French press coffee doesn’t always get the love it deserves. In the world of pour-overs, syphons, and complicated espresso machines, the humble French press often takes a backseat. But here’s the thing: the French press is one of the easiest, most rewarding ways to brew coffee, and when done right, it creates a rich, bold cup of coffee that rivals any high-end coffee shop brew. If you think French press coffee is outdated or too basic, let’s flip that script. It’s time to give this underrated coffee method the spotlight it deserves!
Let’s be honest—French press coffee is often overlooked because it doesn’t have the flair of other brewing methods. There's no dramatic pour-over process, no steam or fancy gadgets, but don’t let its lack of drama fool you, it makes a great coffee. It’s been around for ages and your carafe is probably buried behind your (also under-used) rolling pin and pasta maker. This is the time to fish it out and make your daily coffee as easy and tasty as possible.
Why bother?
- It’s Stupidly Simple
If you’re a coffee lover but hate fussing with complicated machines or expensive grinders, the French press is your best friend. There are no filters, no pods, no mysterious buttons that make you feel like you're launching a spaceship. It's literally just coffee and hot water. Anyone can do it, it takes less time than you think and makes hardly any extra washing up.
- It’s Rich, Bold, and Full of Flavour
Since the French press doesn’t use a paper filter, all those flavourful oils from the coffee beans end up in your cup instead of getting trapped. This creates a deeper, more robust flavour that can sometimes be lost in other brewing methods. It’s like drinking coffee in high definition—every sip is packed with layers of complexity.
- It’s Perfect for Small or Large Batches
Making coffee for one? No problem. Hosting brunch for six people? The French press has your back. Its versatility is one of its strongest features. Whether you need just a cup for yourself or several mugs for a group, the French press can handle it without any extra work or stress. It’s by far the easiest way to make coffee for a dinner party, weigh out the coffee in advance, then just boil the kettle when you want it and spend your time with your friends instead.
- It’s Eco-Friendly
Since there are no filters or pods involved, the French press is an environmentally friendly option. You’re only using coffee grounds and water—no disposable waste. Plus, coffee grounds can be composted, making your morning routine a little greener.
The Magic of Using Quality Coffee Beans
Now, before we jump into the method, let’s talk about the key ingredient: coffee beans. The French press is a pretty transparent brewing method. What I mean is, there’s no filter to hide behind or machinery to “enhance” the flavour. The coffee beans are front and centre, so their quality really shines (or fails, if you’re using sub-par beans). So here’s the deal: if you want great French press coffee, you need good beans. No shortcuts. Your generic ‘Italian blend’ from the local shop will get the job done but you don’t need to be a connoisseur to tell the difference between that and freshly roasted speciality grade coffee, it’s night and day.
- Go for Whole Beans if you can
Whole beans keep their flavour longer, and when freshly ground, they give you the best coffee possible. Pre-ground coffee loses its oomph faster, so if you can invest in a grinder, it is the best single piece of equipment you can get to improve your coffee at home. You don’t need to go crazy with a top-of-the-line model, go for any Burr grinder, hand ones can be really cheap and work great with a little elbow grease.
- Choose a Medium to Coarse Grind
Since French press coffee involves steeping the grounds directly in hot water, you don’t want a fine grind like you would for espresso. A medium to coarse grind is perfect because it allows the water to extract all those delicious flavours without over-extracting and making your coffee too bitter.
- Freshness is Key
Look for coffee that’s been roasted recently. Most specialty coffee roasters will tell you when the beans were roasted, and Fresher = Better. Don’t let the supermarkets fool you, best before dates don’t mean that coffee will taste at its best up until that date. Once you’ve got your beans, keep them in an airtight container to preserve that freshness for as long as possible (not the freezer).
The Perfect Method for Making French Press Coffee
Okay, now that we’re all on the same page about why the French press is awesome and why your coffee beans matter, let’s get to the fun part—making the perfect cup.
What You’ll Need:
- A French press (naturally)
- Quality whole coffee beans (about 30 grams, or 2 tablespoons per 8 oz. of water)
- A burr grinder (for grinding your beans)
- Filtered water
- A kettle
- A timer (or just use your phone)
Step 1: Boil the Water
Start by heating your water. You want the water to be just off the boil, around 93°C. If you don’t have a thermometer (and let’s be real, most of us don’t), just let the water come to a boil and then cool for about 30 seconds. Too hot, and you risk burning the coffee; too cold, and it won’t extract all those glorious flavours from the beans.
Step 2: Grind Your Beans
While the water is heating, grind your coffee beans. Aim for a medium-coarse grind—think the texture of breadcrumbs. This coarser grind works best for the French press, allowing the water to interact with the beans without extracting too quickly. You want a grind size that releases the full spectrum of flavours without going bitter or too strong.
Quick Tip: If your grind is too fine, you’ll get sediment in your cup and potentially over-extract the coffee, making it bitter. Too coarse, and you might end up with weak coffee. Aim for that sweet spot in the middle.
Step 3: Warm the French Press
Before adding your coffee grounds, give your French press a quick rinse with some of that hot water. This warms the carafe, helping to maintain the ideal brewing temperature throughout the process.
Step 4: Add the Grounds
For a standard cup, you’ll want about 30 grams (roughly 2 tablespoons) of ground coffee. Adjust this depending on how much coffee you’re making and how strong you like it. Add the grounds to the bottom of the French press.
Quick tip: figure out how many spoonful’s of coffee you need for your carafe once, then just repeat that process in the future, saving the hassle of getting your scales out every time and still getting consistently great coffee
Step 5: Pour the Water
Pour your hot water over the coffee grounds, simple as that, try to make sure all the grounds end up under the water and you don’t make a mess.
Step 6: Steep and stir
Don’t touch it – don’t stir it – and don’t upset it for four minutes. This is the best starting point to extract the most flavour without veering into bitterness territory. If you like a stronger cup, let it steep a minute or two longer, but be cautious not to go too far, or you’ll end up with an overly bitter brew. Now and only now is it time to stir your coffee, this will cause most of the grounds to fall to the bottom of the carafe, right where you want them.
Step 7: Pour
Gently sit your plunger on top, give it another 30 seconds for the grinds to settle, then pour, no need to plunge, that will just disturb the coffee. This way the plunger only has to filter a few of the grinds out, meaning less end up in your cup and as a bonus, less washing up!
Final Thoughts: The French Press Renaissance
The French press may not have the flashy appeal of other brewing methods, but it’s a classic for a reason. Its simplicity, versatility, and ability to create a deep, flavourful cup make it one of the most underrated brewing methods out there. Whether you’re a coffee newbie or a seasoned pro, the French press deserves a spot in your coffee routine.
Next time you’re craving a bold, full-bodied coffee, give the French press a whirl. With the right beans and a few simple steps, you’ll be sipping on a brew that rivals anything from the fanciest café. Here’s to rediscovering the beauty of the French press—cheers!