8 Best Coffee Brands for French Press
Updated - Team Colipse
The best coffee beans for French press are 100% Arabica, specialty grade, and freshly roasted to order. A coarse grind with a medium to dark roast enhances the rich, full-bodied flavor. No single brand is best, as ideal beans vary by origin, flavor profile, price, and varietal preference. For the best French press coffee, consider freshness, availability, processing, and cost. Some beans cost more, so check for discounts, subscriptions, and shipping deals. The 8 best coffees for French press are listed below.
- Colipse Bali Blue Moon
- Kicking Horse Coffee Kick Ass
- Fabula Coffee For French Press
- Peet's Coffee Major Dickason's Blend
- Black Rifle Coffee Freedom Fuel Roast
- Starbucks Coffee Pike Place
- Lavazza Rossa
- Illy Intenso
1. Colipse Bali Blue Moon
Colipse Bali Blue Moon is a medium-dark roast coffee from the Kintamani Highlands of Bali. It is made from Red Bourbon and Typica varietals, cultivated by Subak Abian cooperative farmers using sustainable, organic methods. Farmers avoid synthetic agrochemicals, following the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, to balance humans, nature, and the divine, even without official organic certification. These beans are handpicked and wet-hulled to reduce acidity and deepen flavor.
Colipse Bali Blue Moon is the best whole-bean coffee for French press because immersion brewing perfectly extracts coffee aromas, flavors, and origin characteristics. Colipse Bali coffee has a complex taste with chocolate, vanilla, citrus, and juniper notes. It smells of orange peel and Dutch chocolate, and has gentle acidity, natural sweetness, and a smooth, creamy feel. This medium-dark roast is good for French press, espresso, and cold brew. It offers a full-bodied cup with a lingering cocoa aftertaste and subtle brandy notes not found in regular grocery French press coffee.
Colipse is an online coffee store from Albuquerque in New Mexico that specializes in fresh, roasted-to-order specialty coffee. The company offers over 30 whole bean and pre-ground coffees but Bali Blue Moon is best used for French press brewing. Each order is freshly roasted in small batches and delivered within 3-5 business days. However, these beans are sold only on the Colipse website, not in stores. They come whole or drip ground and cost $21.99 for a 12-ounce bag, a bit pricier than regular French press blends. The following table lists the features, traits, price, and availability of Colipse Bali Blue coffee beans.
| Colipse Bali Blue Moon Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Quality/Grade | Specialty Grade 85+ on SCAA scale |
| Bean Origin | Mount Agung, Indonesia |
| Grind Size | Whole bean or ground |
| Roast Profile | Medium-Dark "Espresso" roast |
| Flavor Notes | Orange peel, juniper, Dutch chocolate |
| Processing Method | Wet-hulled (Giling Basah) |
| Typical Price | $21.99 USD for 12-ounce bag |
| Where to Buy | Colipse Coffee webiste |
2. Kicking Horse Coffee Kick Ass
Kicking Horse Coffee Kick Ass is a dark roast blend made from 100% Arabica beans sourced from Indonesia and Latin America. It is among the best organic options for French press. Kicking Horse Coffee is USDA and Fair Trade certified, ensuring it is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, or GMOs. Kicking Horse Coffee is a Canadian brand that ethically sources and sustainably produces more than 13 single-origin coffee beans and blends.
Dark Roast Kick Ass blend is their best options for French press, thanks to its Indonesian, Central, and South American beans. Indonesian beans provide a robust, earthy base with a full body, ideal for immersion brewing. Central and South American beans add brightness, subtle acidity, and complexity. This dark roast features chocolate malt, molasses, and licorice flavors. A smoky aroma with vanilla and dark chocolate hints complements the reduced acidity, creating a balanced, full-bodied finish.
