A French press gives coffee and water time together before a mesh filter separates the grounds. It needs relatively little equipment, but consistency still matters: the grind, water, amount of coffee and steeping time all influence the cup. A short checklist makes it easier to repeat a result you enjoy and adjust a future brew one variable at a time.
Different presses have different capacities and construction. Read the instructions for yours before using hot water, particularly if it is glass or has a removable beaker. Place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface and keep the hot contents away from children and pets.
Start with a clean press and a suitable grind
Check the carafe for cracks or damage, and make sure the handle, filter and plunger are assembled as the maker instructs. Rinse away any old coffee residue. A clean filter lets you evaluate a new brew without stale oils from the previous one influencing it.
French press brewing usually calls for a coarse grind. Bodum's CHAMBORD instructions recommend coarsely ground coffee for that model. Fine particles can pass through a metal filter and settle in the cup; an overly fine grind can also make the plunger difficult to move. Grinder settings are not standardized, so use the manufacturer's advice as a starting point rather than assuming another grinder's number will match yours.
If you are changing beans or equipment, our guide to adjusting grind size explains how to make notes and change a setting deliberately. Grind only the amount you plan to brew, following your grinder's instructions.
Measure water and coffee
Look for the usable capacity or maximum fill line on your press. Measure the water for the number of servings you want without filling beyond that limit. A kitchen scale can help you repeat a recipe, while a measuring spoon or scoop can be a practical starting point when a scale is unavailable.