The ultimate guide to French press coffee-brewing

Are you tired of your usual coffee routine? Let's switch things up and try the French press brewing method.

As we learned in our previous article, 'Coffee-making methods: a comprehensive guide', there are many different coffee-making techniques, and the French press brewing method is one of the most popular ways to brew coffee at home. The French press technique produces rich, thick, robust, and heavy coffee; coffee flavours and oils are extracted as the coffee grounds soak in the water.

This article will dive deeper into this brewing technique, providing a step-by-step video guide to teach you how to make coffee using a French press. So, let's take a closer look at this classic brewing technique.

What is a French press?

A French press is a type of manual coffee brewing equipment that commonly features a cylindrical carafe made of glass or stainless steel, equipped with a plunger and a metal or nylon mesh filter. Making coffee with a French press involves steeping coarse coffee grounds in hot water, then using the plunger to push down the filter and separate the brewed coffee from the grounds. This brewing method is favoured for its simplicity, affordability, and ability to produce a distinctively full-bodied, rich-tasting coffee. Besides making coffee, the French press can also be used to brew tea, cold brew coffee, and even froth milk, making it a versatile tool in the kitchen.

How to use a French press

In this video, James Hoffmann explains how to use a French press to make a perfect cup of coffee. The video lasts about three minutes and provides a concise guide to brewing a smooth and flavourful coffee with a French press.

How long does coffee take to brew?

To make a perfect coffee using a French press, you must follow some steps, including steeping the coffee for about nine minutes, as shown in the video. The steeping time is crucial for achieving the desired flavour and aroma.

How much coffee is in a French press?

It’s recommended to start with 60 or 70 grams (around two to two and a half ounces) of freshly ground coffee per litre (four cups) of water and then modify the quantities based on your taste preferences. As shown in the video, 500 grams (one pound) of boiling water are poured over 30 grams (one ounce) of medium ground coffee.

How to make cold brew with a French press

If you want to know how to make a cold brew with a French press, we recommend that you follow the instructions in this article from A Couple Cooks. You'll learn how to make this refreshing coffee beverage step-by-step, with easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips.