Pour-Over vs. French Press: A Complete Brewing Guide

Two Great Methods, Two Very Different Cups

If you're serious about coffee, you've probably wondered: pour-over or French press? Both methods produce exceptional cups, but they deliver very different flavor profiles, textures, and experiences. This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can brew with confidence — and find the method that matches your taste.

What Is Pour-Over Coffee?

Pour-over is a manual brewing method where hot water is poured slowly and steadily over ground coffee held in a filter. The water passes through the grounds and drips into a carafe or mug below. The paper filter traps oils and fine particles, producing a clean, bright, and nuanced cup that lets the origin characteristics of the bean shine through.

Best Coffees for Pour-Over

Pour-over rewards high-quality single-origin coffees with complex flavor notes. Try it with our Single Origin Kenya AA Lenana — its bright acidity and berry-forward notes are stunning when brewed this way. Our Jamaican Blue Mountain is another pour-over showstopper, with its legendary smoothness and mild sweetness.

Pour-Over Basics

• Grind: Medium-fine (like table salt)
• Water temp: 195–205°F (just off the boil)
• Brew time: 3–4 minutes
• Coffee-to-water ratio: 1:15 to 1:17

What Is French Press Coffee?

French press is an immersion brewing method — ground coffee steeps directly in hot water for several minutes, then a metal mesh plunger is pressed down to separate the grounds. Because there's no paper filter, the natural oils from the coffee remain in the cup, producing a rich, full-bodied, and bold brew with a heavier mouthfeel.

Best Coffees for French Press

French press loves coffees with depth and body. Our Coastal Bean Scene™ is a fantastic choice — its handcrafted blend has the kind of rounded, robust character that thrives in immersion brewing. For something with a little more complexity, our Costa Rican La Minita SHB brings a beautiful balance of sweetness and brightness to the French press.

French Press Basics

• Grind: Coarse (like sea salt)
• Water temp: 195–205°F
• Steep time: 4 minutes
• Coffee-to-water ratio: 1:12 to 1:15

Pour-Over vs. French Press: Side-by-Side

Which Should You Choose?

If you love tasting the terroir of a specific region — the floral notes of an Ethiopian, the citrus brightness of a Kenyan — pour-over is your method. If you want a hearty, warming cup that feels like a hug in a mug, French press is the way to go.

The good news? You don't have to choose just one. Many coffee lovers keep both methods on hand and match the brewing style to the bean. Explore our full range of specialty and single-origin coffees to find your next favorite cup.