Rise and grind! Everybody loves a good coffee, and nothing beats the lovely aroma of a freshly brewed pot of the good stuff, courtesy of your French press. But with a multitude of coarse ground coffee beans on the market, it can be tricky deciding which ones are most suitable for you and your French press.
We’re here to help, with our guide on buying the best coffee beans for your French press. So whether you’re a caffeine connoisseur or new to the brew, it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee with the low-down on the best coffee beans for French press. Read on to find the best one for you, and brew like the French do.
One thing’s for sure, a good morning brew is so important to our daily lives, and the quality of the coffee beans you use in your French press can’t be overstated. Our comprehensive guide will help you decide which French press coffee beans are right for you.
View The Best Coffee Beans for French Press Below
1. Death Wish Organic Whole Bean Coffee
The best overall coffee for French press, as chosen by us, is Death Wish Organic Whole Bean Coffee. This dark roast coffee is made with Arabica and Robusta beans, giving it a strong, fresh flavor, perfect for kick-starting your day. With its smooth blend, bold flavor, and notes of cherry and chocolate, this is one coffee that got our taste buds dancing. What’s more, it leaves no bitter aftertaste.
Death Wish Coffee is USDA Certified Organic and Fair Trade, meaning you get the best quality brew. Not only that, but it’s also been ethically sourced. If you’re looking for a brew with an added kick, the one we recommend is Death Wish Organic Whole Bean Coffee.
Pros:
+ Made with Arabica and Robusta beans, coarse grind
+ USDA Certified Organic and Fair Trade
+ Voted the best coffee for French press
+ 100% natural. No artificial additives or ingredients
Why We Like It – We voted this as our best coffee for French press because we liked its unique flavors. If you’re looking for that extra boost to give you a kick each morning or help you power through a busy day, we recommend this coffee for French press brewing.
2. Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend
Our premium choice of coffee bean for French press is Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend. These convenient K-Cups, made specifically for the Keurig Coffee Maker, allow you to make a single-serving of this tasty brew. The blend itself is renowned for its rich, flavorful taste with complex notes, and this single-serve edition doesn’t compromise on the taste.
The coffee in Peet’s K-Cups is the same quality coffee as the bagged version, so you get to enjoy the convenience without compromising on the flavor. We definitely recommend Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend if you’re looking for a premium blend and flavor to your ground coffee.
Pros:
+ Convenient single-serve K-Cups
+ Hand-roasted in small batches, coarse grind
+ Uniquely rich flavor
+ Uncompromizeable freshness – roasted to order each night
Why We Like It – We liked it for its full-bodied flavor and smoothness. If you’re looking for an aromatic blend to wake up to each morning, Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend is definitely for you.
3. Primos Coffee Co. French Press Specialty Coffee
If you’re looking for great value for money, then Primos Coffee Co. French Press Speciality Coffee is the one for you. This coffee blend consists of premium Arabica beans, selected from only the best micro-lots. The result is a delightful, easy-drinking coffee with low acidity and notes of sweet citrus.
It’s a smooth blend that’s perfect for sipping on throughout the day. The coffee beans are sustainably produced with only the highest standards. It includes all-natural resources, harvested by hand, and naturally dried. Primos French Press Speciality makes a brew that is both ethical and delicious.
Pros:
+ Premium, coarse grind Arabica beans
+ Low acidity, smooth and sweet
+ Harvested by hand and naturally dried
+ Sustainably produced with the highest standards
Why We Like It – We love this brand for its mild taste and sweet smooth citrus notes. If you’re looking for a pleasant flavor to kick-start your day, we fully recommend Primos French Press Specialty.
4. Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew
Coffee lovers will know that iced coffees are just as flavorsome and delicious as the hot stuff. Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew offers iced coffee lovers a refreshing drink, artfully crafted using 100% Arabica beans. This dark roast coffee uses only the best quality Single Origin Colombian Supremo beans, which make a superbly deluxe cold brew.
The low acidity makes for a smooth, sweet, and well-balanced coffee flavor with a bold punch. What’s more, these beans come in a resealable foil bag, which keeps your coffee fresher for longer. It’s the perfect brew for a cooling summer drink or on any occasion.
Pros:
+ Foil resealable bag to keep your coffee fresh
+ 100% Arabica beans – Best quality Single Origin Colombian Supremo
+ Artfully crafted to make tasty iced or cold coffee
Why We Like It – We liked this brand as it’s perfect for making a tasty, cooling drink for the summer or any season. If you’re a fan of iced coffees, Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew is exactly what you need.
5. Valhalla Java Whole Bean Coffee
Harness the power of Odin with this powerful Artisan roast coffee. The beans are specially selected and expertly roasted, proving a super-strong brew that is both bold and smooth. Valhalla Java Whole Bean Coffee is Fair Trade and USDA Certified Organic, so you can sip your coffee in comfort, knowing that it is both natural and ethical.
