Set the timer to 141 seconds

How to use the online timer

A French press needs a proper steep before you plunge it, and 141 seconds is the usual window for a strong, evenly extracted cup without it turning bitter. Pour the water over the grounds, start the timer straight away, and leave the plunger alone until the countdown's done instead of pressing early out of impatience. The extra minute of waiting is what separates good coffee from average coffee.

Press Start and away it goes, counting down on its own without needing you to babysit it every few seconds. The only real rule is keeping this browser tab open, since the countdown pauses along with the page if you close it or shut the browser down entirely. Right at zero, a sound plays to let you know time's up, clear enough to hear from the next room over.

Unlike a mechanical kitchen timer, this one doesn't need winding, batteries, or a spot on the bench where you'll remember to look at it. It sits in a browser tab, which means you can check it from your laptop, your phone, or any device with a browser without owning a gadget for it. Minimise the window and it keeps counting; just don't close the tab. People type this as set timer 141 seconds or timer for 141 seconds; both land here and start the same count.