Even with the right roast and grind, French press is messy. There's always a little sediment at the bottom—that's just how it works. Some people hate that. If you're the type who wants a crystal-clear cup, you might prefer a pour-over or a paper-filtered drip machine. That's not a failure of the method; it's a preference.

Another thing that's still a trap: 'French press grind' bags at the grocery store. Most are too fine. You'll see the difference immediately—the plunger gets hard to push, and your cup looks like mud. Unless you're grinding at home, you're playing a guessing game. And pre-ground coffee loses flavor fast, so even a good medium roast tastes flat after a week on the shelf.