French Press

WHAT IT IS

A French press is a coffee brewing method where coarsely ground coffee is steeped in hot water for 4 minutes and then separated from the grounds by pressing a metal plunger through the brew. No paper filter is used, which means the oils from the coffee remain in the cup.

HOW IT IS MADE

Coarsely ground coffee is placed in the French press. Hot water (around 93 degrees Celsius) is poured over the grounds. After 4 minutes of steeping, the plunger is pressed slowly. The coffee is poured immediately; leaving it in the press continues the extraction and makes it bitter.

WHAT IT TASTES LIKE

Heavy, full-bodied, and rich. More oil and texture than filtered coffee. Can have fine sediment at the bottom of the cup. The heavier body means it pairs well with milk. Fruit notes are less distinct than in filtered methods.

WHEN TO ORDER IT

At home when you want a rich, full-bodied cup. In hotels and Airbnbs where it is often the available brewing method. When you prefer texture and weight over clarity and brightness.

HOW TO ORDER IT

Ask for a "French press." Specify the size. At shops that offer it, it usually takes 4 to 5 minutes.

VARIATIONS

Cold brew in a French press: steeping grounds overnight in cold water and pressing. Metal filter: some specialty presses use a finer metal filter that removes some sediment.

CAFFEINE

About 100 to 130mg per 8 oz cup. The immersion brewing and absence of a paper filter may slightly increase caffeine versus drip.

According to Pulled Coffee data from 462,531 coffee shops worldwide, 15.9% of all coffee shops are classified as specialty — the type most likely to serve a proper French Press. In cities like Vancouver (4,175 specialty shops) and London (3,621), your chances of finding a great one are significantly higher than the global average.

Find a great French Press near you

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Find a great French Press near you

FRENCH PRESS BY CITY

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