French press coffee is robust, rich and delicious, and it's one of the easiest ways to make a good cup of coffee.
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How to Make French Press Coffee
Updated on Mar. 07, 2023
When it comes to making a good cup of coffee, I’m an equal opportunist: I love espresso, cold brew and drip. If it’s caffeinated and tasty, I’m in. One of my favorite ways to make coffee is using a French press, which is actually one of the easiest brewing methods. Here’s everything you need to know on how to use a French press.
French Press vs. Drip Coffee Makers
Regular coffee makers, like your Mr. Coffee, are “drip” brewers. They work by heating water to near boiling and routing the steam to a drip area, which disperses water over coffee grounds. The finished brew filters into a pitcher over a warming plate. Depending on the quality of the machine, your coffee may taste either delicious or a bit scorched, but the method is hands-off and convenient.
By contrast, French press coffee is usually strong, with a rich, earthy aroma. A French press doesn’t require electricity or disposable filters to brew, just hot water and coffee grounds. The grounds steep directly in hot water, and are then filtered out when the user presses down the plunger. French press is probably the second most hands-off brewing method, after drip.
What Is the Best French Press?
While designs range from fancy porcelain to plain plastic, the overall look is the same: a plunger with a metal screen attached, and a vessel for holding water. This Bodum press is a classic. Reviewers on Amazon also love this lightweight Espro press for traveling.
How to Use a French Press
Ingredients
- Ground coffee, preferably coarsely ground
- Hot water (not quite boiling, about 195ºF)
Tools You’ll Need
- French press: This double wall Zwilling Sorrento French press keeps up to 27 ounces of coffee hot on the inside while staying cool to the touch on the outside. Its Italian-designed mouth-blown carafe is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- Coffee grinder: For the perfect grind every time, this Cuisinart burr grinder has 18 levels from ultra-fine to extra-coarse. Grind enough for four to 18 cups, and keep any leftovers in the chamber for later use.
- Coffee: Because it’s coffee in pure unfiltered form, you want to choose good beans and grind them yourself. Something like Verve Street Level blend, a balanced medium roast from California, would work well. Here are some of our Test-Kitchen approved best coffee brands.
Directions
Step 1: Combine coffee and water
Put the grounds in the bottom of the French press. Slowly, pour hot water over them (an electric tea kettle works great here). Make sure the grounds are completely wet; gently stir them with a spoon if necessary. Put the top on the press, but don’t press it down yet!
Step 2: Let the coffee steep
Let the coffee grounds steep in the water for four minutes. This is adjustable to your preference, so leave it longer if you know you want extra-strength brew.
Step 3. Press the plunger
Firmly but slowly press the plunger down, filtering the grounds from the coffee.
Step 4. Enjoy
Pour a big cuppa coffee. Note that some coffee snobs recommend pouring any coffee you’re not immediately drinking into a carafe. Leaving coffee in the French press can make the coffee taste bitter, because it’s still sitting on top of the grounds.
Tips for Using a French Press
How much coffee do I use in a French press?
Just like making pour-over coffee or using a percolator, it’s important to properly measure your coffee for the brewing method. The ideal ratio for French press is about 2 tablespoons of coffee for every cup of water. If you’re brewing in a standard 34 oz. French press, that’s 1/2 cup coffee beans to 4 cups of water.
What’s the best coffee to use in a French press?
Any high-quality coffee beans are perfect for a French press. After that, it’s really your taste preference. You can support your local coffee shop and buy freshly roasted coffee beans. Or consider these sustainable coffee brands or coffee subscription boxes to try roasts and beans from around the country and world.
Can I use pre-ground coffee in a French press?
Technically, yes. But most pre-ground coffee beans in the store are a medium grind, which will result in coffee grounds in your coffee. Because a French press doesn’t use a paper filter, it’s best to use coarsely ground coffee so you don’t get too much sludge or floaters in your cup. A finer grind can also clog up the mesh filter in the plunger, and the plunger might not press down.
How else can I use a French press?
This cylindrical carafe, plunger and filter can do more than brew a beautiful light roast. We found plenty of French press hacks, such as making fresh-pressed juice and rinsing grains!
