BREWING with A FRENCH PRESS

The French Press: A Guide to Bold, Full-Bodied Coffee

The French Press is a classic for a reason. It’s one of the simplest ways to brew specialty coffee at home while preserving the natural oils and rich texture of the beans. If you love a cup with a heavy body and a deep flavor profile, this immersion method is for you.

At SO Coffee Roasters, we want to help you get the most out of every bean. Here is our professional guide to mastering the French Press.

Unlike the pour-over, the French Press is an immersion method, meaning the coffee grounds sit in the water for the entire duration of the brew.

1. Prepare and Heat

Pre-heat your French Press by rinsing it with hot water, then discard the water. Add your 30g of coarsely ground coffee to the bottom of the carafe.

2. The Pour (00:00 – 00:30)

Start your timer. Pour all 420g of water into the press within 30 seconds. Ensure all the grounds are fully saturated by pouring in a circular motion.

3. The Steep (00:30 – 04:00)

Place the lid/plunger on top to keep the heat in, but do not press down yet. Let the coffee steep for 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

Note: Total elapsed time from the start will be 4 minutes.

4. The Press and Serve

At the 4-minute mark, slowly and steadily press the filter all the way to the bottom. Once pressed, serve immediately at your preferred temperature.

Why This Method Works

The Temperature (93°C - 95°C): This range is slightly higher than pour-over because the French Press loses heat faster. This ensures full extraction of the coffee’s sweetness.

The Grind: A coarse grind is essential. If the grind is too fine, the coffee will be over-extracted (bitter) and the filter will be very difficult to push down.

The Ratio: Using 30g of coffee to 420g of water provides a rich, concentrated flavor that holds up beautifully even if you like to add a splash of milk.

Quick Tip for a Cleaner Cup

If you prefer a French Press with less "sediment," wait one minute after pressing before pouring the coffee into your mug. This allows the fine particles to settle at the bottom of the press.

Want to try a different flavor profile? Check out our coffee selection to find the perfect match for your French Press ritual.