French press is one of the easiest and most forgiving ways to make good coffee at home.
There are no complicated pours, no precise timing tricks, and no special technique to master. If you can heat water and wait a few minutes, you can make French press coffee that tastes rich, balanced, and satisfying.
This guide walks you through a simple Beginner French press recipe, explains why each step matters, and shows you how to adjust flavour without overthinking it.
What French press coffee actually is
French press is an immersion brewing method.
That means the coffee grounds sit fully immersed in hot water for several minutes before being filtered and poured into your cup.
What makes French press different from pour-over:
- The coffee steeps instead of dripping through
- Extraction happens all at once
- The result is a fuller-bodied cup
French press tends to feel more approachable because it allows small mistakes without ruining the coffee. French press is one of several beginner-friendly brewing methods, each with its own style and feel.
What you need to get started (keep it simple)
You don’t need much to brew French press coffee.
At a minimum:
- A French press
- Coffee (whole beans or pre-ground)
- Hot water
- A mug
Helpful but optional:
- A burr grinder
- A kettle
- A scale (nice, not necessary)
If you already own a French press, you’re ready.
A simple beginner ratio that works
A reliable starting point for French press is:
1 gram of coffee to 15–16 grams of water
If you’re not using a scale:
- Use 1 tablespoon of coffee per 120–130 ml of water
- This doesn’t need to be exact – this starting point is explained more fully in our water ratio guide.
French press is forgiving — focus on consistency, not precision.
Step-by-step Beginner French Press Recipe
How to make French Press:
French press brewing is meant to be relaxed and forgiving. You don’t need to rush through the steps or worry about perfect timing. As long as the basics are in place, small variations won’t ruin the coffee — focus on moving steadily and keeping the process simple.
Step 1: Heat the water
Bring your water to a boil, then let it sit for about 30 seconds.
The water should be hot, not aggressively boiling.
Step 2: Add coffee grounds
Add your coffee to the empty French press.
For grind size:
- Aim for coarse, similar to breadcrumbs or sea salt
- Too fine can make the coffee bitter or sludgy
Step 3: Add hot water
Pour hot water evenly over the coffee grounds.
Make sure all the grounds are fully wet.
Step 4: Stir gently
Give the coffee a gentle stir to ensure even extraction.
You don’t need to stir aggressively.
Step 5: Steep
Place the lid on with the plunger pulled up.
Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes.
If you forget and steep a bit longer, that’s okay.
Step 6: Press slowly
After steeping, press the plunger down slowly and evenly.
Don’t force it. If it resists, pause and continue gently.
Step 7: Pour and enjoy
Pour the coffee into your mug.
French press coffee is best enjoyed soon after brewing.
What good French press coffee should taste like
A well-brewed French press coffee should taste:
- Rich
- Full-bodied
- Smooth
- Not harsh or muddy
Some sediment is normal — that’s part of the style.
Common beginner mistakes (and why they’re normal)
If you’re not sure whether flavour issues are coming from grind size or brewing, this grind size troubleshooting guide breaks it down simply.
Coffee tastes bitter
Usually means:
- Grind is too fine
- Coffee steeped too long
Try a coarser grind next time.
Coffee tastes weak
Usually means:
- Too much water
- Too little coffee
Adjust the ratio before changing anything else.
Coffee has too much sediment
Usually means:
- Grind is too fine
- Plunging too aggressively
A slower press and coarser grind help.
Do you need special filters or accessories?
No.
Metal filters are standard for French press and work well.
Paper filters or add-ons can reduce sediment, but they’re optional and not necessary for beginners.
Beginner reassurance (important)
French press is forgiving by design.
If:
- Your timing is slightly off
- Your grind isn’t perfect
- Your ratio isn’t exact
You’ll still get drinkable, enjoyable coffee.
Confidence comes from repetition, not perfection.
How to improve over time (without overthinking)
Once you’re comfortable:
- Change one thing at a time
- Focus on grind size first
- Adjust ratio second
French press rewards patience and simplicity.
Final thought
French press coffee is about ease and comfort.
It’s a method that fits into real life — and that’s why so many beginners love it.
What’s next?
Once you’re comfortable with French press, you might:
- Compare it with pour-over
- Learn how grind size affects flavour
- Explore other immersion methods
There’s no rush.