How to Brew the Perfect French Press Coffee (And Win One Too!)

A French press might just be the easiest way to brew coffee—and one of the most rewarding. No paper filters. No complicated machines. Just rich, bold coffee with full flavor in every sip.

Whether you're brand new to French press brewing or just want to perfect your cup, this guide breaks it all down step-by-step—with space for visuals and little expert tips to take your morning coffee to the next level. ☕

Psst... don’t miss the giveaway at the end. We’re giving away a French press on Instagram @vevokchef!

-What You’ll Need

Img: arranged items flat lay style.

• French press (we recommend a glass one for heat retention)
• Freshly ground coffee (coarse grind)
• Hot water (just off the boil, around 195–205°F / 90–96°C)
• A wooden spoon or stir stick
• Timer
• Mug (optional... but who are we kidding?)

-Ratio Matters

Img: side-by-side of beans vs. correct coarse grind

Use 1:15 ratio of coffee to water. That means:

• 30g of coffee for 450ml of water
• (Or about 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 oz of water if you’re eyeballing it)

🔍 Tip: A kitchen scale will change your coffee life. Trust us.

-Step-by-Step: Brewing with a French Press

1. Grind Fresh (If You Can)

Coarse, like sea salt. If your coffee’s too fine, it’ll slip through the mesh filter and make your brew muddy or over-extracted.

Video: close-up of grinding beans to perfect size

2. Preheat the Press

Pour a bit of hot water into the empty press, swirl, then discard. This helps maintain the brewing temperature once you start.

Tip: A warm press = more stable brewing = better coffee.

3. Add Coffee Grounds

Drop in your freshly ground coffee. Your kitchen should already smell amazing.

4. Pour Hot Water (Slowly)

Start your timer and gently pour in half the water. Stir with a wooden spoon to bloom the coffee—this releases trapped gases and unlocks flavor.

Img: top-down shot of bloom bubbling

Then pour the rest of the water, all the way to the top.

5. Steep for 4 Minutes

Pop on the lid (but don’t press down yet) and let it sit. Use this time to stretch, daydream, or scroll through dog reels.

Tip: 4 minutes is the golden standard. Want it stronger? Add 30 seconds, but don’t overdo it.

6. Press Gently

Once time’s up, slowly press the plunger down. Not too fast! Let resistance guide your hand.

Video: satisfying slow plunge, close-up shot

7. Serve Immediately

Pour the coffee into your mug (or a carafe if you’re not drinking it all now). Leaving coffee sitting in the press = bitter city.

Bonus Tips for a Better Brew

• Use filtered water – If your tap water tastes weird, so will your coffee.
• Don’t let it sit – Always pour out all the coffee once brewed.
• Clean your press well – Old oils = bad flavor.

Win Your Own French Press!

We’re giving away one of our favorite French presses this week! Starting on monday May 26th and until friday May 30th participate! Head over to our Instagram @vevokchef to enter:

• Like the giveaway post
• Follow us
• Subscribe to our Website
  
• Tag a friend who loves coffee!

Winners announced June 1st! ☕💛

French press coffee is bold, rich, and unfussy—kind of like your favorite friend. With just a few simple tweaks, you can make café-level coffee at home.

So whether you’re brewing your first cup or your hundredth, this is your sign to press play (literally).

Want more brewing tips and coffee gear guides?

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