French press coffee maker on white background
FOOD NEWS
The Best Brewing Temperature For French Press Coffee
BY MATTHEW SPINA
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.
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.