Updated: September 2026.
A French press is a manual immersion coffee maker. Unlike paper filters, it uses a metal mesh to separate the ground coffee from the water, which lets the bean's natural oils stay in the cup and creates an intense, full-bodied flavor. It has five parts (plunger, mesh filter, carafe, lid and handle) and works in four steps: grind coarse, add water at 90-95 °C (195-203 °F), steep for 4 minutes and press the plunger.
The mechanism of the French press is clever and simple, and it extracts flavor very effectively. The process relies on a few components and a well-defined extraction method that highlights the characteristics of specialty coffee. If you want to learn more about this method, we recommend our guide on how to make coffee in a French press for the best results.
Parts of a French Press
A French press has five main parts. In the diagram they are numbered in the same order as in the list.
- Plunger: the metal rod with a knob on top. When you push it down, it moves the filter through the carafe and separates the grounds from the brewed coffee.
- Mesh filter: attached to the bottom end of the plunger. It is a fine metal mesh with a flexible rim that fits against the walls of the carafe; it lets the liquid and the coffee's oils through but holds back the grounds.
- Carafe: the container where the ground coffee and hot water stay in contact during brewing. It is usually made of heat-resistant glass, although there are also stainless steel versions.
- Lid: closes the carafe, keeps the heat in during brewing and guides the plunger so it goes down straight. Many have a spout opening so you can pour without removing it.
- Handle: lets you hold the carafe securely while pressing the plunger and pouring, without touching the hot glass.
Some models add a frame or base that protects the carafe, made of metal, plastic or wood. If you're thinking of buying one, take a look at our bamboo French press, available at Green Hills Coffee.
How Does a French Press Work? Step by Step
A French press works by immersion: the coffee and water stay in contact throughout the extraction, and at the end the mesh filter separates the grounds. The whole process takes about 5 minutes:
- Grind the coffee coarse (like coarse salt) and use a 1:15 ratio, for example 20 g of coffee for 300 ml (10 oz) of water. A fine grind passes through the mesh and leaves sediment in the cup.
- Add water at 90-95 °C (195-203 °F) over the coffee until it is fully covered, and stir gently. That temperature releases the aromatic compounds and oils without scorching the coffee.
- Steep for 4 minutes with the lid on and the plunger up. That's the optimal brew time; going past 5 minutes makes the coffee bitter.
- Press the plunger slowly and straight down to the bottom. The filter holds back the grounds and the coffee is ready to serve right away; if you leave it in the carafe, it keeps extracting and turns bitter.
This method is one of the most popular coffee filtration methods for brewing a great cup.
Types of French Presses
There are several kinds of French press, each designed for different preferences and needs. These are the most common types and their distinctive features.
Borosilicate glass presses
Features and advantages
Borosilicate glass presses are known for their resistance to high temperatures. This material is not only durable but also less prone to breaking than ordinary glass. Its transparency lets you watch the extraction, which makes brewing more enjoyable. It also doesn't retain odors or flavors, so every cup has the authentic taste of the beans.
Recommended uses
This type of press is ideal if you want something both attractive and functional in your kitchen. It's great for home use, especially when you have guests and want to show off the art of brewing. It's also perfect for small coffee shops that want to serve quality specialty coffee and let customers see how it's made.
Stainless steel presses
Durability and maintenance
Stainless steel presses are known for their sturdiness and corrosion resistance. They last a long time, which makes them a good investment, and their modern design appeals to those who like a contemporary look. They need less care than glass presses because they can't shatter.
Compared with other materials
Compared with glass and wooden presses, stainless steel stands out for being easy to clean and hard-wearing. While glass presses need care to avoid breakage, steel ones are more versatile and suited to heavy use. However, being opaque, they don't let you watch the extraction, which takes away some of the visual appeal.
Wood and bamboo presses
Looks and function
Wood and bamboo presses combine beauty and function. Wood, as a natural material, adds warmth and a rustic touch to the coffee ritual. These presses usually have a borosilicate glass carafe inside, so you can enjoy the look of the wood without losing sight of the brew. However, you need to take care that the wood doesn't absorb odors or coffee stains.
Popular models
Among the most popular models are those made with bamboo, valued for their sustainability and strength. They are especially appreciated in Colombia, where environmentally friendly products are increasingly sought after. The type of wood also shapes the design, giving each press its own personality.
Presses in different sizes
350 ml (12 oz) French press
350 ml presses are ideal for one or two cups, making them a great choice for couples or for anyone who wants a morning cup without making too much. Their compact size makes them easy to store and carry, perfect for travel or occasional use.
600 ml (20 oz) French press
600 ml presses are versatile and brew three to four cups. They are an excellent option if you often have guests or like several cups throughout the day. This size is popular in Colombian homes, where coffee is part of tradition and social life, especially when making tinto, the essence of Colombian coffee.
Larger presses
Larger presses, of 1 liter (34 oz) or more, are perfect for serving big groups or at gatherings. They let you brew several cups at once, which is practical for social events. Keep in mind, though, that they take up more storage space and need careful handling because of their size.
French Press: What Is It Really Used For?
The French press offers several advantages that have made it a favorite among coffee lovers. Its unique features produce excellent coffee and give you real control over the brewing process.
Richer flavor and aroma
French press coffee stands out for the intensity of its flavor and aroma, because the method fully extracts the coffee's oils and aromatic compounds. With no paper filter to absorb those oils, every cup reflects the bean's natural character. Coffee lovers appreciate this richness: fruity, floral or chocolate notes come through more clearly.
