James Hoffmann
World Barista Champion, 2007, and coffee author

The Ultimate French Press

Skim at four minutes. Wait longer than feels normal. Never plunge.

500 g water · 1:16.7

  • Boiled
  • 9:00 or more
  • French press
  • Medium (not super coarse)
  1. 0:00+500 g500 g
  2. 4:00SkimStir the crust, then scoop off what floats
  3. 9:00Pour gentlyRest the plunger on the surface only. Do not plunge.

Source: His video

Notes on this recipe

He says at least 5 minutes after skimming, and that 7 or 8 is fine. The player stops at 5.

Based on the recipe published by James Hoffmann. Checked at the source on 2026-10-30. We aren't affiliated with or endorsed by anyone named here. Amounts scale with your coffee. Times stay as published, so a much bigger batch may need a coarser grind.