This timer opens on the French press schedule: a short bloom, a 3-minute 30-second steep, then a gentle press. It gives you a repeatable four-minute starting point without watching the clock.
Use a coarse grind and set the dose first with the French press ratio calculator. If the cup is thin, extend the steep a little on the next brew; if it is dry or bitter, grind coarser before changing the ratio.
French press timing checkpoints
| Phase | Starting time | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | 0:00–0:30 | Add enough water to wet the grounds |
| Steep | 0:30–4:00 | Keep the lid on and avoid agitation |
| Press | 4:00–4:30 | Press slowly, then pour the coffee out |
Record the result in the private journal before trying another change. One variable per brew makes the comparison useful.