How to Make French Press Coffee at Home (With Correct Ratio & Low-Acid Tips)

If you're tired of bitter coffee or complicated brewing guides, the French press is your go-to. It’s one of the simplest ways to make a strong, full-bodied cup — no machines, no jargon. All you need is hot water, the right coffee, and 4–5 minutes. But to get it right (and not end up with bitter soup), a few basics matter.

Let’s break it down — starting with what you need.

How to Make French Press Coffee at Home (With Correct Ratio & Low-Acid Tips)

1. What You Need Before You Start

✔️ Essentials You Actually Need (No Fancy Stuff)

You don’t need a barista setup — just 4 things:

• French Press (Plunger Pot) – 350ml to 1L is ideal.

• Coarse Ground Coffee – Don't use fine powder. It’ll over-extract and taste harsh.

• Hot Water – Just off the boil, around 90–96°C.

• Spoon or Stirrer – For mixing after pouring water.

💡 Example Setup for One Cup (200–250ml):

Item	What to Use
Coffee	2.5 scoops (approx. 12–13g)
Water	200–220ml
French Press size	350ml press is perfect
Timer	4 minutes steep time

Optional (But Helpful):

• Digital scale (for accurate ratio)

• Grinder (if you’re using whole beans)

• Kents Coffee French Press Grind – Pre-ground just right for this method

2. Grind Size Matters: Use the Right Coffee

If your French press coffee tastes bitter or muddy, 90% of the time the grind is the issue.

🎯 Use Coarse Grind. Not Fine. Not Medium. Coarse.

• French press needs coarse grind so it doesn't pass through the filter or get over-extracted.

• Using fine powder (like espresso grind) will:

  • Clog the mesh

  • Make coffee too strong and bitter

  • Leave sludge in your cup

🟤 What Coarse Grind Looks Like:

• Roughly like sea salt

• Not powdery like instant coffee

• You should feel the grainy texture if you rub it between fingers

3. French Press Coffee Ratio (Water to Coffee)

Getting the coffee-to-water ratio right is non-negotiable if you want your cup to taste bold, balanced, and not like dishwater.

✅ The Golden Ratio

1:15 — that means 1g of coffee for every 15ml of water.

But let’s not make it a math class. Here's what it looks like in real use:

Cup Size	Coffee (g)	Water (ml)	Scoops (5g)
Small cup (150ml)	10g	150ml	2 scoops
Medium mug (250ml)	13g	200–220ml	2.5 scoops
Large mug (350ml)	22g	330–350ml	4.5 scoops

📝 Quick Tip:If you like your coffee stronger, try 1:14 or 1:13. Want it lighter? Go up to 1:16. But avoid going beyond that — it’ll turn weak and sour.

⚡ Don’t Have a Scale?

• Use a standard tablespoon: One heaped tablespoon = approx. 5–6g of coffee

• Use your cup measurement to approximate 200–250ml water

French Press Coffee Grind Kents Coffee

4. Step-by-Step: How to Brew French Press Coffee

Let’s keep it stupid simple. This takes 4–5 minutes start to finish.

👇 Here's How to Brew It:

1. Add Ground Coffee to the French PressExample: Add 13g (or 2.5 scoops) for a 250ml cup.

2. Boil Water, Then Wait 30 SecondsYou want it just off the boil – 90°C to 96°C. Boiling water burns the coffee.

3. Pour Water Over CoffeePour in the full water amount in one go — don’t drizzle it slowly.

4. Stir GentlyUse a spoon to mix the grounds so all of it gets wet.

5. Put the Lid On (Plunger Pulled Up)Let it steep for 4 minutes. Set a timer.

6. Press Down the Plunger SlowlyDon’t slam it. Push gently so grounds stay below.

7. Pour and Drink ImmediatelyDon’t let it sit — over-extraction happens fast.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

If your French press coffee tastes bitter, flat, or gritty, you’re probably making one of these mistakes. Here's how to fix them.

❌ Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Grind

Too fine = bitter and silty

Fix: Always use coarse grind (like Kent’s Coffee French Press grind).

❌ Mistake 2: Letting It Steep Too Long

More than 4 minutes? You’re drinking over-extracted coffee.

Fix: Set a timer for 4 minutes max.

❌ Mistake 3: Water Too Hot or Too Cold

Boiling water burns the coffee. Cold water under-extracts.

Fix: Wait 30 seconds after boil, or aim for 90–96°C.

❌ Mistake 4: Not Stirring After Pouring Water

Leads to uneven extraction and sour taste.

Fix: Stir once right after pouring water.

❌ Mistake 5: Leaving Coffee in the Press After Brewing

Even after pressing, it continues steeping = bitterness.

Fix: Pour out immediately, even if you’re saving it for later.

7. Clean Your French Press Right (Takes 30 Seconds)

A dirty press ruins good coffee. Oils and old grounds stick around and mess with the flavor.

🧼 Quick Cleaning Routine After Every Brew:

1. Dump the used grounds into your compost or trash.

2. Rinse the plunger and beaker under hot water.

3. Use a sponge or bottle brush to remove any oil stains.

4. If it smells funky or looks oily, mix warm water + baking soda + a drop of dish soap for a deep clean.

Do this once a week for heavy use.

⚠️ Don’t Do This:

• Never put the mesh/plunger in the dishwasher – it wears out faster.

• Don’t let it sit dirty “for later.” That smell won’t go away.

8. Best Coffee for French Press in India – Low Acid, Full Flavor

Keywords: french press coffee India, low acidity coffee India, best coffee for french press India

Most coffees on the shelf aren’t made for French press — they’re too fine, too acidic, or just harsh when steeped.

☑️ Why Kent’s Coffee Works Better:

• Coarse-ground specifically for French Press

• Low on acidity – won’t upset your stomach

• Available in Light, Medium, and Strong options

• Made using 100% Indian Arabica beans — blended and roasted to mimic world-class taste notes (Brazilian, Ethiopian, etc.)

Our Recommendation:

• Panama Vibes (Light & fruity) for easy mornings

• Brazilian Boss (Nutty & balanced) for smooth lovers

• Indian Chill (Bold & earthy) for stronger cups

🎯 No bitterness. No confusing brew charts. Just damn good coffee that works in your French press.

🔗 Shop French Press Coffee →

Best Coffee for French Press