COFFEE BREW GUIDE

How to Brew Coffee with a French Press

Learn how to make a rich, full-bodied cup with a French press. Follow our simple step-by-step guide, from coarse grind size and water temperature to steeping time and plunging for a smooth, flavorful brew.

You'll need:

🫖 French press
⚙️ Burr grinder
⚖️ Digital scale
🫖 Kettle
🥄 Spoon or stirrer
⏱️ Timer
☕ Mug

Tips: Never leave brewed coffee sitting in the French Press. If sediment bothers you, pour through a paper filter after brewing.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Brewing Steps

Learn how to make a rich, full-bodied cup with a French press. Follow our simple step-by-step guide, from coarse grind size and water temperature to steeping time and plunging for a smooth, flavorful brew.

1. Add 30g of coffee into the French Press.

2. Start your timer and pour all 500g of hot water.

3. Stir gently to ensure every ground is saturated.

4. Place the lid on with the plunger raised.

5. Allow the coffee to steep for 4 minutes.

6. Slowly press the plunger with steady pressure, then serve immediately to avoid over-extraction.

Perfect for this brew

Explore coffees that sounds perfect with this brewing method.

Package of Sound Coffee Colombia Single Origins Light Roast Coffee

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Package of Sound Coffee Costa Rican Single Origins Medium Roast Coffee

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Package of Sound Coffee Honduran Single Origins Medium Roast Coffee

Honduran - Medium Roast Coffee

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Package of Sound Coffee Pioneer Signature Blends Dark Roast

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Power Chord – Dark Roast Coffee

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Package of Sound Coffee Soundcheck Signature Blends Light Roast

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Package of Sound Coffee Sumatran Single Origins Dark Roast Coffee

Sumatran - Dark Roast Coffee

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Package of Sound Coffee Turntable Signature Blends Medium Roast

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A stainless steel and glass French press coffee maker filled with dark coffee sits on a light wooden table, with blurred green leaves in the background.

Flavor Profile

French Press produces a rich, full-bodied cup with more oils and texture than filtered brewing methods. Expect a heavier mouthfeel and bold sweetness.

A pile of whole roasted coffee beans next to a mound of finely ground coffee on a dark textured surface.

Recommended Grind

  • Ground French Press – Ready to brew.
  • Whole Bean – Grind fresh before brewing for the best flavor.
A paper coffee cup with a green stripe, filled with a yellow-orange latte and topped with white foam, sitting on a wooden table in natural light.

Recommended Recipe

  • Coffee: 30g
  • Water: 500g
  • Ratio: 1:16.7
  • Grind: Coarse
  • Water Temp: 94°C
  • Brew Time: 4 minutes

Not sure what flavor to pick?

Take a Coffee Quiz

Or if you want to explore most of our flavors first, you can try our Sample Packs and discover your favorites before committing to a full-size bag.

Your Guide to a Better Coffee

The Best Way to Brew Coffee at Home

There's no single "best" brewing method, only the one that's right for your taste. No matter which brewer you choose, these five principles will help you make consistently great coffee.


1. Start with Freshly Roasted Coffee

Coffee tastes best within a few weeks of roasting. Store your beans in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture, and grind them just before brewing for maximum flavor.


2. Use the Right Grind Size for Your Brewing Method

Using the correct grind size is one of the biggest factors in making great coffee. Every brewing method requires a different grind size to extract the best flavor.

Recommended Grind for every Brewing method

Espresso → Fine
AeroPress → Medium-Fine
Pour Over → Medium
Drip Coffee → Medium
French Press → Coarse
Cold Brew → Extra Coarse

3. Measure Your Coffee

A consistent coffee-to-water ratio helps you brew balanced coffee every time.

A good starting point is:

1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water (1:16 ratio)

Example:
20g coffee → 320g water
25g coffee → 400g water
30g coffee → 480g water

This ratio is a common baseline before adjusting to taste. Adjust slightly depending on your taste preferences.

4. Use Filtered Water

Coffee is made up of almost entirely water, so clean, filtered water helps highlight the natural sweetness and complexity of your beans.

5. Brew Fresh Every Time

Grind only what you'll use and brew just before drinking. Freshly brewed coffee delivers the best aroma, sweetness, and complexity.

Troubleshooting Your Brew

Even the best beans can taste off if your brewing variables aren't dialed in. If your coffee tastes too sour, it's often a sign of under-extraction. If it tastes too bitter, it may be over-extracted. Small adjustments to your grind size, water temperature, brew time, or coffee-to-water ratio can make a dramatic difference in the final cup.

Want to learn how to identify and fix these common brewing problems?

👉 Read our guide: Bitter vs. Sour Coffee: What Your Brew Is Trying to Tell You