Kicking Horse Coffee delivers a bold brew suitable for French presses, drip coffee makers, and espresso machines. This blend is affordable at $13.99 USD per 10-ounce bag and widely available in the US and Canada. However, the beans lack a roast date and only display a "best by" date. They are only available as whole beans or pre-ground for drip coffee. The table below presents the features, characteristics, price, and availability of Kicking Horse coffee beans.
| Kicking Horse Coffee Kick Ass Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Quality/Grade | Fairtrade and Organic Arabica beans |
| Bean Origin | Indonesia, Central and South America |
| Grind Size | Drip Ground or Whole Bean |
| Roast Profile | Dark Roast |
| Flavor Notes | Chocolate malt, molasses, licorice and an earthy lingering finish |
| Processing Method | Wet and Dry Processed |
| Typical Price | $13.99 USD for 12-ounce bag |
| Where to Buy | Available at various retailers, including Fairway Market, Italy Best Coffee, Atlantic Superstore, Walmart, and Kicking Horse Coffee website |
3. Fabula Coffee For French Press
Fabula Coffee for French Press is a low-acid, specialty coffee of high-quality, single-origin Arabica beans, designed for immersion brewing. This is one of the best pre-ground, coarsely ground coffees for French press or cold brewing, ready to use straight from the package. No grinding or measuring is needed. This medium roast coffee uses Peruvian Caturra and Catuai beans. The beans grow at high elevations and undergo wet processing. Fabula Coffee for French Press works well in many brewing methods like cold brew or cowboy coffee. It offers balanced acidity, medium body, and smooth sweetness. It has caramel, toasted nut, and fruity notes.
Fabula Coffee is a Los Angeles-based specialty coffee brand that focuses on ethical sourcing and micro-batch roasting. Their French Press blend is considered one of the best medium roasts for French press brewing. It is USDA-certified, non-GMO, and free of mold, mycotoxins, and pesticides. This blend is freshly roasted to order in small batches, comes in the correct grind size, and is easy to brew. It is available nationwide online through their website and Amazon. However, Fabula Coffee is expensive. A 12-ounce bag costs $29.99 USD plus shipping, a price comparable to or higher than some micro-lot specialty coffees from Colombia, Hawaii, or Panama. Below is a table summarizing the features, qualities, price, and availability of Fabula Coffee for French press beans.
| Fabula Coffee For French Press Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Quality/Grade | Specialty Grade, USDA Organic Certified |
| Bean Origin | Peru |
| Grind Size | Coarsely ground for French press |
| Roast Profile | Medium |
| Flavor Notes | Hints of chocolate and nuts, sweet, rich and robust |
| Processing Method | Wet Processed |
| Typical Price | $29.99 USD for 12-ounce bag. |
| Where to Buy | Fabulacoffee.com and Amazon |
4. Peet's Coffee Major Dickason's Blend
Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason's is a signature dark roast blend made entirely from 100% Arabica beans. These are one of the best budget-friendly dark roast coffee beans for French press. Beans grown at high altitudes in Central America and the Indo-Pacific mature slowly, developing a denser, more flavorful profile. They are then washed, dried, and roasted dark. Central American coffees are ideal for French press due to their balanced acidity, clean flavors, and medium to full body. Indo-Pacific coffees like Sumatra and Sulawesi add a syrupy body, earthy undertones, and chocolatey or spicy notes, creating a rich, full-bodied, low-acid cup.
Peet's Coffee Dark Roast is a good, affordable, and widely available option for everyday French press coffee. It comes in various grind sizes, including coarse. It is sold at supermarkets, Walmart, and Costco for around $20 per 16-ounce bag. However, the coffee lacks freshness and displays only a "best by" date. Its flavor is flat and missing distinct origin characteristics. While not a specialty coffee, it is consistent and makes a great base for flavored French press drinks, like iced coffee. The following table outlines the features, attributes, cost, and stock status of Peet's Coffee Dark Roast beans.
| Peet's Coffee Major Dickason's Blend Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Quality/Grade | 100% Arabica |
| Bean Origin | Central America and Indonesia |
| Grind Size | Ground, Coarse, or Whole Bean |
| Roast Profile | Dark Roast |
| Flavor Notes | Earth, Spice, Everything |
| Processing Method | Washed |
| Typical Price | $20 USD for 16-ounce bag |
| Where to Buy | Peet's Coffee stores, online retailers, supermarkets |
5. Black Rifle Coffee Freedom Fuel Roast
Black Rifle Coffee has many coffee blends, but Freedom Fuel Roast is their best arabica coffee for French press. This dark roast coffee blend features high-quality beans sourced from Brazil, Colombia, and other regions. Brazilian beans create a nutty, chocolatey base with good body, while Colombian beans enhance complexity with balanced acidity and sweetness. Freedom Fuel Roast is a bold coffee with tasting notes of dark chocolate, walnut, and a hint of anise. It has a balanced profile with a smoky aroma and baker's chocolate undertones.
