How Do You Make Coffee in a Cafetière or French Press?

Brew a rich, full-bodied cup with our step-by-step French press guide.

Using a cafetière (or French press) is one of the simplest ways to enjoy freshly roasted coffee at home.

To get the best flavour, you’ll need:

• Grinder: A good burr grinder (or pre-ground coffee from us)
• Scale & Timer: For accuracy and consistency
• Water: Clean, filtered water heated to 92–95°C

Step-by-Step French Press Brewing

1. Measure the coffee: Use 65g of coffee per litre of water.
2. Grind coarsely: A coarse grind prevents bitterness and sludge.
3. Start the timer: Pour hot water over the grounds, ensuring they’re fully saturated. Stir gently if needed. Tip: leave the lid and filter off while brewing so gases can escape.
4. Break the crust: After 4 minutes, stir to break the crust on top. Skim off floating foam or larger particles with a spoon.
5. Let it settle: Wait another 30 seconds so fine particles sink. Place the lid on and press the plunger down slowly.
6. Serve: Let the coffee rest briefly before pouring to enhance flavour and mouthfeel.

French Press Tips

• Choose a single-origin coffee: A French press highlights nuanced taste notes and regional character.
• Decaf note: French press brewing can extract slightly more caffeine than drip or pour-over. For details, see our guide to how much caffeine is in decaf coffee.