French Press Coffee: The Easy, Foolproof Guide

French press and NOMO French Roast on a kitchen counter at dawn

The French press makes a rich, full-bodied cup with almost no special gear. If you like bold coffee with lots of texture, this is your method.

What you'll need

  • A French press
  • 30 g of coffee (about 4–5 tablespoons), ground coarse — like sea salt
  • 500 g (about 17 oz) of water just off the boil
  • A spoon and a timer

The method

  1. Preheat the press with hot water, then discard it.
  2. Add the coffee and pour in all the water. Start your timer.
  3. Stir gently after one minute to break the crust on top.
  4. Steep for 4 minutes in total.
  5. Press slowly and pour right away so the coffee doesn't keep extracting and turn bitter.

Tips

  • Always use a coarse grind — fine coffee slips through the mesh and makes the cup muddy.
  • Want it cleaner? Let the press sit for a few extra minutes before pressing so the fines settle, then pour slowly.
  • Don't leave coffee sitting in the press; transfer it to a mug or carafe.

Best NOMO coffees for French press

Bold, chocolatey coffees love this method. Try French Roast for bittersweet chocolate, Dark Roast for caramelized sugar and a velvety body, or Overtime Blend for cocoa and toasted nuts. For the best coarse grind, choose whole bean and grind at home.

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