Black Rifle Coffee is a veteran-founded coffee company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The company supports veterans, active-duty military, and first responders through donations, philanthropy, and employment. This Black Rifle Coffee French press blend is widely available online (website, Amazon, Walmart, Costco). The packaging is solid, using nitrogen-infused bags with a one-way valve for freshness. However, lack of a roasting date means freshness is not guaranteed, especially when buying from third-party supermarkets. These beans come whole bean or pre-ground for drip coffee only, not for French press, so you must grind them. The following table lists the features, traits, price, and availability of Kicking Horse coffee beans.
| Black Rifle Coffee Freedom Fuel Roast Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Quality/Grade | High-quality |
| Bean Origin | Colombia and Brazil |
| Grind Size | Ground Coffee, Whole Bean Coffee |
| Roast Profile | Dark Roast |
| Flavor Notes | Dark chocolate, walnut, and anise |
| Processing Method | Not specified |
| Typical Price | Around $16 USD for 12-ounce bag |
| Where to Buy | Black Rifle Coffee Company, Ace Hardware, Stine Home, Walmart, Scheels, and more |
6. Starbucks Coffee Pike Place
Starbucks Coffee offers many coffee beans, but Pike Place is their best blend for French press. Starbucks Pike Place is a medium-roast coffee made from 100% Arabica Latin American beans. Colombian, Guatemalan, and Brazilian beans are ideal for medium roast French press coffee. They offer balanced acidity, a medium-full body, and clean sweetness. This coffee offers a smooth, well-balanced flavor with subtle cocoa and toasted nut notes. It has a creamy mouthfeel and a sweet, nutty aftertaste. Starbucks Pike Place is a good choice for daily French press, espresso, or regular coffee.
Starbucks is the world's largest coffeehouse chain headquartered in Seattle, Washington. It is a recognizable and relatively affordable option for French press coffee, with 16-ounce bags costing under $20 USD. A 12-ounce cup contains about 260 mg of caffeine. It is widely available, including on Amazon. However, the beans lack freshness, only display a "best by" date, and offer an unsuitable grind size for French press, with options limited to pre-ground for drip or whole beans. Below is a table detailing the features, main characteristics, price, and availability of Starbucks Coffee Pike Place coffee beans.
| Starbucks Coffee Pike Place Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Quality/Grade | High-quality, 100% Arabica beans |
| Bean Origin | Latin America |
| Grind Size | Drip Ground and Whole Bean |
| Roast Profile | Medium roast |
| Flavor Notes | Smooth and well-rounded with subtle notes of cocoa and toasted nuts |
| Processing Method | Not specified |
| Typical Price | Around $18 for 16-ounce bag |
| Where to Buy | Starbucks stores and online, including Amazon |
7. Lavazza Rossa
Lavazza Qualita Rossa is a classic Italian coffee blend sourced from South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The beans are dark with slight oil traces. This roast is medium, lighter than French or Italian roasts. Lavazza Rossa is among the best Italian coffees for French press, made from Arabica and Robusta beans. African Robusta beans add rich body, thick crema, and deep chocolate notes, while Brazilian Arabica beans add nutty sweetness, mild acidity, and smooth balance. Lavazza Rossa is a reliable, everyday coffee with a bold, earthy, and simple aroma and cup.
Lavazza is a family-owned business founded in 1895 by Luigi Lavazza in Turin, Italy. The company exports coffee to over 140 countries. Lavazza Rossa is the best store-bought coffee for French press available in the U.S., UK, Australia, and Canada. It is popular in restaurants, hotels, cafes, and homes. A 2.2 lbs (1kg) package costs around $21 USD, making it one of the most affordable options. However, this blend may not always be fresh, as some stores keep beans on shelves for 6-9 months, affecting taste. It is available only in whole bean or drip ground, not in a French press-friendly coarse grind. This table outlines the key specifications, features, price, and availability of Lavazza Rossa coffee beans.
