Advanced French Press Techniques for Coffee Lovers

We're exploring ways to squeeze a bit more out of your French Press with a few new techniques. This builds upon the Fundamentals of French Press. If you haven't read that, check it out here.

Dialing in Grind Size for Flavor

While coarse grind is the standard, you can fine-tune for taste.

• A slightly finer grind (like sea salt) can bring out sweetness and complexity—great for lighter roasts.

• A slightly coarser grind can mellow acidity for darker roasts.

Tip: Adjust in small increments and note how flavor changes.

Playing With Brew Ratios

Standard is 1:15 coffee-to-water, but advanced brewers experiment:

• 1:12 ratio = bold, espresso-like body.

• 1:17 ratio = lighter, tea-like clarity.

Find the sweet spot for your beans and your mood.

The Double Bloom Method

For extra sweetness and less bitterness, try this:

• Add half your water, stir, and bloom for 45 seconds.

• Stir again, add the rest of your water, and finish the steep.

It’s a small step that can lift flavors and reduce harshness.

Temperature Profiling

Instead of adding all water at once, pour in stages:

• Start with slightly cooler water (195°F / 90°C) for the bloom to extract delicate notes.

• Follow with hotter water (200–202°F / 93–94°C) for body and depth.

This helps balance brightness with richness.

Avoiding Sediment Without Filters

If you hate sludge but love the press:

• After plunging, let the coffee sit for 30–45 seconds so fines settle.

• Pour slowly, leaving the last half-inch in the press.

Result: Cleaner cup, same bold taste.

The Cold Brew French Press

Yep, your French press can do cold brew:

• Add coarse grounds and cold water at a 1:10 ratio.

• Stir, cover, and steep in the fridge for 24-36 hours.

• Plunge, pour over ice, and enjoy smooth, low-acid coffee.

Check out more on Cold Brew French Press in this blog