Two images side by side, on the right coffee being poured into a french press, and the left a french press filled with coffee

Brew Bold with No-Fuss: The Guide to French Press and Cafetière Specialty Coffee Delicious Brews

Simple and Timeless: The French Press

Simple, timeless, and satisfying — the French Press is a favourite for a reason. It’s one of the easiest ways to brew coffee at home, and it delivers a bold, full-bodied cup that’s rich in flavour and aroma.

In this guide, we'll break down the brewing instructions step by step, making it easy for you to master the art of the French press.

What is the French Press or Cafetière

The French Press is a popular brewing method which allows the water to sit with the coffee grounds and then filter the coffee by pressing down on the plunger. The coffee blooms, producing an aromatic steam that enhances the enjoyment of the coffee. 

Whether you’re just starting out or returning to an old favourite, our method will help you make a smooth, delicious cup — no barista badge required.

🧰 What You'll Need

  • 20g of Harvestry coffee  whole bean or coarse ground for French Press from our store
  • French Press (300ml)
  • Scale
  • Hot water (94-96°C)
  • Timer
  • Spoon for stirring

No French Press? Shop our brew tools. Not sure which coffee suits this method? Try our rich, full-bodied blends.

📏 Recipe Overview

  • Coffee: 20g (Our ratio for french press is 1:15. 
  • Water: 300ml or 300g
  • Grind: Coarse (like sea salt)
  • Brew Time: 4:00 minutes

📝 Step-by-Step Method

Let's now take you through the uncomplicated process of using a French press, ensuring you can brew a delicious cup of coffee with no fuss.

  1. Prepare, Preheat & Add Coffee: Preheat your French Press with hot water, then discard. Add 20g of ground coffee.
  2. Add Water: Pour 300 ml of water at around 94 to 96 degrees Celsius into your french press. Ensure that all the coffee is covered by the water. 
  3. Stir & Steep: Give a gentle stir in a circular motion to make sure all grounds are wet. Set a timer for 4 minutes.
  4. Plunge: Once time is up, press the plunger down slowly and steadily.
  5. Serve: Pour and enjoy immediately to avoid over-extraction.

🔁 Brew Tips & Tweaks

  • Use a burr grinder for consistent coarse grind.
  • If it tastes bitter, grind coarser or reduce brew time slightly.
  • Let coffee settle for 30 seconds before plunging for cleaner results.

💡 Final Sip

The French Press is no-fuss, full-flavour brewing. With Harvestry beans and a little attention to timing and grind, it’s your shortcut to a café-quality brew in your pyjamas.

👉 Explore all our brew guides
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