Best French Press Guide 2025
The French press is simple and forgiving. Here's how to use it right and avoid the common mistakes that ruin good coffee.
What it is
The French press is an immersion brewer. You steep coffee grounds in hot water, then press a plunger to separate the grounds from the liquid. It's one of the simplest ways to make coffee.
Who it's for
People who want good coffee without the fuss. The French press doesn't require precise pouring or timing. If you want something you can make while half-awake, this is it.
Who it's NOT for
If you want a clean, bright cup, get a pour-over. The French press lets oils and fine particles through, which gives it a heavier body. Some people call this "muddy." Others call it "full-bodied." It's a matter of taste.
The method
Use 30 grams of coffee to 500 grams of water. That's a 1:16.5 ratio. Adjust from there.
Grind size should be coarse. Think sea salt, not table salt. Too fine, and you'll get sludge at the bottom and bitter coffee.
Water temperature should be around 200°F. Boiling is fine. Don't overthink it.
Pour all the water at once. Stir gently. Let it steep for 4 minutes. Press slowly and steadily. Don't force it. Pour immediately after pressing.
Common mistakes
Steeping too long. Four minutes is enough. Longer doesn't mean stronger—it means bitter.
Grinding too fine. This is the biggest mistake. Coarse grounds prevent over-extraction and sludge.
Not pouring immediately. If you leave coffee in the press, it keeps extracting. Pour it all out right after pressing.
Pressing too hard. The plunger is a filter, not a juicer. Press gently until you feel resistance.
When it makes sense
The French press makes sense when you want simplicity and don't mind a heavier cup. It's also great for making multiple cups at once. And it's cheap. A good French press costs $30.
Alternatives
The V60 gives you more control and a cleaner cup, but it requires more attention. The AeroPress is faster and more portable, but it makes one cup at a time. The Clever Dripper combines immersion with filtration, giving you the best of both worlds.
The bottom line
The French press is simple and forgiving. Master the grind size and timing, and you'll make good coffee. Everything else is details.
If you want something reliable and simple, a good French press is worth having. Look for one with a stainless steel filter and a sturdy frame. The Bodum Chambord is a solid choice that lasts.
A coffee scale makes the French press method more consistent. The Hario V60 Scale is accurate and easy to use.
