6 Steps to Make French Press Coffee

While there are many coffee-brewing methods, the French press is one of the best. Not only does it turn out a great product, but it’s simple to get started (even if you’re a beginner).

Getting started is as simple as taking these six steps:

1. Use a Coarse Grind

With a French press, grinds are immersed in water for a full four minutes. When compared to other brewing methods, there is more contact between the grounds and the water.

Since the brew time is longer, using a coarse grind with a French press is a must.

2. Weigh Your Water and Coffee

Yes, it’s a bit more work than you’ve come to expect, but it’s well worth it in the end.

The best way to measure your water and coffee is to weigh it. Since coffee differs in density, a simple volume measurement will not be as accurate as taking the exact weight.

For the best brew, the coffee to water ratio should be somewhere in the 1:16 range.

3. Wet the Grinds

Your water is hot and you’re ready to get started. However, before you fill up your French press, make sure you first wet the grinds and let them stand between 30 and 60 seconds.

After you give the coffee enough time to bloom, you’re ready to continue with the process.

4. Wait a Minute and Stir

When you first use a French press you’ll notice that many of the grounds will rise to the top, thus not being immersed in the water.

If you notice this happening, wait for a minute and then stir for a few seconds. This is all it takes to direct the grounds into the water once again.

5. Brew for 4 Minutes (Not Shorter, Not Longer)

It will take some getting used to, but it’s important to brew for exactly four minutes (give or take a few seconds).

The time starts when your water hits the coffee and ends when your timer hits the four-minute mark.

6. Plunge, Pour, and Enjoy

After four minutes, press down the plunger, pour yourself a cup, and enjoy.

This is the most exciting part of the process, so make sure you really enjoy that first sip.

It’s That Easy!

There are people out there who will tell you that using a French press is too much work, but once you get used to it everything will fall into place.

All you have to do is follow these six steps every time!