If you’re also just getting into this world of home brewing, welcome. Let’s figure it out together, one brew at a time.
Curious why I started this blog or where I’m headed next?
Check out my About Me page to learn more about my coffee journey.
11. French Press FAQ (Structured for Google)
What grind size should I use for a French press?
Use a coarse grind, like sea salt. It prevents grit and allows for better extraction.
How long should I steep French press coffee?
Start with 4 minutes. Taste it. Like it stronger? Go up to 8.
Can you use regular pre-ground coffee?
You can, but it’s usually too fine. If you must, reduce steep time to avoid bitterness.
Is French press coffee stronger than drip?
It can taste stronger because of the bold, full-bodied texture, but caffeine levels depend more on coffee-to-water ratio
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