Difficulty
Easy
Brew Time
4–5 min
Grind
Coarse
Ratio
1:15 coffee to water
The French press — known in France as the cafetière à piston — is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to brew coffee. Invented in the 1920s, it produces a full-bodied, textured cup that preserves the natural oils and complexity of the bean. It is the method of the unhurried morning.
"The French press rewards patience. Give it four minutes and it gives you everything."
How to brew it
Preheat the press
Pour hot water into the empty French press, swirl, and discard. This keeps the brew temperature stable throughout extraction.
Add coarse ground coffee
Add coarsely ground coffee to the press. A coarse grind is essential — fine grounds slip through the filter and make the cup muddy and bitter.
Bloom with hot water
Pour a small amount of water (just off the boil, around 94°C) over the grounds. Wait 30 seconds for the bloom — CO₂ escapes and the grounds swell.
Fill and steep
Pour the remaining water, place the lid on without pressing, and steep for 4 minutes. Do not stir — let the immersion do its work.
Press and pour
Press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Pour immediately — leaving coffee in the press continues extraction and turns it bitter.
Pro tip
After pressing, let the cup sit for 30 seconds before drinking. The fine sediment settles to the bottom and the top of the cup is silky and clean.
What you'll need
French Press (600ml)
Bodum Chambord is a classic choice
Gooseneck Kettle
For controlled pouring
Burr Grinder
Set to coarse
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