French Press: The Complete Guide, Ratios and Step-by-Step Recipe
In this guide
The French press (or cafetière) brews coffee by immersion, with no paper filter: the result is a dense, full-bodied cup with a silky texture, because it keeps the coffee oils that a paper filter would hold back. It is also the brewer with the fewest steps of all — ideal if you want great coffee with no learning curve.
What you need
- A 350–1000 ml French press (any brand works just as well)
- Coarsely ground coffee (like coarse salt) — choose the "French press" grind when you order, for example with Inga or Brasil Cataguá
- Water at 92–94°C (just off the boil)
- A timer
Coffee-to-water ratio (1:15)
| Cups | Coffee | Water |
|---|---|---|
| 2 cups (~300 ml) | 20 g | 300 ml |
| 4 cups (~600 ml) | 40 g | 600 ml |
| 6 cups (~900 ml) | 60 g | 900 ml |
Step-by-step recipe
- Preheat the press with hot water, then discard it.
- Add the coarsely ground coffee.
- Pour in all the water at once and start the timer.
- Stir gently with a spoon so that all the coffee is wet.
- Put the lid on with the filter raised (without pressing) and leave to steep for 4 minutes.
- Skim the crust off the surface with a spoon (optional; it reduces bitterness).
- Press the filter down slowly and steadily — if you feel strong resistance, the grind is too fine.
- Pour into your cup straight away: coffee left in contact with the grounds keeps extracting and turning bitter, even after pressing.
Common mistakes
- Fine grind: gives a muddy cup with sediment at the bottom. Always use a coarse grind.
- Boiling water: scorches the coffee, adding bitterness and flat notes. Let the water rest for ~30 seconds after boiling.
- Leaving it in the press after serving: pour out all the coffee at once — don't leave some inside "for later".
What if you want something caffeine-free?
Our Sugar Cane decaf works just as well in a French press thanks to its body and natural sweetness — how the process works and buy it here.
Not sure whether the French press is for you?
Compare it with the V60, moka pot and espresso in our guide to choosing a coffee maker.
Frequently asked questions
Does French press coffee have more caffeine than other methods?
Not significantly. Caffeine depends more on the amount of coffee and the contact time than on the method itself; the French press sits in a similar range to filter/V60.
Why do I get grounds in my cup?
Almost always because the grind is too fine. Try a coarser grind and press the filter slowly, without forcing it.
How long does French press coffee keep once brewed?
It's best drunk within 20–30 minutes of brewing; after that it quickly loses temperature and aroma.
Is it dishwasher-safe?
The glass beaker usually is; always check the manufacturer's instructions for the metal filter and the lid parts.
