How to Use a French Press (& Why It Might Just Become Your Favorite Way to Brew)

Preparing coffee in a quiet kitchen just before sunrise is an almost sacred tradition. For those who’ve discovered the French press, that moment becomes a ritual you look forward to: the slow pour of hot water, the gentle bloom, the pause before the plunge.

If you’re just starting your coffee journey — or if you’re a long-time coffee drinker looking for something with a little more heart — we’d love to show you how to use a French Press to brew coffee.

What is a French Press?

The French press (also called a press pot or cafetière) is a simple brewing device that lets coffee grounds steep directly in hot water. You then press a mesh filter through the liquid to separate the grounds. That’s it.

This brewing method isn’t just easy, it also makes a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee that many think is better than other coffee brewing techniques. Because there’s no paper filter, more of the coffee’s natural oils and flavors make it into your mug. The result is a smooth, bold brew with depth and character.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need much to start making incredible French press coffee. Just a few good tools, and you’re off:

• French Press — Our Monk Press is a double-walled stainless steel French press coffee maker built for serious flavor and warmth. It filters beautifully and keeps coffee hot longer, making it ideal for slower mornings or extra cups.
• Fresh Coffee Beans — Always start with high-quality, fresh-roasted beans. You’ll taste the difference. Explore our monk-roasted Coffee Collection for something truly special.
• Monk Coffee Vault — Keep your beans at their freshest with our Monk Coffee Vault in Black or Chrome Finish. These premium canisters are designed to protect the aroma and depth of every roast.
• Keep-Fresh Bag Clip — Want to keep an open bag of beans fresh without needing another container? Our Keep-Fresh Bag Clip is simple, sturdy, and makes a thoughtful add-on to your coffee station.
• Burr Grinder — For French press coffee, you want your beans to have a coarse, even grind. A burr grinder gives you consistency.
• Hot Water (195–205°F) — The best water for French press is just off the boil. You can use a thermometer to make sure the water is at the right temperature or boil it and wait 30 seconds for it to cool.
• Spoon for stirring — Wood or plastic spoons are best, especially for glass presses.
• Timer and Scale (optional) — For those who like their brews dialed in just right.

Discover more brewing tools to help you make great French press coffee in our Coffee and Tea Accessories Collection.

Coffee-to-Water Ratios

A good starting point is a 1:15 ratio of coffee to water.

Cups	Coffee (g)	Water (ml)
1	15 g	225 ml (about 8 oz or 1 cup)
2	30 g	450 ml (about 15 oz or 2 cups)
4	52 g	780 ml (about 26 oz or 3 cups)

 

Adjust to taste. Want it stronger? Use more coffee. Prefer it lighter? Add a touch more water.

Brewing with a French Press (Hot Brew)

1. Preheat Your Press: Pour a little hot water into the French press, swirl, and dump the mixture out.
2. Add Coffee: Use coarsely ground coffee. The consistency of the coffee grounds should be like breadcrumbs or kosher salt.
3. Start the Bloom: Pour just enough hot water to cover the grounds. Wait 30 seconds. Watch them rise and release the aroma.
4. Fill & Stir: Pour the rest of the water in, then gently stir with a spoon.
5. Place the Lid: Set the lid on top (don’t plunge yet!) and let it steep for 4 minutes.
6. Plunge Slowly: Press down with steady pressure. Take your time.
7. Serve & Enjoy: Pour immediately to avoid over-extraction.

Optional: Cold Brew in a French Press

French presses aren’t just for hot coffee. You can cold brew, too, and here's how:

• Use 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee per 4 cups of cold water.
• Stir, cover, and let sit for 12–18 hours at room temp or in the fridge.
• Plunge, pour, and store in a sealed jar.
• Dilute with water or milk to taste when serving.

Troubleshooting

Too bitter?

Your coffee may have been over-extracted. This often happens when the water is too hot, the steeping time is too long, or the grind is too fine. 

Try lowering your water temperature slightly (aim for around 195°F) and steep for 3 to 4 minutes. Also, check that your grind is coarse and even. If your grind looks like table salt or finer, it’s probably the culprit.

Too weak or sour?

This suggests under-extraction. Your water may not have been hot enough, the grind too coarse, or the brew time too short. 

Make sure your water is between 195°F and 205°F. Use a slightly finer grind (but still coarse), and steep for the full 4 minutes. A small adjustment in one of these variables can make a big difference.

Sludge at the bottom?

Some sediment is normal, but too much can be unpleasant. Use a burr grinder for a consistent coarse grind, and avoid grinding too fine. When pouring your coffee, stop just before you reach the bottom of the press, where sediment tends to collect. You can also try letting the coffee sit for 30 seconds after plunging to allow fines to settle.

Hard to plunge?

If the plunger resists, your grind is likely too fine, or you may have used too much coffee. A fine grind can clog the mesh filter, making it difficult to push down. 

Use a coarser grind and double-check your coffee-to-water ratio. Gently stirring the grounds after the initial pour can also help reduce clogging.

Variations to Try

• Spiced French Press – Add a cinnamon stick or pinch of cardamom to the grounds.
• Café au Lait – Mix brewed coffee with equal parts steamed milk.
• Mocha Style – Stir in cocoa powder or chocolate syrup before plunging.

Still have questions? You’re not alone. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about French press brewing. Whether you’re troubleshooting, experimenting, or just getting started, these insights will guide you on your way.

FAQs

What grind is best for French press?

A coarse grind is essential; think of the texture of sea salt or breadcrumbs. This allows the mesh filter to effectively separate the grounds without letting too much sediment through. A finer grind will lead to over-extraction and a silty, bitter cup.

Can I use pre-ground coffee in a French press?

You can, but it’s not ideal. Most pre-ground coffee is medium-fine, which tends to slip through the French press filter and over-extract. If you're in a pinch, it works, but for the best flavor and clarity, grind whole beans right before brewing.

Why is there sludge at the bottom of my cup?

Some sediment is normal with French press coffee. In fact, for most French press coffee drinkers, it’s part of its charm.

However, excessive sludge could mean your grind is too fine, or your grounds weren’t evenly stirred. A burr grinder and slow, even plunging help minimize this.

How long should I steep French press coffee?

Steep for 4 minutes. Less time may lead to under-extracted, sour coffee, while more time risks bitterness. Some people experiment with 3–5 minutes to fine-tune their ideal cup.

Can I reheat French press coffee?

You can, but reheating often flattens the flavor. Instead, try brewing only what you’ll drink right away or pour extra into a thermal carafe to keep warm. Mystic Monk’s insulated mugs or flasks can help here, too.

Make The Perfect Cup of French Press with Mystic Monk Coffee

Brewed with care, the French press delivers a cup that’s deep, rich, and comforting. It’s coffee in its purest form — no paper filters, no fancy buttons — just you, the beans, and a simple press.

If you’re ready to turn your coffee ritual into something deeper, start with monk-roasted beans, trusted brewing tools, and accessories that preserve freshness. Shop Mystic Monk Coffee today and experience a moment of stillness in every cup.