Timemore C2 for French Press: Settings, Tips, and What to Expect

The Timemore C2 grinds well for French press. Set it to about 22 to 26 clicks from fully closed, and you will get a coarse, even grind that produces a clean, full-bodied cup without excessive sludge at the bottom. I have been using this exact setup for over a year now, and it delivers consistently.

The C2 is one of the most popular entry-level hand grinders on the market, usually priced around $60 to $75. It punches well above that price point thanks to its stainless steel burrs and aluminum body. But since it was designed to handle everything from espresso to cold brew, finding the right French press setting takes a bit of trial and error. I will walk you through exactly how to dial it in.

Finding the Right Click Setting

The Timemore C2 uses a stepped adjustment system with audible clicks. To set it, tighten the adjustment knob all the way until the burrs touch (you will feel resistance), then count clicks as you loosen it back.

For French press, I recommend starting at 24 clicks and adjusting from there.

My Tested Settings

Here is what I have found works best with different French press steep times:

  • 20 to 22 clicks: Slightly finer than typical French press. Good if you prefer a shorter 3-minute steep time. Produces more body but slightly more sediment.
  • 22 to 24 clicks: The sweet spot for a standard 4-minute steep. This is where I land most of the time. The grind looks like coarse sea salt and produces a balanced cup with minimal sludge.
  • 24 to 26 clicks: Coarser grind for a 5-minute or longer steep. Good for lighter roasts that need more extraction time. Less sediment but a slightly thinner body.

These numbers can shift depending on your beans. Dark roasts extract faster, so I go a click or two coarser. Light roasts are denser and need finer grinding or longer steep times.

How to Count Clicks Accurately

Here is a tip that took me a while to figure out. When you tighten the adjustment to zero, do it gently. Forcing the burrs together can damage them over time. Tighten until you feel the first real resistance and hear the burrs just barely touching. That is your zero point. Then count clicks as you loosen.

If you lose count, no big deal. Just go back to zero and start over. I keep a small piece of tape on my grinder with my current setting written on it so I do not forget.

Grind Consistency at French Press Settings

The C2 performs surprisingly well at coarser settings. This is worth mentioning because many budget hand grinders struggle with coarse grinds. They produce a mix of large boulders and fine particles, which leads to over-extraction (from the fines) and under-extraction (from the boulders) in the same cup.

I spread a 30-gram dose from the C2 at 24 clicks on a white plate and compared it to the same dose from my Baratza Encore at setting 28. The Timemore had slightly more variation in particle size, but the difference was small. Both produced a clean French press cup.

The stainless steel burrs in the C2 are the reason for this. They hold their edge better than the ceramic burrs found in cheaper hand grinders like the Hario Skerton, which tend to produce more fines at coarse settings.

My French Press Recipe With the Timemore C2

Here is the exact recipe I use every morning. It makes two mugs of coffee.

  1. Grind 30 grams of beans at 24 clicks on the C2
  2. Boil water and let it cool for 30 seconds (target: 200 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit)
  3. Add the grounds to the French press
  4. Pour 60 grams of water and let it bloom for 30 seconds
  5. Pour the remaining water to reach 500 grams total
  6. Place the lid on top but do not press the plunger
  7. Wait 4 minutes
  8. Press the plunger slowly and steadily
  9. Pour immediately. Do not let the coffee sit in the press.

Total brew time: about 5 minutes including grinding. The C2 takes roughly 40 to 50 seconds to grind 30 grams at this coarse setting, which is faster than most hand grinders in this price range.

Why I Bloom for French Press

Most French press recipes skip the bloom and just pour all the water at once. I started blooming after reading James Hoffmann's French press technique, and it makes a real difference. The bloom releases trapped CO2 from fresh beans, which allows for more even extraction during the steep. If your beans are more than 3 weeks old, the bloom matters less since most of the CO2 has already escaped.

How the C2 Compares for French Press

The C2 is not the only option at this price, so here is how it stacks up against the common alternatives.

