Making French Press Coffee
The best French press coffee grounds are freshly roasted, coarsely ground, and high-quality. French press coffee is a classic brewing method that has been popular among coffee enthusiasts for decades.
One of the keys to making a delicious French press coffee is using the right coffee grounds. This review has some of the best French press coffee grounds in the market to help you decide and elevate your coffee game. Keep reading to learn more.
Three Components of the Best French Press Coffee
To make the best French press coffee, there are three key components that you must consider: the coffee beans, the grind, and the water.
Coffee Beans
The quality and freshness of the French press coffee beans are crucial to the flavor and aroma of your French press coffee. Choose high-quality coffee beans that are freshly roasted and free of defects. Look for beans with a flavor profile that you enjoy, such as a light or dark roast or a specific origin.
Grind
The coffee bean grind is also crucial for French press brewing. The grounds should be coarse, similar to sea salt, to prevent sediment in your coffee. A consistent grind size is also vital to ensure the coffee grounds extract evenly.
Filtered Hot Water
The water you use to brew your French press coffee should be clean and fresh. The ideal water temperature is around 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit (90 and 96 degrees Celsius). Use a kitchen scale to measure the coffee and water, and follow the recommended coffee-to-water ratio for your French press.
By paying attention to these three components, you can make a delicious and satisfying cup of French press coffee that highlights the unique flavors of the coffee beans.
Our Preferred French Press Coffee Ground Brand
Our preferred French press coffee type is the Lifeboost Coffee Whole Bean & Ground Coffee . It is a premium coffee brand offering whole bean and ground coffee. It is also free from any harmful chemicals, pesticides, and additives.
An Overview of the Best Ground French Press Coffees
| Product Name | Best for Case |
| Lifeboost Coffee Whole Bean & Ground Coffee | Best overall |
| Kauai Hawaiian Ground Coffee, Koloa Estate Medium Roast | Best for any occasion |
| Peet's Coffee, Dark Roast Decaffeinated Ground Coffee | Best dark roast coffee |
| Kenya AA Coffee, 100% Pure, Ground, Fresh Roasted | Best fresh roasted coffee |
| Waka Quality Instant Coffee, Medium and Dark Roasts 2 Bulk Bag Combo,100% Arabica Freeze Dried Beans | Best instant coffee |
| Dallmayr Prodomo Ground Coffee | Best value for money |
| Kicking Horse Coffee, Kick Ass, Dark Roast, Ground, 10 Oz - Certified Organic, Fairtrade, Kosher Coffee | Best for a morning boost |
| Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Medium Roast Ground Coffee | Best flavored coffee |
| Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast Grounds | Best blended coffee |
| Gevalia Decaf House Blend Medium Roast Ground Coffee | Best decaf coffee |
| Don Francisco's Kona Blend, Medium Roast Ground, 100% Arabica Coffee | Best medium roast |
Sharing an Expert Review of the Best French Press Coffee Grounds
Lifeboost Coffee Whole Bean & Ground Coffee : Best Overall
Brand: LIFEBOOST
Roast Level: Medium
Origins: Central America
Tasting Notes: Smooth, nutty, balanced
Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
About This Item
This non-GMO organic whole-bean coffee from Lifeboost is low in acidity and rich in flavor. The legumes are sun-dried and washed with spring water resulting in a natural, unadulterated coffee extracted directly from nature.
Lifeboost Coffee is grown in the shade at a high altitude in the Central American highlands; Each exclusive farm with which they collaborate is bird-friendly, and each coffee bean is hand-selected for purity.
The typical cup of coffee is extremely acidic; some coffee drinkers experience gastrointestinal discomfort and tooth problems. However, Lifeboost has low-acidity coffee seeds, rich in antioxidants, and organic coffee provides all the amazing benefits of coffee without health complications.
The coffee beans are USDA-certified organic and 3rd party tested for mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, and 400 other contaminants. After just one drink of this organic whole-bean coffee, you’ll find returning to your regular brew difficult.
Kauai Hawaiian Ground Coffee, Koloa Estate Medium Roast : Best for Any Occasion
Amazon’s Choice in Ground Coffee by KAUAI COFFEE
Brand: KAUAI COFFEE
Roast Level: Medium
Origins: Hawaii
Tasting Notes: Sweet, nutty caramel
Size: 1.5 pounds (0.68 kilograms) pack of 1, 10 ounce (283.4 grams) pack of 1, 10 ounce (283.4 grams) pack of 2
Flavor/s:
- Vanilla macadamia nut
- Coconut caramel crunch
- Mocha macadamia nut
- Vanilla macadamia nut
- Coconut caramel
Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
About This Item
Kauai Hawaiian Ground Coffee is among the best coffee for a French press. This Arabica coffee has a smooth, delectable flavor and a wonderful scent. Every cup is a very enjoyable experience.
This delicious ground coffee is ideal for any occasion, thanks to its flavorful blend of sweet, nutty caramel, exotic coconut, and medium-roasted beans.
To capture the laid-back feature that sets this ground Kauai coffee apart, the roast masters use premium beans. It uses sustainable farming methods at every stage, from coffee cultivation to roasting and packaging.
Peet's Coffee, Dark Roast Decaffeinated Ground Coffee : Best Dark Roast Coffee
Brand: Peet’s Coffee
Roast Level: Dark
Origins: America
Tasting Notes: Earth, spice
Size/s: 18 ounces (510.2 grams) pack of 1, 10.5 ounce (297.6 grams) pack of 1
Caffeine Content: Decaffeinated
About This Item
Peet’s Coffee is a well-known coffee brand founded in Berkeley, California, in 1966. Peet’s Dark Roast Decaffeinated Ground Coffee is a blend of decaffeinated coffee beans roasted to a deep, rich flavor. According to the product description, the coffee has a full-bodied taste.
Many people enjoy the smooth, non-bitter flavor, which is often a common issue with dark roast coffees.
You may use this ground coffee to drip or pour over in your Chemex. Consider whole bean coffees and do-it-yourself grinding for additional brewing techniques, such as cold brew or espresso.
Every Peet’s decaffeinated coffee is naturally water treated before complete roasting to remove caffeine but leave flavor. And you can make a decaf that is just as good as the original by using the same premium coffee beans.
Kenya AA Coffee, 100% Pure, Ground, Fresh Roasted : Best Fresh Roasted
Brand: Volcanica Coffee
Roast Level: Medium
Origins: East Africa
Tasting Notes: Raspberry, cranberry, fresh-cut redwood, and alyssum-like flowers
Size/s: 1 pound (0.453 kilograms) pack of 1
Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
Diet Type: Kosher, gluten-free, vegan
About This Item
Experience the rich, complex flavor of Kenya AA Coffee, 100% pure and freshly roasted for maximum freshness and flavor. Grown in the high-altitude regions of Kenya, this coffee is well known for its large, flavorful beans and bright acidity.
With notes of raspberry, cranberry, fresh-cut redwood, and alyssum-like flowers, Kenya AA Coffee offers a unique and sophisticated flavor profile that coffee connoisseurs will appreciate.
This product is already ground and ready to brew. It is perfect for those who enjoy the convenience of pre-ground coffee without sacrificing quality or flavor. Experiment with this premium Kenya AA Coffee.
Waka Quality Instant Coffee, Medium and Dark Roasts 2 Bulk Bag Combo,100% Arabica Freeze Dried Beans : Best Instant Coffee
Brand: Waka Coffee
Roast Level: Medium
Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
About This Item
Waka Quality Instant Coffee offers a convenient, high-quality coffee experience with their medium and dark roasts bulk bag combo. Made from 100% Arabica freeze-dried beans, this instant coffee is well-crafted to maintain the flavor and aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
The medium roast offers a smooth and balanced taste with notes of chocolate and caramel, while the dark roast provides a bold and rich flavor with notes of dark chocolate and roasted nuts. Both roasts are carefully selected and roasted to perfection, ensuring a high-quality and consistent coffee experience with every cup.
Thanks to its freeze-dried beans, Waka’s quality instant coffee is quick and easy to prepare – simply add hot water and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee in seconds. This makes it ideal for busy mornings, camping trips, or any time you need a quick and convenient coffee fix.
Dallmayr Prodomo Ground Coffee : Best Value for Money
Amazon’s Choice in Ground Coffee by Dallmayr
Brand: Dallmayr
Roast Level: Medium
Origins: Germany
Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
About This Item
Premium blend of the best arabica highland coffee beans from the best growing locations in the world, especially refined to eliminate irritants and bitterness while preserving the full amount of energizing caffeine, Dallmayr is one of the most well-known German coffee brands.
This coffee blend combines carefully chosen highland coffees from Africa, Asia, South- and Central America, and other regions that create the premium blend. The arabica coffees from Ethiopia’s rich southern provinces, where coffee originated, are mostly responsible for the distinctive flavor.
In addition to being ideal for fully automatic coffee makers or a French press, Dallmayr Prodomo is also suitable for traditional filter coffee-making.
Kicking Horse Coffee, Kick Ass, Dark Roast, Ground, 10 Oz - Certified Organic, Fairtrade, Kosher Coffee : Best for Morning Boost
Brand: Kicking Horse Coffee
Roast Level: Dark
Origins: Latin America and Indonesia
Tasting Notes: Lingering earthy finish
Flavor/s: Chocolate malt, molasses, licorice
Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
Diet Type: USDA Organic, Kosher
About This Item
Kicking Horse Coffee is a ground dark roast that is sweet, smokey, and bold. This unique combination of beans embodies the ethos of Kicking Horse Coffee and issues a bold invitation to join in waking up and kicking ass.
Its flavor notes include chocolate malt, molasses, licorice, and a lingering earthy finish. Pour-over, cold brew, and drip machines are some techniques you can use.
It originated in Latin America and Indonesia, generally produced by farmers who can rely on sustainable enterprises to grow their crops socially and consciously. This coffee is organic, fair trade, kosher, shade-grown, and environmentally friendly. It is 100% endorsed by coffee drinkers and farmers worldwide.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Medium Roast Ground Coffee : Best Flavored Coffee
Brand: Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Roast Level: Medium
Origins: Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa
Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
Diet Type: Kosher, vegetarian, vegan
About This Item
Stumptown Coffee Roasters is an original, delicious, and well-balanced coffee. No matter how you brew it, Hair Bender’s flavor profile shines, making it the most renowned blend. Hair Bender’s unique flavor profile includes hints of sweet citrus, dark chocolate, and raisins.
This product comprises Arabica coffee only originating in Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa.
Stumptown has a direct trade program based on three guiding principles:
- Pay higher rates connected to quality.
- Engage with producers they know and keep those connections for a long time.
- Seek to create genuinely collaborative partnerships.
Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast Grounds : Best Blended Coffee
Brand: Death Wish Coffee Co.
Roast Level: Medium
Tasting Notes: Chocolate and cherry
Flavor/s: Black cherry and dark chocolate
Size/s: 1 pound (0.454 kilograms) pack of 2,1 pound (0.454 kilograms) pack of 1, 5 pounds (2.267 kilograms) pack of 1,14 ounce (396.8 grams) pack of 1
Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
Diet Type: USDA Organic, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan
About This Item
Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast Grounds will give you a pound of strength and vitality every morning. The flavors in this dark coffee are robust. This rich, strong, powerful dark coffee ground will awaken your senses.
This high-quality brew of dark coffee makes your ordinary cup of coffee strong and tasty. After just one drink of this finest coffee, you’ll want more coffee grinds.
Take pleasure in the greatest ground coffee you’ve ever had, consisting of excellent arabica and robusta beans expertly roasted. Each ground dark roast coffee cup is robust, with black cherry and dark chocolate flavors.
There is little acid in this strong coffee. It has the freshness of freshly ground premium coffee without bitter or burnt flavors. For these reasons, it is an excellent coffee for people with sensitive stomachs.
Gevalia Decaf House Blend Medium Roast Ground Coffee : Best Decaf Coffee
Amazon’s Choice in Ground Coffee by Gevalia
Brand: Gevalia
Roast Level: Medium
Origins: Colombia and Brazil
Size/s: 1 count pack of 1, 1.25 pound (0.56kilogram) pack of 1
Caffeine Content: Decaffeinated
About This Item
The Gevalia House Blend Medium Roast Decaf Ground Coffee makes an ideal cup of decaffeinated coffee. The aroma from this medium roast house blend ground coffee bag fills your house.
Each pack consists of Arabica coffee beans from Columbia and Brazil. Gevalia uses slow-roasted, snap-cooled beans in all the ground coffee bags to seal in taste and aroma.
Every decaf medium roast ground coffee bag is excellent for people who observe a Kosher diet. Gevalia ground coffee is compatible with all coffee machines. Ground decaf coffee in a resealable bag with a new lock tin tie keeps its flavor and aroma.
Don Francisco's Kona Blend, Medium Roast Ground, 100% Arabica Coffee : Best Medium Roast
Brand: Don Francisco’s
Roast Level: Medium
Origins: Central and South America, Hawaii
Tasting Notes: Chocolate and nuts
Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
About This Item
Don Francisco’s Kona Blend, Medium Roast Ground, 100% Arabica Coffee is a medium roast coffee from the Island of Hawaii. Every bag of this product has a quality certification from the State of Hawaii.
This coffee has a medium roast level that combines premium Arabica beans from Central and South America with 10% Kona coffee beans from Hawaii. Kona coffee is well known for its smooth, mellow flavor and low acidity, and this blend has a rich, complex flavor with hints of chocolate and nuts.
This coffee is popular for its smoothness, balance, and versatility. It is suitable for drip coffee makers and espresso machines, producing a consistent and flavorful cup of coffee every time.
FAQs on Ground French Press Coffee
Where to Buy Coarse-Ground Coffee for a French Press
You can buy coarsely ground coffee for a French press at many specialty coffee shops, online retailers, and even some grocery stores. Here are a few options:
Specialty coffee shops – Local specialty coffee shops are a great place to find high-quality coffee beans that are freshly roasted and ground to your desired coarseness. Many shops offer a wide selection of coffee beans, including those specifically for French press brewing.
Online retailers – Online retailers such as Amazon, Blue Bottle Coffee, and Counter Culture Coffee offer various coffee beans you can ground to your desired coarseness. These retailers often have a selection of blends and single-origin coffee beans that are well-suited for French press brewing.
Grocery stores – Some grocery stores carry whole-bean coffee that you can ground in-store to your desired coarseness. Look for freshly roasted coffee beans with a roast date printed on the package to ensure freshness.
How Many Coffee Grounds for a French Press Is Best?
The number of coffee grounds needed for a French press can vary depending on the size of the press and personal preference. Generally, a good starting point is to use a ratio of 1:15 coffee to water by weight. For every gram of coffee, you will need 0.52 ounces (15 grams) of water.
For example, if you have a 32-ounce (907 grams) French press, you’ll need about 56 grams (or eight tablespoons) of coffee grounds for a full pot. This will make about four cups of coffee.
However, this ratio is just a starting point; you can adjust the coffee grounds to your preference. If you like stronger coffee, you can increase the coffee grounds slightly. If you prefer milder coffee, you can decrease the number of coffee grounds.
It’s important to note that too many coffee grounds can produce bitter and over-extracted coffee. On the other hand, using too few coffee grounds can result in weak and under-extracted coffee. So, finding the right coffee grounds for your French press is key to making a delicious cup of coffee.
Does French Press Coffee Raise Cholesterol Levels?
French press coffee can increase LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, levels. This is because a metal filter leaves behind more coffee compounds than a paper filter. However, this should not be a concern unless you have a history of high cholesterol. The effect is minimal.
No evidence suggests that French press coffee consumption raises cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is fat in your blood, primarily influenced by your diet and genetics.
Coffee, including French press blends, contains certain compounds that can affect cholesterol levels.
However, the impact of coffee on cholesterol levels is still a subject of debate, and the available research is not conclusive. Additionally, the effect of coffee on cholesterol levels is likely to vary depending on factors such as the amount and type of coffee consumed, individual genetics, and overall diet and lifestyle.
Therefore, if you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, it is best to consult a healthcare provider who can provide personalized advice based on your health status and risk factors.
Can You Use a Paper Filter In French Press?
Yes, using a paper filter in a French press is possible. A paper filter can help remove any small coffee grounds or sediment remaining in the coffee after pressing. This can result in a cleaner, smoother coffee, which some people may prefer.
To use a paper filter in a French press, you must place the filter in the press before adding the coffee grounds and hot water. Once the coffee has brewed for the desired amount of time, press down on the plunger slowly, careful not to tear the filter. While pressing the plunger down, the filter should capture any remaining ground and sediment.
It’s worth noting that using a paper filter in a French press may affect the body and mouthfeel of the coffee. French press coffee is typically known for its full-bodied and rich texture, which can get lost when using a paper filter. However, this can be a matter of personal preference, and some coffee drinkers may prefer the cleaner taste that comes with using a filter.
Not all French press models can also use paper filters, so checking the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting one is crucial.
Which Coffee Beans Work Best In a French Press?
Professional coffee roasters don’t advocate any specific beans for a French Press. Choosing the ideal kind of bean can be challenging, but your preferences should be your only guide.
However, Arabica beans with high Robusta percentages and African beans often taste great in a French Press. Robusta beans usually have a delicious and well-balanced taste, which makes them an excellent option for French press coffee.
The fact that a French press is suitable for all kinds of coffee roasts is one of the factors contributing to its widespread use. But generally speaking, people like medium and darker roasts and favor Arabica beans for their sweeter flavor.
While a light roast won’t necessarily taste unpleasant, you’ll likely lose some of its depth when using an immersion brewer like a French press, which is what many people like about a lighter roast.
Light roasts have a lighter texture and deliver flavors of citrus fruits, florals, tea, and bright flowers. Although they are well made with a pour-over brewer, which better emphasizes their subtle taste, a favorite light roast in your French press is still worth trying.
Medium-roasted beans often have lower acidity and a heavier body than lighter roasts. They offer a variety of sweet flavors, some of the most popular being almonds, caramel, milk chocolate, and ripe fruit. In a French press, they get delightfully brewed, bringing out their sweetness and giving them their texture.
Some folks might find this overwhelming and prefer a medium roast instead. However, dark-roasted coffee in a French press will be exactly up your alley if you choose a thick cup of coffee that coats your mouth with robust flavors. Dried fruits, toasted nuts, earthiness, and dark chocolate are typical flavor qualities.
Does The Coffee Origin Matter?
Simply put, yes. Origin does matter. Although any area that grows coffee can provide flavorful coffee beans for French press brewing, other areas are renowned for particular flavor traits and, more frequently, high-quality coffee beans. So if you’re unsure where to begin, searching for a specific origin could be a great approach to finding a new favorite coffee.
Here is a general overview of what you might anticipate from various growing areas:
The coffee from the Americas, which is frequently wet-processed, has flavors of fruits, nuts, and chocolate and typically has the purest taste.
East African coffee beans are famous for their acidity (similar to wine), fruit, floral, and tea characteristics. They can get processed wet or dry and frequently have nuanced, complex flavors that go best with light or medium roasts. Ethiopia and Kenya are the most well-known rising nations.
Due to the humid growing environment in the area, Sumatran coffee has a distinct earthy flavor and a heavy body. Sumatran beans, frequently roasted to medium or dark, are a common addition to blends because they give a richness that works well in a French press and an espresso maker as well.
Should I Purchase Whole Bean Coffee or Ground Coffee?
We advise purchasing whole bean coffee. Also, it would be best to brew your coffee when you grind the coffee beans. The less time between grinding and brewing, the more flavorful the cup is since ground coffee spoils more quickly than whole beans. Fresh beans are always preferable.
Of course, following this advice presupposes you have a fantastic French press grinder. However, if you do not have a coffee bean grinder, purchasing pre-ground coffee would be your only option.
Many businesses may grind their coffee beans to a grind size suitable for a drip brewer, slightly finer than the typically coarse ground coffee used in French presses. You can use fine coffee grounds on your French press, but you’ll need to alter the brew duration to prevent over-extraction, which can result in bitter or murky flavors.
Although some people love the richness this gives to the brew, finely ground coffee also causes a little bit more silt to pass through the mesh filter and into the cup of coffee.
Using the brewing method, you can select a grind size from renowned roasters and wholesalers. They will make coffee grounds with a fine or coarse grind, depending on your preferences. If you must purchase pre-ground coffee for your French press, look for one reviewed in this article.
Is It Crucial to Evaluate the French Press Coffee Beans Flavor Before Buying?
In a word, yeah. Before making a purchase, it is critical to taste the coffee bean to ensure that it will satisfy your palate. While some prefer medium roast coffee beans, others detest dark roast coffee beans.
That’s a Wrap
Determining the best coffee grounds for a French press is a personal preference, as different people have different tastes in coffee. However, here are some points that can help you choose the best coffee grounds for your French press:
Coarse Grind: The coffee for the French press should be coarse to ensure that they don’t slip through the mesh filter into your cup. A coarse grind also helps ensure a slower extraction, resulting in a more flavorful and well-balanced cup of coffee.
Freshness: Freshly roasted and ground coffee beans will provide the best flavor when brewing coffee in a French press. Look for beans roasted at least two weeks before and grind them just before brewing.
Quality: High-quality coffee beans will provide a better flavor and aroma when brewed in a French press. Look for beans grown and processed with care and roasted to bring out their unique flavors.
Origin: Know the origin of the coffee. The origin of the coffee beans also affects the flavor and aroma of the coffee. Some regions, such as Ethiopia, are well known for producing coffee with bright, fruity flavors, while others, such as Colombia, make coffee with a more chocolatey and nutty taste.
Experimentation: Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different French press coffee types and brewing methods to find what works best. Different coffee beans and roasts can produce vastly different flavors and aromas, so try a few options to find your perfect cup.
Check out our top pick, the Lifeboost Coffee Whole Bean & Ground Coffee , for a good start. This product has a rich flavor and low acidity level. It is gentle on your stomach and teeth. Also, it is USDA-approved and tested for mycotoxins and pesticides.
