Coffee to water ratio for French Press. Learn the amount of cofee to water in French Press
If you are passionate about coffee, you know that brewing a perfect cup is an art that requires precision. One of the most critical aspects of making a great French press coffee is getting the coffee-to-water ratio right. Whether you prefer a strong, bold brew or a milder cup, understanding the ideal measurements will elevate your coffee experience. In this blog article, we’ll explore the best coffee-to-water ratio for French press, how to adjust it to suit your taste, and answer common questions about French press brewing.
Why Does the Coffee-to-Water Ratio Matter?
The coffee-to-water ratio directly impacts the strength, taste, and overall quality of your coffee. Too much coffee can make it overly bitter and heavy, while too little can result in a weak and underwhelming cup. A precise ratio helps extract the right balance of flavours and ensures consistency in every brew.
The Ideal Coffee-to-Water Ratio for French Press
The standard coffee-to-water ratio for French press brewing is 1:15 to 1:17. This means for every gram of coffee, you should use between 15 and 17 grams (or millilitres) of water. The exact ratio depends on your taste preference and the type of coffee beans you are using.
Recommended Measurements
Here’s a quick reference table for different batch sizes:
| Coffee (grams) | Water (ml) | Ratio |
| 15g | 225ml | 1:15 |
| 30g | 450ml | 1:15 |
| 40g | 600ml | 1:15 |
| 50g | 750ml | 1:15 |
| 60g | 900ml | 1:15 |
For a lighter cup, you can increase the ratio to 1:16 or 1:17. For a stronger brew, decrease the ratio to 1:14 or even 1:13.
How to Measure Coffee and Water Accurately
Use a Digital Scale: Premium coffee enthusiasts know that weighing coffee and water is more accurate than using tablespoons or cups. A digital scale ensures consistency in your brewing process.
Choose the Right Grind Size: French press coffee requires a coarse grind, similar to sea salt. Too fine a grind can lead to over-extraction and a muddy cup, while too coarse can result in weak coffee.
Adjust Based on Taste: If your coffee tastes too bitter or strong, try increasing the water amount slightly. If it’s too weak, add a little more coffee.
Brewing the Perfect French Press Coffee. Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Heat the Water
The ideal water temperature for French press coffee is between 90°C and 96°C (195°F to 205°F). Too hot, and your coffee may taste burnt; too cool, and it will be under-extracted.
2. Measure Your Coffee and Water
Use the ratios mentioned earlier to get the perfect balance.
3. Add Coffee Grounds to the French Press
Pour the coffee grounds into the carafe.
4. Pour Hot Water and Stir
Slowly pour hot water over the coffee grounds and stir gently to ensure even saturation.
Cover the French press with the lid and let it steep for exactly 4 minutes.
6. Press and Pour
Slowly press the plunger down and pour your coffee immediately to avoid over-extraction.
Customizing Your Coffee-to-Water Ratio
If you want to tweak your French press coffee to better suit your preferences, here are a few tips:
- For a stronger brew: Use a 1:14 ratio or let the coffee steep for an extra minute.
- For a milder brew: Use a 1:17 ratio or reduce the steeping time to 3 minutes.
- For a more complex flavour: Experiment with different coffee beans and roast levels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using boiling water: This can scorch your coffee and make it bitter.
- Grinding too fine: Leads to over-extraction and a sludgy texture.
- Leaving coffee in the French press: Always pour your coffee into a mug or carafe after plunging to prevent bitterness.
- Not stirring properly: Uneven saturation can lead to inconsistent extraction.
FAQs About French Press Coffee-to-Water Ratio
What is the best coffee-to-water ratio for French press coffee?
The best ratio is 1:15 to 1:17, depending on your taste preference. A stronger cup will have a 1:14 ratio, while a milder one can go up to 1:17.
How many tablespoons of coffee should I use for a French press?
A general guideline is 1 heaping tablespoon (7-8g) per 120ml of water. However, using a scale for precise measurements is recommended.
Can I use pre-ground coffee for a French press?
While possible, it’s not ideal. Pre-ground coffee is often too fine, leading to over-extraction. Freshly grinding your beans to a coarse consistency will yield better results.
Why does my French press coffee taste bitter?
Bitterness usually results from over-extraction, which can be caused by grinding too fine, steeping too long, or using water that’s too hot.
Can I make cold brew in a French press?
Yes! Use a 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio, steep in the fridge for 12-24 hours, then press and strain before serving.