| Lavazza Rossa Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Quality/Grade | Arabica and Robusta |
| Bean Origin | Brazil, Africa, Southeast Asia |
| Grind Size | Whole Bean and Ground |
| Roast Profile | Medium Roast |
| Flavor Notes | Chocolate and dried fruit notes |
| Processing Method | Not specified |
| Typical Price | Around $21.00/kg |
| Where to Buy | Many grocery stores including Amazon, ALDI, Costco, Walmart, and Trader Joe |
8. Illy Intenso
Illy Intenso is a dark Italian roast of 100% Arabica beans from nine plantations across four continents. The blend includes nine Arabica varieties from South and Central America. South and Central American coffees are excellent for French press due to their balanced profiles, medium body, and clean flavors. Colombian and Brazilian beans offer a rich, chocolatey, sweet base, while high-grown Central American coffees like Guatemalan or Costa Rican add brightness, floral notes, and crisp acidity. Illy Intenso has a spicy, earthy, woody aroma, with cocoa, dried fruit, caramel, and toast flavor notes. The coffee has a full body, slight bitterness, and smooth finish. These beans are suitable for any brewing method, including French press.
Illy is an Italian coffee brand founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy that produces a unique 100% Arabica blend. It is a top-quality choice for French press coffee available in over 140 countries. A 8.8-ounce (250 grams) canister costs around $14.99 USD. Illy’s nitrogen-sealed, recyclable cans preserve freshness and enhance flavor, but the coffee lacks a roasting date and a coarse grind option. The following table lists the features, traits, price, and stock availability of Illy Intenso coffee beans.
| Illy Intenso Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Quality/Grade | Illy selects only 1% of the best Arabica beans with zero defects. |
| Bean Origin | Colombia, Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Brazil |
| Grind Size | Whole Bean and Ground Coffee |
| Roast Profile | Dark Roast |
| Flavor Notes | Notes of dark cocoa and dried fruits. |
| Processing Method | Not specified |
| Typical Price | $14.99 USD for 8.8-ounce tin |
| Where to Buy | Available on the illy website, Walmart, Trader Joes, Costco, ALDI |
What is French Press Coffee?
French press coffee is a type of coffee drink made using a manual brewing method with a device called a French press (also known as a press pot, cafetière, or plunger pot). A French press has a cylindrical beaker, usually glass or stainless steel, with a lid and a plunger that has a fine mesh filter made of metal or nylon. French press brewing does not require paper filters, electricity, or complex machinery. Unlike espresso machines or drip coffee makers, a French press operates manually with just hot water and coarsely ground coffee.
French press coffee uses immersion brewing. Coarse grounds steep in hot water at 195–205°F (90–96°C) for four minutes before being pressed. This method submerges grounds fully, extracting rich flavor and texture. Steeping infuses water with coffee, while plunging separates grounds from the brewed coffee. This brewing method produces full-bodied coffee with rich texture and flavor. The best coffee beans for a French press are coarse grind to prevent over-extraction.
How to Make the Best French Press Coffee?
To make the best French press coffee, follow the five step recipe below.
- Gather Equipment and Ingredients: For best results, use a glass or stainless steel French press. Use freshly roasted, coarsely ground whole beans. A wooden or silicone stirrer helps saturate grounds.
- Measure and Grind Coffee Beans: Use 40 grams (6 tablespoons) of coffee per 600 mL (20 oz) of water in your French press. Adjust the amount for different sizes: 18–24 grams for 300 mL, and 55–89 grams for larger presses. Grind beans coarsely, like sea salt, for proper extraction and easy plunging. A finer grind can over-extract and make pressing harder.
- Heat Water to the Ideal Temperature: Bring filtered water to a boil (212°F/100°C), then let it cool for 30–60 seconds to 195°F–205°F (90°C–96°C). This temperature extracts balanced flavors without burning the coffee. Too hot water causes bitterness; too cool water results in a weak brew. Use a thermometer or temperature-controlled kettle.
- Preheat, Bloom, and Steep: Preheat the French press and cup with hot water, then discard. Add coarsely ground coffee to the press and pour in 200 mL of water (for a 600 mL brew). Stir gently, let it bloom for 30–45 seconds, then add the remaining water. Steep for 4 minutes (5–6 minutes for lighter roasts, 3–4 minutes for darker).
