How to brew coffee with a Cafetière (French Press)

The French press, also known as a cafetière, is a classic brewing method that’s simple, low-tech, and great for beginners and seasoned coffee lovers alike.

Known for producing a full-bodied, rich cup, the French press emphasises the natural oils and textures of coffee, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a bold, unfiltered flavour.

  • Equipment You'll Need to Brew With a Cafetière

    • French press (cafetière)
    • Coffee grinder (optional but preferred for freshness)
    • Freshly roasted coffee beans (medium-coarse grind)
    • Kettle and water (around 200°F/93°C)
    • Timer (optional)

  • Brewing Steps for a Cafetière

    1. Measure and Grind your Coffee
      Use about 60–70 grams of coffee per litre of water, or roughly 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio. For a standard 8-cup French press, that’s around 50 grams of coffee to 750ml water.
      Grind the beans to a coarse consistency—roughly the size of breadcrumbs. Fine grounds can slip through the filter and make the coffee too bitter or muddy.
    2. Heat the Water
      Boil the water and let it cool for about 30 seconds to reach the ideal brewing temperature (200°F or 93°C). Pour a bit of hot water into the empty French press to warm it, then discard this water.
    3. Combine Coffee and Water
      Add the coffee grounds to the French press, then pour in your water in a steady stream to saturate all the coffee. Give the mix a gentle stir to ensure even extraction.
    4. Brew and Wait
      Place the lid on the French press but don’t plunge yet. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes. Longer brewing can make it bitter, while shorter times result in under-extracted, weak coffee.
    5. Plunge and Serve
      After 4 minutes, slowly press the plunger down. Pour your coffee into mugs immediately to stop the extraction. If you leave it sitting in the press, it can become bitter.

Brewing Tips for a Cafetière

When it comes to a cafetière, experimenting with the grind size and brew time will help you to find your preferred strength and flavour.

  • A coarser grind reduces bitterness, while a slightly longer brew time can boost richness.
  • French press coffee often has a heavy body. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can pour it through a paper filter to catch extra fine particles.

PROS & CONS

Some advantages & disadvantages of using a Cafetière

Full-bodied flavour

Retains coffee oils for a rich, creamy taste.

Low-tech and easy

Doesn’t require special equipment or precise measurements.

Customisable

Adjust brewing time and grind size to control strength and taste.

Potential for sediment

Some fine grounds can slip through the filter, adding a bit of “grit.”

Heavier texture

A French press can sometimes yield a coffee with less clarity than filtered coffee methods.

Requires precise timing

Over-brewing can lead to a bitter taste.

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