How to Use a French Press

The French press is the most accessible good coffee maker in existence. It costs $20 to $40. It needs no electricity, no paper filters, no special skills. The metal mesh filter allows oils and fine particles into the cup that paper would absorb, giving it a heavy, full-bodied mouthfeel that pour overs cannot replicate. Four minutes from boil to cup.

The Process

Use 60 grams of coarse-ground coffee per liter of water. Coarse, like raw sugar. Preheat the press with hot water, discard it. Add the grounds. Start a timer and pour hot water (off the boil by 30 seconds, 93 to 96°C) over the grounds until full. Place the lid on but do not plunge. At 4 minutes, press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Pour immediately into cups. Do not leave the coffee in the press — the grounds continue extracting and the coffee becomes bitter.

Common Mistakes

Grinding too fine (most common). Steeping too long. Leaving coffee in the press. Using boiling water. French press coffee has sediment in the last few sips — this is normal and unavoidable. If sediment bothers you, the AeroPress produces a cleaner cup with similar body.

Keep reading: French Press vs. AeroPress, How to Make Cold Brew, How to Store Coffee Beans.