Coarse or Medium Grind for French Press?
Both work — the right choice depends on your priority. Coarser grind = less sediment, cleaner cup, needs longer steep. Medium-coarse = more body, richer extraction, more sediment.
⚡ Quick Answer
Start with medium-coarse (slightly coarser than drip, noticeably coarser than pour-over). Traditional advice says "very coarse" but this can lead to under-extraction at standard 4-minute steeps. Medium-coarse at 4 minutes with 200°F water produces a well-balanced, full-bodied French press. Dial finer for more extraction; coarser for less sediment.
🎯 Key Takeaway: Medium-coarse is the practical sweet spot for most setups. Very coarse requires longer steeps (Hoffmann method). Avoid medium or fine — these cause excessive sediment and bitterness.
⚙️ Grind Size Trade-offs
| Grind Level | Sediment | Body | Steep Time | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very coarse | Minimal | Light-medium | 6–9 min | Under-extraction at 4 min |
| Medium-coarse ✓ | Low-moderate | Full | 4 minutes | Best balance |
| Medium | High | Very full | 3 min max | Over-extraction, plunge resistance |
| Fine | Extreme | Heavy/muddy | 2 min max | Plunger won't press, very bitter |