Country

Language
Account

Cart

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping
French press: sådan brygger du en ren og fyldig kop
Written by Rasmus Kvistgaard JensenUpdated / Brewing methods / 5 minutes

French press: how to brew a clean and full-bodied cup

A French press is the easiest way to make a rich, aromatic cup of coffee at home, without a paper filter and without expensive equipment. At Copenhagen Coffee Lab, we use the same method in our cafés, and in this guide, we'll show you exactly how to do it: the right ratio, the correct grind, and the perfect brewing time.

In short, use about 60 g of coffee per liter of water (approx. 1:16), a coarse grind, and water at 92–96 °C. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes, slowly press the plunger down, and pour immediately. Then you'll have a clean, rich cup of French press.

What is a French press?

A French press, known in Danish as a "stempelkande", is a simple glass pot with a metal plunger and a fine mesh filter. Coffee and water meet directly (so-called full immersion brewing), and the plunger separates the grounds from the coffee when you're done.

Because the method uses a metal filter instead of paper, more of the coffee's natural oils pass into the cup. This results in a rounder, fuller cup than, for example, pour-over, and is one of the reasons why French press remains a favorite among both beginners and seasoned coffee lovers.


How to brew French press step-by-step

The beauty of a French press is that you don't need to control a water stream or time multiple pours. You just need to master four things: quantity, grind, temperature, and time.

What you'll need:

  • A French press
  • Freshly roasted, preferably freshly ground coffee beans
  • A scale (optional but recommended) and a kettle
  • Water at 92–96 °C

Here’s how:

  1. Weigh your coffee. Use approx. 60g per liter of water. For a standard 0.35 l pot, this corresponds to approx. 21g of coffee.
  2. Grind coarsely. The consistency should resemble coarse sea salt.
  3. Pour in the water. Start timing and pour in all the water so that all the coffee is wet.
  4. Let it steep. Place the lid on (without pressing) and wait 4 minutes.
  5. Break the crust. Gently stir down the top layer of coffee with a spoon, and skim off any foam if desired.
  6. Press slowly. Gently push the plunger all the way down.
  7. Pour immediately. Serve immediately so the coffee doesn't become bitter from sitting on the grounds.

Copenhagen Coffee Lab explains: Always pour out the entire pot when it's ready, even if you're not drinking it all now. If you let the coffee sit on the grounds, the extraction continues, and the coffee becomes heavy and bitter.

The right ratio of coffee to water

One of the most frequently asked questions ishow much coffee to use in a French press. A good starting point is 1:16, i.e., 60 grams of coffee per liter of water. If you want a stronger cup, go for 1:15; if you want a lighter one, go for 1:17.

Small pot
Water: 0.35 l
Coffee (1:16): approx. 21 g
Stronger (1:15): approx. 23 g

Medium pot
Water: 0.5 l
Coffee: (1:16): approx. 31 g
Stronger: (1:15): approx. 33 g

Large pot
Water: 1.0 l
Coffee: (1:16): approx. 60 g
Stronger: (1:15): approx. 66 g

It's best to weigh your coffee on a scale instead of using spoonfuls. Beans vary in density, and a scale is the quickest way to consistently brew a great cup every morning.

The right grind and brewing time

Grind: French press requires a coarse, even grind. If you grind too fine, grounds will end up in your cup, and the coffee will be bitter and muddy. If you order coffee from us, you can choose the grind size directly, or buy pre-ground coffeethat is ground to suit your brewing method.

Temperature: Aim for 92–96 °C. If you let the water stand for half a minute after boiling, you'll usually hit the sweet spot.

Time: 4 minutes is the classic guideline. If the coffee tastes thin or sour, you can extend the brewing time a little or grind a bit finer; if it tastes bitter, shorten the brewing time or grind coarser.

French press vs. other brewing methods

Many people ask whether they should choose a French press or an AeroPress. The short answer: French press provides a full-bodied, relaxed cup for several people, while AeroPress is fast, clean-tasting, and travel-friendly.

French press

Flavor profile: Full-bodied, round
Grind: Coarse
Number of cups: Several at a time
Best for: Relaxed everyday brewing

AeroPress

Flavor profile: Clean, clear
Grind: Fine-medium
Number of cups: 1 at a time
Best for: Travel and speed

Pour-over/filter

Flavor profile: Clear, crisp
Grind: Medium
Number of cups: 1-2 at a time
Best for: Light, aromatic coffees

If you want to explore the other methods, you can find our AeroPressand the rest of our coffee equipmentin the shop.

Our best coffee for French press

French press enhances the body and sweetness of the coffee, which is why it works beautifully with our lighter to medium roasted filter coffees. They have the fresh acidity and distinct flavor notes that the method brings out.

All our coffee is roasted in our own roastery in Copenhagen, and we always send coffee roasted within the last 10 days; freshness is the most important single step towards a better cup. Many of our coffees are also available as organic.

For you, this means: You don't need an espresso machine or expensive gear to drink specialty coffee at home. A French press, freshly roasted beans, and four minutes are enough.

Copenhagen Coffee Lab perspective

For us, good coffee isn't about the most expensive equipment, but about fresh beans and a method you enjoy using every day. French press is exactly such a method: simple, forgiving, and full of flavor. Find your next bag with us, freshly roasted in Copenhagen and ready for the pot.

FAQ

How much coffee should I use in a French press?

 Use approximately 60g of coffee per litre of water (1:16). For a small pot of 0.35 litres, this is approximately 21g.
How long should a French press steep?

4 minutes is a good starting point. Adjust up or down slightly according to taste and grind.
How coarse should coffee be ground for a French press?

Coarse, like coarse sea salt. Too fine a grind results in murky, bitter coffee.
Can I use ground coffee in a French press?

Yes. Choose a coarse grind for French press. Our pre-ground coffeeis ground according to your brewing method.
Should I choose French press or AeroPress?

French press for a rich cup for several people;AeroPressfor a quick, clean cup and for travel.

Read more

Hvad er en Americano?
Aug 4, 2026
What is an Americano?

The Americano is one of the simplest, yet most satisfying espresso-based drinks. It is made by combining espresso with hot water, offering the rich nuances of espresso in a milder and more accessib...

Hvad er Robusta? Bønnen bag styrken i din kaffe
Aug 4, 2026
What is Robusta? The bean behind the strength in your coffee

Have you seen the word "Robusta" on a bag of coffee and wondered if it's good or bad? You're not alone. Robusta is the second most common coffee bean in the world, stronger, more bitter, and with m...

Follow us on Instagram

Sign up for our newsletter

By signing up, you agree to our privacy policy.