What is the ratio for french press coffee

The instructions below make 32 ounces, a common size of French press that makes about four servings. But what if you want to make more or less? Here's a general guide to proportions by volume. Note that coffee beans are measured before grinding.

  • 1 serving — 1 cup water (8 fluid ounces) — 2 tablespoons coffee beans
  • 2 servings — 2 cups water (16 fluid ounces) — 1/4 cup coffee beans
  • 4 servings — 4 cups water (32 fluid ounces) — 1/2 cup coffee beans
  • 8 servings — 8 cups water (64 fluid ounces) — 1 cup coffee beans

The plunger pot, invented in France in the mid-1800s, takes different names throughout the world: French Press, melior, coffee machine piston, plunger coffee, press pot.  What’s your favorite?

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What is the ratio for french press coffee
What is the ratio for french press coffee

Photo: Onzeg/Getty Images

Contrary to popular opinion, French press coffee is not just for coffee snobs. But it certainly doesn't hurt to be one if you're looking to dive into this popular brewing method. French press is a simple, manual brewing method that gives you total control over your brew. Really anyone can do it, and it's one of the least expensive brewing methods available.

But before you get started, you'll need to be prepared with the proper equipment and brewing technique. And that's what we're here for. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions on how to make French press coffee.

What Is French Press Coffee?

The first time you set out to make French press coffee, just the sight of the French press coffee maker can be a little intimidating. But it's actually one of the simplest brewing systems, and it's been around since the 1850s. According to legend, its invention was actually a happy accident.

The story goes that a Frenchman was boiling water when he realized he had forgotten to put the coffee in. He decided to add the coffee grounds to the boiling water nonetheless. Once the coffee grounds rose to the top, he used a piece of metal screen and a stick to press the screen down together with the grounds. The result? It was the best coffee he had ever tasted.

Despite this fun origin story, the patent of the French press coffee maker actually came from the Italians. With time, the version has continued to evolve into the French press we know today — or a manual brewing system in which coffee grounds are steeped in hot water before being pressed to the bottom of the beaker, helping to separate the grounds from the liquid.

Pros and Cons of French Press Coffee

French press coffee has somewhat of a cult following. It extracts a very strong and robust cup of coffee, without the need for any sort of electrical brewing system. You get complete control over your brew, and you can use a French press coffee maker to make other beverages like tea or even cold brew coffee. Plus, it's dirt cheap. You can get a top-rated French press coffee maker for under $20 on Amazon.

But the French press is not without its drawbacks. Because it's a manual brewing system, you can't exactly set it and just walk away. It's also a little finicky when it comes to the grind size — it's recommended that you grind your own beans to achieve the uniformly coarse grind necessary for French press coffee. But once you get the hang of the process, you really will end up with delicious coffee in its simplest form.

How to Make French Press Coffee Step-by-Step

When it comes to French press coffee, the hardest part is getting started. You'll need to make sure you have the right equipment on hand to guarantee success. But once you've got that down, the rest is easy.

This recipe is for the 4-cup (17-oz) French Press coffee maker (also known as a "press pot"), which makes 2 small mugs of coffee. Double everything and follow the same process for the 8-cup (34-oz) version.

What you'll need

  • 4-cup French Press
  • 27g (5 Tbsp) coffee, coarsely ground
  • 400g (1.75 cups) water, just off boil
  • Chopstick or spoon for stirring
  • Kitchen timer

Equipment we used

  • Bodum 170z French Press
  • Baratza Virtuoso Grinder
  • Hario V60 Gooseneck Kettle
  • Jennings CJ4000 Scale
  • OXO Digital Timer

French Press Coffee Ratio

Whatever size of French Press you use, a good rule of thumb is to follow a 1:15 ratio of coffee to water. So for every 1 gram of coffee, add 15 grams of water, which converts to about 3 tablespoon of coffee for every 1 cup of water. Experiment from there to find the ratio that works for your taste.

Step 1: Prepare

Preheat your press with hot water, including the plunger, then pour hot water into your cup. Meanwhile, measure 5 tablespoons or 27 grams of coffee and grind. It should have the consistency of kosher salt.

What is the ratio for french press coffee

Step 2: Add coffee

Tip your coffee into the press and give it a gentle shake to level the grounds.

What is the ratio for french press coffee

Step 3: Add water

Starting the timer, add water in a circular motion, wetting all the grounds, until the press is half full. Pause and enjoy the bloom.

What is the ratio for french press coffee

Step 4: Stir

30 seconds in, give the grounds a gentle stir with a chopstick or spoon.

What is the ratio for french press coffee

Step 5: Add more water

Evenly pour water to the top of the press and add the lid, gently resting the plunger on the grounds. (If you're using a kitchen scale, it should come to around 400g of water altogether.)

What is the ratio for french press coffee

Step 6: Plunge

Wait until your timer reads 4:00, then slowly push the plunger all the way down.

What is the ratio for french press coffee

Step 7: Pour

Immediately decant the coffee to prevent over-extraction.

What is the ratio for french press coffee

Step 8: Enjoy

Enjoy with friends, by yourself, or with the dog.

What is the ratio for french press coffee

Tips for French Press perfection

Following the steps above should produce a delicious cup of coffee. However, the French Press can leave a bitter taste in your mouth if not brewed appropriately. Here's a few tips to avoid bitterness:

How much coffee do I put in a French Press?

Add a heaping tablespoon (7-8 grams) of coffee to the pot per 200 ml (6.7 oz) of water. Pour hot water—not quite boiling—into the pot, and gently stir. Carefully reinsert the plunger into the pot, stopping just above the water and ground coffee (do not plunge yet), and let stand for 3-4 minutes.

How do I make 2 cups of coffee in a French Press?

French Press Ratio: for every 1 cup (8oz.) of water, use 1 rounded tablespoon of coarsely ground coffee. So, for two cups of water you'll want 2 rounded tablespoons. French Press Water Temperature: The perfect temperature for brewing coffee this way is 195°F/90°C.

How much coffee do you put in a French Press for 2 cups?

2 cups water (16 fluid ounces) — ¼ cup coffee beans (28 grams)

Can you make 1 cup of coffee in a French Press?

The rule is two tbsp. coffee, one cup water (8 oz.). Regardless of the type of beans you have, this is the mix that will give you a great flavor without overpowering you.