Coffee Glossary
French Press
Definition
The French press, also known as a cafetière or press pot, is an immersion brewing method that steeps coffee grounds in hot water before pressing them through a metal mesh filter. It produces a full-bodied, rich cup of coffee with more oils and sediment than paper-filtered methods. The French press uses coarse ground coffee and a 4-5 minute steep time. It's known for its simplicity, affordability, and ability to highlight coffee's natural flavors. The metal filter allows coffee oils and fine particles to pass through, creating a heavier body and more complex mouthfeel compared to paper-filtered coffee.
Common Mistakes
- Using fine grind (should be coarse, like sea salt)
- Steeping too long (causes over-extraction and bitterness)
- Not preheating the press
- Pressing too quickly or forcefully
- Leaving coffee in the press after pressing (continues to extract)
Related Topics
Related Guides
French Press vs. AeroPress: Which One Is Right for You?
Two of the most popular immersion brewers go head-to-head. We compare flavor, ease of use, and cleanup.
Read more →Best Pour-Over Coffee Makers for Home Use
Pour-over coffee offers the cleanest and most nuanced flavor profile. Discover which dripper is right for your morning ritual.
Read more →Related Terms
Brew Ratio
Brew ratio is the relationship between the amount of coffee and water used in brewing, expressed as ...
Bloom
The bloom is the initial phase of pour-over brewing where a small amount of hot water (typically 2-3...
AeroPress
The AeroPress is a manual coffee brewing device that uses air pressure to force hot water through co...
Pour Over
Pour-over is a manual brewing method where hot water is poured over coffee grounds in a filter, allo...
Cold Brew
Cold brew is a coffee brewing method that uses cold or room temperature water and an extended steepi...