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How to Make Great Coffee At Home

So you've rolled out of bed and now you're standing in the kitchen with a bag of beans in one hand and a mug in the other. Step away from the Mr. Coffee! The average home brewer just doesn't get hot enough to capture the flavors of a premium bean. Try a French press instead — it's just five quick steps to delicious coffee.

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Fresh-roasted

1 - Use Fresh Beans

When coffee goes stale, it loses all its distinctive flavors.

  • Check the roast date. Use beans within a week of the roast.
  • To make your beans last longer, freeze them in an airtight container.
  • Don't thaw and re-freeze. Take only the beans you need and thaw before grinding.
Grinding

2 - Grind the Coffee

Grinding at the time of brewing preserves all the aroma of your beans.

  • Grind medium-coarse, about the texture of gritty sand or kosher salt.
  • Use 2 rounded tablespoons of coffee for every 8 ounces of water.
  • Place the coffee in the bottom of the clean French press.
Add Hot Water

3 - Add Hot Water

Extra-hot water is the secret to great brew.

  • The water should be 200°F, or just off the boil.
  • Use filtered water for best results.
  • Pour it into the French press aggressively, so the grinds get stirred up.
French Press Brewing

4 - Wait 4 Minutes

Put the lid on the French press but don't press the plunger just yet.

  • Fresh-ground coffee will "bloom," forming a thick layer of grinds on top.
  • At 4 minutes, the coffee will be rich and flavorful, not too bitter.
  • Tick tock... time's up.
Press Down the Plunger

5 - Press Down the Plunger

This is like pushing the “play” button. You're moments away from a better mood.

  • Press the plunger down slowly and carefully.
  • Rotate the lid to open the pour-spout.
  • Hold down the lid as you pour.
French Press Coffee

Sip, Smile, Repeat

You've earned it.

  • Forgot Step 2 already? Print this page for your fridge.
  • Need fresh beans? Order online.
  • Know someone who needs home brew help? Email this page (link at top).