How to Use a French Press with Paper Filters
By Discount Coffee | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to combine a French press with paper filters for a cleaner, sediment-free cup. Step-by-step guide with tips and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer
To get a cleaner, sediment-free cup, place a paper filter at the bottom of your French press before adding coffee grounds, then brew as usual. This simple addition traps fine grounds and oils that the metal mesh lets through.
Why Add a Paper Filter to a French Press?
A French press's metal mesh filter allows fine coffee grounds and oils to pass into your cup, creating a heavier mouthfeel and sometimes a gritty finish. Adding a paper filter removes most of these particles, resulting in a brighter, cleaner brew that highlights delicate flavor notes.
The trade-off is a slightly less full-bodied cup and the added cost of paper filters. If you enjoy the rich, oily texture of traditional French press coffee, you might prefer to skip the paper. But if you want a smoother, more tea-like clarity, this method is worth trying.
Which Paper Filter to Use?
You can use standard coffee filter paper, but the size matters. A #4 cone filter can be trimmed to fit, or you can use Aeropress filters, which are 63mm in diameter—perfect for most French press plungers. Aeropress filters are micro-filtration papers that remove all grounds and oils, and they're biodegradable, making them an eco-friendly choice.
If you're unsure about compatibility, check the diameter of your French press's plunger. Most standard models are around 63mm, so Aeropress filters fit well. For larger presses, you may need to cut a larger filter to size.
How to Brew French Press Coffee with Paper Filters
- Place the paper filter: Remove the plunger from your French press and place a paper filter (such as an Aeropress filter) flat at the bottom of the carafe. If the filter is too large, trim it to fit. Ensure the filter lies flat to avoid gaps that let grounds through.
- Add coffee grounds: Add your coarsely ground coffee on top of the paper filter. Use the same coffee-to-water ratio you normally would for French press. A coarse grind prevents the filter from clogging and keeps the brew time consistent.
- Pour hot water: Pour water heated to about 195-205°F (90-96°C) over the grounds, saturating them evenly. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are wet. Avoid boiling water—it can scald the coffee and make it bitter.
- Steep for 4 minutes: Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes. If you prefer a stronger brew, steep up to 5 minutes, but no longer to avoid over-extraction. Set a timer to keep the brew consistent.
- Press and serve: Slowly press the plunger down using steady, even pressure. Pour the coffee immediately to prevent further extraction from the grounds. Press slowly to avoid disturbing the paper filter and creating a mess.
Recommended Product
- Aeropress Filter Papers (100 Papers): Aeropress Filter Papers are 63mm white micro-filtration papers designed for standard Aeropress makers, removing all coffee grounds and oils for a smooth, sediment-free brew. Their 63mm diameter fits most standard French press plungers, giving you a clean, sediment-free cup without needing to cut larger filters.
Aeropress Filter Papers (100 Papers)
