Mastering the French Press

The French Press is the easiest way to brew rich, full-bodied coffee at home. The French Press brews coffee with an exceptionally robust mouthfeel that may include a trace of sediment from the freshly ground beans.

The French Press works by steeping ground coffee in hot water; it is then pressed to filter the brewed coffee. The secret to success with the French Press is a coarse grind and precise timing.

What you need

  • A rich dark roast coffee such as Enzo works exceptionally well in this method and delivers a rich bold flavor profile. If your preference is a medium roast coffee, try our Vivace blend.
  • Use coarsely ground beans, which will allow for a slower, more even extraction.
  • Kettle
  • French Press
  • Scale or measuring spoons
  • Kitchen Thermometer
  • Timer
  • Spring water (heated to 195°F to 205°F in a kettle)
  • Long spoon to stir the coffee

Brew recipes:

  • Use 25 grams of coffee and 400 grams of water for 12oz of coffee
  • Use 38 grams of coffee and 600 grams of water for 18oz of coffee
  • Use 50 grams of coffee and 800 grams of water for 24oz of coffee

Step-by-step

  • Heat the spring water up to a temperature between 195°F to 205°F.
  • Use some of the water to pre-heat the French press and cup(s), once heated dispose of the water and dry the items.
  • Add the measured ground coffee to the French press.
  • Put the French press on the scale and tare down to zero.
  • Start the timer and pour in the water moving the stream around so that you evenly saturate all of the grounds. Don’t fill the pot completely – coffee grounds will expand during brewing.
  • Let the gases release for the first 30 seconds, allowing the coffee to bloom.
  • Pour in the rest of the water (according to the brew recipe selected).
  • Cover the French Press with the lid.
  • At the 2-minute mark stir the coffee gently to allow an even extraction.
  • At the 4-minute mark, slowly push down on the press. Be firm but gentle – you may have to press and release a few times to work all the grounds to the bottom.
  • Serve the coffee as soon as you’ve finished pressing the pot.

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