How To Make French Press Coffee: A Simple Guide to a Delicious, Slow-Brewed Cup

Jul 9

3 min read

There’s something timeless about the French press — that comforting routine of pouring hot water, waiting patiently, and pressing down the plunger to reveal a rich, aromatic brew. Unlike high-tech machines or single-serve pods, a French press invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy coffee at its most flavorful.

At Timewise Coffee, we believe that brewing coffee should be as intentional as drinking it. Whether you’re new to the French press or looking to perfect your technique, here’s how to brew a cup that’s bold, smooth, and bursting with your coffee’s natural character.

What You’ll Need

Fresh, high-quality coffee beans (we recommend our organic small-batch roasts)
A French press (any size)
A burr grinder (for the best grind consistency)
Hot water (just off the boil, about 200°F or 93°C)
A kettle and a stirring spoon
A timer

Step 1: Measure & Grind Your Beans

Start with freshly roasted beans — they make all the difference. For a standard 8-cup French press (about 34 ounces), use about 56 grams (8 tablespoons) of coffee.

Grind your beans coarse, like breadcrumbs or sea salt. A too-fine grind can slip through the mesh filter and make your brew gritty.

Step 2: Preheat Your French Press

Pour a bit of hot water into your empty French press to warm it up. Swirl, then discard the water. This step helps maintain the right brewing temperature.

Step 3: Add Coffee & Hot Water

Add your coarse-ground coffee to the press. Pour hot water evenly over the grounds, filling to your desired amount. For 34 ounces, use about 900 grams (900 ml) of water.

Gently stir with a wooden or plastic spoon to ensure all grounds are saturated.

Step 4: Steep

Place the lid on with the plunger pulled up. Let your coffee steep for 4 minutes. This allows the grounds to fully bloom and release their oils, giving you a bold, full-bodied cup.

Step 5: Press & Pour

When time’s up, press the plunger down slowly and steadily. This separates the grounds from the liquid without stirring up too much sediment.

Serve immediately and enjoy — French press coffee is best when it’s fresh and hot.

Pro Tips for French Press Success

Use filtered water for a cleaner taste.
Experiment with the coffee-to-water ratio to find your perfect strength.
Pour out any leftover coffee into a carafe to prevent over-extraction and bitterness — coffee left sitting on the grounds will keep brewing and may taste harsh.

Why Fresh, Small-Batch Coffee Matters

A French press highlights every note in your beans — the fruity brightness, nutty depth, or chocolatey finish. That’s why it’s so important to use fresh, high-quality coffee.

Timewise Coffee is roasted in small batches, just for you, and shipped at peak freshness. No stale supermarket beans here — only organic, ethically sourced coffee that tastes exactly as nature intended.

Make French Press Mornings Even Better with a Timewise Subscription

When you love brewing with a French press, freshness is everything. A Timewise Coffee subscription ensures you always have fresh, flavorful beans on hand — no last-minute grocery runs or stale grounds.

Here’s why French press lovers trust Timewise:

Shipped quickly for maximum freshness
100% organic, specialty-grade beans — no chemicals, ever
Ethical sourcing with direct trade partnerships that support farmers
Flexible subscriptions — choose your grind (whole bean or coarse for French press), delivery frequency, and save 10% on every bag
Never run out of coffee again — pure convenience and peace of mind

Every cup is more than a caffeine boost — it’s a mindful pause in your day, a chance to reconnect with yourself and what’s possible.