00Days Left For Christmas orders

It's Back! Christmas Coffee is available to buy Buy Now!

FREE SHIPPING for orders over £35

Save with our monthly subscription service!

Welcome to Penningtons! Award-winning coffee and tea merchants.

How to make cafetière coffee

A French press, more popularly known as a cafetière. This coffee brewing device was patented by Italian designer Attilio Calimani in 1929. Brewing coffee with a cafetière, also known as a French press, is a classic and straightforward method that delivers a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or new to brewing, this guide will walk you through the process to ensure you get the best results every time.

What you need

Cafetière (French press)

Stirring utensil (preferably non-metal)

Timer

Kettle

Ingredients

Penningtons Cafetière Ground Coffee (60g/litre)

Hot water (just off the boil, around 90-96°C)

Step 1

Boil the kettle

Start by boiling fresh water in your kettle. Once boiled, allow the water to cool slightly to reach the ideal brewing temperature of around 90-96°C.

Step 2

Preheat the Cafetière

Preheat your cafetière by filling it with some of the hot water. This helps maintain the brewing temperature. After a minute, discard the water.

Step 3

Add in you Favourite Coffee Grounds

Place the appropriate amount of your favourite Penningtons cafetière ground coffee into the preheated cafetière.

Step 4

Pour in your hot water

Start your timer and pour hot water over the coffee grounds. Pour slowly and evenly to ensure all the grounds are saturated. Fill the cafetière up to the desired level.

Step 5

Stir the Coffee

Give the coffee a gentle stir with a non-metal utensil to break up the crust of grounds that forms on the surface.

Step 6

Let it steep

Place the lid on the cafetière with the plunger pulled all the way up. Allow the coffee to steep for 4 minutes.

Step 7

Press the Plunger

After 4 minutes, slowly and evenly press the plunger down with gentle pressure. If you encounter resistance, stop, pull the plunger back slightly, and try again. This helps avoid disturbing the grounds, preventing over-extraction and bitterness.

Step 8

Serve and Enjoy

Once the plunger is fully pressed down, your coffee is ready to serve. Pour it into your favourite mug and enjoy immediately. For the best taste, avoid letting the coffee sit in the cafetière, as it will continue to extract and can become bitter.

Need The Brew Kit?

We Have everything you need to get started

Unbleached HARIO V60 Filter Papers

The original and best filter coffee papers from Hario. 40 Unbleached papers  to perfectly fit the iconic Hario V60 dripper in sizes 02. Rinse the filter paper with boiling water before use. This will minimise any paper taste getting through to the end brew and allow the coffee to filter through easier.

£4.85

Milk Frother Jug

Professional quality straight sided foaming jug with lined measurements etched on both sides for right and left handed milk frothing, improved accuracy and less wastage. Narrow spout for superior pouring control and latte art. Impress friends and family with the perfect coffee at home. Available in 0.35 and 0.6 litre stainless steel.

£8.75 – £12.25

Stainless Steel Cafetiere

The French press, or cafetière, is a coffee brewing device invented at the end of the 19th century. Cafetières are a great way to make consistently delicious coffee. These high quality 18/10 stainless steel cafetiere have thermal wall construction for heat retention. Cool -touch handles, satin finish and are Dishwasher safe. Stainless steel cafetieres not only look modern and elegant, but provide an extremely durable alternative to conventional glass French presses.

£23.00 – £33.50

Pod Machine Cleaner capsules

Keeping machines clean will keep your brew in tip top condition. Cleans & removes bitter coffee oil residue from the brew chamber, exit spout and nozzle of your machine. Regular use extends your machine’s life span allows you to enjoy better tasting coffee. Easy to use capsule format.

£7.50

Infuser Tea pot

Heat resistant porcelain 2 cup infused tea pot, stainless steel infuser and lid. Just add your favourite loose leaf tea or remove the strainer to brew with tea bags. Available in grey and red, dishwasher safe.

£19.80

HARIO V60 Brewer

No machine needed. Hario’s V60 is a world-recognised iconic coffee dripper. The revolutionary conical dripper helps your filter and brew coffee to exacting standards. They are designed to sit on any cup. This one is 2 cup which in our opinion produces enough liquid gold for a good size mug! The brewer comes packaged with a measuring scoop but you will need to purchase filter papers separately.

£9.50 – £33.00

Explore more Brewing Guides

Learn to make your favourite Brew at home

How to make Aeropress Coffee

The AeroPress is a versatile and compact coffee maker beloved by coffee enthusiasts for its ability to produce a smooth, rich, and flavourful cup in just minutes. By combining immersion and gentle pressure, the AeroPress allows for complete control over the brewing process, making it ideal for those who love experimenting with their coffee. Whether you prefer a bold espresso-style brew or a lighter, tea-like cup, the AeroPress is a quick and reliable way to elevate your coffee experience.

How To Make Stove Top Espresso

The stovetop espresso maker, or Moka pot, is a timeless method for brewing rich, aromatic coffee at home. Known for its simplicity and durability, the Moka pot uses steam pressure to extract bold flavours, creating a brew that's somewhere between espresso and drip coffee. Perfect for espresso lovers and those who enjoy strong coffee, this classic brewing technique brings café-quality coffee to your kitchen.

How To Make Chemex Coffee

The Chemex is a masterpiece of design and functionality, offering a clean, aromatic coffee experience. Its unique thick paper filters and precise pour-over method highlight the delicate flavours and nuances of your beans, creating a bright and balanced cup. Ideal for those who appreciate the ritual of brewing, the Chemex is perfect for elevating your coffee routine into a moment of calm and craftsmanship.

How To Make Filter Coffee

Filter coffee is a timeless brewing method that delivers a clean, crisp, and flavourful cup, perfect for highlighting the natural characteristics of your beans. With its straightforward process and ability to extract nuanced flavours, it’s ideal for those who value simplicity and quality in their coffee ritual. Whether enjoyed black or with milk, filter coffee is a versatile and satisfying choice for any coffee lover.

How To Make Cafetière Coffee

Brewing coffee with a cafetière, also known as a French press, is a classic and straightforward method that delivers a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or new to brewing, this guide will walk you through the process to ensure you get the best results every time.