How to Use a French Press: The Best Recipe for Stellar Coffee

There’s something almost ritualistic about brewing coffee with a French press: the rich aroma, the gentle press of the plunger, and the anticipation of that first sip - it’s a coffee lover’s dream come true, and it’s a ritual I take part in just about every morning. However, to truly master the art of making French press coffee, you need a stellar recipe and some precision. So, let’s discuss how to use a French press the RIGHT way to make the best coffee possible.

Step 1: Start Boiling the Water

Before you can embark on your journey to French press perfection, you must begin with the basics - water. To ensure you have enough water, weigh it out. The last thing you want is to start making coffee only to find out you don’t have enough hot water. Nothing ruins a morning more than wasting coffee grounds.

My French press comfortably holds around 840 grams of water, so I weigh out 950 for the boil. This accounts for some loss due to evaporation and allows for a little extra to ensure I have enough to fill the press. You’ll have to dial in your own numbers, of course.

Before we go any further, making delicious French press coffee demands a good scale. You’ll weigh your beans, water, and the whole French press during brewing, so it’s a necessity. I recommend the Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale and Timer. This scale is specifically designed for manual brewing methods, making it an excellent choice for those who want precision in their coffee preparation. Plus, it includes a timer, so you don’t need any additional equipment.

Step 2: Weigh and Grind the Coffee

The key to exceptional French press coffee is precision, and that starts with measuring your coffee. I use a 1:15 ratio of coffee to water, which means for my 840 grams of water, I begin with 56 grams of coffee. Don’t just eyeball it; use your scale to get that exact ratio. Your cup won’t be consistent without precision.

Now, here’s an essential tip: grind your coffee beans immediately before brewing. Pre-ground coffee just can’t compete with the aroma and flavor of freshly ground beans.

The size of your coffee grounds matters too. Aim for a coarse grind for French press, which resembles breadcrumbs or kosher salt. At the end of this article, I’ll discuss some ways you can improve your French press coffee and alter the flavors to your liking.

Step 3: Add the Grounds to Your French Press

With your coffee grounds ready, it’s time to add them to your French press. You can preheat the French press, but it’s not necessary. Simply pour them into the bottom of the empty press. Just make sure it’s clean, first!

Step 4: Add Water to Your French Press

Let’s get scientific for a moment. Coffee brewing is all about extracting the good stuff from the beans. To do this, you need water that’s between 200 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a thermometer on hand, don’t fret; boiling water will work, too. It’s easier to get 212 degrees dialed in, too, because water is never hotter than that. If it’s boiling, it’s 212 degrees. Unless you live an elevation…in which case, just buy a thermometer!

Start your timer, and at the same time, start pouring the water. Make sure you reach 840 grams, maintaining that 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio. Pour in a circular motion to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated. Avoid stirring until you hit one minute on the timer.

Step 5: Stir the Coffee

At one minute into your brewing adventure, give your coffee a gentle stir. This “breaks the crust” and makes sure the extraction is happening evenly, resulting in a more consistent flavor.

Step 6: Place the Top On the French Press

Now, it’s time to play the waiting game. Place the top on your French press but don’t plunge it down just yet. Your goal here is just to maintain the heat inside the chamber. Let your coffee steep for a total of four minutes (including the one minute pre-stir), during which the flavors will blend and mingle, creating a harmonious symphony of taste.

Step 7: Press the Plunger Down

After those four minutes have passed, it’s time for the grand finale - plunging! Gently press the plunger down, using slow and steady force. This process separates the coffee grounds from the liquid, creating a ground-free brew that’s ready for your enjoyment.

Step 8: Immediately Pour the Coffee

For some reason, people think it’s fancy to serve coffee continuously out of a French press. This is wrong…so wrong. Letting brewed coffee sit on the grounds will lead to over-extraction, making your coffee bitter and less enjoyable. So, be prompt and pour your coffee into your favorite mug or carafe as soon as that plunger has done its job.

