Best French Press Coffee To Water Ratio; Easy Coffee Science
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“How much coffee should I use to brew a cup of French Press?” This is the question I asked myself when I purchased my first Bodum French Press almost a decade ago. If you have landed on this page then I am sure even you are wondering how much coffee and water you should use to make a delicious cup of joe.
Key Takeaways:
So, what is the best French Press coffee to water ratio?
French Press brewing method calls for a 1:13 ratio of coffee to water. For every 1 gram of coffee, add 13 grams of water, so if you’re using 350 grams (12 oz.) of water, you’ll need to add 27 grams (5 tablespoons) of coarsely ground coffee.
Brewing a consistent and aromatic cup of French Press coffee requires a perfect coffee to water ratio that suits best to your taste buds. In this article, I will explain the easiest way to achieve that ratio.
What Is The Best French Press Coffee To Water Ratio
Coffee brewing is a process that traverses the line between art and science. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just a regular consumer, most people can tell the difference between a lousy pour and a well-made cup of coffee.
To brew a good cup of French Press coffee you don’t have to be a barista, I promise you that brewing a superb batch of coffee boils down to using the appropriate timing, and techniques.
Although factors such as coffee grind size, water temperature, brew time play a significant role in the consistency and taste of your coffee, one of the most important factors to consider when brewing French Press coffee is the coffee to water ratio.
As a general rule, I recommend a coffee to water ratio of 1:13 for French Press coffee. In simpler terms, add 13 grams of water for 1 gram of ground coffee.
So If you want to make 1 large cup of French Press coffee, you will need 10 oz. (300ml) water, and 23 grams (~5 tablespoons) of coffee.
Let me explain how I got to this number:
Recommended French Press coffee to water ratio – 1:13
Quantity of water(ml)- 300
Amount of coffee to use = 300/13 = 23 grams or ~5 tablespoons.
I would also like to tell you that your ideal French Press coffee ratio might differ from my recommendations. Everyone is different and likes coffee in their own way, but you can use this guideline to help you find your best French Press coffee to water ratio.
If you like your coffee bold, thick, and with heavy flavors, you may increase the amount of coffee you are going to use.
On the other hand, if you like your coffee to be lighter, subtle, and with tea-like flavors, you may increase the amount of water.
When you purchase whole bean coffee, it’s best to grind your coffee right before brewing, although it’s perfectly acceptable to grind your coffee when you buy it. Your goal is to achieve the right grind for the French Press, which is – coarse grind.
PRO TIP: If you are trying out a new coffee and your recipe or go-to brew ratio isn’t producing the desired flavors. In that case, you can easily experiment by adjusting different parameters and keeping track of the changes by using a coffee scale and timer.
The Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale is one of the most reliable devices that you can find for any type of coffee brewing method. It has all you need to pour a perfectly accurate French Press coffee, from a tare function to a timer. You can measure weight and brew time simultaneously, as both indicators are visible on the display. This amazing entry-level scale without complicated frills is powered by two AAA batteries.
I also recommend the Timemore Black Mirror Coffee Scale which is not just a beautiful device but also has simple but efficient functionality. A built-in timer and tare function, coupled with instant responsiveness, are at the heart of its features and make French Press or any other coffee brewing method a breeze.
French Press Coffee To Water Ratio Calculator
To make things a bit more convenient I have also included a French Press ratio calculator below.
To use the calculator, all you have to do is determine how much coffee you want to brew and whether you want it strong or mild.
Once you have decided on the amount of coffee, just replace the 12 in
“Brewed Coffee = 12” in the calculator below with your number in ounces.
Next, enter the preferred strength of your coffee where it says “Strength = 4”, just replace 4 with the strength you would like.
Obviously, the strength of your coffee is your personal taste, some like it mild and some like it strong with heavy flavors.
Once you have entered the amount and strength of coffee you want to brew, the calculator will automatically tell you how much coffee grinds and water you should use to brew your batch of delicious French Press.
French Press Coffee To Water Ratio Chart
The French Press is a very forgiving brew method and because of its simple design and construction, it is an affordable way to make consistently good coffee.
Learning how to use a French Press is simple, just stick to the basics and you will be brewing in no time!
Below, I have included a simple easy to follow French press coffee to water ratio chart that you can refer to if you want to quickly determine the amount of coffee and water you should use.
The first column represents the size of your French Press and the next two columns of the chart represent the amount of water. Follow the chart horizontally to find the amount of coffee you should use for that specific amount of water.
| French Press Size | Water (oz.) | Water (ml) | Coffee (grams) | Coffee (tablespoons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Cup | 11.8 | 350 | 27 | 5 |
| 8-Cup | 34 | 1000 | 77 | 13 |
| 12-Cup | 51 | 1500 | 115 | 19 |
What Do You Need To Make French Press Coffee
Making French press coffee is a lot easier than you think. You don’t have to be a coffee genius to produce the perfect cup of coffee in under 15 minutes, but you do need certain items for consistent quality.
- French Press coffee maker
- Coffee Grinder
- Coffee Scale
- Electric Kettle
- Coffee Beans
- Filtered Water
What is the ideal water temperature for French Press coffee?
The ideal water temperature for French Press coffee is around 205°F, which is just below boiling. Bring the water to a boil in a stovetop bowl or an electric kettle, then remove from the heat for 1 minute before preparing the coffee. Use a thermometer to ensure the optimum water temperature.
What is the ideal steep time for French Press coffee?
The ideal steep time for French Press coffee is 3 to 4 minutes. Allowing the coffee to settle and saturate the water for 3-4 minutes helps in optimum extraction of coffee flavors and aromas into the water.
How To Make French Press Coffee
There’s nothing like the perfect French Press coffee to start your morning off on the right foot.
What you’ll need:
- French Press
- Coffee grinder
- Pot/kettle to boil water
- 8 tablespoons coffee
- Water
- Wooden spoon
French Press Coffee Instructions
Step 1: Grind Coffee beans. Measure out the coffee beans and grind them as coarsely as possible in a burr grinder.
Step 2: Boil the water, and let it cool for a minute. Boil the water on a stovetop bowl or electric kettle, then take off the heat for about 1 minute before making the coffee.
Step 3: Add coffee and water into French Press. First, add coffee into the French Press, then pour double the amount of water over coffee and stir with a wooden spoon and allow the coffee to bloom for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Pour remaining water. Pour the remaining water and place the lid gently on top of the grounds. Don’t plunge just yet. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes. Do not plunge yet.
Step 5: Plunge the press. After 4 minutes place your hand on the top of the French Press on the plunger and slowly, but smoothly press all the way to the bottom.
Step 6: Serve the coffee. When you’ve finished pressing, serve the coffee immediately.
Amit Gupta
Hi, my name is Amit Gupta, and I am the owner and contributor at Cafeish. My obsession with coffee started when I received my first French press as a gift almost ten years ago. Since then, my love of coffee – and the number of coffee gadgets I own – has grown considerably.
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