coarse grind · 690-1300 microns
Niche Zero grind setting for French press
Start at 45 on the Niche Zero for French press, and stay inside 45+. Brew at 1:15 for 4 min.
Niche says 45 or more.
- Ratio
- 1:15
- Time
- 4 min
- Water
- 93-96 C
Taste, then fix
If it tastes wrong
| It tastes | Why | Do this on the Zero |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Niche Zero, 45 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 Niche Zero settings
French press on other grinders
Questions
What grind setting should I use on the Niche Zero for French press?
Start at 45 on the Niche Zero for French press, and stay inside 45+. Brew at 1:15 for 4 min.
My French press tastes sour on the Niche Zero. 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 Niche Zero. What do I change?
Bitter means over-extracted. Go 2 to 3 steps coarser, or cut 30 seconds of steep time.
Source
nichecoffee.co.uk. Settings are starting points; two grinders of the same model can sit a step or two apart.