What grind size works well for French press coffee?

A medium-coarse grind, similar to sea salt, works well for the French press. It allows a full extraction during the steep while reducing sediment and bitterness in the cup.

What is the recommended coffee-to-water ratio for French press?

The recommended ratio is 1:15, meaning 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water. For example, 30 g of coffee with 450 ml of water. For a single 250 ml cup, use about 17 g of coffee. If you prefer a stronger cup, extend the steep to 5 minutes.

How long should I steep French press coffee?

Steep for 4 minutes. If you would like a stronger, fuller brew, extend the steep to 5 minutes. A timer helps you stay consistent from one brew to the next.

Do I need a scale and thermometer to brew French press coffee?

No. You can measure with a tablespoon: 1 tablespoon of medium-coarse ground coffee is about 5 g, so use 6 tablespoons for 450 ml of water. After the water boils, wait 50 to 60 seconds before pouring to reach about 92–96°C.

Why should I serve French press coffee immediately?

Coffee keeps extracting as long as it stays in contact with the grounds. Pouring all of it out right after pressing helps you avoid over-extraction and bitterness.

Why does my coffee taste bitter or weak, and how can I fix it?

Bitter or weak flavours usually come from extraction, often related to grind size. If your coffee tastes bitter (over-extracted): your grind may be too fine. Use a slightly coarser grind. If your coffee tastes weak or sour (under-extracted): your grind may be too coarse. Use a slightly finer grind, or extend the steep to 5 minutes. Adjusting the grind is one of the most effective ways to improve flavour balance when brewing specialty coffee.

What type of coffee works well for the French press method?

The French press works well with specialty coffee, especially Colombian coffees with notes of chocolate, caramel and panela, since immersion brewing highlights body and sweetness. You could try La Reserva Espresso (chocolate, caramel, sugar cane, hazelnut) or La Reserva Classic (panela, chocolate, caramel), both freshly roasted in Guelph, Ontario.

How to Brew French Press Coffee at Home | 7 E

Experience the real flavour of Colombian Coffee – Brewed right , at home.

Brewing coffee with a French press is one of the simplest ways to enjoy a full-bodied, rich cup of specialty coffee at home. This step-by-step guide shows you how to brew French press coffee with a clear ratio, the right grind size, and a simple four-minute steep.

This French press recipe is part of our Brewing Guides series, created to help you prepare specialty coffee with confidence, one method at a time. Looking for the bigger picture? Read our full guide: How to Brew Specialty Coffee at Home.

7 easy steps to brew full-bodied, balanced specialty coffee at home using the French press method.

Why Choose the French Press Method?

The French press is an immersion method: the coffee steeps in hot water, which brings out body, richness and natural sweetness. It is forgiving, easy to repeat, and works well with specialty Colombian coffee, especially medium roasts with notes of chocolate and caramel.

What You’ll Need to Brew French Press Coffee at Home (450 ml recipe)

French press brewing specialty Colombian coffee, available at La Reserva 22

Brewing Equipment

■ Scale or tablespoon

■ French press

■ Kettle

■ Spoon

■ Timer

Coffee & Water Basics

Grind size: Medium-coarse (similar to sea salt)
Coffee-to-water ratio: 1:15 (30 g coffee to 450 ml water)
Water temperature: 92–96°C
Steep time: 4 minutes

No Scale or Thermometer? No worries!

1 tablespoon ≈ 5 g of coffee (medium-coarse grind).
Use about 6 tablespoons for 450 ml of water.
After the water boils, wait 50 to 60 seconds before pouring. This brings the temperature down from 100°C to about 92–96°C.

Don’t have a French press yet? We carry a French press at our Guelph roastery and online — perfect for brewing full-bodied specialty coffee at home. Explore our Coffee Gear

How to Brew Coffee with the French Press in 7 Easy Steps

Step 1. Add the Coffee

Add 30 g of medium-coarse ground coffee (about 6 tablespoons) to the French press.

Step 2. Pour in the Hot Water

Pour in 450 ml of hot water, making sure all the grounds are saturated.

Step 3. Stir Gently

Stir gently to mix the water and coffee evenly.

Step 4. Place the Lid

Place the lid on top, without plunging. Keep the plunger up.

Step 5. Let It Steep

Set your timer for 4 minutes. For a stronger brew, extend the steep to 5 minutes.

Step 6. Press Slowly

Press the plunger down slowly and evenly.

Step 7. Serve and Enjoy

Pour and enjoy a full-bodied cup. Serve the coffee immediately to avoid over-extraction.

And just like that, a delicious cup is ready.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brewing French Press Coffee (FAQ)

What grind size works well for French press coffee?

A medium-coarse grind, similar to sea salt, works well for the French press. It allows a full extraction during the steep while reducing sediment and bitterness in the cup.
What is the recommended coffee-to-water ratio for French press?

The recommended ratio is 1:15, meaning 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water. For example, 30 g of coffee with 450 ml of water. For a single 250 ml cup, use about 17 g of coffee. If you prefer a stronger cup, extend the steep to 5 minutes.
How long should I steep French press coffee?

Steep for 4 minutes. If you would like a stronger, fuller brew, extend the steep to 5 minutes. A timer helps you stay consistent from one brew to the next.
Do I need a scale and thermometer to brew French press coffee?

No. You can measure with a tablespoon: 1 tablespoon of medium-coarse ground coffee is about 5 g, so use 6 tablespoons for 450 ml of water. After the water boils, wait 50 to 60 seconds before pouring to reach about 92–96°C.
Why should I serve French press coffee immediately?

Coffee keeps extracting as long as it stays in contact with the grounds. Pouring all of it out right after pressing helps you avoid over-extraction and bitterness.
Why does my coffee taste bitter or weak, and how can I fix it?

Bitter or weak flavours usually come from extraction, often related to grind size.
If your coffee tastes bitter (over-extracted): your grind may be too fine. Use a slightly coarser grind.
If your coffee tastes weak or sour (under-extracted): your grind may be too coarse. Use a slightly finer grind, or extend the steep to 5 minutes.
Adjusting the grind is one of the most effective ways to improve flavour balance when brewing specialty coffee.
What type of coffee works well for the French press method?

The French press works well with specialty coffee, especially Colombian coffees with notes of chocolate, caramel and panela, since immersion brewing highlights body and sweetness. You could try La Reserva Espresso (chocolate, caramel, sugar cane, hazelnut) or La Reserva Classic (panela, chocolate, caramel), both freshly roasted in Guelph, Ontario.

Ready for your next brew? Explore our Colombian specialty coffees.

Also try our V60 pour over method Step-by-step guide.

Remember
Great coffee isn’t magic…
It just starts with the right beans.

See you next brew ☕

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7 Easy Steps to Brew Coffee with the French Press Method