Learning how to brew your filter coffee with a French press (also called the cafetiere method) is super simple with our step-by-step guide to preparing, steeping, and pouring the perfect cup. The French press method gives you complete control over the amount of coffee and brewing time, so you can easily craft a personalized cup every time.
Step 1: Boil your water
Start by bringing your water to a boil. You'll want to let it sit for a moment so it cools slightly to reach the ideal brewing temperature—between 92–96°C (195–205°F).
Pro Tip: We recommend using filtered water to get the best flavor from your coffee.
Step 2: Preheat your cafetière & cup
Pour some hot water into your French press and mug to preheat them.
Once they’re warm, discard the water.
Pro Tip: Preheating your French press and mug helps maintain the right temperature during brewing.
Step 3: Weigh & grind coffee
Measure the right amount of coffee based on the size of your French press and grind it to a coarse consistency, similar to that of granulated sugar (unless you're using pre-ground coffee).
What size French press do you have? Generally, a 3-cup French press will use about 350 ml (12 oz) of water, and an 8-cup French press will need around 800 ml (27 oz) of water.
Step 4: Pour in water & brew
Start your timer and pour the water over the coffee.
While pouring, keep a steady, circular motion to agitate the coffee grounds and improve the brewing process.
Let the coffee brew for 2 minutes before giving it a gentle stir with a spoon. Then, let it brew for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
Pro Tip: Stirring helps to agitate the grounds and encourages better extraction, giving you a richer, more full-bodied brew.
Step 5: Plunge your coffee, pour & enjoy!
Now it’s time to press down the plunger and secure the lid on your French press.
Slowly lower the plunger to avoid pushing coffee grounds above the mesh. Serve your coffee right away to prevent over-extraction, and voilà! You’re ready to enjoy a rich, bold cup of coffee.
Pro Tip: The plunger should move down smoothly with little resistance. If it’s tough to press, your grind might be too fine or you might have added too much ground coffee to your French press.
French Press Coffee
Looking for a super simple way to make rich, full-bodied coffee at home? The French press has been around since 1929, and it’s still one of the best ways to brew multiple cups of bold, flavorful coffee. It’s easy to use, reliable, and perfect for dialing in your personal taste. Follow our quick guide and a few Mozzo tips, and you'll be brewing like a pro in no time.
Make it your own:
You can tweak a few things to make your coffee taste just the way you like it:
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Grind size: Want a lighter cup? Go with a coarser grind. Prefer something bolder? Use a finer grind.
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Coffee dose: The more ground coffee you use, the stronger your brew. It’s all up to your taste.
- Brew time: Like tea, leaving it too long can make it bitter. Our suggested brew time is just a starting point—feel free to shorten or stretch it to find your perfect cup.
