How to Brew the Perfect Cup with a Cafetière (French Press)

The cafetière, also known as the French press, is a classic and simple way to make rich, full-bodied coffee. With just a few steps, you can brew a flavorful cup that highlights the depth and texture of your favorite coffee beans. Follow this guide to master the art of using a cafetière.

What You’ll Need

- Cafetière (French Press)

- Freshly Ground Coffee (Coarse grind)

- Hot Water (195°F–205°F / 90°C–96°C)

- Coffee Scale (optional, but recommended)

- Stirring Spoon

- Timer

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

1. Measure Your Coffee and Water

For a balanced cup, use a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio. For example, use 30g of coffee for 450g of water. Adjust according to your taste preference.

2. Heat Your Water

Bring water to a temperature of 195°F–205°F (90°C–96°C). Avoid boiling water, as it can scorch the coffee grounds and result in a bitter taste.

3. Add Coffee Grounds

Place the coarse ground coffee into the cafetière. Using a coarse grind helps prevent over-extraction and makes plunging easier.

4. Pour and Bloom

Slowly pour hot water over the coffee grounds, saturating them evenly. Let it sit for 30 seconds to allow the coffee to bloom and release trapped gases.

5. Stir and Steep

After blooming, stir the coffee gently and add the remaining water. Place the lid on the cafetière with the plunger pulled all the way up. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes for optimal extraction.

6. Plunge Slowly

After steeping, press the plunger down slowly and evenly. Applying too much force can cause grounds to escape into the coffee.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Pour your freshly brewed coffee into your cup immediately to avoid over-extraction. Enjoy the rich and full-bodied flavor of a perfectly brewed cafetière coffee.

Tips for the Best Cafetière Brew

- Use filtered water for a cleaner taste.

- If the coffee is too bitter, reduce steeping time or use a coarser grind.

- If the coffee is weak, increase steeping time or use a finer grind.

- Don’t leave coffee in the cafetière after plunging to prevent over-extraction.

Experiment with different coffee beans and brewing times to find your perfect cup. Happy brewing!

Do you love using a cafetière? Share your favorite coffee beans and techniques in the comments!

 

~ Created by Cameron.S