French Press Coffee: Tips for a Rich, Grit-Free Cup
ยท Gigi's Coffee
The French press is the coziest way to brew โ no paper filters, no fuss, just a rich, full-bodied cup. A few simple habits make the difference between muddy and marvelous.
What you need
A French press, coarse-ground coffee, hot water and a timer. A kitchen scale helps, but tablespoons work fine.
Step by step
1. Heat water to just off the boil, about 195โ205ยฐF (let boiling water rest 30 seconds).
2. Add coffee: roughly 1 part coffee to 15 parts water โ about 4 tablespoons of coarse coffee for 2 cups (16 oz) of water.
3. Pour half the water, stir gently and wait 30 seconds so the grounds can bloom. Then add the rest.
4. Put the lid on and steep for 4 minutes.
5. Press the plunger down slowly and steadily, then pour right away so the coffee doesn't keep brewing and turn bitter.
Tips for a cleaner cup
Use a coarse grind โ fine grounds slip through the mesh and make the coffee muddy. Skim the foam off the top before pressing, and leave the last sip in the press, where the fine sediment settles.
Tastes sour or weak? Steep a little longer or use more coffee. Tastes bitter? Shorten the steep or try a coarser grind.
Best coffees for French press
The French press brings out body and sweetness, so medium and dark roasts are especially satisfying. Choose Coarse when you order โ or Whole Bean if you grind at home.