French Press Guide

The French Press is the world’s second most popular brewing method next to automatic drip.

It is well known for the bold flavors that it produces as a result of the mesh filter instead of the paper filter. The mesh allows the oils that would normally be filtered out by paper or cloth to be enjoyed after the plunge and pour. In addition to oils, some fine sediments tend to get past the filter and settle at the bottom of the cup.

They will do no harm and pack a punch of flavor, but the texture of the sediments in the mouth isn’t always preferred. If you don’t enjoy the muddy last sip, just don’t drink it.

Bodum French Press

French Press Recipe:

Thorough:

  • Measurements: 20g coffee, 300g water ( 10.5 oz)
  • Grind: Coarse
  • Filter: Metal Mesh (included)
  1.  Bring enough water to just below a boil (~200° F / ~93° C ) in order to brew the coffee and pre-heat the French Press.
  2.  Weigh out 20 grams of coffee and grind it coarse.
  3.  Pour hot water into the French press to pre-heat the container, then pour it out.
  4.  Place the grounds into the French press and pour 300 grams of water evenly, saturating all the grounds.
  5.  Start timer immediately for a 4-minute steep.
  6.  After 1 minute, submerge grounds floating at the top into the water and give a slight stir with an object that won’t harm the glass.
  7.  After 3 minutes and 30 seconds, scoop the layer of fine grounds and bubbles off the top of the water and dispose. This will help minimize the sludge at the bottom of the cup after pouring.
  8.  When the timer is up at 4 minutes, press the plunger down.
  9.  Pour, enjoy

Minimal:

  • 20g coffee, 300g water
  • Grind: Coarse
  • Filter: Metal Mesh
  1.  300g pour over 30s
  2.  Stir at 1:00
  3.  Scoop top at 3:30
  4.  Plunge at 4:00

French Press Instruction Variations:

  1.  If the 4-minute steep time doesn’t produce a strong enough cup, try letting it sit for 6 minutes before plunging.
  2.  Not everyone likes to scoop the fine grounds and bubbles away before plunging – try without that step and see how you like it.
  3.  The French Press is also commonly used to brew loose-leaf tea!

Common Problems:

  1.  If the plunger gets stuck on the way down, your grind is too fine. Bring it back up a bit and continue downward till completion.
  2.  Make sure to clean the filter regularly to avoid future brewing problems.
  3.  Once you’re finished brewing, don’t leave the coffee in the French Press or it will slowly continue to steep and become bitter. Pour into a separate carafe instead.

More on the French Press:

The French Pull Method
KitchenAid Precision Press Review
French Press Do’s and Don’ts