Step 9: Filter If You Need To

Depending on your preference, you might want to filter your coffee through a paper filter. Paper filters can remove specific compounds from your brew, most notably cafestol and kahweol. These compounds have been associated with raising cholesterol levels. So, if you’re mindful of your heart health, you may want to use a paper filter.

Additionally, unfiltered coffee has a thick mouthfeel, so if you find that the feel of your coffee is unpleasant or feels “dirty,” try filtering it.

Step 10: Drink Immediately

The golden rule of French press coffee is to savor it immediately. This coffee is at its peak when it’s fresh and hot. Sit down, take a moment for yourself, and enjoy the rich, full-bodied flavor you’ve just created.

Step 11: Clean Your French Press

Yep…the last step is to clean your French press to get it ready for the next brew. This ensures you get rid of any coffee oils and residue that can continue to extract in your next batch and leave you with unpleasant, bitter flavors.

How to Dial In the Perfect French Press Coffee Recipe

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to explore the nuances of French press brewing. Achieving the perfect cup of coffee can be an ongoing journey that requires some tinkering. If your coffee doesn’t taste quite right, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

How to Fix Salty or Sour French Press Coffee

If your coffee tastes too salty or sour, it might be a sign of under-extraction. To fix this, try using a slightly finer grind or extending the brew time slightly. Change one metric at a time until you dial in the perfect cup.

How to Fix Bitter French Press Coffee

Bitterness can result from over-extraction or too fine of a grind. To remedy this, use a coarser grind or reduce the brew time. Again, start by altering just one metric.

How to Fix Acidic French Press Coffee

Acidity is often a result of the coffee beans themselves, but it can also be exacerbated by too-high water temperature or too fine of a grind (i.e. over-extraction). Try using slightly cooler water (but not below 200 degrees), shorten your brew time a little, or choose a slightly coarser grind. You can also opt for coffee beans with a lower acidity level.

How to Fix Strong or Harsh French Press Coffee

A strong or harsh taste can be the result of using too much coffee. Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio to your liking, and don’t forget that a finer grind can also make your coffee stronger.

How to Fix Weak French Press Coffee

If your coffee tastes weak, you might need to use more coffee or brew it for a longer period. Experiment with these variables until you find your perfect balance.

Wrapping Up: Using a French Press Properly

There’s something deeply satisfying about brewing coffee with a French press. It’s an art form that requires precision, patience, and a bit of science. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a seasoned enthusiast, these steps can lead you to a steaming cup of perfection.

Remember, the journey to the ideal French press coffee recipe is an ongoing adventure, one that will tantalize your taste buds with each cup. So, grab your favorite beans, start brewing, and enjoy the splendid experience of French press coffee - just the way you like it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use tap water to brew French press coffee?

Absolutely, you can use tap water for brewing French press coffee. However, the taste of your coffee may vary depending on the quality of your tap water. If your tap water has an odd taste or smell, consider using filtered water or bottled water to ensure a cleaner and more neutral flavor profile in your coffee.

How can I keep my French press coffee hot for longer?

To keep your French press coffee hot for an extended period, avoid leaving it in the French press and instead move it to a preheated, insulated carafe. Leaving your brewed coffee on top of the grounds will lead to over-extraction and off flavors. Also, avoid exposing your French press coffee to a heat source. Since French press is unfiltered, the remaining fines (small grounds) in the brewed coffee will continue to be extracted, creating unpleasant acidity and bitterness.

Can I use any coffee beans with a French press?

Yes, you can use any type of coffee beans with a French press, but the flavor will vary depending on the beans. Experiment with different coffee beans to find the flavor profile that suits your taste preferences. Generally, medium to dark roast beans work well with French press brewing, as they provide a rich and full-bodied taste. But, really, i’s all about personal preference.

Can I make a smaller batch of coffee in a French press?

Absolutely, you can make a smaller batch of coffee in a French press. The key is to maintain the same coffee-to-water ratio. If you typically use a 1:15 ratio and want a smaller amount of coffee, adjust the amount of coffee and water accordingly while keeping the same ratio. Keep in mind that very small batches aren’t ideal in large French presses, as the plunger may not reach the bed of grounds. Ideally, you should aim for a full batch each time you make French press coffee.