How to French Press Coffee at Home: Step-by-Step

You don’t need an expensive machine or barista training to make a great cup of coffee. Just ask any home brewer who’s mastered the French press—also known as a cafetière or plunger pot. With the right grind, water temperature, and timing, you can brew a full-bodied, aromatic cup right at home. Here’s how one coffee enthusiast learned to make café-quality coffee using nothing more than a Bodum press, hot water, and freshly ground beans.

The key? Use roughly 10 grams of coffee per 180ml of water—that’s the standard ratio used by Starbucks and many home brewers. For a Bodum press, one heaping scoop (their included spoon) holds 7 grams, so a little over one and a half scoops hits the mark. Let it steep for a full minute before pressing, then enjoy immediately for the best flavor.

What Is French Press Coffee?

French press brewing is a simple immersion method where coarsely ground coffee steeps directly in hot water, then is separated by pressing a plunger. It’s known for producing a rich, full-bodied cup with natural oils and sediment. Unlike filtered methods, it allows more coffee solids into the cup, enhancing body and texture. Many coffee lovers prefer it for its simplicity and bold results.

Step-by-Step: How to Brew Coffee with a French Press

1. Grind Your Coffee Beans

If you don’t have a grinder, most coffee shops will grind beans for you. For French press, you need a coarse grind—similar to breadcrumbs. Avoid a fine grind, which can pass through the filter and make your coffee gritty.

2. Heat Your Equipment

Boil water, then pour a bit into your French press and coffee cups to warm them. This helps maintain brewing temperature and improves heat stability during extraction.

3. Add the Coffee Grounds

Bodum includes a small scoop: one full level scoop is 7 grams. For a stronger brew, use one and a half scoops (about 10–11 grams). Some home brewers aim for around 10 grams of coffee per 180ml of water, the same ratio used at Starbucks.

4. Pour Hot Water

Add hot water—ideally just off the boil, around 93–96°C (200–205°F). Pour enough to cover the grounds, then add more to your desired strength. There’s no fixed volume, so adjust to taste.

5. Steep Without Pressing

Place the lid on with the plunger pulled all the way up. Let the coffee brew untouched for one full minute. This pause lets the flavors fully develop through immersion.

6. Press the Plunger Down

After one minute, slowly press the plunger down. Use steady pressure to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee. Don’t rush it, or you may stir up sediment.

7. Pour and Drink Immediately

Don’t let the coffee sit in the press after pressing—it will continue extracting and turn bitter. Pour it into your cup right away for the best, freshest flavor.

Extra Uses and Tips

Leftover coffee grounds? Pop them in the fridge to help absorb odors. And while the Bodum is great for coffee, it’s also versatile: one user tried making herbal tea in theirs, only to later learn that Bodum is actually a Danish brand famous for pioneering the French press—some of their products are even used by Starbucks. So yes, it’s meant for coffee first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for French press?

The recommended ratio is around 10 grams of coffee per 180ml (6 ounces) of water. That’s roughly one and a half scoops of the Bodum scoop (each full scoop is 7 grams). Adjust to taste, but this is the standard used by many home brewers including some commercial cafes.

How long should French press coffee steep?

Let the coffee steep for one full minute after pouring hot water over the grounds. Do not press the plunger during this time. After one minute, press and then pour immediately.

What grind size should I use for a French press?

Use a coarse grind, similar to breadcrumbs. A fine grind will pass through the filter and make the coffee gritty. If you’re buying pre-ground, ask for a French press or coarse setting.

Do I need to preheat my French press?

Yes, it’s recommended. Pour hot water into the press and your cups to warm them up before brewing. This helps maintain a stable brewing temperature.

Can I leave coffee in the French press after brewing?

No. Leaving brewed coffee in the press will over-extract the grounds and make the coffee taste bitter. Pour it into your mug right after pressing.

Is a Bodum press really the best for French press coffee?

Bodum is one of the most well-known French press brands, originating from Denmark. While there are many good presses on the market, Bodum is recognized for popularizing the design and is even used by some commercial brands like Starbucks.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for French Press

For French press brewing, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—bright and juicy with blueberry and floral notes, perfect for immersive brewing. Alternatively, their Yirgacheffe offers citrus and stone fruit brightness with a medium body that shines in a press. For something deeper, their PWN Golden Mandheling brings sweet caramel and spice with a full, rich mouthfeel. All work beautifully with the coarse grind and full immersion of 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.