How Much Coffee in a Cafetiere?

How Much Coffee in a Cafetiere?

Brewing coffee in a cafetière, also known as a French press coffee, is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to enjoy a rich, aromatic cup of coffee at home. Getting the right coffee-to-water ratio makes all the difference: too much coffee can leave it bitter, while too little makes it weak and watery.

The Ideal Coffee-to-Water Ratio

For cafetière coffee, the golden rule is a 1:15 ratio — one part coffee grounds to fifteen parts boiling water. That works out to about 1 measuring spoon (7–8g) of freshly ground coffee beans per 125ml of water.

Quick guide:

  • 3-cup cafetière: 18–21g coffee (2–3 measuring spoons)

  • 8-cup cafetière: 55–60g coffee (7–8 measuring spoons)

  • 12-cup cafetière: 80–85g coffee (10–11 measuring spoons)

Use these as a starting point and adjust to taste — stronger for a morning boost, lighter for an afternoon pick-me-up. The right ratio ensures a perfectly brewed cup with balanced coffee taste.

Choosing the Right Coffee Grind

Always use a coarse grind for a cafetière. A grind that’s too fine can over-extract and make your brew gritty or bitter. The texture should resemble breadcrumbs. If you’re grinding coffee beans at home, check out our guide on How to Grind Coffee Beans for tips on achieving the ideal coarse ground coffee.

How to Brew Coffee in a Cafetière

  1. Add your freshly ground coffee to the cafetière.

  2. Pour in hot water (around 92–96°C) and stir gently.

  3. Place the plunger, attached to the lid, on top and let it steep for about 4 minutes (brew time).

  4. Press the plunger down slowly and evenly.

  5. Pour, serve, and enjoy your brewed coffee — a perfectly brewed cup of coffee every time.

For a detailed step-by-step guide, see How to Make Coffee in a Cafetière.

Best Coffees for a Cafetière

A cafetière brings out the deep, rounded flavours of medium to dark roasts. Try these popular blends from The Coffee Connect:

Explore more options in our Coffee Blends collection.

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