The cafetiere: A timeless brew method made simple
When it comes to making a delicious, no-fuss cup of coffee at home, the cafetiere (or French Press) is a classic choice. Its simple design and reliable results have made it a staple for coffee lovers around the world.
At Rounton Coffee, we love the cafetiere for its ability to bring out bold, rich flavours in every cup. Whether you’re brewing for one or for a group, this versatile coffee maker is perfect for anyone who values simplicity without sacrificing quality.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about using a cafetiere - from the equipment to step-by-step brewing instructions - so you can enjoy café-quality coffee at home.
How to brew the perfect cup with a cafetiere
Before we begin, you'll need a cafetiere, kettle, freshly roasted coffee (coarsely ground), grinder, scales and fresh water.
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Start by boiling your kettle. While the water is heating, preheat your cafetiere by pouring in some hot water. This will keep your coffee warmer for longer. Discard the water once the cafetiere is warm.
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Measure your coffee and water. We recommend using a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio. This means 15g of coffee for every 250ml of water. If you don’t have scales, you can use a heaped tablespoon of coffee per cup (around 15g).
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Grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency - similar to sea salt. If you’re using pre-ground coffee, just make sure it’s specifically for a cafetiere.
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Add the coffee to your preheated cafetiere, then pour in about 50ml of hot water to saturate the grounds. Gently stir and let it sit for 30 seconds. This process releases trapped gases and enhances the flavour.
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Pour the rest of the hot water (at 90-96°C, or just off the boil) over the grounds. Place the lid on the cafetiere with the plunger pulled up, and let it brew for 4 minutes.
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Slowly and gently push the plunger down to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee. Pour your coffee into your favourite mug and enjoy!
Tap here to download a cafetiere brew guide.
Tips for brewing the best cafetiere coffee
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Use fresh, filtered water: Since coffee is mostly water, using good-quality water will significantly improve your brew.
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Experiment with ratios: If you prefer a stronger coffee, increase the coffee-to-water ratio slightly. For a milder cup, use less coffee.
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Serve immediately: Once brewed, transfer your coffee to a separate jug or mug to avoid over-extraction, which can make it taste bitter.
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Keep your cafetiere clean: Rinse your cafetiere thoroughly after each use to prevent leftover coffee oils from affecting the taste of your next brew.
Why we love the cafetiere
The cafetiere is a coffee maker for all occasions. Its straightforward brewing process makes it ideal for beginners, while its ability to highlight bold flavours keeps seasoned coffee lovers coming back.
If you’re ready to take your coffee game to the next level, browse our collection of freshly roasted coffee beans. Not sure where to start? Try our Coffee Match Quiz to find your perfect blend.