French Press

What Is a French Press?

The French Press (also called cafetière or press pot) is a full-immersion brewing method. Coffee grounds steep directly in hot water, then a metal mesh plunger separates grounds from the brew. It is one of the simplest, most accessible ways to make excellent coffee.

Why People Love It

• Full body — the metal filter allows oils and fine particles through
• Rich, rounded flavor — immersion brewing extracts evenly
• Simple and forgiving — no technique-intensive pouring
• No paper filters needed
• Affordable — quality French presses cost under 30 euros

Recipe

1. Dose: 30g coffee, coarse grind (like raw sugar)
2. Water: 500g at 93-96°C
3. Pour: Add all water, stir gently once
4. Steep: 4 minutes with lid on (plunger up)
5. Plunge: Press slowly and steadily
6. Serve immediately — do not leave coffee in the press

The James Hoffmann Method

A refined technique for a cleaner French Press cup:

1. After 4 minutes, break the crust with a spoon and remove floating grounds
2. Wait 5-8 more minutes for fines to settle
3. Do not plunge to the bottom — just rest the filter on the surface
4. Pour gently, leaving sediment behind

This produces a remarkably clean cup while retaining the French Press's signature body.

Best Coffees for French Press

• Medium and dark roasts — the body complements chocolate, nut, and caramel flavors
• Natural-processed coffees — fruity sweetness shines with immersion
• Blends — the method flatters well-balanced coffees

For French Press brewing with Röstschmiede coffees, we recommend our medium-roasted offerings — their sweetness and body are perfectly showcased by this forgiving method.

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