Mitchel Commerce

How to Use a French Press: The Ultimate Guide for Perfect Coffee

Posted on: Aug 26, 2025

There's a reason the French Press remains a beloved coffee brewing method worldwide. It’s simple, affordable, and extracts the full, rich flavor and natural oils from coffee beans, resulting in a robust and full-bodied cup that drip machines can't match.

• What You’ll Need:
• A French Press
• Coarsely ground coffee beans
• Hot water (just off the boil, around 200°F or 93°C)
• A scale (optional but recommended for precision)
• A timer
• A kettle



Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions:


• 1. Heat Your Water & Preheat the Press

Start by boiling fresh, filtered water. While it heats, add a little hot water to your empty French Press to preheat it. This maintains the brewing temperature for optimal extraction. Swirl it around and then discard the water.


• 2. Measure and Add Your Coffee

For a standard 8-cup (34 oz) press, use a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio. We recommend 55 grams of coarsely ground coffee. Using a coarse grind is critical—if it’s too fine, it will slip through the mesh filter, resulting in a muddy, gritty cup.


• 3. The Bloom (Wait, This is Important!)

Pour just enough hot water to saturate all the grounds (about twice the weight of the coffee). Give it a gentle stir to ensure all grounds are wet. Let it sit for 30 seconds. This allows the coffee to “bloom”—releasing CO2 gas—which leads to a better-tasting brew.


• 4. Pour and Steep

Slowly pour the remaining water, filling the press to the top. Place the lid on top with the plunger pulled all the way up. Now, let it steep for 4 minutes. Set a timer! Over-steeping leads to bitterness, while under-steeping makes weak coffee.


• 5. Press Slowly and Steadily

After 4 minutes, it’s time to press. Place your hand on the lid and grasp the handle. Press the plunger down slowly and evenly. Applying too much force or pressing too fast can agitate the grounds and make the coffee bitter. Stop once the plunger reaches the bottom.


• 6. Serve Immediately

Pour your coffee into your cup or a carafe immediately. Do not let it sit in the press! If it remains in contact with the grounds, the coffee will continue to extract and become bitter and over-strengthened.

Pro Tips for a Cleaner Cup:

Grind Fresh:Always grind your beans just before brewing for the freshest flavor.

Quality Matters:Use high-quality, freshly roasted beans. They make all the difference.

Clean Thoroughly:Disassemble your press and clean it after every use to prevent old oils from spoiling your next brew.