How to Use a Cafetiere: Step-by-Step Guide
By Discount Coffee | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use a cafetiere (French press) with our step-by-step guide. Get rich, full-bodied coffee at home with tips for the perfect brew.
Quick Answer
To use a cafetiere, add coarse ground coffee, pour hot water, steep for four minutes, then press the plunger slowly. Enjoy rich, full-bodied coffee in minutes.
Why a Cafetiere Makes Great Coffee
A cafetiere, also known as a French press, is a simple and affordable way to brew coffee. It uses a mesh plunger to separate grounds from the liquid, allowing the coffee's natural oils and fine particles to remain, resulting in a richer, more full-bodied cup compared to drip methods.
The key to great cafetiere coffee is controlling the variables: grind size, water temperature, and steeping time. Get these right, and you'll consistently brew a delicious cup.
Choosing the Right Cafetiere Size
Cafetieres come in different sizes to match your needs. A 2-cup cafetiere, like the Apollo 350ml model, is perfect for individuals or couples. A 6-cup cafetiere, such as the Apollo 800ml, is better for entertaining or those who drink multiple cups throughout the day.
Consider your typical consumption to avoid wasting coffee or brewing too little. A larger cafetiere can also be used to brew a batch of cold brew.
Step-by-Step Cafetiere Brewing
- Heat Fresh Water: Bring fresh, cold water to a boil, then let it sit for 30 seconds to reach about 200°F (93°C). This temperature is ideal for extracting coffee without burning it. Avoid using boiling water directly, as it can scorch the grounds and make the coffee bitter.
- Add Coarse Ground Coffee: Add coarse ground coffee to the empty cafetiere. Use a ratio of 1 tablespoon (7-8 grams) of coffee per 4 ounces (120ml) of water. For a 2-cup (350ml) cafetiere, use about 2 heaped tablespoons; for a 6-cup (800ml), use about 5 heaped tablespoons. A coarse grind is essential; fine grounds will slip through the mesh and make the coffee muddy.
- Pour Water and Stir: Pour the hot water over the grounds, ensuring all are saturated. Give it a gentle stir with a spoon to ensure even extraction. Place the plunger on top but do not press down yet. Stirring helps release carbon dioxide and ensures all grounds are fully immersed.
- Steep for Four Minutes: Let the coffee steep for exactly four minutes. This allows for optimal flavor extraction. If you prefer a stronger brew, you can extend to five minutes, but avoid going longer as it can lead to over-extraction and bitterness. Set a timer to ensure consistent results every time.
- Press the Plunger Slowly: After steeping, press the plunger down slowly and steadily. This helps separate the grounds from the liquid. Pressing too quickly can cause grounds to escape and create a gritty cup. If you don't drink all the coffee immediately, pour it into a thermos to stop the brewing process, as over-steeping can cause bitterness.
Cafetiere Options at Discount Coffee
- Apollo 2 Cup Cafetiere | 350ml Stainless Steel & Glass: The Apollo 2 Cup Cafetiere has a 350ml tempered glass beaker with a brushed stainless steel frame, designed to handle boiling water and ice-cold temperatures. This makes it a durable and stylish choice for brewing two cups of coffee at home or in the office.
Apollo 2 Cup Cafetiere | 350ml Stainless Steel & Glass - Apollo 6 Cup Cafetiere | 800ml Stainless Steel & Glass: The Apollo 6 Cup Cafetiere is an 800ml French press with a tempered glass and brushed stainless steel build, ideal for serving guests or fueling a busy morning. Its larger capacity is perfect for entertaining or for those who want multiple cups without brewing multiple batches.
Apollo 6 Cup Cafetiere | 800ml Stainless Steel & Glass
