French Press

The French press, also known as a cafetiere or plunger pot, brews coffee by immersing ground coffee in hot water for several minutes, then pressing a metal mesh filter down to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee. Because the filter is coarser than paper, more oils and fine particles pass through, creating a heavier body and richer mouthfeel.

The recommended grind for French press is coarse, similar to sea salt. A coarse grind reduces over-extraction during the long contact time and minimizes the amount of fine sediment that passes through the mesh filter. A burr grinder is essential for achieving a consistent coarse grind.

The classic ratio is 1:15 coffee to water by weight. Brew for 4 minutes at approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius), then press slowly and serve immediately to prevent continued extraction. Some modern recipes advocate breaking the crust and skimming the grounds before pressing for a cleaner cup.