Miles SinclairBy Miles Sinclair

Updated November 2026

The espro p3 french press is a double-walled, stainless steel press with a fine-mesh filter designed to keep sediment out of your cup. Following a few specific steps will get you a balanced, full-bodied brew with clean finish. This guide covers the ratio, grind, water temperature, steep time and plunge you need to get consistent results.

What You Need Before You Brew

Gather these items so the process runs smoothly:

Shopping for one? See our guide: Bodum Brazil French Press 8 Cup Review (2026).

  • A burr grinder, set to a coarse, even grind
  • A kitchen scale accurate to one gram
  • Freshly roasted whole-bean coffee, ideally roasted within the past few weeks
  • Water heated to roughly 200°F (93°C)
  • A timer and a stirring utensil, such as a wooden spoon

Step-by-Step: Brewing With the Espro P3 French Press

Step 1: Measure your coffee and water

Start with a ratio of about 1:15, meaning 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water. For the full 34 oz capacity, that works out to roughly 60 grams of coffee and 900 grams of water. Adjust up or down once you know how you like it.

Step 2: Grind coarse

Grind your beans to a coarse setting, similar to sea salt or raw sugar. A finer grind passes through the mesh, leaves silt in the cup, and makes the plunge harder. Grind just before brewing for the most aromatic results.

Step 3: Bloom the grounds

Add the grounds to the carafe, pour in a small amount of hot water to saturate them, and wait 30 seconds. This releases trapped CO2 and lets the coffee extract evenly. Then pour in the rest of the water.

Step 4: Steep for four minutes

Place the lid on the carafe with the plunger pulled up, and set a timer for four minutes. Keep the lid on so the brew holds heat and aroma.

Step 5: Break the crust and skim

At four minutes, gently stir the crust that forms on top and skim off any floating grounds. This small step reduces bitterness and muddiness.

Step 6: Plunge slowly and pour

Wait about one minute, then press the plunger down in a slow, steady motion, taking roughly 20 to 30 seconds. Pour all the coffee out of the carafe right away so it does not keep extracting.

Quick Reference: Brew Settings

Variable Starting point Adjust if
Ratio 1:15 Too weak: use more coffee. Too strong: use less.
Grind Coarse Bitter or muddy: go coarser. Sour or thin: go a little finer.
Water temperature About 200°F (93°C) Harsh: lower slightly. Flat: raise slightly.
Steep time 4 minutes Over-extracted: shorten. Under-extracted: lengthen.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using a blade grinder, which produces uneven particles and inconsistent flavor.
  • Grinding too fine, which causes silt and a heavy plunge.
  • Leaving brewed coffee sitting in the carafe, which leads to bitterness.
  • Pressing too fast, which can push fines through the filter.
  • Changing several variables at once, which makes it hard to tell what helped.

A consistent grind matters more than anything else for a good French press cup. A Baratza Encore burr grinder is a widely used option for home brewers. A digital kitchen scale for coffee helps you hit the same ratio every time, which makes adjustments easier to judge. View on Amazon View on Amazon

FAQ

Can I use pre-ground coffee in the espro p3 french press?

You can, but pre-ground coffee is often too fine for this method and goes stale quickly. Grinding fresh at a coarse setting will noticeably improve clarity and flavor.

How long should I wait before serving?

Pour out the coffee immediately after plunging. Letting it sit in the press keeps extracting and can make the cup taste bitter.

How do I clean the press?

Rinse the carafe and filter after each use, and disassemble the plunger to clear any grounds from the mesh. Use warm water and mild dish soap, and avoid abrasive pads that can scratch the stainless steel.

Conclusion

With a 1:15 ratio, a coarse grind, water near 200°F and a four-minute steep, the espro p3 french press produces a clean, balanced cup. Adjust one variable at a time to dial in the flavor you like best. Keep notes on each brew so you can repeat your best results.

Ready to choose one?

Miles Sinclair

About Miles Sinclair

Miles Sinclair is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our coffee beans & brewing methods guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.