This method works especially well with coffees such as our natural specialty coffee or honey specialty coffee, whose complex flavor profiles benefit from the full extraction the French press provides.
Control over brewing
A major benefit of the French press is how easy it is to customize. Baristas and home brewers can adjust the amount of coffee, the steeping time and the water temperature. This control makes for a more personal coffee experience, and different coffee-to-water ratios let you play with the strength and intensity of the drink.
If you want to explore different types of coffee according to their preparation, the French press is a perfect place to experiment.
Sustainability
This brewing method is considered more sustainable than many others. Because it uses a metal filter instead of disposable paper filters, the French press produces no extra waste, reducing the environmental impact of making coffee. Its durable materials also mean you rarely need to replace it, which encourages more responsible consumption.
Portability and versatility
The French press has a compact, simple design that makes it easy to take anywhere. It's light and sturdy enough to use at home, in the office, while traveling or outdoors. And it isn't only for coffee: you can also use it to steep tea, herbs or even cold brew, which makes it a versatile tool for anyone who enjoys trying new drinks.
Compared with Other Brewing Methods
The French press holds a unique place among coffee brewing methods. Compared with other popular methods:
Vs. espresso
While espresso uses high pressure for a fast extraction, the French press uses time and immersion to extract fuller, more full-bodied flavors.
Vs. pour-over methods
Unlike the V60 or the Chemex, which use paper filters for a cleaner cup, the French press keeps the coffee's natural oils, giving a drink with more body and texture.
Vs. AeroPress
The AeroPress combines immersion and pressure, while the French press relies only on immersion, resulting in different flavor profiles.
Recommended Coffees for the French Press
For the best results with a French press, we recommend using high-quality specialty coffee. This method needs a coarse grind: if the coffee is ground too fine, the particles pass through the mesh and leave sediment in the cup. If you'd rather not grind at home, you can order our ground specialty coffee with a coarse grind, ready for the French press.
Ideal Green Hills Coffee options:
- Tradition Specialty Coffee - Balanced and versatile for the French press
- Natural Specialty Coffee - Its fruity notes are enhanced by this method
- Honey Specialty Coffee - Its sweetness is perfectly intensified
- Silver Specialty Coffee - Ideal complexity for a long immersion
- Gold Specialty Coffee - Our premium selection for exceptional experiences
Specialty Drinks with a French Press
The French press isn't just for plain coffee; it's also a base for other drinks:
- Base for milk drinks: the robust body of French press coffee is perfect as a base for a cappuccino or flat white
- Americano: dilute French press coffee for a fuller-bodied Americano
- Base for mochas: its intense coffee is ideal for perfect mochas
Tips for Beginners
If you're new to specialty coffee, the French press is an excellent way in. We recommend:
- Start the journey: embark on your specialty coffee journey with our beginner's guide
- Learn to spot quality: uncover the secrets of specialty coffee to identify an excellent coffee
- Experiment: try our 25 coffee recipes
- Store it properly: learn how to store opened coffee to keep it fresh
Complementary Equipment
For a complete French press setup, consider these extras:
- French press coffee maker - Our recommended model
- Quality grinder - Essential for an even coarse grind
- Digital scale - For precise ratios
- Temperature-control kettle - For water at the ideal temperature
Explore Other Methods
Once you've mastered the French press, you can explore other brewers:
- V60 - For cleaner pour-overs
- AeroPress - For exceptional versatility
- Chemex coffee maker - For elegance and flavor
- Cold brew pitcher - For cold preparations
Where to Find Quality
For the best experience, it's important to know where to buy real Colombian specialty coffee and to understand the coffee process from plant to perfect cup.
Professional Services from Green Hills Coffee
For businesses and distributors interested in high-quality coffee for the French press:
- Coffee roasters in Medellín, Colombia - Custom roasting
- Vacuum coffee packaging - To preserve freshness
- Coffee hulling mill in Medellín - Specialized processing
- Export and trading - For international markets
French Press FAQ
How does a French press work?
It works by immersion: coarsely ground coffee is mixed with hot water, between 90 and 95 °C (195-203 °F), inside the carafe and left to steep for about 4 minutes. Then you press the plunger, whose metal mesh filter separates the grounds from the coffee, which is ready to serve.
What are the parts of a French press?
It has five main parts: the plunger, the rod with a knob that you push down; the mesh filter, which holds back the grounds; the carafe, where the coffee brews; the lid, which keeps the heat in and guides the plunger; and the handle, which lets you hold the carafe and pour.
What grind should I use for a French press?
A coarse grind, similar in texture to coarse salt. A fine grind passes through the mesh, leaves sediment in the cup and over-extracts the coffee during the 4-minute steep, making it bitter.
How much coffee do you put in a French press?
The recommended ratio is 1:15, that is, about 20 g of coffee per 300 ml (10 oz) of water in a 350 ml press, or 40 g per 600 ml (20 oz). For a stronger coffee, go down to 1:12; for a milder one, go up to 1:17.
Why is my French press coffee bitter or gritty?
Bitter: steeping for more than 5 minutes, using boiling water or leaving the coffee in the carafe after pressing. Gritty: a grind that's too fine, or pressing the plunger too hard, which pushes grounds up through the mesh.
The French press is more than a brewing method; it's a gateway to fully appreciating Colombian specialty coffee, letting each bean tell its story through authentic flavors and memorable experiences.
Written by the Green Hills Coffee team, specialty coffee growers and roasters in Itagüí, Antioquia.
