How To Make A French Press

Why should I preheat my French press before brewing coffee?

Preheating your French press helps maintain the water temperature during brewing, which ensures optimal extraction of flavors from the coffee grounds, resulting in a richer and more balanced cup of coffee.

What is the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for a French press?

The ideal coffee-to-water ratio for a French press is typically 1:15. This means using 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams (or milliliters) of water. For a standard 1-liter French press, this would be about 67 grams of coffee.

How do I clean and maintain my French press to ensure the best tasting coffee?

To clean and maintain your French press, disassemble the plunger and wash all parts with warm, soapy water after each use. Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Regularly check and replace the mesh filter if it becomes damaged or worn to ensure consistent brewing quality.

And if you’re shopping for a new press, a borosilicate glass and stainless steel model stains less, absorbs no odors, and outlasts plastic — it’s my immersion pick among the best plastic-free brewers.

Two things that make French press better: getting the dose right — how many scoops of coffee per cup has the chart — and using it for what it does best. Strong French press coffee is the traditional base for a New Orleans café au lait, half coffee and half hot milk.