The French press, beloved by coffee enthusiasts worldwide, offers one of the most rewarding ways to brew coffee at home. Despite its familiar presence in many kitchens, this classic brewing method often remains underutilized. Originally patented by Italian designer Attilio Calimani in 1929, the French press has evolved into an essential tool for crafting rich, full-bodied coffee.

Quick Facts

• Brew Time: 4 minutes
• Grind Size: Coarse
• Coffee-to-Water Ratio: 1:15 (31g coffee to 453g water)
• Ideal Water Temperature: 198°F to 205°F (92°C to 96°C)
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Resulting Flavor Profile: Full-bodied, rich, with enhanced natural oils

Essential Equipment

• French press
• Burr grinder
• Digital scale
• Timer
• Kettle (preferably gooseneck)
• Wooden or plastic stirring spoon
• Coffee beans of choice

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

1. Preparation Phase

1. Heat your water to 198-205°F (92-96°C)
   • Pro tip: If you don't have a temperature-controlled kettle, bring water to a boil and let it rest for 30 seconds
2. Warm your French press by rinsing it with hot water
3. Grind 31 grams of coffee beans to a coarse consistency
   • The grounds should resemble sea salt in size

2. The Brewing Process

1. Place your French press on a digital scale and tare to zero
2. Add 31 grams (approximately 4 tablespoons) of ground coffee
3. Tare the scale again
4. Start your timer and add 453g of heated water
5. Gently stir the mixture with a wooden or plastic spoon
   • Avoid metal spoons as they can damage the glass
6. Place the plunger on top, positioning it just above the water level
   • This helps retain heat during brewing
7. At the 1-minute mark, gently stir the grounds at the top
8. Replace the plunger to maintain temperature

3. The Crucial Final Steps

1. At 4 minutes exactly, remove the top layer of grounds with a spoon
   • This reduces bitterness and sediment in your final cup
2. Slowly press the plunger down with steady pressure
3. Pour immediately into your favorite mug
   • Don't let the coffee sit in the press, as it will continue to extract
   • Sumato has a selection of branded mugs ready to go, too :)

Why This Method Works

The French press excels at delivering a full-bodied cup of coffee because it's an immersion brewing method that allows coffee oils to remain in the final cup, unlike paper-filtered methods. The metal mesh filter captures grounds while allowing the flavorful oils to pass through, resulting in a richer mouthfeel and more complex flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using water that's too hot (burns the coffee)
• Grinding too fine (leads to muddy coffee and over-extraction)
• Pressing too forcefully (can release bitter compounds)
• Leaving coffee in the press after plunging (causes over-extraction)

Coffee Selection Tips

For optimal results, choose medium to dark roast beans with:

• Chocolate notes
• Nutty flavors
• Caramel undertones
• Full body characteristics

This is where our Espresso Blend or Single-Origin Guatemalan really shine!

Troubleshooting Your Brew

If Your Coffee Tastes Bitter:

• Check water temperature
• Reduce brewing time
• Use coarser grounds
• Remove grounds at 4 minutes precisely

If Your Coffee Tastes Weak:

• Increase coffee amount
• Ensure water is hot enough
• Check grind consistency
• Extend brew time slightly (but never beyond 4:30)

Sustainability Note

The French press is an environmentally friendly brewing method as it:

• Requires no paper filters
• Uses minimal electricity
• Creates less waste than pod-based systems
• Has long-lasting, often replaceable parts

Expert Tips

1. Pre-heat your mug with hot water
2. Use filtered water for cleaner taste
3. Clean your French press thoroughly after each use
4. Store beans properly in an airtight container

FAQ

Why is grind size so important?

The coarse grind prevents over-extraction and reduces sediment in your cup. Too fine a grind can lead to bitter coffee and difficult plunging.

Can I make cold brew in a French press?

Yes! Use the same ratio but with cold water and steep for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator.

How do I clean my French press?

Disassemble the plunger assembly and wash all parts with warm, soapy water. A monthly deep clean with coffee-specific cleaning products is recommended.

Why remove the grounds from the top?

This step reduces bitterness and prevents over-extraction, resulting in a cleaner-tasting cup of coffee.