The Brews Cruise

Brew guide · French Press · Updated 2026-09-03

Hoffmann's Ultimate French Press (Text Guide)

The text version of James Hoffmann's famous French Press recipe. Printable card format with ratio, steep time, and press timeline.

Ratio: 1:14 (40 g coffee → 560 g water)

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Dose18 g
Water288 g
1:16 ratio · 6.25% strength
GrindFine

Salt-like · classic pour-over

00:00
Target ≈ 2:45
Grind size visual30% screen retention
FineCoarse

Step by step

  1. 1

    Preheat(0:00)

    Pour hot water into French Press, swirl, then discard. Preheat the vessel.

  2. 2

    Add coffee(0:00)

    40 g medium-coarse coffee. Even bed, no stirring yet.

  3. 3

    Add water(0:00 - 0:30)

    560 g water at 93°C. Pour in a circular motion, ensuring all grounds are wet.

  4. 4

    Steep(4:00)

    Place the lid on (but don't press). Wait exactly 4 minutes. Set a timer.

  5. 5

    Press and serve(4:00 - 4:30)

    Press slowly and steadily. Pour immediately into a server or mug. Do not let it sit with grounds in contact.

Barista tips

  • 4:00 is the sweet spot — 3:30 is weak, 4:30 is over-extracted.
  • Use a coarse grind (like sea salt texture).
  • Drink immediately — don't leave the brew with grounds in contact.

Gear for this brew

KINGrinder K6

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1Zpresso J-Ultra

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Frequently asked questions

Coarse, like sea salt. If it's too fine, the press will be gritty and over-extracted.

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