Quick Answer

To use a French press coffee maker, add coarsely ground coffee and hot water, steep for 4 minutes, then press the plunger down slowly and serve immediately.

Why a French Press Makes Great Coffee

A French press uses full-immersion brewing, meaning the coffee grounds steep directly in hot water. This method extracts more oils and fine particles than a paper filter, resulting in a richer, fuller-bodied cup with a velvety mouthfeel. The key is controlling the variables: coffee grind size, water temperature, and steeping time.

Choosing the Right Coffee Grind

For a French press, you need a coarse, consistent grind. If the grind is too fine, you will end up with a muddy, over-extracted brew and sediment in your cup. If it is too coarse, the water will not extract enough flavour, leaving a weak, sour result. A burr grinder set to a coarse setting is ideal.

Step-by-Step French Press Instructions

  1. 1. Heat the Water: Bring fresh, filtered water to a boil, then let it sit for 30 seconds. The ideal brewing temperature is 195-205°F (90-96°C). Boiling water will scorch the coffee grounds, making the brew bitter. Use a thermometer for precision, or simply wait 30 seconds after boiling.
  2. 2. Measure and Grind the Coffee: Use a ratio of 1:15 coffee to water. For the 350ml Graef French Press, that means about 23 grams (roughly 3 tablespoons) of whole coffee beans. Grind them to a coarse consistency, similar to breadcrumbs. Weighing the coffee with a scale is more accurate than using a scoop.
  3. 3. Add Coffee and Water: Place the ground coffee into the empty French press carafe. Pour a small amount of hot water (about twice the weight of the coffee) over the grounds and let it bloom for 30 seconds. Then pour in the remaining water. The bloom releases trapped carbon dioxide, which can cause off-flavours if not allowed to escape.
  4. 4. Stir and Steep: Gently stir the coffee and water mixture with a chopstick or spoon to ensure all grounds are saturated. Place the lid on the press with the plunger pulled all the way up. Let it steep for exactly 4 minutes. Do not exceed 4 minutes, or the coffee will become bitter and over-extracted.
  5. 5. Press and Serve: Slowly and steadily press the plunger down with even pressure. Stop when the plunger reaches the bottom. Pour the coffee immediately into your cup to prevent it from continuing to steep and turning bitter. Do not leave the brewed coffee sitting on the grounds in the press. Decant it all into a carafe or your mug.
  6. 6. Clean the French Press: After serving, remove the plunger and discard the coffee grounds. Rinse the carafe and plunger with warm water. For a deeper clean, disassemble the plunger and wash all parts with mild soap. Coffee oils can go rancid and affect the taste of your next brew, so clean the press thoroughly after each use.

  • Graef French Press Coffee Maker 350ml - Black: The Graef French Press Coffee Maker 350ml - Black has a stainless steel construction for durability and effective heat retention. Stainless steel keeps the water at the right temperature throughout the 4-minute steep, which is critical for consistent extraction. Its 350ml capacity is perfect for a single large mug or two small cups.

    Graef French Press Coffee Maker 350ml - Black

    Graef French Press Coffee Maker 350ml - Black