Filter and pour over
French press coffee
French press coffee is made by steeping coarse grounds in hot water and pressing them down. Full body, rich and slightly oily.
- Ratio About 1 part coffee to 15 parts water by weight
- Serve 250 to 350 ml, hot, in a mug
- Grind Coarse
Written by the KAIVO team, Mumbai. Last updated 4 November 2026. Cite as: KAIVO, "French press coffee", kaivo.in/pages/drink-french-press-coffee
A French press, also called a plunger pot or cafetiere, steeps coffee grounds in water for about four minutes, then a metal mesh is pressed down to separate them. Because the coffee touches a metal filter and not paper, more oils reach the cup, so it tastes full and heavy. It is a very simple method and needs no electricity.
How it is made
- 01
Boil water and let it rest for 30 seconds.
- 02
Add coarse ground coffee to the press, about 60 g for 1 litre of water.
- 03
Pour in the water, stir once, and put the lid on.
- 04
Wait 4 minutes.
- 05
Press the plunger down slowly and pour out all the coffee at once, so it does not over extract.
Brew it with French press
A KAIVO blend for this
The Leap
KAIVO lists French press as a way to brew The Leap, whose cherry, mandarin orange and lime notes taste juicy and round in this method.
Light roast, tasting of cherries, mandarin orange, lime.
See The LeapQuestions
Why is my French press coffee gritty?
The grind is too fine, or the last bit at the bottom of the pot is being poured. Grind coarser and leave the last sip behind.
How long should I steep French press coffee?
About 4 minutes is a good start. Shorter is lighter and more sour, and longer is stronger and more bitter.