How do I clean a French press?
Cleaning a French press is pretty easy. Remove the plunger and rinse, if necessary. Add a splash of water to the grounds and swirl it around to loosen them, then dump into the compost or trash. You can clean all the parts of the press, including the filter, in hot soapy water.
Find a Pastry to Pair with Your Coffee
Homemade CroissantsA traditional dinner roll like this one is always welcome at holiday dinners. These homemade croissants make a big batch, so they're great when you're entertaining. —Loraine Meyer, Bend, Oregon
Bear ClawThis bear claw pastry recipe is absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious! It's impossible to resist the delicate dough, rich almond filling and pretty fanned tops sprinkled with sugar and almonds. I made yummy treats like this when I worked in a bakery years ago. —Aneta Kish, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Hazelnut Chocolate Chip SconesChocolate, hazelnuts and the tangy taste of buttermilk —these delicious scones are easy to make. They come together fast. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Try this strawberry scone recipe with cream next!
Maple Twist Coffee CakeIf you like maple flavor, you will love this recipe. It is so pretty with all the twists and is always a hit at bake sales I have brought it too.—Deanna Richter, Elmore, Minnesota
Red Velvet Cinnamon RollsIf you ever wished you could have red velvet cake for breakfast, now you can, thanks to these vanilla-iced red velvet cinnamon rolls.
Pear-Berry Breakfast TartsWhen my kids were small, I could never get pancakes on the table while they were all still hot. Then I got the idea for these breakfast tarts. They're a good and simple recipe for any busy family. —Joan Elbourn, Gardner, Massachusetts
Cherry DanishThese rolls with their cherry-filled centers melt in your mouth and store well unfrosted in the freezer. —Leann Sauder, Tremont, Illinois
Spinach TurnoversThe flaky cream cheese pastry adds sensational texture to these hot appetizers—and just wait until you taste the wonderful filling. I usually fix a double batch and freeze some to have on hand in case unexpected guests drop by. —Jean von Bereghy, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Maple Sticky BunsMy family has a small sugaring operation in our backyard. This recipe makes good use of the maple syrup we make. It's a family tradition to serve these sticky buns on Thanksgiving every year. —Priscilla Rossi, East Barre, Vermont
Doughnut MuffinsBack when my children were youngsters, they loved these doughnut muffins as after-school treats or with Sunday brunch. —Sharon Pullen, Alvinston, Ontario
Caramel Apple StrudelMy father, who was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, would tell us stories about how his mother covered all the kitchen counters with dough whenever she made apple strudel. This recipe is a modern, delicious way to carry on part of my family's heritage. —Sarah Haengel, Bowie, Maryland
Sugar Plum Phyllo KringleThanks to store-bought phyllo dough, this pastry is easier to make than it looks. Serve it not only for breakfast, but also for dessert with a scoop of ice cream. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
German Chocolate RingThis recipe is modeled after German sweet chocolate cake, which is my favorite, so it's no wonder I enjoy making and eating this sweet-tasting bread! You can make it ahead and freeze to bring out when you need an easy showstopper. —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York
Puffed Apple PastriesFor a little extra indulgence, serve these oven-fresh pastries with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Cherry pie filling can be substituted for the apple. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Check out these puff pastry desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Banana and Chocolate Puff PastryBanana and chocolate puff pastry is a celebration of one of our favorite pairings, brought together with flaky pastry crust and a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
Ham & Cheese SconesI make these scones as a way to use up leftover ham. The cheesy, savory wonders are a delight as an appetizer or an afternoon snack. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Caramel RollsThese irresistible rolls are perfect as an Easter brunch idea! - Louis Jacobsen, Dallas, Wisconsin
Strawberry Shortcake PuffsAn easy and delicious recipe for strawberry shortcake puffs made with store-bought puff pastry dough, whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Cappuccino MuffinsAnyone who loves a java kick, coupled with sweet cinnamon and indulgent chocolate, will adore these cappuccino muffins.
