What Is an Espro Press and How Does It Improve French Press Coffee?

If you've ever poured a cup of French press coffee only to find a layer of sludge at the bottom—or worse, gritty grounds floating in your sip—you're not alone. Many coffee drinkers love the full-bodied richness of a French press but can't stand the fine coffee particles that come with it. So what if there were a way to keep that bold, immersive flavor while cutting down on the unwanted grit?

The Espro Press solves that problem with a double micro-filter system that reduces coffee sediment by up to 95%, all while preserving the rich, full-immersion qualities of a traditional French press. That’s the difference one extra filter can make.

What Makes the Espro Press Different from a Traditional French Press?

At first glance, the Espro Press looks almost identical to a standard French press. It’s a stainless steel, plunger-style brewer designed for full immersion. But the secret lies in its double micro-filter system. Unlike traditional French presses that use a single metal mesh filter—which often lets fine coffee particles through—the Espro Press adds a second, ultra-fine layer.

This secondary filter is reportedly 5 to 10 times finer than those found in conventional French presses. The result? A cleaner cup of coffee with far less sediment, while still delivering the deep, robust flavors that immersion brewing is known for.

Who Created the Espro Press and Why?

The Espro Press was developed over nearly two years by Chris Mclean, a design engineer, and Bruce Constantine, an engineer and business owner. Their goal was simple: to refine the classic French press experience without sacrificing its inherent strengths.

Rather than reinventing the wheel, they focused on improving one critical aspect—filtration. By adding that extra micro-filter layer, they managed to create a brewer that keeps the best parts of French press coffee (body, richness, simplicity) while solving one of its biggest drawbacks (sediment).

Currently, the only size available is the small 1-3 cup model, priced at $70 USD. A larger version is in development, with a capacity of 1.25 liters (42.27 ounces), capable of brewing around 30 ounces (about 0.89 liters)—enough for 4 to 8 cups of coffee, ideal for 2 to 4 people.

How to Use a French Press (Like the Espro Press) for Best Results

To get the most out of any French press—including the Espro Press—you’ll want to follow some best practices tailored to immersion brewing. Here’s what really affects your cup:

Grind Size

Use a coarse grind, similar to crushed rock or kosher salt. On an EK43 grinder, that’s around setting 10.5; for hand grinders, aim for around 26. Too fine, and you risk over-extraction and fine particles slipping through—even with the Espro’s double filter.

Brew Ratio

A common starting point is a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio (e.g., 15 grams of coffee to 225 grams of water). This yields a cup in the 1.1–1.2% TDS range for balanced strength. Adjust to taste from there.

Water Temperature

Heat your water to around 90°C (194°F), or let boiled water sit for 2–3 minutes before pouring. For more control, use a gooseneck kettle with a built-in thermometer. Slightly higher temperatures can help improve extraction in a French press setup.

Brew Time

Let the coffee steep for 3 to 5 minutes. FrontStreet Coffee recommends starting with 4 minutes as a solid middle ground. Deeper roasts may taste better at the shorter end to avoid bitterness, while lighter roasts can handle longer times to develop more complexity.

Here’s the basic method:

• Remove the plunger and add your coarsely ground coffee.
• Pour hot water (just off boil) over the grounds and give it a gentle stir.
• Place the plunger back on top, but don’t press yet—let it steep.
• After 4 minutes, slowly press the plunger down.
• Pour the coffee into cups immediately to avoid over-extraction from sitting on the grounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Espro Press different from a regular French press?

The Espro Press features a double micro-filter system that is 5 to 10 times finer than a traditional French press filter. This significantly reduces the amount of coffee sediment and fine particles in your cup while maintaining the full-immersion, rich flavor profile of a classic French press.

What grind size should I use with an Espro Press?

Use a coarse grind similar to crushed rock or kosher salt—around a setting of 10.5 on an EK43 grinder or 26 on a hand grinder. A grind that’s too fine can lead to over-extraction and may allow fine particles to pass through the filter.

What’s the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for the Espro Press?

A good starting ratio is 1:15 (15 grams of coffee to 225 grams of water), which results in a balanced cup with a TDS of around 1.1–1.2%. Adjust based on your taste preferences.

What water temperature works best?

Use water around 90°C (194°F), or let boiling water rest for 2–3 minutes before brewing. A slightly higher temperature can enhance extraction, especially in a full-immersion setup like the French press.

How long should I steep my coffee in the Espro Press?

Most brewers recommend 3 to 5 minutes. FrontStreet suggests starting with 4 minutes for a balanced extraction. Lighter roasts can go a bit longer; darker roasts may need less time to avoid bitterness.

Is the Espro Press available in different sizes?

Currently, only a small 1–3 cup model is available for $70 USD. A larger 1.25-liter (about 42 ounces) version is in development, capable of brewing roughly 30 ounces (4–8 cups) suitable for 2–4 people.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for French Press

For French press brewing with the Espro Press, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Strawberry Candy Espresso, a fruityGeisha-based blend with notes of rose, citrus, blueberry, and grape. For low-acid richness, go with PWN Golden Mandheling, a medium-to-dark roast with notes of spice, caramel, and black chocolate. Both beans respond well to the full immersion and bold extraction that a French press—and the Espro’s refined filtration—deliver. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.