Skip the Pods—Go for the Press 6 Steps to Great French Press Coffee

Brewing coffee in a French press is a fun and effective way to create a wonderful cup of coffee. While pod-based brewers may still be hot on the market, those that use a French press tend to stay loyal to their method for a reason: they’ve perfected how to make consistently amazing coffee.

Want to serve up your best brew yet? Stick to these tips for French press success!

1. Get the right grind.

Make sure the coffee is ground coarsely, similar to the consistency of sea salt. You don’t want it ground too finely or it will go through the mesh filter and become too gritty.

2. Warm your press.

Want a truly great brew? Some people boil water and briefly leave it in the French press so the container is warm before the coffee is brewed.

3. Perfect the ratio.

A good standard to stick to is to add 1 cup/8 ounces over 2 tablespoons of coffee beans. The amount of coffee beans refers to beans before they are ground.

4. Go for hot—not boiling—water.

The water should be hot but not boiling, so using a water dispenser with a consistent temperature setting is a smart idea if you’re serious about making the French press work for you. The ideal water temperature is between 185°F and 205°F. If you have boiling water, let it cool for about a minute before pouring it over the coffee.

5. Try on taste.

Where the water comes from matters, so using a water cooler can ensure a consistent taste. Remember, using a French press correctly depends on details and consistency.

6. Let your coffee bloom.

Experts say not to dump all the hot water in at once. They pour a small amount over the grounds to make the coffee “bloom” and then add the rest before stirring, letting it brew and then pressing the plunger down into the carafe. Some suggest giving it about 30 seconds for the blooming process.

7. Brew to the clock.

Java aficionados say that a good four minutes of brew time is ideal. Then press the plunger and serve.

It can take time to perfect your method, but the result of a great cup of coffee can be well worth it!