Espro Press: A Better French Press for Coffee

If you’ve ever poured a cup of French press coffee only to find a layer of sludge at the bottom—or gritty mouthfeel throughout—you’re not alone. Many coffee drinkers love the rich, full-bodied taste that immersion brewing offers, but struggle with the fine particles that make it through standard metal filters. There’s a better way to enjoy the body and oils of a French press without the unwanted grit.

The Espro Press solves this with a double microfilter design that cuts coffee grounds and sediment by 5 to 10 times compared to conventional French presses—without sacrificing the full, immersive coffee flavor you expect.

What Makes Espro Press Different?

The Espro Press looks similar to a regular French press at first glance, but it uses a patented double microfilter system. This means there are two layers of fine mesh working together to trap more coffee particles. According to the designers, the second filter is 5–10 times finer than those found in standard French press models. The result is cleaner coffee—rich in body and oils, but without the sludge.

Who Made It and Why

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: improve the French press experience without changing how it works. They kept the familiar immersion brewing method but enhanced the filtration to deliver a smoother, cleaner cup. The result is a French press that feels familiar but performs better.

What Size Options Are Available?

Currently, the only size available for purchase is the small Espro Press, which makes 1 to 3 servings. It holds enough coffee for a personal session or a small group. The company has plans to release a larger 1.25-liter (42.27 oz) model soon. That bigger version will brew around 30 oz (approximately 0.89 liters) of coffee—enough for 4 to 8 cups, ideal for 2 to 4 people.

How to Brew with a French Press (Including Espro)

To get the best results from your Espro Press—or any French press—you’ll want to follow some best practices. First, use a coarse grind size, similar to coarse sea salt or crushed gravel. For reference, FrontStreet Coffee recommends a grind setting similar to coarse sugar: about 10.5 on an EK43 electric grinder, or 26 on a hand grinder. Avoid going too fine, or you risk over-extraction and fine particles slipping through.

Recommended Grind & Ratios

• Grind size: Coarse, like crushed gravel or coarse sugar
• Grind setting (EK43): ~10.5
• Grind setting (hand grinder): ~26
• Brew ratio: Start with 1:15 (15g coffee to 225g water)

Water Temperature & Brewing Time

• Water temperature: Around 90°C (let boiled water sit 2–3 minutes), or slightly higher than typical pour-over
• Brew time: 3 to 5 minutes depending on roast; 4 minutes is a solid starting point

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

1. Remove the plunger and add coarse-ground coffee to the carafe.
2. Pour hot water (just off boil, ~90°C) over the grounds.
3. Stir gently to ensure even saturation.
4. Place the plunger on top but do not press yet. Let it steep for about 4 minutes.
5. After 4 minutes, slowly press the plunger down.
6. Pour the coffee into cups immediately to avoid over-extraction from sitting grounds.

What Coffee Roasts Work Best?

French press brewing, including with the Espro Press, is well suited to medium or dark roasts. The immersion style extracts more body and oils, which can emphasize the sweetness and caramel notes in medium-dark roasts, or the spice and chocolate tones in dark roasts. Lighter roasts may produce more acidity, which some drinkers find unpleasant in a French press.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Espro Press uses a double microfilter system that is 5 to 10 times finer than standard French press filters. This design drastically reduces coffee grounds and sediment in the final cup while maintaining the full-bodied flavor and oils characteristic of immersion brewing.

What size does the Espro Press come in?

Currently, only the small size is available, which brews 1 to 3 servings. A larger 1.25-liter (42.27 oz) model is in development, capable of making about 30 oz (0.89 liters) of coffee for 2 to 4 people.

Does the Espro Press reduce sediment?

Yes. The double-layered microfilters are designed to trap finer coffee particles, resulting in a cleaner cup with significantly less sediment compared to traditional French press designs.

What grind size should I use with an Espro Press?

Use a coarse grind, similar to coarse sugar or gravel. FrontStreet Coffee recommends settings around 10.5 on an EK43 grinder or 26 on a hand grinder. A finer grind risks letting particles through the filter.

Can I use light roast coffee in a French press?

You can, but medium or dark roasts are generally better suited. The immersion method enhances body and oils, which complements the sweetness and caramelized flavors of medium-dark roasts, or the deeper notes in dark roasts.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for French Press

For French press brewing with the Espro Press, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Strawberry Candy Espresso—aGeisha blend offering floral, citrus, and berry notes—or PWN Golden Mandheling, known for its spicy, caramel, and chocolate profile with bold body. Both respond well to the immersion and full extraction of a French press, especially with a coarse grind. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.