What’s more, you can try it risk-free, and if you don’t love it, they’ll refund your order, no questions asked. Valhalla Java Whole Bean Coffee is ideal if you want to experiment with a new flavor. One thing’s for sure; you’ll love its bold and smooth taste.
Pros:
+ Fair Trade and USDA Certified Organic beans
+ Money back if you don’t love it
+ Specially selected and expertly roasted coffee beans
Why We Like It – We love Valhalla Java Whole Bean Coffee for its bold and smooth taste. This ultra-strong coffee is perfect for giving you the kick-start you need to start your day on the right foot.
6. Real Good Coffee Co Whole Bean Coffee
Real Good Coffee Co Whole Bean Coffee light roast coffee is the perfect breakfast blend, ideal for easing you into your day. One sip of this and you’ll be ready to tackle anything. The coffee is made with only the very best quality Arabica beans, sourced from Central and South America.
The coffee beans provide a smooth flavor, combining a sharp citrus taste with luxurious notes of cream and milk chocolate. It’s undoubtedly an indulgent accompaniment to your breakfast. This coffee is compatible with all coffee brewers, so whatever your machine, you’re guaranteed a delightful, craft brew to enjoy each day.
Pros:
+ Made with premium Arabica coffee beans
+ Over 30 years’ experience of coffee sourcing and craft roasting
+ Works with all Coffee Brewers
Why We Like It – We liked it for its smooth flavor and brisk citrus taste. The smooth aromatic notes of cream and milk chocolate make for a deliciously tasty brew. Though made especially to ease you into your day, this breakfast blend is delicious enough to be enjoyed morning, noon, and night. We definitely recommend Real Good Coffee Co for your French press.
7. Volcanoes Coffee – Gourmet Guatemala Whole Bean
This coffee gets its name from where it grows: at the base of Two Volcanoes in Guatemala. It’s perfect for stocking in a high-end restaurant. The flavor of this delicious tasting coffee can’t be compared. To keep your coffee as fresh as possible for longer, each bag of Two Volcanoes Coffee is packed as soon as roasting allows.
Each bag of Two Volcanoes Coffee also comes with a degassing valve built into it. This helps to stop the beans from going stale. If you’re looking for coffee beans for your French press that have a high-end taste, these are definitely for you.
Pros:
+ Roasted in small batches to guarantee an even, medium roast
+ Comes with a built-in degassing valve to prevent it from staling
+ Fairtrade Arabica coffee beans, coarse grind
Why We Like It – We liked this coffee for its lovely aroma and rich flavor. The degassing valve is particularly handy for keeping the coffee beans fresher for longer, and we certainly noticed the difference. We recommend Volcanoes Coffee for your French press.
8. Bulletproof French Kick Ground Coffee
Bulletproof French Kick Ground coffee beans are grown at high altitudes in Guatemala then hand-harvested in Central America. The process is carried out without chemicals, making it purely organic. The beans are hand-picked by experienced coffee harvesters and then roasted to produce a tasty dark roasted blend.
The coffee is sweet and smooth, with a distinct smoky aroma. The hint of baking chocolate makes waking up to this brew an experience any coffee lover won’t want to miss. This fresh brew is perfect for sipping as a morning pick-me-up, or over lunch with friends. We definitely recommend this roasted blend for your French press.
Pros:
+ Produced with only hand-picked organic beans
+ Optimized to minimize toxins
+ Same purity standards as whole beans but in less time
Why We Like It – We loved Bulletproof French Kick Ground Coffee for its smooth, sweet taste and smoky aroma. One thing we particularly enjoyed was the hint of baking chocolate. This is for you if you enjoy a medium-bodied brew.
9. Kicking Horse Coffee
Kicking Horse Coffee is the self-proclaimed champion of taste, and we have to agree. With tasting notes of cacao nibs, dark, rich chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, and brown sugar, we’re sure you’ll agree this is an exceptional taste sensation. The beans are grown in an environmentally and socially responsible way and are both organic and fairtrade.
You can rest easy in the knowledge that Kicking Horse Coffee is fair and good for the farmers, drinkers, and the planet. This brew is dark, deep, and delicious. We certainly recommend kick-starting your day with an undeniably delicious Kicking Horse Coffee. Try it with your French press and see if you agree.
Pros:
+ Fairtrade, organic and kosher Arabica coffee
+ Grown in a socially and environmentally responsible way
+ Fair for the farmers and the planet
Why We Like It – We liked Kicking Horse Coffee for its rich, deep flavors and luxurious taste. One thing is for sure; it’s certainly an exceptional taste sensation. Use this coffee for your French press if you like your brews dark and rich.