- Plunge and Serve Immediately: After steeping, press the plunger slowly and evenly with gentle pressure. If the plunger resists, the grind is too fine. Pour the coffee immediately to stop extraction and prevent bitterness. Avoid letting coffee sit in the French press.
How to Choose the Best Coffee for French Press?
To choose the best coffee for French press, start by selecting coarse-ground coffee to prevent over-extraction. Opt for medium to dark roasts for a rich flavor. Use freshly roasted beans and grind them just before brewing for optimal taste. Recommended beans include single-origin varieties from Ethiopia, Colombia, or Indonesia. The following list shows how to choose the best coffee for French press.
- Adjust Grind Size: Coarse ground coffee is ideal for French presses. It optimizes extraction, prevents over-extraction, and reduces fines passing through the filter. The grind should resemble sea salt or breadcrumbs. A finer grind results in bitter, over-extracted coffee with sludge. Avoid blade grinders as they produce inconsistent particles, leading to uneven extraction. Use a burr grinder for precision. If buying pre-ground coffee, request a "French Press grind" for the correct coarse texture.
- Select Bean Type: Specialty-grade Arabica beans are the best type of coffee beans for French press. Select brands that specify Arabica varietals, as each offers distinct terroir, flavors, acidity, and aroma. Use Robusta beans for a stronger French press coffee due to their higher caffeine content, pronounced bitterness, and earthy notes. Add Robusta sparingly to blends for extra strength.
- Choose Roast Level: Medium to dark roasts are the best coffee roasts for French Press. These roasts enhance bold, chocolatey, nutty, or caramelized flavors, complementing the immersions brewing. High-quality light roasts with bright, fruity, or floral notes, such as dry-processed Ethiopian heirloom varieties, work well in French press coffee when freshly ground to prevent excessive acidity.
- Set Budget: Set a realistic coffee budget. Avoid cheap supermarket beans, as they are usually stale and low-quality. Mid-range to premium beans ($15–$25 per 12-ounce bag) provide specialty-grade quality with better taste. Once you find your favorite French press coffee, explore discounts, deals, and subscriptions to save money.
- Check Roast Dates: Freshness is essential. Check roast dates instead of "best by" dates. Coffee beans peak between 7–14 days after roasting and should be used within four weeks. Buy whole beans and grind them before brewing, as pre-ground coffee loses flavor quickly. Use coarse grounds for French press within 2–3 weeks for the best taste.
What are the Best Coffee Brands for French Press?
Some of the best coffee brands for French press are listed below.
- Primos Coffee Co
- Kicking Horse Coffee
- Volcanica Coffee
- Peet’s Coffee
- Lavazza
- Caribou Coffee
- Colipse Coffee
- Lifeboost Coffee
- Death Wish Coffee
- Carte Noire
- SF Bay Coffee
- Starbucks
Where to Buy the Best Coffee for French Press?
You can buy the best coffee for French press from specialty roasters, coffee shops, or online stores. Brands like Colipse offer freshly roasted, specialty-grade Arabica coffee, expertly profiled for French press brewing. Visit our online store to find the ideal medium-dark to dark roast for a rich and flavorful French press brews.
What are the Prices for Coffee Grounds for French Press?
Colipse offers a 12-ounce bag of specialty coffee beans and grounds for French press priced between $19.95 and $22.95 USD. Enjoy free shipping on all orders and pay only for premium-quality coffee.
Which Coffee is Not Good for French Press?
Avoid using finely ground coffee in a French press, as it can create excessive sediment and clog the mesh filter. Pre-ground coffee for drip machines is often too fine and can lead to over-extraction, making the brew bitter. Instead, use coarsely ground coffee for optimal flavor and filtration.
What is the Best Decaf Coffee for French Press?
The best decaf coffee for French press is a coarse-ground, Swiss Water Process decaf made from high-quality Arabica beans. The Swiss Water Process decaffeinates coffee without chemicals while preserving its flavor. Colipse offers several Swiss Water Processed decaf coffees suitable for French press brewing available in medium and dark roasts. Colipse Decaf Espresso delivers a rich taste with dark chocolate and lemon notes, balanced by medium acidity and a smooth body. Colipse Decaf Cold Brew features smoky cocoa and spicy herbs in its fragrance, blending bright citrus, rich chocolate, and subtle florals. Both options work well with a French press.