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Coffee Brew Timer: Step-by-Step Recipes

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Brew with a step timer

g
  1. 0:00 · Bloom to 50 gPour gently to wet every ground, then swirl.
  2. 0:45 · First pour to 185 gSlow spiral from the centre outward.
  3. 1:30 · Second pour to 320 gSame spiral, then a gentle swirl to flatten the bed.
  4. 3:00 · Drawdown doneAim to finish between 2:30 and 3:30.

Ready

V60

0:00

Step

Bloom

Scale target

50 g

Next

First pour at 0:45

Next: Pour gently to wet every ground, then swirl.

The math behind the calculator

Each recipe scales its scale readings from your dose: total water = dose × the method's ratio, the bloom is 2 to 2.5× the dose, and the pours split the rest.

Step times are common starting points for each method, not rules. Use them to keep brews consistent, then adjust grind if the total time drifts.

How to use the result

  1. 1Pick your method and dose.
  2. 2Put the brewer on a scale and press start.
  3. 3Pour to each scale reading when the step comes up.

Common mistakes

  • Starting the timer after the bloom instead of with it.
  • Changing grind and ratio in the same brew.
  • Letting French press sit after pressing.

What this calculator assumes

Every fixed figure the maths uses, so you can check the result against your own gear.

  • Ratios: V60 1:16, Chemex 1:16, French press 1:14, AeroPress 1:15.
  • Water is taken as 1 g per ml, so scale readings in grams equal millilitres.
  • Step times are typical starting recipes, not a standard.
  • The timer counts real elapsed time from when you press start.

An Even Grind Makes Timing Mean Something

Brew time only tells you something when the grind is consistent. These are our top-rated burr grinders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy.

It helps.

Brew time is the main clue to whether your grind is right, and a step timer makes each pour land at the same moment every time, so you only change one thing between brews.

Yes, that is how it is designed.

Each step shows a scale reading in grams; pour until the scale shows that number.

Four minutes is the common start.

Break the crust at 4:00, skim, then press and pour at about 5:00 so the coffee stops brewing.

Yes.

It counts from when you pressed start, so switching apps or locking the screen briefly does not lose time.

Each method uses a common starting ratio.

For a different ratio, work out the water in the matching calculator and pour to that total instead.

Related Guides

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