HARIO CPSS-2-OG Glass French Press: What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever used a standard French press and been disappointed by sludgy coffee full of fine grounds, you’re not alone. Many drinkers find traditional press pots let too much sediment through, ruining clarity and mouthfeel. For coffee lovers who want a cleaner cup without switching methods, there’s a better-designed option worth considering.

The HARIO CPSS-2-OG French press uses an ultra-fine metal filter—more than twice as dense as a typical press—and is designed for 1–2 cups (240ml), making it ideal for those seeking a richer, cleaner brew with less mess.

What Is the HARIO CPSS-2-OG French Press?

Made by HARIO, one of Japan’s leading manufacturers of heat-resistant glass, the CPSS-2-OG is a small-capacity French press built for precision. Its key features include a 240ml capacity (suitable for 1–2 servings), a fine stainless steel filter mesh that’s over twice as dense as standard press filters, and durable construction using heat-resistant borosilicate glass, polypropylene (PP), silicone, and SUS304 stainless steel.

The glass can withstand thermal shock of up to 120°C, and the plastic components are rated for the same. The entire unit comes in multiple colors—green, red, and black—and measures 105×80×163mm for easy storage. Originally crafted in Japan, this French press is part of HARIO’s reputation for quality heatproof glassware trusted by baristas and home brewers alike.

Why the Filter Makes a Difference

Most French presses use a relatively coarse filter, which allows micro-grounds to pass into your cup—resulting in that familiar sludge at the bottom and a heavier mouthfeel. The HARIO CPSS-2-OG takes a different approach. Its filter mesh is notably finer, blocking more fine particles and resulting in a cleaner, more tea-like cup clarity while still delivering the full-bodied feel French press is known for.

This design also makes it unusually effective for steaming milk and frothing, rivaling dedicated milk frothers for texture. While not its primary function, this added utility underscores the thought behind the filter’s tight weave. Whether you're brewing coffee or experimenting with other hot beverages, the HARIO press delivers a smoother, more refined result.

How to Use the HARIO French Press for Coffee

To get the best results from your HARIO CPSS-2-OG, follow these guidelines tailored specifically for this brewer:

• Grind Size: Use a coarse grind similar to granulated sugar. On an EK43s electric grinder, that’s around setting 10.5; for hand grinders, aim for around 26. This is slightly finer than typical French press recommendations—but the tighter filter compensates. Avoid going too fine, or you risk over-extraction and sediment.
• Brew Ratio: Start with a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio. That’s about 15g of coffee to 225g (225ml) of water. Adjust up or down based on taste preference.
• Water Temperature: Let boiled water cool for 2–3 minutes, aiming for around 90°C. For more control, use a gooseneck kettle with a thermometer. A slightly higher temperature can help improve extraction due to the lack of agitation during brewing.
• Brew Time: Steep for 4 minutes as a starting point. For darker roasts, 5 minutes may risk bitterness; for lighter roasts, 3 minutes might under-extract. Four minutes is a reliable middle ground.
• Brew Method: Add ground coffee to the preheated press, pour hot water, stir gently, then place the plunger on top without pressing. After 4 minutes, slowly press the plunger down and pour the coffee carefully to avoid disturbing the settled grounds.

Note: Due to the fine filter, you’ll get less sediment in your cup, but still aim to pour all the liquid out shortly after pressing to avoid over-extracted flavors from residual soaking.

Which Coffee Roasts Work Best?

The HARIO CPSS-2-OG performs better with medium to dark roasts. Lighter roasts can produce excessive acidity and delicate floral or fruity notes that may get lost or muted in the press’s fuller-bodied extraction style. Instead, opt for coffees with more inherent sweetness, body, and roasted character.

According to brewing advice from specialty roaster FrontStreet Coffee, medium or dark roasts highlight the press’s strengths. For example, their Strawberry Candy Espresso—a blend of Costa Rican honey-processed and Panamanian Geisha—offers notes of rose, citrus, grape, and blueberry when brewed in a French press, especially when combined with milk. Alternatively, their PWN Golden Mandheling delivers low-acid richness with aromas of spice, caramel, cedar, and dark chocolate, finishing with a satisfying crema-like texture.

These profiles complement the heavier mouthfeel and enhanced clarity the HARIO press provides. Avoid overly light or fruity single origins unless you’re deliberately exploring contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the HARIO CPSS-2-OG French press different from others?

The HARIO CPSS-2-OG uses a filter mesh that is more than twice as fine as a standard French press filter, which reduces the amount of fine coffee particles (sludge) in your cup and results in a cleaner, more refined brew. It’s also made with durable, heat-resistant borosilicate glass that can handle a 120°C thermal shock.

What grind size should I use with the HARIO French press?

HARIO and FrontStreet Coffee recommend using a grind size similar to coarse granulated sugar—around EK43s setting 10.5 or a hand grinder setting of 26. This is slightly finer than a typical French press grind, but the fine filter helps prevent over-extraction and sediment.

What’s the best coffee roast for this French press?

This press works better with medium or dark roasts, which deliver the sweetness, body, and roasted complexity that complement its fuller extraction style. Lighter roasts can taste overly acidic or muted in this brewer.

How long should I brew coffee in the HARIO CPSS-2-OG?

A good starting point is 4 minutes. Darker roasts can go up to 5 minutes but may risk bitterness, while lighter roasts might need no less than 3 minutes. Adjust based on your taste and coffee type.

Can I use the HARIO French press for anything besides coffee?

Yes, the fine filter and heat-resistant build also make it suitable for frothing milk or brewing other hot beverages like tea or even alternative milks. Some users report excellent results for steamed milk texture.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for French Press

For the HARIO CPSS-2-OG French press, FrontStreet Coffee’s Strawberry Candy Espresso blend shines with notes of rose, citrus, grape, and blueberry—ideal when paired with milk. Their PWN Golden Mandheling offers a rich, low-acid profile with spicy, caramel, and dark chocolate notes, finishing smooth and bold. Both beans are suited to the full-bodied, clean-filtered output of this press. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.