The French press, or cafetière, offers an unhurried, deeply satisfying way to enjoy coffee, a method that is both simple and full of nuance. Each step of the process holds the potential to elevate your morning ritual from routine to remarkable. At Headcount Coffee, we honor this timeless brewing method and have five expert tips to help you craft a truly exquisite cup.
1. The Beans Matter — Quality In, Quality Out
Great coffee begins with great beans. There’s no shortcut here. Specialty roasters like Headcount Coffee source premium, ethically grown beans roasted to bring out their best flavor profiles. While higher quality beans may cost a little more, they offer an unmatched experience in aroma and depth of flavor.
For the French press, freshness is everything. Opt for whole beans and grind them right before brewing to preserve natural oils and aromas. Pre-ground coffee loses much of its vibrancy within hours, while freshly ground beans burst with flavor.
Pro Tip: Choose a Profiled Pour custom roast from Headcount Coffee to get beans perfectly matched to your taste and brewing method.
2. Coarse Is Key — The Right Grind for French Press Perfection
Grind size is crucial for French press brewing. You want a coarse texture, similar to sea salt. This allows for balanced extraction and prevents over-extracted, bitter flavors. Finer grinds can slip through the filter and leave sediment in your cup, while a coarse grind gives you a smooth, clean finish.
For consistent results, use a burr grinder instead of a blade grinder, it produces evenly sized grounds that extract evenly for a more refined taste.
Learn more: See our Coffee Grind Size Guide for detailed comparisons by brew method.
3. Find the Right Ratio — Balancing Coffee and Water
Getting your ratio right is one of the simplest ways to improve your French press coffee. A solid starting point is 1:16, that’s one part coffee to sixteen parts water. In practical terms, use about 60 grams (4 tablespoons) of coffee per liter of water, or 15 grams (1 tablespoon) per 250 ml for a single serving.
Experiment from there, if you like stronger coffee, try a 1:14 ratio. If you prefer it lighter, go 1:17. Using a scale helps you stay consistent, especially when you’re testing different beans or roasts.
4. Don’t Skip the Bloom — A Small Step with Big Impact
Before filling your press, start by “blooming” the grounds. Pour a small amount of hot water (195–205°F / 90–96°C) just to saturate them evenly. You’ll see bubbles forming, that’s carbon dioxide escaping, allowing better extraction and preventing uneven flavor.
Let the bloom sit for about 30 seconds before adding the rest of the water. This small step improves body, balance, and aroma, especially noticeable in freshly roasted coffee.
5. Timing Is Everything — The 4-Minute Sweet Spot
Once the bloom is done, fill the French press with the remaining water, stir gently, and set your timer for four minutes. Timing ensures consistent extraction without bitterness. When the timer hits, press the plunger down slowly and evenly, rushing it can stir up sediment.
Finally, pour immediately to stop brewing. Leaving the coffee sitting with the grounds can lead to over-extraction. Clean your press after each use, leftover oils and residue can turn future brews rancid.
Enjoy the Ritual
Part of the beauty of the French press is how it slows you down. The process invites presence, from grinding the beans to watching the bloom rise. Each cup is a reflection of care and craft.
Experiment with different roasts from Headcount Coffee, try the bright, floral La Calavera Catrina for a vibrant cup, or the bold Rebel Roast for a deeper, richer profile. Adjust your grind size, water temperature, and ratio until you discover the cup that’s uniquely yours.
FAQ — French Press Brewing
Q: What’s the best grind size for French press?
A: A coarse grind, about the texture of sea salt, prevents over-extraction and keeps grounds from slipping through the filter.
Q: How long should I brew French press coffee?
A: Four minutes is ideal for most coffees. Adjust slightly for personal taste, shorter for lighter coffee, longer for bolder.
Q: Why does my French press coffee taste bitter?
A: The grind may be too fine or the brew time too long. Start with a coarse grind and stick to a four-minute timer.
Q: What’s the right coffee-to-water ratio?
A: Start with 1:16 (1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water) and adjust based on your strength preference.
More From Headcount Coffee
- Why Coffee Tastes Bitter And How To Fix It
- For more stories like this, explore the Headcount Food & Drink Blog
(One of many brewing guides shared by Headcount Coffee — a Texas roastery where coffee and conversation meet.)
