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Cafetière French Press

Cafetières

Cafetières, also known as French press coffee makers, are loved for their simplicity and the rich, full-bodied coffee they produce. Using full immersion rather than paper filters, this classic brewing method allows the natural oils and flavours of the coffee to shine through, creating a deeper, more rounded cup.

Whether you brew for one or serve coffee at the table, a cafetiere offers an easy, reliable way to make great coffee at home. With no pods, no electricity, and very little to go wrong, it’s a timeless choice for everyday brewing.

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Why Choose a Cafetiere?

A cafetiere gives you complete control over your coffee. You choose the coffee, the grind size, the water, and the brewing time — resulting in a cup that reflects your taste rather than a preset programme. Because the coffee steeps directly in hot water, the flavours develop fully, producing a brew that’s bold, aromatic, and satisfying.

French press coffee makers are also valued for their practicality. They’re easy to clean, durable, and suitable for home, office, or travel use. For many coffee drinkers, the cafetiere remains one of the most rewarding ways to brew coffee without complication.

Looking for coffee that works well in a cafetiere? Medium and medium-dark roasted coffees with good body are particularly well suited to French press brewing.

Guide to the Perfect Cafetière Coffee

  1. Choose Fresh Beans: Use high-quality, freshly roasted beans. Light roasts for fruity notes, dark roasts for bold flavours.
  2. Grind Coarsely: Use a burr grinder for a coarse grind, similar to breadcrumbs. This prevents over-extraction and bitterness.
  3. Measure Coffee and Water: Use a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio (e.g., 30g of coffee to 450ml of water).
  4. Boil Water and Preheat: Heat water to 90-96°C. Preheat the cafetière with hot water, then discard it.
  5. Bloom and Stir: Add coffee grounds, pour half the water, and let it bloom for 30 seconds. Stir, then add the rest of the water.
  6. Brew for 4 Minutes: Place the lid on and let it steep for 4 minutes.
  7. Press and Serve: Press the plunger down slowly and serve immediately to prevent over-extraction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cafetières

What is a cafetière?

A cafetière, also known as a French press, is a manual coffee brewing device that uses immersion brewing to extract flavours from ground coffee beans. It consists of a cylindrical glass or stainless steel container with a plunger and a metal or nylon mesh filter.

Is cafetiere coffee stronger than filter coffee?

Cafetiere coffee often tastes richer and fuller-bodied than filter coffee because the metal filter allows natural oils to remain in the cup.

What is the best coffee-to-water Ratio for a cafetière brewing?

The optimal coffee-to-water ratio is 1:15. For every gram of coffee, use 15 grams (or millilitres) of water. Adjust according to personal preference.

How long should coffee brew in a cafetiere?

Most cafetiere brews work well with a brewing time of around four minutes, though this can be adjusted to taste.

What grind size should I use for a cafetiere?

A coarse grind is best for cafetière brewing, resembling breadcrumbs. A fine grind can result in over-extraction and a bitter taste, while a coarse grind allows for a balanced and flavourful extraction.

Why does my cafetière coffee taste bitter?

Bitter cafetière coffee is usually due to:

  • Over-extraction from brewing too long.
  • Using too fine a grind.
  • Water that is too hot (above 96°C).

Ensure correct grind size, water temperature, and brewing time to avoid bitterness.

How do I make my coffee stronger in a cafetière?

Increase the coffee-to-water ratio (e.g., 1:12 or 1:10 instead of 1:15).

Extend the brewing time to 4.5–5 minutes.

Use a slightly finer grind size for more extraction.

Stir during brewing to ensure all grounds are fully saturated.

Choose dark roast beans for a bolder, stronger flavour.

How do I clean a cafetière?

To clean a cafetière:

  • Disassemble the plunger and filter.
  • Rinse all parts with warm water.
  • Use mild detergent and a soft brush to remove any oils and grounds.
  • Rinse thoroughly and let it dry before reassembling.

Regular cleaning prevents old coffee oils from affecting the taste.

Can I make cold brew in a cafetière?

Yes, you can make cold brew coffee in a cafetière:

  • Use a coarse grind.
  • Add coffee and cold water in a 1:8 ratio.
  • Stir, cover, and let it steep in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
  • Press the plunger down and serve over ice.
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