Tips for Using a French Press

I. Core Parameters (Copy Directly)

• Water-to-coffee ratio: 1:15 (golden ratio)

20g powder → 300ml water

• Grind size: Coarse (like coarse sugar or corn kernels)

Too fine = over-extracted and bitter; Too coarse = weak and flavorless

• Water temperature: around 90°C

Light Roast 92°C, Medium Roast 90°C, Dark Roast 88°C

II. Standard Steps (Total: 4 minutes)

1. Preheat the carafe

Rinse the French press with hot water, then discard it to keep the brew warm.

2. Follow

Pour in the coffee grounds and gently level them.

3. One-time water fill

Pour hot water to the mark in one go, ensuring it fully covers the coffee grounds. No swirling needed—just fill to the line.

4. Soak and let stand

Soak for 4 minutes. Do not over-stir; simply gently scrape off any surface residue.

5. Gently press down

Grip the handle and press the piston down vertically at a steady, slow pace. Do not push abruptly or shake.

6. Pour Now

Press down firmly and pour the entire contents into the cup immediately. Do not let it steep in the pot, as prolonged steeping makes it increasingly bitter and astringent.

III. Key Exclusive Tips

1. Skip blooming

French press differs from pour-over: no need for staged pouring or blooming. Simply fill it all at once for the best-tasting brew.

2. Do not over-polish.

French press metal filters let fine particles slip through, leaving your cup gritty and bitter. Better to go coarser than finer.

3. Press down slowly.

Pushing too fast agitates the fine grounds at the bottom, leading to over-extraction and bitterness. A steady, slow press delivers the cleanest, smoothest taste.

4. Soak for exactly 4 minutes

Under 4 minutes, the flavor is thin; over 4 minutes, bitterness and off-notes emerge.

5. Suitable for bean-shaped

Best paired with: medium-dark to dark roasts, featuring nutty and chocolate notes.

Not ideal: Light-roasted fruit-forward beans (prone to sourness and muddled flavors)

4. Beginner Pitfalls to Avoid at 3

• Do not keep tea in the pot to stay warm after brewing. Pour it out immediately.

• Do not use dish soap. Rinse with water only to avoid residue and odors.

• Disassemble and rinse the filter thoroughly after each use. Accumulated residue can cause flavor transfer and affect the taste of your next brew.

V. Minimalist Mnemonic

Coarse grinding 1:15, water temperature 90°C;

Fill to capacity and soak for 4 minutes.

Slow pressure without agitation; no additional steeping after pouring.