How To Make A French Press

Written By Jason Wilger

The Patience Coffee French Press Guide

Recipe:

  • Coffee: 30g

  • Water: 480g (1:16 ratio)

  • Grind: Coarse (like sea salt)

  • Water Temp: 200°F / 93–94°C

  • Brew Time: 4 minutes

Step 1: Choose Your Coffee

Pick a coffee you enjoy with sweetness and structure. Medium or darker roasts tend to shine in a French press. Its best to grind your beans right before you brew.

Step 2: Heat & Prep

Heat filtered water to about 200°F (just off boil). Place your French press on a scale and add 30g of coarse-ground coffee. Zero out your scale (tare it).

Step 3: Bloom

Start your timer and pour about 60g of water (just enough to saturate all the grounds). Stir gently to ensure even wetting. Let it sit for 30 seconds to bloom (This releases CO₂ and helps extraction).

Step 4: Main Pour

  • Slowly pour in the rest of the water until you reach 480g total.

  • Gently stir or swirl to ensure the grounds are fully mixed.

  • Place the lid on (plunger up) and let it steep for 4 minutes.

Step 5: Break & Skim

At 4 minutes, remove the lid and use a spoon to break the crust at the top. Skim off the floating grounds and foam for a cleaner cup (optional).

Step 6: Press

Place the lid back on and press down slowly with steady pressure. Stop pressing when you feel resistance at the bottom.

Step 7: Pour & Serve

Pour immediately after pressing to avoid over-extraction. If you’re not serving right away, transfer the coffee into another carafe or server.

Step 8: Taste & Adjust

Take a sip and note what you taste.

  • Sour or sharp? → Grind a little finer or brew slightly longer.

  • Bitter or harsh? → Grind a bit coarser or shorten the brew time.

  • Flat or muddy? → Skim more grounds next time or pour off the coffee sooner.

Jason Wilger
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