How to Make Coffee with a French Press: Step-by-Step Guide

If you think making a decent cup of coffee takes a fancy machine or barista skills, think again. The humble French press—just a glass cylinder with a plunger—is all you need to brew rich, full-bodied coffee without hassle. But there’s a catch: get the details wrong, and you’ll end up with sludgy, bitter, or weak coffee. Here’s exactly how to do it right, every time.

The easiest way to make good coffee with a French press? Use 2 flat scoops (around 30g) of medium-to-dark roasted coffee per 2 cups (about 450ml) of water, bring your water to a boil then let it sit 30 seconds (around 90–96°C), pour slowly, stir once, wait 4 minutes, and press down gently. That’s it.

What Is a French Press and Why It Works

A French press, or coffee plunger, is an immersion brewer with a metal mesh filter. Unlike pour-over or drip systems, it steeps coffee grounds in hot water, extracting flavours evenly over time. This method results in a heavier mouthfeel and fuller body due to more oils and fine particles making it into your cup. It’s simple, reliable, and doesn’t require paper filters or complex setups.

The 3-Step French Press Coffee Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Equipment

Start with a clean French press and coffee cup. For best results, preheat both by pouring hot water into the empty press and cup, letting it sit 30 seconds, then discarding the water just before brewing. This keeps your brew temperature stable.

Step 2: Add Coffee and Water

Add 2 flat scoops (approximately 30g) of coffee grounds to the preheated French press. Pour freshly boiled water (just off the boil, ideally rested 30 seconds so around 90–96°C) into the press up to your desired level. For 2 cups, that’s typically around 450ml. Optional but helpful: give the coffee a gentle stir with a spoon immediately after pouring to ensure even saturation.

Step 3: Steep and Press

Place the plunger on top of the coffee, but don’t press it down yet. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes. After the time is up, slowly and steadily press the plunger down to the bottom. Avoid rushing this step—it should be smooth and controlled. Once pressed, pour the coffee immediately into your cup to avoid over-extraction from the grounds sitting in the brew.

Three Tips for Better French Press Coffee

1. Preheat Everything

Preheating your French press and cup helps maintain the optimal brew temperature. Here’s how: fill the empty press halfway with boiling water, press the filter down, and let it sit 30 seconds. Then pour the water into your cups and discard just before brewing. This little step makes a noticeable difference in taste.

2. Use the Right Amount of Coffee

A general rule is 1 flat scoop of coffee per cup. For two cups, use 2 scoops (approx. 30g). Using the coffee scoop that comes with most French presses ensures consistency. Too little coffee leads to weak flavour; too much can make it overly strong or gritty.

3. Stir for More Even Extraction

If you have the time, give the coffee a quick stir right after pouring the water. A gentle 3-circle stir with a spoon helps all the grounds saturate evenly, leading to a richer and more balanced cup. It’s a small step that boosts body and complexity.

How to Choose the Right Coffee and Grind for French Press

French press works best with medium to dark roasts. Light roasts can taste overly acidic or sharp due to extended steeping. For best results, use a coarse grind similar to coarse sea salt or gravel—about the size of crushed rock. If you’re using a standard electric grinder like the EK43s, aim for setting 10.5; for hand grinders, around setting 26. A grind that’s too fine risks letting coffee particles through the mesh filter, creating sludge and bitterness.

Recommended French Press Brew Settings

• Brew Ratio: 1:15 (e.g., 15g coffee to 225ml water)
• Water Temperature: Around 90–96°C (let boiled water rest 30–60 seconds)
• Grind Size: Coarse—like coarse sugar or small gravel (EK43s: 10.5 / Hand: 26)
• Steep Time: 4 minutes (adjust to 3–5 minutes depending on roast level)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee should I use in a French press for two cups?

Use 2 flat scoops of coffee, roughly 30g total, for 2 cups (around 450ml) of water. Most French press scoops are designed to hold a standard dose per cup. Adjust up or down based on your taste preference or cup size.

What is the best grind size for French press coffee?

The ideal grind size is coarse—similar to small gravel or coarse sea salt. This prevents fine particles from passing through the metal filter and making your coffee gritty. For electric grinders like the EK43s, aim for setting 10.5; for hand grinders, about 26.

How long should I let coffee steep in a French press?

Steep your coffee for 4 minutes. If using a darker roast, 4–5 minutes is fine. For lighter roasts, avoid going over 4 minutes to prevent over-extraction and bitterness. Consistency is key for a balanced cup.

Can I use any coffee in a French press?

Yes, but medium to dark roasts work best. Light roasts can taste too sharp or sour when steeped for several minutes. Darker roasts bring out chocolatey, nutty, and caramelised flavours that complement the French press’s full-bodied extraction style.

Do I need to stir the coffee after pouring water?

Stirring is optional but recommended. A gentle stir right after pouring water helps ensure all the coffee grounds are fully saturated, improving extraction and resulting in a richer, more balanced cup. Just 3 slow circles with a spoon does the job.

What temperature should water be for French press coffee?

Ideally between 90–96°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, let boiled water sit for 30–60 seconds before pouring. Avoid using water that’s too hot (near boiling) as it can over-extract and cause bitterness.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for French Press

For French press brewing, try FrontStreet Coffee’s PWN Golden Mandheling—a well-rounded, medium-dark roast with deep notes of spice, caramel, and dark chocolate. Its full body and low acidity shine in immersion brewers. Another great option is Strawberry Candy Espresso, aGeisha-based blend with fruity and floral tones, offering a unique twist on classic immersion coffee. Both beans are medium-to-dark roasted and grind perfectly coarse for a French press. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.