Coffee · French Press guide
French Press Without Bitterness
The long-steep, no-plunge technique that gives you a rich, sweet and surprisingly clean French press.
- Ratio
- 1:16.7
- Grind size
- Medium-coarse — like coarse sea salt
- Water temperature
- 95–98°C
- Brew time
- 9 minutes
Introduction
Most bitter French press comes from two habits: grinding too fine and plunging hard through a churned-up bed.
This method uses a longer steep and lets gravity do the work, so the grounds settle naturally before you pour.
Brewing steps
- 1
Add coffee
Add 30 g medium-coarse coffee to the press.
- 2
Pour all the waterat 0:00
Start a timer and pour 500 g of water, wetting all the grounds.
- 3
Steepat 0:00
Leave it alone for 4 minutes.
- 4
Break the crustat 4:00
Stir the crust gently, then scoop off the foam and floating bits with two spoons.
- 5
Wait againat 4:30
Wait another 5 minutes. The fines will sink to the bottom.
- 6
Plunge lightly and pourat 9:00
Lower the plunger just to the surface — don't push into the bed. Pour slowly, leaving the last bit behind.
Troubleshooting
- Muddy or silty
- Grind coarser and don't plunge into the grounds.
- Flat and weak
- Use hotter water or increase dose to 32 g.
Recommended gear
Halden
Glass French Press 1 L
Borosilicate press with a double mesh filter for less silt.
$454.5(640)out of 5 starsRetailer links soon- Editor's pick
Atlas Instruments
H2 Hand Grinder
Stainless conical burrs with 40 clicked settings — espresso to cold brew.
$1894.8(1,204)out of 5 starsRetailer links soon Northfield Roasters
Colombia Huila Washed
Milk chocolate, red apple and brown sugar. Medium roast, 250 g.
$194.7(274)out of 5 starsRetailer links soon
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