A French press is maybe the easiest way to brew excellent coffee.
It's not as complicated as an espresso machine, offers more flavorful coffee than a Keurig or other instant coffee machine, and isn't as expensive or time-consuming as buying all your coffee from a local cafe.
According to Stumptown Coffee Roasters, folks who know a thing or two about brewing a proper cup of joe, here's how to make perfect coffee in a French press.
Find the perfect French press
Find the perfect French press coffee makerMartin Hambleton / Getty ImagesObviously to brew coffee with a French press you'll need a quality press. For daily brewing, you probably won't need anything larger than 34 ounces, but presses get quite a bit larger if you're making coffee for a full house.
Buy on Amazon:
Bodum 1-liter French press coffee maker ($39.95)
Bodum 1.5-liter French press coffee maker ($28.58)
Start with whole coffee beans
Start with whole coffee beansAlejandro Cajas / Getty ImagesThe first step to making great coffee is finding great coffee beans. You'll get a much fresher taste if you buy whole beans and grind them yourself. Look for trusted brands like Stumptown, Real Good Coffee Co, and Stone Street.
Buy on Amazon:
12-ounce bag of Stumptown Founder's Blend ($14.99)
2-pound bag of Real Good Coffee Co Donut Shop Medium Roast ($24.99)
1-pound bag of Stone Street Cold Brew Dark Roast ($14.99)
Warm the press
Getty ImagesThe Stumptown guide suggests warming the French press by rinsing it with hot water, in order to maintain a good temperature throughout brewing.
Weigh out some beans
Weigh out the coffee beansZinkevych / Getty ImagesUse a kitchen scale to weigh out 56 grams of beans. Meanwhile, add hot water to the press in order to warm it up.
Purchase on Amazon: Precision kitchen food scale ($24.95)
Grind the beans
Grind the coffee beansJulieWild / Getty ImagesPop your beans into a grinder and run them until they come out about as coarse as breadcrumbs. Some grinders, from brands like Cuisinart, will allow you to dial in the coarseness.
Purchase on Amazon: Cuisinart coffee grinder ($59.95)
Add coffee grounds and hot water to the press
Add coffee grounds and hot water to the French pressSchwin Pikulsawad / Getty ImagesDump the hot water rinse from the press and add your coffee grounds. Top with hot water at 205 degrees Fahrenheit, just shy of boiling, and fill the press halfway, being sure to get all the grounds wet. Start your kitchen timer immediately.
Purchase on Amazon: 2-pack digital kitchen timer ($8.97)
Stir after 1:00
Fill to the top after stirringktasimarr / Getty ImagesAt one minute on the timer, stir the mixture with a wooden spoon to break up the top crust. Then fill the press the rest of the way with hot water and put on the top.
Press and serve
Plunge the French press and pourluza studios / Getty ImagesAt 4 minutes, plunge the press to strain the coffee. Serve and enjoy.
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