The Cafetière—also known as the French press—is a timeless brewing method that coffee lovers swear by for its simplicity and ability to produce a rich, full-bodied cup. Unlike drip machines or espresso makers, the cafetière allows for full immersion brewing, which draws out deep flavours and oils that other methods might miss.
Whether you’re new to using a Cafetière or looking to perfect your technique, this guide will walk you through every step to make an exceptional cup of coffee at home.
What is a Cafetière?
A Cafetière is a manual coffee brewing device made of a cylindrical carafe, a plunger, and a fine mesh filter. It works by steeping ground coffee in hot water and then separating the grounds by pressing them to the bottom. It’s ideal for those who enjoy bold, unfiltered brews with a thicker mouthfeel.
Why Choose a Cafetière for Brewing?
- Full immersion brewing enhances flavour complexity.
- No paper filters = more oils and richer body.
- Simple equipment—no electricity required.
- Great control over brewing variables like time and temperature.
- Perfect for fresh ground coffee or coarse grind from whole beans.
What You’ll Need
- 1 Cafetière (French press)
- Freshly boiled water
- Fresh roasted coffee beans or ground coffee
- A grinder (if using whole beans)
- Digital scale or tablespoon
- Stirring spoon
- Timer
How to Brew Coffee in a French Press: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Measure Your Coffee
Use 1 tablespoon (7g) of coffee per 125ml of water. For a standard 350ml cafetière, that’s about 2.5 tablespoons (17–20g).
Pro Tip: Use a coarse grind—like sea salt. Too fine and it may pass through the filter, making the brew gritty.
Step 2: Boil and Cool Your Water
Bring water to a boil, then let it sit for 30 seconds to reach an optimal temperature of 90–96°C. Water that’s too hot can extract bitter compounds from the coffee.
Step 3: Add Coffee and Pour Water
Place the ground coffee into your Cafetière. Pour in hot water slowly, making sure all grounds are evenly saturated. Fill to the desired amount.
Step 4: Stir and Steep
Stir gently with a wooden or plastic spoon to mix the grounds. Place the lid on with the plunger pulled up. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes.
Step 5: Press and Pour
Press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Pour the coffee immediately to avoid over-extraction.
Taste Tips & Customisation
- Too bitter? Try a coarser grind or a shorter brew time.
- Too weak? Add more coffee or steep slightly longer.
- Want extra richness? Stir halfway through the steeping process to agitate the grounds.
Cleaning Your Cafetière
After each use, disassemble and clean all parts thoroughly. Oils and coffee residue can alter the taste of future brews if not removed.
Best Coffee for Cafetière Brewing
For optimal results, use high-quality, hand-roasted coffee with a medium to dark roast profile. Cupsmith’s All Day Coffee, Breakfast Coffee, or Glorious Espresso work wonderfully due to their balance and body. Fresh roast coffee beans or coarse ground coffee is essential for the best extraction and texture.
The cafetière is one of the most rewarding and straightforward ways to brew coffee. With a few simple tools and fresh, quality beans, you can enjoy a rich, satisfying cup any time—at home or at the office.
Start with Better Beans
At Cupsmith, we roast all our coffee in small batches to preserve freshness and flavour. Our carefully curated blends are designed to suit every brewing method, including cafetières. Whether you prefer decaf, breakfast brews, or bold espresso-style coffee, we’ve got your cup covered.
Experience the joy of better brewing. Taste the difference with Cupsmith.
