How to brew the perfect French press/cafetière coffee
Looking for a simple, reliable way to brew rich, delicious coffee at home? At The Coffee House, we believe that great coffee starts with quality beans and a solid brewing method. One of our favourite techniques is the timeless French press.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect French press coffee. Whether you’re a seasoned home barista or just starting out, this method delivers a bold, full-bodied cup that highlights the best in your beans.
What is a coffee ratio and why it matters
A great brew starts with the right coffee-to-water ratio. For French press, the industry standard is 1:16, or 60 grams of coffee per litre (1000ml) of water. This ensures a balanced, flavourful cup without bitterness or muddiness.
Top Tip: If you’re in a hurry, just fill your French press about 3/4 full with water, and add 4 heaped scoops of ground filter coffee.
| Labelled Size (Cups) | Approx Volume (ml) | Common Use | Weight of Coffee (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Cup | ~350ml | 1 small mug | ~22g |
| 4 Cup | ~500ml | 1–2 mugs | ~31g |
| 6 Cup | ~750ml | 2–3 mugs | ~47g |
| 8 Cup | ~1000ml | 3–4 mugs | ~62g |
| 12 Cup | ~1500ml | 4–6 mugs | ~94g |
What you’ll need
Coarsely ground coffee (or pre-ground filter/cafetiere grind)
Water, just off the boil (94-96°C)
A burr grinder (for best flavour, if grinding at home)
A kettle, a timer and a spoon
Step-by-Step: How to brew the perfect French press coffee
Grind your coffee fresh
Use a coarse grind (think sea salt texture). If you’re buying pre-ground, choose filter/cafetière grind.
Pro Tip: Use our freshly roasted house coffee beans for the best results.Boil Water
Bring water to a boil, then let it sit for 30 seconds to cool slightly. Aim for a brew temperature between 94-96°C.
Combine coffee and water
Add the ground coffee to your French press (weigh this for precision) and then pour hot water evenly over the grounds. (Start a 4-minute timer as soon as you start to pour.)
Top Tip: Place your cafetière on a scale and tare it before adding water for accuracy.
Stir and let it brew
After 4 minutes, gently stir the coffee to break the crust on top. Then place the plunger on top, but don’t press it down yet.
Top Tip: The plunger is designed to sit on top and act as a strainer. After pouring your first cup, press down gently to resubmerge the filter for the next pour.
Get the best beans for your French press
Brewing technique is only half the story. For truly exceptional French press coffee, your beans need to be just right. At The Coffee House, we roast small-batch, speciality-grade coffee ideal for immersion brewing.
Browse Our Coffee Collection to find the perfect blend or single origin for your next brew.
Upgrade your French press/cafetière
Looking to upgrade your French press? Why not try the stylish TIMEMORE French Press - its sleek design brings a modern, futuristic edge in place of the more classic feel of a traditional French press.
