What are the basics of French press coffee?

French press uses full immersion brewing — coarsely ground coffee steeps in hot water for 4 minutes, then a metal mesh plunger separates grounds from liquid. The lack of paper filter means coffee oils pass through, creating a fuller body compared to pour over. Key tips: use a coarse grind (crumbled-cracker texture), water at 93–96°C (200–205°F), stir at 1 minute, plunge gently at 4 minutes, and pour immediately to avoid over-extraction.