10. Koffee Kult Dark Roast Coffee Beans
Koffee Kult Dark Roast Coffee beans are renowned for their freshness. Produced without oil, they produce a smooth yet strong and bold flavor. This gourmet-style coffee is perfect for high-end restaurants or simply as a treat for yourself to give you a morning wakeup. Koffee Kult Dark Roast Coffee is voted number one for its flavor, and we have to agree.
Made from 100% Arabica specialty coffee, sourced from Sumatra, Colombia, and Guatemala, you’re sure to enjoy it. Koffee Kult is a family owned Artisan coffee roaster, which is environmentally friendly. To make sure you’re completely satisfied, they even offer full refunds if you don’t love it. This is one coffee you should definitely use for your French press.
Pros:
+ Fresh without oil
+ 100% Arabica specialty coffee
+ Voted #1 for strong, bold yet smooth flavor
+ Money-back guarantee if not satisfied
Why We Like It – We liked Koffee Kult Dark Roast Coffee beans for their freshness. We enjoyed the bold, strong flavor, which was remarkable for its smooth texture and distinct lack of bitterness. This gourmet, roasted coffee is sure to impress your guests and kick-start your morning in the best way. We fully recommend it for your French press.
Coffee Beans for French Press Buyer’s Guide
The French press for coffee was invented in France in the 1800’s. If you haven’t tasted French press coffee, it’s often considered the best brewing method. You can use whole beans or coarse ground coffee to produce a rich, smooth, and very deluxe brew.
French press coffee does take a little longer to prepare, but it’s arguably the best method if you want to enjoy an indulgent drink. French press machines are simple to use too. All you need to start brewing your French press coffee is a top-notch French press coffee maker, some coffee grounds or beans to grind. Then you can start sipping your brews the French way.
If you’re new to French press coffee, it can be tricky choosing which beans and brewing methods to use. From medium roast to coarse ground and dark roast, there are plenty of coffee beans for French press for you to choose from. So whether you’ve mastered the brewing methods or are new to the brew, we’ve put together this handy buyer’s guide on what to look out for when you’re purchasing those all-important coffee beans and coffee makers.
Taste
What do the tasting notes on press coffee packets mean?
One thing to consider before buying French press coffee is the taste. When it comes to press coffee, the tasting notes you see on the packets are simply short guides to what tastes and aromas you’ll experience when you’re drinking or brewing that coffee. There are plenty of flavors and aromas to be discovered when preparing and drinking press coffee.
The smells and tastes can range from bitter to salty or sour to sweet. The aroma of the fresh coarse ground coffee or coffee grounds is apparent as soon as you begin French press brewing. Spare a second to take in the aromas. What can you smell? Chocolate? Citrus?
Each coffee bean has a different taste. If you need an extra kick to get you going of a morning, a stronger blend may be for you. Try a milder coffee if you enjoy sipping throughout the day. Flavor notes are another important factor to consider when deciding which coffee beans to buy. From chocolate to citrus, there are plenty of choices out there.
As the French press brewing process continues, the scents and smells of the coarse, ground roasted coffee may take on a different aroma. With coffee makers and coffee grounds, it’s all about experimenting. Whether medium roast, dark roast, or ground, you’re sure to identify plenty of different aromas and flavor notes during your French press brewing method and beyond.
Production
One important thing to consider when choosing which beans to use when making French press coffee is the ethical implications. Coffee is a hugely popular commodity all around the world, especially in the Western world, where the demand for ground coffee is massive. Due to the huge demand, which extends far beyond French press users, the coffee bean industry is sadly known for forced labor in many parts of the world.
Although you understandably want the best coffee, it’s important to consider those forced laborers who are exploited within the industry. Many of the workers are young children who are forced to work long hours, sometimes without pay. During their daily grind, the workers are also placed in danger by being exposed to harmful chemical pesticides and fertilizers that can cause health problems, hospitalization, and even death.
By choosing to buy Fair Trade coffee beans, we are actively taking a stand against the poor treatment of laborers all over the world. In doing so, we can feel confident that our daily coffee grind has been sourced fairly and ethically.
French press coffee machines
So you’ve decided you want to start press brewing your coffee grounds, and you’re confident you’ve learned the best brewing methods. The next step is to take the plunge and purchase a French press to use at home. There are plenty of French press brewing machines to choose from, but what should you consider when picking the best one for you?
Most of them make great coffee. Depending on your budget, you could do what many people do and opt for well-known brands such as Bodum, Bialetti, or VonShef. It’s important to do your research as while all the machines make coffee, each machine has different settings and functions. Once you get the hang of how they work, they are relatively easy to use. All you need is to purchase some coffee grounds.
It’s important to do your research carefully and consider things like size, how often you will be using your machine, and where. This will ultimately help you in deciding which French press to purchase. Once you have found your perfect French press, the only thing left to do is brew, sip, enjoy, and repeat. We hope you found this guide to coffee for French press useful! Now go and purchase your own coffee for your French press.