Timemore C2 vs. Hario Skerton Pro

The Skerton Pro costs about the same ($40 to $50) but uses ceramic burrs that produce noticeably more fines at coarse settings. For French press specifically, the C2 gives you a cleaner cup with less sediment. The Skerton's grind adjustment is also less precise, with fewer detent positions.

Timemore C2 vs. JavaPresse

The JavaPresse is the cheapest hand grinder most people encounter ($25 to $35), and you get what you pay for. The ceramic burrs wobble, the grind consistency is poor at every setting, and the adjustment mechanism is vague. The C2 is a massive upgrade for $20 to $30 more.

Timemore C2 vs. 1Zpresso Q2

The 1Zpresso Q2 costs about $20 more than the C2 and delivers slightly better grind consistency, especially at finer settings. For French press, the difference between these two is minimal. If French press is your primary method, save the $20 and get the C2. If you also want to do pour over or espresso, the Q2 might be worth the upgrade.

For more options at every price point, our best coffee grinder roundup covers both manual and electric picks.

Maintenance for French Press Grinding

Coarse grinding is gentler on your burrs than espresso grinding, but you still need to keep the C2 clean for the best results.

Weekly Cleaning

Disassemble the grinder by unscrewing the outer burr. Use the brush that came in the box (or any small dry brush) to sweep out retained grounds and coffee oils. Reassemble and run a few empty clicks to make sure everything seats properly.

Monthly Deep Clean

Once a month, I remove the burrs completely and wipe them with a dry microfiber cloth. If there is oily buildup, a quick wipe with a cloth dampened with a tiny bit of isopropyl alcohol does the trick. Let everything dry completely before reassembling.

Never wash the burrs with water. The stainless steel will not rust immediately, but moisture can get trapped in the adjustment mechanism and cause problems over time.

Burr Seasoning

New C2 grinders sometimes have a metallic taste for the first few uses. Grind and discard about 50 grams of cheap beans before brewing with your good stuff. This seasons the burrs and clears any manufacturing residue.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Too Much Sediment in Your Cup

Grind coarser (add 2 clicks). Also make sure you are pressing the plunger slowly. Slamming it down stirs up fines from the bottom.

Coffee Tastes Weak or Watery

Grind finer (subtract 2 clicks) or extend your steep time to 5 minutes. If it still tastes thin, you may need more coffee. Try 32 grams instead of 30.

Coffee Tastes Bitter

Grind coarser or reduce steep time. Also check your water temperature. Water above 210 degrees extracts more bitter compounds.

Grinding Takes Too Long

The C2 should grind 30 grams at French press settings in under a minute. If it takes significantly longer, your beans might be too fresh (very dense) or your burrs might need cleaning. Oily buildup creates friction that slows the grind.

FAQ

How many clicks on the Timemore C2 for French press?

Start at 24 clicks from fully closed. Adjust 1 to 2 clicks coarser if you get too much sediment, or 1 to 2 clicks finer if the coffee tastes weak. The ideal range for French press is 22 to 26 clicks depending on your beans and steep time.

Can the Timemore C2 grind fine enough for espresso?

It can get into espresso range (around 10 to 14 clicks), but the stepped adjustment makes it difficult to dial in precisely. It works for pressurized portafilters but struggles with unpressurized baskets that demand exact grind control.

How long does the Timemore C2 last?

With regular cleaning and normal use, the stainless steel burrs should last several years. The most common failure point is the bearing in the adjustment mechanism, which can develop play after heavy use. Timemore sells replacement parts if needed.

Is the Timemore C2 worth it over a $15 hand grinder?

Absolutely. The difference between a $15 ceramic burr grinder and the C2 is dramatic. Grind consistency, speed, and build quality are all significantly better. It is the single best value in hand grinders right now. See our top coffee grinder picks for more context on where the C2 fits in the market.

Get Grinding

The Timemore C2 at 24 clicks makes a clean, balanced French press cup that I am happy to drink every day. Start there, adjust to your taste, and keep your grinder clean. That is all it takes.