Tiamo French Press: Brewing Tips & Grind Size Guide

Ever poured a cup of French press coffee only to find it overly bitter, gritty, or thin? Many coffee drinkers struggle with inconsistent results simply because they overlook key variables—like grind size, brew time, or water temperature—that have a huge impact on flavor when using a French press.

The Tiamo HG2114 French press works best with a coarse grind similar to raw sugar (EK43s setting 10.5 / hand grinder 26), a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio (e.g., 15g coffee to 225g water), water just off boil (~90°C), and a 4-minute brew time for balanced results.

What Is a Tiamo French Press?

The Tiamo HG2114 is a glass-bodied French press available in 300ml or 800ml sizes, in both black and white. As a full-immersion brewer with a metal mesh filter, it allows coffee grounds to steep directly in hot water, producing a rich, full-bodied cup with more sediment and natural oils than paper-filtered methods. Its simple operation and durable build make it a staple for home brewers.

Why Grind Size Matters in French Press

French press relies on coarse grinding to prevent fine particles from slipping through the metal filter. If your grind is too fine—akin to table salt or sand—you risk over-extraction and a mouthful of sludge. The recommended grind for Tiamo French press is coarse, like small gravel or raw sugar: roughly EK43s setting 10.5 or a hand grinder’s 26 setting. This minimizes fine particles while allowing proper extraction. Going finer may increase body but also brings more bitterness and sediment.

Coffee-to-Water Ratio & Brew Time

A standard starting point is a 1:15 brew ratio—15 grams of coffee to 225 grams (milliliters) of water. This yields a cup in the 1.1–1.2% total dissolved solids range, offering bold yet balanced flavor. For first-timers, this ratio provides a reliable baseline to adjust based on taste preference. As for time, 4 minutes is ideal for most roasts. Shorter times under-extract, leading to sourness; longer times, especially with dark roasts, risk bitterness. If experimenting with lighter roasts, try a 3-minute brew—but monitor closely.

Water Temperature & Coffee Roast Level

Ideal brewing temperature is around 90°C—achieved by letting boiled water sit for 2–3 minutes (adjust based on room temp). Avoid boiling water (100°C), which can scorch the coffee, especially dark roasts. For those aiming to refine control, a gooseneck kettle with temperature readout helps. Also, choose medium to dark roasts: their inherent sweetness and body complement the French press’s full-immersion style. Lighter roasts can work but require shorter brew times to avoid excessive acidity.

How to Brew With a Tiamo French Press (Step-by-Step)

1. Remove the plunger and add coarse-ground coffee (about 15g per 225ml water).
2. Pour hot water (just off boil, ~90°C) over the grounds.
3. Stir gently to ensure even saturation.
4. Place the plunger back on top without pressing down.
5. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes.
6. After 4 minutes, slowly press the plunger down.
7. Pour the coffee into cups immediately to avoid over-extraction from sitting grounds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using too fine a grind leads to clogged filters and lots of sludge. Over-steeping beyond 4–5 minutes, especially with dark roasts, causes bitterness. Brewing with boiling water ruins delicate flavors and increases extraction too fast. Always use freshly boiled water rested briefly, and don’t press the plunger too hard or too fast, which increases turbulence and sediment in your cup. Finally, don’t let brewed coffee sit in the press after pressing—it continues extracting and gets more bitter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal grind size for a Tiamo French press?

The ideal grind is coarse—similar to raw sugar or small gravel. For an EK43s electric grinder, use setting 10.5; for a hand grinder, aim for around 26. This resembles crushed rock rather than sand or powder, which prevents fine particles from passing through the metal filter and creating sludge.

What coffee-to-water ratio should I use in a French press?

A good starting ratio is 1:15—for example, 15 grams of coffee to 225 grams (or ml) of water. This produces a cup with body and strength in the 1.1–1.2% TDS range. Adjust coffee or water amounts to taste in subsequent brews.

How long should I brew coffee in a French press?

Most brews do well with 4 minutes. Darker roasts can handle the full 4–5 minutes, but going longer risks bitterness. For lighter roasts, try 3 minutes but monitor closely for under-extraction.

What water temperature is best for French press coffee?

Use water around 90°C. Let boiled water cool for 2–3 minutes before pouring. Avoid boiling water, which can over-extract and scorch the coffee, particularly darker roasts. A temperature-controlled kettle helps maintain consistency.

Does roast level matter when using a French press?

Yes. French press favors medium to dark roasts, which deliver the sweetness and body that complement the immersion style. Light roasts can work but often need a shorter brew time to balance acidity.

Do I need to stir the coffee during brewing?

Yes, a gentle stir right after pouring water ensures all the coffee grounds are saturated evenly, aiding uniform extraction. Stir once at the start, then let it steep undisturbed.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for French Press

For Tiamo French press brewing, try FrontStreet Strawberry Candy Espresso—aGeisha featuring washed Geisha from Panama and honey-processed beans from Costa Rica, offering floral, citrus, blueberry, and grape notes that shine in full immersion. Alternatively, go for FrontStreet PWN Golden Mandheling, a classic Indonesian SOE with deep notes of spice, dark chocolate, and caramel, perfect for bold French press cups. Both beans highlight the richness and body that immersion brewing enhances. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.