Cafetière Coffee
Rich, smooth, and easy to brew—our cafetière-friendly coffees are perfect for everyday moments. Think caramel sweetness, depth of flavour, and that familiar, satisfying depth.
We recommend the following coffees for cafetière brewing. Looking for more variety? Browse our full range.
Selection Bundles
Struggling to decide? Get a curated selection of Union classics and best sellers.
Why choose Union for your cafetière?
Our cafetière coffees are roasted to order in small batches for full-bodied flavour and a smooth, satisfying finish. Whether it’s your morning ritual or an afternoon pause, Union brings you quality and consistency.
Sourced ethically through Union Direct Trade, we foster long-term relationships supporting responsible farming and stronger communities at origin.
Common cafetière coffee questions
1. What is cafetière coffee?
Cafetière, also known as French press, is a simple and classic brewing method. Ground coffee is steeped in hot water, then separated using a metal plunger and filter. It produces a full-bodied, rich cup with plenty of depth.
2. How is cafetière different from other brewing methods?
Unlike pour over or espresso, cafetière uses immersion brewing - meaning the coffee steeps fully in water. The result is a thicker mouthfeel and more intense flavour, especially with medium or darker roasts.
3. What type of coffee works best in a cafetière?
Blends with chocolatey, nutty, or caramel notes shine in a cafetière. Union’s House Roast or Bobolink are great options. That said, you can experiment with lighter or fruitier coffees too, for a different experience.
4. What grind size should I use for a cafetière?
Always use a coarse grind, similar to sea salt. Finer grinds can slip through the mesh filter and lead to a silty cup or over-extraction.
5. How much coffee should I use?
Start with a ratio of 1:15 – that’s 15g of coffee to 225ml of water (or around 65g per litre). Adjust depending on your taste preference. A scale helps with accuracy and consistency.
6. What’s the ideal water temperature?
Use hot water between 90°C and 96°C - just off the boil. This ensures proper extraction without burning the coffee.
7. How long should I brew cafetière coffee for?
Steep your coffee for 4 minutes, then gently press down the plunger. If you like a cleaner cup, try skimming off the top layer of grounds before plunging.
8. Do I need to stir the coffee during brewing?
Yes - after adding water, give the coffee a gentle stir to make sure all grounds are evenly saturated. This helps extract balanced flavour.
9. How do I avoid bitterness or sludge in my cafetière brew?
Use the right grind size, fresh coffee, and don’t leave it sitting too long after plunging. Pour your coffee shortly after brewing for the cleanest taste.
10. Can I use a cafetière for cold brew?
Absolutely. Simply steep coarse ground coffee in cold water for 12–16 hours in the fridge, then plunge and enjoy over ice. Smooth and refreshing.