I love coffee. If you know me at all, you know how obvious of a statement that is. If you know me a little better you know that I’m also a little bit of a coffee snob. I enjoy the warm caffeinated elixir so much that I only want the best.
When I studied abroad in London, we lived in an apartment that didn’t have many appliances so I picked up a french press to brew my morning joe and I fell in love with using it. It’s super easy to use and makes an incredible cup of coffee, which is why I wanted to share how to use one! This is the french press I use: Bodum Chambord 8 cup French Press (affiliate link) 
1.) Get the Right Beans
The right coffee makes all the difference when you’re brewing at home. That means quality beans that are freshly ground. Make sure to get your beans coarsely ground. There’ll be a setting on the coffee grinder (if you’re at a grocery store) with notches and you’ll want the most corse you can get. I read something really interesting that totally made sense. Coffee, like any fruit, oxidizes in air. For example when an apple oxidizes it gets brown. While you can’t see it, coffee does the same. So after you’ve ground your coffee make sure it’s in an air tight container.
I like to buy my beans at my favorite coffee shop. The company they sell is called counter culture coffee and it’s pretty incredible. The nice thing about buying from your local coffee shop is that a.) you know you like their beans already b.) it’s supporting a local business.
2.) Measure it Out
Once you have your coffee, ground coarsely, the next step is to measure out your coffee. I follow the rule 2 Tbsp of grounds for every 8 oz of water. I’d suggest measuring it out the water at first, but once you get to know your french press you’ll be able to eye-ball after a while.
3.) Heat Up Your Water
Using a kettle bring your water to the right temperature. You don’t want it too hot or it can make the coffee bitter, but if it’s not hot enough you won’t get as much flavor out of the beans. I usually let the water boil then let it sit for about a 30 seconds to a minute before I use it.
4.) Start the Pour
Pour about a 3rd of your water into your carafe so it’s just covering the grounds, stir and allow the grounds to “bloom” (sit for about 30 seconds) then pour the remaining water into your french press and stir.
5.) Let it Brew
Let the coffee brew for about 4 -6 minutes (depending on how strong you like your coffee). My rule is usually to air on the stronger side because you can always add a bit more water if it’s too strong.
6.) Extract
Finally (see you’re almost done!) when the coffee is ready, take the plunger and slowly plunge the coffee down. Now you’re ready to pour into your mug and enjoy!
Looks like a lot when I type it out, but it’s actually super simple and takes me no more than 10 minutes total while I’m running around in the morning. Often I’ll measure out the coffee the night before so all I have to do in the morning is heat the water and pour.
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Your Turn:
How do you brew your coffee?
Have you ever used a french press?
What’s your favorite way to take your coffee?
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love love love! The French press is the best. I have a French press and stash of emergency coffee in my cubicle at work. Coffee addict much?
I call it genius. I refuse keurig coffee because I’m “that girl”
I never feel like I get my coffee at the right strength so I will definitely try the 2 tbsp/8 ounce rule next time! I keep a french press at my desk but get lazy and go buy coffee sometimes (also for the walk!).
To be honest it takes a bit of tweaking to get to know what strength you like the best. Once I got a good sense of how much water I typically liked I can eyeball it pretty well, but the 2/8 rule has been a good rule of thumb.
I have never used a french press to make coffee, but after reading this I think I might have to try it out! I love this step-by-step guide!!
Thanks girl – once you go French (press) you’ll never go back. Plus they’re so easy and take up so little space.
Yes! I can’t wait to get home and back to my coffee brewer so I can ground my own fresh beans again! Makes such a difference! I love the morning ritual of it!
Yes! Totally agree, I love my morning coffee ritual.
I LOVE coffee from either the French Press, or the Bialetti 🙂 informative and fun post to read!!
Thanks Jess <3 Same! bialetti makes a great Americano.
You have proven that young (American) people CAN be wise, insightful AND CULTURED.
Haha not sure if I am insightful or cultured but I’m certainly trying.
This is great! I love coffee and French press is the way to go!! Thanks for the tutorial girl! 🙂
Thanks Cailee! Glad you enjoyed it.
I’ve never used a french press, I’ve just always had a coffee maker for my coffee. But I love the idea of being able to make a single cup without the waste of a kurig machine!
It might seem a little more tricky at first, but once you go french press you’ll be addicted. It really helps bring out the full flavor of the beans and requires so much less counter space.
French press is truly one of the keys to my heart – we are for sure foodie soul mates. You also had me at Counter Culture, my favorite roaster next to Stumptown and La Colombe.
Love this, Georgie! French Press is definitely my favorite way to prepare coffee. There’s just something so…. raw and rustic about it. And I love the fact that you mention it all starts off with using the right coffee. I used to be a barista at a small business coffee shop, owned by a women who roasted her own premium direct trade coffee beans. Despite it being a part-time coffee shop job, it truly changed my life and really exposed me to just how important GREAT coffee beans are to creating a great cup of coffee.
Isn’t it crazy how many things go into having a great cup of coffee? It truly is an art and a science. I like the process of making a French press cup because it makes me feel a little closer to the coffee than using a regular coffee machine. I’ve always wanted to be a barista. I’m sure that was such a fun job.
This is really very good tutorial. I have seen this. It is good for us, Who loves to make and drink French press coffee. After seen this, I also try to made french press coffee, with this processes. Thanks for this blog and sending this tutorial.
Thanks Anjelica!