coarse grind · 690-1300 microns
Baratza Virtuoso+ grind setting for French press
Start at 28 on the Baratza Virtuoso+ for French press. Brew at 1:15 for 4 min.
- Ratio
- 1:15
- Time
- 4 min
- Water
- 93-96 C
Taste, then fix
If it tastes wrong
| It tastes | Why | Do this on the Virtuoso+ |
|---|---|---|
| Sour, thin, sharp | Under-extracted: grind too coarse or steep too short | Go 2 to 3 steps finer, or add 30 to 60 seconds of steep time |
| Bitter, dry, harsh finish | Over-extracted: grind too fine or steep too long | Go 2 to 3 steps coarser, or cut 30 seconds of steep time |
| Muddy, silty cup | Too many fines for a metal filter | Go coarser and pour gently off the top of the grounds |
| Weak but not sour | Not enough coffee for the water | Tighten the ratio: use 1 to 2 more grams per 250 g of water |
What you are aiming for
A French press uses the coarsest hot-brew grind. It steeps the full four minutes, so a coarse grind keeps it from turning bitter or muddy.
On the Baratza Virtuoso+, 28 is the documented start. If your grounds look much finer or coarser than this, your grinder may be calibrated differently: trust the taste, then the number.
Fix the beans too
Better French press starts with fresher beans.
The right grind only gets out what the beans have. A subscription keeps fresh coffee arriving before you run out.
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More Baratza Virtuoso+ settings
French press on other grinders
Questions
What grind setting should I use on the Baratza Virtuoso+ for French press?
Start at 28 on the Baratza Virtuoso+ for French press. Brew at 1:15 for 4 min.
My French press tastes sour on the Baratza Virtuoso+. What do I change?
Sour means under-extracted. Go 2 to 3 steps finer, or add 30 to 60 seconds of steep time. Change one thing at a time and taste again.
My French press tastes bitter on the Baratza Virtuoso+. What do I change?
Bitter means over-extracted. Go 2 to 3 steps coarser, or cut 30 seconds of steep time.
Source
assets.breville.com, baratza.com, baratza.com, baratza.com. Settings are starting points; two grinders of the same model can sit a step or two apart.