The French Press is a beloved brewing method where coffee grounds steep in hot water, creating a full-bodied cup with rich flavors. This immersion technique works with most types of coffee, making it versatile, though it is sometimes criticized for producing a slightly “muddy” cup due to the mesh filter letting small particles through. A solution to this issue is the Espro French Press, which uses ultra-fine mesh filters for a smoother result and allows a range of grind sizes.
What You’ll Need
Brewing with a French Press is affordable and easy. Here’s what you need to get started:
- A French Press (1-liter capacity)
- A temperature-controlled kettle (helps adjust the water temperature based on the roast)
- A grinder (or pre-ground coffee, though freshly ground is recommended)
- A scale for accurate measurements
- A wooden spoon for stirring
Key Considerations
- Grind Size: Use a coarse grind, larger than what you’d use for a pour-over.
- Brew Ratio: Aim for 65 grams of coffee per liter of water, or roughly a 1:15.4 ratio.
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Water Temperature: Adjust based on roast:
- Light roasts: 203-212°F
- Medium roasts: 194-203°F
- Dark roasts: 185-195°F
- Water Quality: Use good-quality spring water for the best results.
- Coffee Freshness: Always grind coffee just before brewing. Aim to use beans roasted within 7-30 days for optimal flavor.
Brewing Instructions
Step 1: Measure and Grind
- Coffee: 65 grams
- Water: 1,000 grams (~34 ounces) Grind your coffee coarsely. Too coarse and the brew will be sour, too fine and it will be bitter and gritty. Aim for a total brew time of 4 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat the Press Pour hot water into the French Press to warm it up, then discard the water before adding coffee grounds. This step ensures the press is at the right temperature to help with extraction.
Step 3: Heat Water and Add to Press Heat your water to the correct temperature based on your roast type. Pour it over the grounds and start your timer. Don’t use a gooseneck kettle here; a faster pour is preferred. Attach the lid (without pressing down the plunger) to retain heat.
Step 4: Stir and Skim At the 3:30 mark, stir the coffee gently with a wooden spoon. The grounds will sink, and foam will remain at the top. Skim off the foam for a cleaner brew.
Step 5: Plunge At 4:00 minutes, slowly press the plunger down. A slow plunge helps keep sediment out of your cup, but a little "muddiness" is normal with French Press coffee.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Pour yourself a cup and savor the rich, full-bodied flavor. If the taste is off, adjust your grind size or brewing time next time.
French Press FAQs
What is a French Press?
It’s an immersion-style brewer where coffee grounds steep in hot water. While it produces a rich, flavorful cup, it can also allow some fine particles to pass through the filter. Upgraded models like the Espro use finer filters to reduce sediment.
What brew ratios should you use?
The standard coffee-to-water ratio is 1:17 (Golden Cup Standard), ideal for a balanced cup. For a stronger brew, try a 1:15 or even 1:13 ratio, depending on how robust you want your coffee to be.
What’s the ideal water temperature?
Water temperature affects flavor greatly. Here are the best ranges by roast:
- Light roast: 203-212°F (right off the boil)
- Medium roast: 194-203°F
- Dark roast: 185-195°F
How long should you brew?
Typically, French Press brewing takes 4-5 minutes. Start with 4 minutes and adjust if you prefer a stronger or milder cup.
Why does my French Press coffee taste “muddy”?
The mesh filter in a French Press allows fine particles through, which can result in a slightly muddy texture. Using a French Press with a finer filter or adjusting your grind size can help.