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How to Brew the Perfect Cup of French Press Coffee

Jan 05, 2022

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of French Press Coffee

Did you know that the French press is one of the olders filter brewing methods in the world? This amazing brewer has stood the test of time and to this day it still holds a special spot in every household and coffee shop.


Today, I am going to explore what makes this coffee brewer so unique and show you how to make the perfect cup of coffee when using the French Press. Let’s get started!

What is a French Press Coffee Maker and How Does it Work?


The French Press was first registered for a patent in 1852 by two Frenchmen (Mayer and Delforge). In 1929 this design was substantially improved by the Italian Attilia Calimani and gave the French Press the shape and construction that it has retained to this day.


It has three main parts: the plunger, the mesh filter and the carafe. The idea behind its brewing design is fairly simple: to separate the coffee grounds from the water inside the carafe. Essentially, the French Press is an immersion brewer. This means that the coffee grounds need to be fully immersed in the hot water for the coffee extraction to be successful. 

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of French Press Coffee

Here are some tips for brewing a delicious cup of coffee with the French Press every single time:

Buy fresh coffee


Coffee tastes best up to 4 to 52 weeks after the roast date. I know that there are many manufactures who indicate a shelf life of up to 2 years on the packaging of the coffee but even if the coffee does not spoil during this time, the flavour quality gradually decreases.  

Grind coffee fresh


Grinding your own coffee beans before brewing is better because it exposes more flavors and aromatics than if you just dump them into a filter like you would by using pre-ground coffee.


Coffee beans are packed with oils and flavors that can only be extracted by grinding. This process breaks open the beans and exposes their volatile compounds to air. It is this exposure of the coffee compounds that gives coffee its distinct flavor and aroma. 

Choose a coarse grind setting


When using a French Press, it’s best if you go coarse. The overall brewing time is generally around 4:30 minutes in total, and if you were to use a finer grind you would end up over-extracting the flavours of your coffee. You definitely don’t want to do that because you will end up with a cup that tastes bitter and burnt. 

Step-by-step Guide 

It’s finally time to walk you through brewing the perfect cup of coffee with the French Press:

You will need:

  • A 34-oz French Press
  • Scales
  • 60 g of whole coffee beans, freshly roasted
  • A timer
  • 900 ml of water 
  • A stirrer

Instructions

  • Heat the water to a boil and let it sit for about a minute. 
  • Measure 60 g of freshly ground coffee using your scales.
  • Place the coffee grounds in the French Press.
  • Start your timer and add half of the water. Stir gently to saturate all the grounds. 
  • When your time reads 40 seconds grab the stirrer and break up the crust that has formed on top.
  • Add the rest of the water.
  • Place the lid on top without plunging and let the coffee steep until your timer reads 4 minutes. 
  • Plunge down all the way and serve immediately.

And that’s all there is to it!

Final Thoughts

There is just something about the French Press, isn’t there? The simple design and classic look have made it essential for hot, caffeinated mornings and a comforting end to the day. Personally, it has given me many flavorful cups of Joe when I needed them the most and I hope this article will help do the same for you. Happy Brewing!