French press coffee maker on white background
FOOD NEWS
The Best Brewing Temperature For French Press Coffee
BY MATTHEW SPINA
Coffee beans, grinder, and a French press on a dark wood table
Though the ideal brewing temperature for French press coffee can vary, the consensus is that water just short of a boil, in the range of 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit, is best.
Water being poured into a French press coffee maker
Still, the ideal temperature will depend on the roast of your coffee. Dark roasts do better about 10 degrees cooler, while light is best a bit higher, but not over 212 degrees.
Temperature is important, but the size of your grind is even more so. French press is a high-extraction method, so the coffee should be ground coarsely to slow extraction.
A slower extraction eliminates excess bitterness. To keep things simple, aim for your water to be around 202 degrees Fahrenheit, testing it with a thermometer or electric kettle.