French presses

French presses for rich and aromatic coffee

A French press is one of the simplest ways to brew rich and aromatic coffee. The coffee steeps directly in the water, and the metal filter allows more of the coffee's natural oils to remain in the finished cup. The result is a smooth and full-bodied coffee with plenty of flavor.

At Brændeholm Risteri, you will find carefully selected French presses from brands such as Bialetti, Hario, Timemore, Fellow, and Vialli Design. Our range spans from compact models for one or two people to larger French presses of around 1 liter for families, the breakfast table, or guests.

You can choose between classic glass French presses, robust stainless steel models, and modern designs where function and aesthetics go hand in hand.

Which French press should I choose?

The best French press depends primarily on how much coffee you normally brew and which material you prefer.

Small French press for 1-2 people

If you typically brew coffee for yourself or two people, a smaller French press of around 300-450 ml is a practical choice.

The smaller size makes it easy to brew a fresh portion without making more coffee than necessary. It is also suitable if you frequently switch between different coffee beans and want to experiment with smaller brews.

1-liter French press

A French press of around 1 liter is suitable for when you need to brew several cups at once.

This makes it perfect for the breakfast table, the family, or when you have guests. If the coffee is not to be drunk immediately, you can advantageously pour the brewed coffee into a thermal carafe so that it does not sit with the coffee grounds.

Glass or stainless steel French press?

The material affects both appearance, durability, and how well the carafe retains heat.

Glass French press

Glass is the classic choice for French press coffee. You can follow the brewing process through the carafe, and the transparent design provides a simple and timeless look.

Glass also makes it easy to see if the carafe and filter are completely clean. On the other hand, a glass carafe requires a little more careful handling than a stainless steel model.

Stainless steel French press

Stainless steel is a good choice if you prioritize robustness and durability.

Some steel French presses have an insulating construction that retains temperature better than a traditional single-walled glass carafe. They are therefore particularly interesting if you use your French press often or want a more solid model.

Why brew coffee with a French press?

With a French press, the ground coffee is in direct contact with the water during the brewing process. When the coffee is ready, the coffee grounds are separated from the coffee with a metal filter rather than a paper filter.

This means that more of the coffee's natural oils are allowed to remain in the cup, which typically results in a fuller mouthfeel.

The advantages of a French press include:

• Simple brewing method with very little equipment

• Rich and aromatic coffee

• No need for paper filters

• Ability to adjust dosage, grind size, and brew time yourself

• Suitable for many different types of coffee beans

• Easy to use for both one cup and larger portions

Which coffee is best for a French press?

There is no single type of coffee that is best for a French press. It depends primarily on the taste you prefer.

A medium-roast coffee is a good starting point if you want a balanced cup with sweetness, aroma, and body.

If you prefer fruitier and livelier flavor nuances, you can try a lighter roast. If you prefer a strong and intense coffee with deeper roasted notes, a darker roast may be the right choice.

Freshly roasted coffee beans also allow you to choose the exact flavor profile you want for your French press.

What grind size should coffee for a French press have?

As a rule, coffee for a French press should be ground medium-coarse to coarse.

If the coffee is ground too finely, more small coffee particles can pass through the metal filter and end up as sediment in the cup. A very fine grind can also make the plunger more difficult to press down.

With whole coffee beans and your own coffee grinder, you can adjust the grind size until you find the combination of brew time and grind that gives you the taste you prefer.

How to brew coffee in a French press

It is easy to get started with French press coffee.

Use this recipe as a starting point:

1. Grind the coffee beans medium-coarse to coarse.

2. Use approximately 60 grams of coffee per liter of water.

3. Put the ground coffee into the French press.

4. Pour hot water over it so that all the coffee gets wet.

5. Let the coffee steep for about 4 minutes.

6. Press the plunger down slowly and steadily.

7. Serve the coffee immediately after brewing.

A coffee scale makes it easier to hit the same ratio between coffee and water every time, resulting in a more consistent brew.

If you want to delve deeper into dosage, temperature, grind size, and brew time, you can read our guide to better French press coffee.

French presses selected by a Danish coffee roastery

At Brændeholm Risteri, we work with coffee and coffee brewing every day. Therefore, we have gathered a selection of French presses with a focus on function, quality, and good design.

You will find both small and large models as well as different materials and price ranges, so you can choose the French press that suits the way you drink coffee.

Once you have found the right press, you can complete your setup with freshly roasted coffee beans, a coffee grinder, and a coffee scale.

Frequently asked questions about French presses

What is a French press?

A French press is a manual coffee brewer where ground coffee steeps directly in hot water. When brewing is finished, a metal filter is pressed down through the carafe, separating the coffee grounds from the finished coffee.

Are French press and stempelkande the same thing?

Yes. French press is the international term for the brewing method and coffee brewer we usually call "stempelkande" in Danish.

How big a French press should I choose?

A model of around 300-450 ml fits well for smaller portions and 1-2 people. If you are brewing coffee for more people, a French press of around 1 liter is often a better choice.

The manufacturers' indication of the number of cups may be based on smaller coffee cups, so also look at the carafe's capacity in milliliters.

How much coffee should I use?

Approximately 60 grams of coffee per liter of water is a good starting point. For 500 ml of water, this corresponds to about 30 grams of coffee.

From there, you can adjust the dosage according to the strength and taste you prefer.

How long should French press coffee steep?

About 4 minutes is a good starting point. The brew time can be adjusted along with the grind size and dosage.

How hot should the water be?

A water temperature of around 92-96 °C is a good starting point for French press coffee. The temperature can be adjusted according to the roast level of the coffee and your preferred taste.

Should coffee for a French press be coarsely ground?

Yes. A medium-coarse to coarse grind usually works best. Very finely ground coffee can result in more sediment and make the plunger harder to press down.

How do I avoid coffee grounds in the cup?

Use a relatively coarse grind and press the plunger down slowly. Also, avoid stirring up the coffee grounds before serving. However, a small amount of fine sediment is normal when brewing with a metal filter.

Is a glass or stainless steel French press best?

Both materials can brew excellent coffee. Glass provides the classic transparent look, while stainless steel is more robust and, in some models, insulates better.

The choice therefore primarily depends on your preferences and the way you use the carafe.

Can a French press go in the dishwasher?

This depends on the individual model and the materials it is made of. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance.