If you’re a coffee fanatic, chances are you are always on the lookout for the perfect brew. French press coffee is becoming more and more popular these days as they give you an experience similar to a cafe in the comfort of your own home. But using the right kind of coffee for your french press can greatly affect your results. So, let’s check out the best coffee french press.
In my opinion, Koffee Kult Coffee Beans are the best option for the average coffee drinker. They are dark roasted and you can grind them to coarse perfection and get the beautiful Cocoa smell and flavor with a hint of cinnamon undertone. It tastes almost like you’re having dark chocolate. This strong, rich, and aromatic coffee is perfect for the coffee aficionado.
But of course, coffee is very subjective and what kind you will like best depends on your personal preferences. This is why I have collected 10 of the best kinds of coffee perfect for the french press. You can choose the one you like best.
Here’s an overview of each of these brands, before we dive deeper into the world of french press coffee.
What Kind of Coffee is Best for the French Press?
The best coffee for french press is coarse or medium ground coffee and a medium or dark roasted bean.
Technically, you can use any kind of bean you want for your french press, but there will be subtle differences in how your coffee turns out. It’s best to use beans that retain a lot of oil. This makes your brew taste way better and rich in aroma. This is why a medium-dark roast is the best option to take.
But of course, what kind of coffee someone likes is very subjective. You can take your time and try out different beans to find out which one you like best. There are plenty of options on the market and coffee can taste very different depending on which kind you use. You can try different regions and see what they feel like.
Coffee beans differ region-wise because the soil and temperature affect how they are grown. For instance, Ethiopian coffee beans will usually have a slight floral undertone and high acidity. On the other hand, Indonesian blends have an earthy flavor and rich aroma. Colombian coffee is very famous for its dark chocolate-like tones and spicy and fruity flavors. Read our article about what makes Colombian coffee so great here!
Fortunately, when it comes to choosing the right grind there’s a more concrete answer. You should opt for a coarse or medium grind. This is because your french press prefers more surface area to soak the coffee. This also enhances the production of carbon dioxide from the grounds during steeping, thus making the flavor stronger.
While you can buy pre-ground coffee for your french press, for the best results you should try to grind your coffee yourself. Even though pre-ground coffee tastes pretty good and there are plenty of premium choices to try, the ones you can get at your local stores will usually be too fine for the french press.
This means that some particles might pass through the filter and your coffee might be grainy. A coarser grind will add subtleties and nuance to your coffee. This difference is not that important to many, but if you’re looking for that perfect brew then you should invest in a good coffee grinder.
So, the best route is to take medium-roasted, coarse-grind coffee for your french press. Much of it will be trial and error, and the results might differ based on your preference, but this is usually what is recommended.
Best Coffee for French Press
Now that you know how to look for the perfect coffee for your french press, let’s get you started with some recommendations. Here are some of the best options out there.
1. Fresh Roasted Coffee, Kenya – AA
Sourced sustainably from Bungoma County, Kenya which is rapidly becoming a popular coffee producer in the world. These beans come from hand-picked cherries by local smallholders which are sun-dried and are processed with love and care.
They claim to be freshly processed and sealed properly so you can get the best experience at this price.
This Kenyan blend will smell sweet and aromatic and give you very fruity undertones of Peach Blossom and Orange Zest. They come in a medium-dark roast, perfect for your french press; leaving you with coffee with a “wine-like brilliance”.
This one is perfect for those of you who like sweet but strong flavors. They also have a variety of other regions to try from if you don’t like this one.
Pros
- Freshly pre-roasted
- Wet-processed
- Resealable packaging
- Eco-friendly
- Consistent taste
- Kosher certified
- Low acidity
- Caffeinated
Cons
- Not fair-trade
- The flavor may feel over-roasted
2. Koffee Kult Coffee Beans
If you like dark chocolate, you will love the Koffee Kult dark roast coffee beans. They smell delicious and will have your whole house smelling like beautiful coffee whenever you brew them.
They are dark roasted for that strong, but still the sweet flavor of cocoa and cinnamon. The flavors are bright and smooth with lasting after taste.
The Koffee Kult Company is owned by a family who has searched everywhere to find the best coffee beans for you. They blend different beans from Cambodia, Sumatra, and Brazil. This coffee is truly international and will give you a perfect, gourmet brew.
Pros
- Fair-trade
- Sweet, chocolate-like flavor
- Resealable liner
- Spout like design packet for easy pouring
- Caffeinated
Cons
- Oil-free
- No roast-date
3. Lifeboost Coffee
Coffee is often tied with anxiety and it can make some people feel jittery and also upset their stomachs. This is mainly due to the acidity in coffee. Lifeboost coffee comes with perhaps the lowest acidity you can find on the market, and they are safe for people who usually can’t stomach their coffee too well.
These are dark roasted coffee beans, and they also come in other roasts as well in a variety of options to choose from.
They are grown in Central America and roasted locally in Florida to give you a fresh, premium coffee feel. The flavors in this coffee are much more subtle though, but for the lack of acidity, it might be great for you.
Pros
- Very low acidity
- USDA certified
- Antioxidant-rich
- Tested for toxins and pesticides
- Non-GMO
- Available both pre-ground and whole
Cons
- Expensive
- Not very flavorful
4. Royal Kona Hawaiian Kona Coffee
If you have ever been to Hawaii and tasted authentic Kona coffee, then you will know how amazing this coffee is. Kona coffee is famous among coffee aficionados and it can be difficult to find the perfect blend of Kona for home-brewing.
Royal Kona has been selling and roasting 100% and 10% Kona blend coffee for a long time, and they will give you the authentic taste of Hawaiian coffee.
This coffee is mild and non-acidic and is sourced directly from Hawaii. It has citrus and berry undertones with a smooth, nutty finish. Once you taste this, you won’t like anything else.
Pros
- 100% Kona
- Smooth
- Full of flavor
- Mild
- Not bitter
- Organic
- Acid-free taste
Cons
- Expires fast
- A small amount each packet
5. Bean Box – Gourmet Coffee Sampler
Since your taste in coffee is so subjective and getting the perfect brew for your french press is a lot of trial and error, a coffee sampler might be your best bet. The Bean Box coffee sampler comes in a box of 4 different coffee beans, each from Seattle’s local coffee roasters. You can experience a lot of variety and discover underrated roasters.
The best thing about these kinds of samplers is that you can try out different flavors without making a big commitment and spending a lot of money, and see which one works for you.
They have a whole range of undertones and beans sourced from all around the world. With so many new flavors to test you won’t ever get bored of your coffee. You can even get a subscription.
Pros
- Great for gifts
- Also comes in decaf
- Variety
- Support local small-batch roasters
- Discover new blends
- Never get bored
Cons
- A small amount per packet
- Have to use it within 2 weeks of the roast date
- Might not like all samples
6. Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Coffee
With deep, complex fruity flavors and a floral undertone, these coffee beans will give you an experience you won’t forget. These are sourced from the exotic regions of Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia, and grown from wild coffee trees.
The Yirgacheffe coffee is strong and has a pH of 5.1, giving you a grand acidic flavor. A lot of people love the acidity of coffee, and if you are one of them this one’s for you. With the medium roast and wine-like flavor, this one is very different from your regular dark-roasted french press coffee.
Pros
- Fair-trade certified
- Kosher Certified
- Organic
- Mild, fruity tones
- Dry processed
- Wine-like flavor
Cons
- Acidic
- Syrupy taste
7. AmazonFresh Columbia Ground Coffee
If you aren’t fussy about having the best, premium coffee experience but still want some good coffee, the AmazonFresh Colombia coffee should work just fine. These are ground, and medium roast 100% arabica beans. They will get the job done, without making all the fuss of grinding your coffee.
This might not be as rich and flavorful as the other options on this list, but this might be a good place to start for beginners who are intimidated by the stronger, premium blends. AmazonFresh also offers other roasts and also ones that aren’t ground if that’s what you’re looking for. You should try this for a decent, fuss-free cup of coffee before you run off to work.
Pros
- No need to grind
- Fuss-free
- Accessible
- Affordable
- Refundable
- Convenient
Cons
- Slightly bland
- No rich flavors
8. Subtle Earth Organic Coffee
These 100% Arabica beans are sourced and grown by the Café Don Pablo company themselves from the Honduras region. With AIB food safety certified roasting facilities, each bean is slow roasted to perfection in small batches.
This results in a rich, aromatic taste and deep flavor. Each bean is maintained carefully to ensure that the natural sugars get caramelized perfectly.
With a smooth, soothing aftertaste and hints of caramel, cocoa, and honey this coffee will give you a rich, dark chocolate flavor. It smells divine and will be unlike anything you’ve tried before. Each bag is roasted in order to give you coffee as fresh as possible for the perfect brew.
Pros
- Organic
- GMO-Free
- Certified by CCOF
- Refundable
- Deep flavor
- Slow roasted
- Roast-to-order
- Black, shiny, oily beans
Cons
- Not consistent, some bags may be bitter
- Non-fair-trade
9. Kicking Horse Coffee
With smoky and beautifully pleasant and sweet vanilla and dark chocolate aroma, this coffee will bring your neighbors asking for a cup.
Sourced from Indonesia and South America, with the perfect blend of beans this coffee gives you a licorice-like taste and strong, earthy undertones.
100% Arabica beans make for the perfect brew for your french press. They also come in many different flavors and roasts each of which is sourced from different regions like Africa, Central America, and Indonesia. If you don’t end up liking one flavor you can always try a different roast.
Pros
- Organic
- Fairtrade
- Sustainable
- Eco-friendly
- Sweet, smoky
- Low acidity
- Smooth finish
- Consistent
- Climate Pledge Friendly
Cons
- Overpowering
- The taste might feel burnt
10. Valhalla Java Whole Bean
Okay, let me start by saying, this coffee is serious business. It’s regarded as one of the strongest coffees in the world. So, if you are looking for something super strong to kick you into action, Valhalla Java is the way to go.
These coffee beans are cultivated in the volcanic earth of Indonesia and have a high concentration of caffeine that makes your coffee super strong. While strong coffee is often associated with more bitterness, the Valhalla Java is nothing like that.
It has a smooth and silky taste with nutty chocolate tones. Even without any milk or cream, this coffee tastes simply extravagant. This is definitely my most favorite coffee. They are so confident about their product that they even offer a refund to anyone who might not like their coffee. So, that should be enough to convince you.
But I can understand the high caffeine content can be a bit too much for some. And that is the only reason I didn’t pick this as the best. However, if you can handle the caffeine rush, I would recommend you get this one.
Pros
- Very strong
- Excellent flavor profile
- USDA certified
- Completely organic
- You can get a refund if you don’t like their coffee
Cons
- Might be too strong for some
I’ve talked about a ton of coffees here. But, if you are looking for a place to start, however, I suggest you try the Koffee Kult coffee beans, which is the best for the average coffee drinker in my personal opinion. If you don’t like it then try out the other ones from this list and see which one works for you.
Can You Use Regular Ground Coffee for French Press?
Yes, you can technically use regular ground coffee for your french press. You can pretty much use any kind of coffee you want with your french press. But of course, the kind of coffee you use will determine the taste and flavor of your final product.
So while you can use regular ground coffee for your french press, or even instant coffee (please don’t) it’s best to grind it yourself. Most ground coffee will be too fine for a french press and won’t give sufficient surface area for the water to soak through the coffee.
On the other hand, if you can find coarse-grind coffee made specifically for the french press, that should work just fine. It might not taste as “fresh” but it will work fine for when you don’t have time to make your own.
But usually, with these kinds, the flavor will slowly fade away the longer you keep these packets. You won’t notice the nuances with time. It’s similar to how when you cut apples and leave them open, they start to oxidize and turn brown and taste weird. Pre-ground coffee starts to lose its flavor similarly. So, it is best to invest in a coffee grinder for that perfect cup.
How Do You Make a Perfect Cup of Coffee with a French Press?
The french press is popular perhaps mostly due to the simplicity of its design. It is easy to use. You just place it in your coffee, add hot water, and plunge! But as any barista will tell you, the perfect cup of coffee is made by the details. With subtle techniques and the right tips, your regular coffee can turn into an amazing experience.
So, once you have got yourself your favorite coffee from our list of the best, you can start making the perfect french press coffee. Let’s walk through the steps together!
Step 1: Warm-up Your French Press
This step is optional, but it will greatly help the flavors develop better. Fill your french press with hot water and leave it for about 30 seconds to a minute. Don’t forget to put in your plunger as well.
You can use this time to grind your coffee and prepare other things. Once your french press is warmed up, empty the water and you’re good to go.
Step 2: Grinding Your Coffee
The first step to making the perfect brew is to grind your coffee beans. For the best results, you should freshly roasted coffee, as fresh as possible. These are rich and aromatic and will greatly enhance the flavor of your coffee.
Since most packets are sealed air-tight, you will be fine using a new packet; they will have the strongest smell. These do start to lose their smell over time. So, it is best to use a newly opened packet within a week.
Then you grind your coffee, to a coarse texture. Not too fine, and not too large. More like how Kosher salt or breadcrumbs feel. Once you have achieved that texture, you’re good to go.
Step 3: Measure your coffee
If you have a kitchen weighing machine, then now is the time to bring those out. Otherwise measuring cups will work fine. This might feel extra, but trust me your measurements matter. It’s the details that set apart a perfect cup of coffee from your regular old instant coffee.
The ratio will depend on mostly trial and terror as it depends on how strong or mild you like your coffee. Most experts recommend a 1:15 ratio of coffee to water. For starters, you can use 20 grams of coffee for 8 ounces of water. If you like stronger brews, add in 40 grams. You can always water it down if it’s too strong. Just remember to note down what works for you.
Step 4: Boil the Water
The temperature of your water is very important. Too cold and your coffee won’t flavor properly. Too hot and your coffee will taste bitter and burnt. The perfect sweet spot is 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
To reach this temperature, simply bring your water to a boil. It’s best to use the stove for this, so you can see what’s happening. Once it starts to boil, turn off the fire and let it sit for about 30 seconds. That should be perfect.
Step 5: Bloom the Coffee
Once you have added your desired amount of ground coffee to your warmed-up french press, fill it about 1/3rd of the way in or until all the coffee is submerged. Then set a timer for 30 seconds and wait.
This is called blooming your coffee, and during this time your coffee releases carbon dioxide which makes it easier to extract the coffee flavor once you pour in more water. You’ll see your coffee start to bubble and increase in volume. Once 30 seconds are up stir in with a wooden spoon.
Step 6: Brewing your Coffee
Now you can add the rest of your water in. Push your plunger in so that it just touches the surface for the water. Set a timer for 4 minutes and let it rest. This is called brewing the coffee.
Depending on how you like your coffee, you can let it sit for less than 4 minutes for a milder brew or 6 minutes if you like stronger. But try not to leave it for more than 6 minutes because the coffee might end up tasting bitter.
Step 7: Plunge it down!
After 4 minutes have passed, you are ready to push your plunger down. Be careful while doing this like too much pressure can cause the coffee to spill out. You can do this a few times, or just once is fine.
Pour the coffee into your favorite mug and voila! You’re done. Try not to leave it in the french press for too long as it will ruin the taste, as the coffee will keep brewing. If you want a cold brew, stop at step 6 and put it in the fridge overnight. In the morning you can push the plunger down and you should have the perfect cold cup. See? Now that wasn’t so hard.
Conclusion
When it comes to french press coffee, even the most subtle of changes can make a huge difference in taste. Especially for coffee fanatics, it can be quite the adventure looking for that perfect cup of Joe. That’s why it’s so important to get the best coffee for french press. The bean and the grind can make all the difference.
Now that you know all there is to know about how to choose the best coffee for your french press, you can try them out and see which one is best for you. Remember to follow our tips and tricks to get the best out of your coffee beans and have fun brewing!