French Crescent RollsWhenever we have rolls and coffee after church, these come along with me. Here on the high plains, we've been raising cattle, wheat and daughters for 30 years. Our two oldest are grown, and our youngest just began college. —Betty Ann Wolery, Joplin, Montana
Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee CakeAlthough my coffee cake makes a large pan, it never lasts very long! It's great for a Sunday brunch after church and nice to bring to family reunions, too. —Dorothy Morehouse, Massena, New York
Chocolate Chip SconesThese chocolate chip scones are delicious warm, served with butter, when the chips are melted and gooey. —Diane LaFurno, College Point, New York
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip MuffinsThese oatmeal chocolate chip muffins are just sweet enough to be a treat and tasty enough for everyday enjoyment.
Ham and Cheese PuffsThese tasty little bites go over well with kids. They're also delicious with soups or as party appetizers. —Mrs. Marvin Buffington, Burlington, Iowa
Cranberry-Pistachio Sticky BunsLooking for a fantastic brunch item? Then try these ooey-gooey good sticky buns. They use frozen roll dough and couldn't be simpler to make. The buns rise overnight in the refrigerator, so you just need to bake them the next morning.—Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
Pumpkin-Apple Muffins with Streusel ToppingMy mother always made these tasty muffins whenever our family got together at her house. Now they’re a family favorite at my house, and my in-laws love them, too! —Carolyn Riley, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Coffee CakeOur coffee cake recipe turns coffee-o-clock into a true treat!
Apple StrudelThis gorgeous strudel has just what you crave this time of year: thin layers of flaky crust and lots of juicy apples. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Brunch Puff with Sausage GravyWhen company stays overnight, I make this puff with sausage gravy as a hearty breakfast treat. It’s meaty, cheesy and delightful with a fresh fruit salad. —Danielle Cochran, Grayling, Michigan
Quiche Pastry CupsMy grandmother used to make egg cup surprises for family brunches on special occasions. The added fillings were always a surprise since she never seemed to use the same combination of ingredients twice. As children, we took guesses as to what we'd find in the tender crust—the game always added fun to our meals. —Denalee Standart, Rancho Mureta, California
Puff Pastry DanishFlaky puff pastry Danish filled with tangy cream cheese and sweet jam creates a quick homemade breakfast or anytime treat.
Apple Pull-Apart BreadFor a fun sweet treat that's certain to satisfy, try this recipe. Drizzled with icing, each finger-licking piece has a yummy surprise filling of apples and pecans. It's well worth the bit of extra effort. —Carolyn Gregory, Hendersonville, Tennessee
Breakfast Pastry Ideas FAQ
What are some classic breakfast treats?
Classic breakfast treats include croissants (chocolate, almond or plain), cinnamon rolls, scones and muffins. These pastries can have crisp, flaky layers or be soft, tender and buttery. The best breakfast pastry ideas are sweet or savory and pair well with coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
What are some easy pastry recipes?
Easy pastry recipes often start with store-bought puff pastry, phyllo or a simple homemade dough made primarily from butter and flour. Each option is wonderfully versatile because you can create individual pastries or large-format bakes. The buttery flavor pairs with sweet and savory ingredients—from ham and cheese to chocolate or fruit. To take your homemade pastries to the next level, drizzle them with a simple confectioners' sugar glaze for a bakery-style finish.
What are the five basic pastries?
The five basic types of pastry dough are shortcrust, puff, choux, phyllo and flaky. Each has a distinct texture and use in baking. It’s helpful to understand the basic differences when making these easy pastry recipes at home.
Shortcrust pastry is a firm, crumbly dough that works well as the base for tarts and quiche because it holds up to wet fillings without falling apart. Puff pastry is light and airy with hundreds of buttery layers, perfect for turnovers or croissants. Choux pastry is a cooked dough with eggs used to make cream puffs, eclairs or savory gougeres. Phyllo is paper-thin and delicate but becomes shatteringly crisp when baked. It’s traditionally used in dishes like strudel, baklava and spanakopita. Flaky pastry is similar to shortcrust. However, the dough is often folded and rolled to create laminated layers between the butter and flour.
