The Coffee Grind Size Guide - Everything You Need to Know

You know it. You want to make the perfect cup of coffee at home, because that's why you're reading this article. But why does your coffee taste too bitter or too sour? There's a good chance that it has to do with the grind size.

I myself had a hard time believing this a few years ago. I always thought you have coffee beans and you have ground coffee, but nothing could be further from the truth.

This all depends on the brewing method you want to use. For an espresso you need a very fine grind and for the French Press a very coarse one.

I can imagine you're thinking huh? Why?

This all has to do with the extraction of the coffee. For example, the French Press has a slightly longer extraction time than an espresso.

That is also why you use a coarse grind for this brewing method. If you use too fine a grind, the small coffee particles are in contact with the water for too long and you get over-extraction.

Does this perhaps explain that bitter coffee from your push pot on holiday?

I know all about it. Been there done that, let's say.

That's why I've created a short guide with various brewing methods and the best grind size to use for these brewing methods.

Perfect coffee every day, that's the goal!

Why is grind size important?

You may think that coffee is just coffee, right? Wrong! The grind size plays a crucial role in the taste and quality of your coffee. Here’s why:

Extraction

Grind size affects how quickly the flavors are extracted from the coffee beans. Finer ground coffee has more surface area, which leads to faster extraction of flavors. This can be good for quick brewing methods like espresso, but bad for slower methods like French press.

Taste balance

Grinding too fine can lead to over-extraction, resulting in a bitter taste. On the other hand, grinding too coarse can cause under-extraction, which can make your coffee taste sour or bland. Finding the right balance is the key to a great cup of coffee.

Consistency

A consistent grind size ensures that all coffee particles are extracted evenly. An inconsistent grind size can lead to uneven extraction, resulting in an unbalanced flavor.

When I first started in coffee I couldn't understand why my espresso tasted different every day. It had everything to do with the grind. As the coffee ages you have to grind it finer each time for a good espresso.

Sometimes I have to fine-tune the grind size daily or several times a day to achieve the same result.

The different grinding degrees at a glance

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to coffee grinding. Different brewing methods require different grind sizes. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular grind sizes and their applications.

Very fine (Espresso)

This grind size is similar to powdered sugar and is used for espresso . The fine grind ensures a fast extraction, which is perfect for the short brewing time of espresso.

Fine (AeroPress)

Slightly coarser than espresso, this grind works well for the AeroPress . The AeroPress's short brew time requires a fine grind to extract enough flavor.

Medium (Drip Coffee)

This grind size is similar to sand and is ideal for drip coffee makers such as a filter coffee machine. The average brewing time of this method requires a medium grind for a balanced extraction.

Coarse (French Press)

Similar to sea salt, this grind size is perfect for the French press . The long brew time of this method requires a coarse grind to prevent over-extraction.

In addition to coffee beans , we at Zwarte Roes can also grind coffee. We do this to order. So even if you only take your French Press on holiday, you can enjoy perfectly ground coffee.

How to choose the right grind size

Now that you know the different grind sizes, you may be wondering how to choose the right one for your coffee brewing method. Here are some tips:

Know your brewing method

Different brewing methods require different grind sizes. Make sure you know what grind size your method requires. An espresso machine requires a fine grind, while a French press requires a coarse grind.

Experiment

Every coffee bean is different. Experiment with different grind sizes to see what works best for your beans and taste preferences. Start with the recommended grind size for your brewing method and adjust until you find the perfect flavor.

Use a good grinder

Invest in a quality coffee grinder. Cheaper grinders can produce inconsistent grind sizes, which can affect the taste of your coffee. A good coffee grinder will ensure a consistent grind, resulting in better extraction and flavor.

If you have a Grind and Brew Machine , you can also test different grind sizes with the internal grinder. Here too, experiment and taste and adjust it perfectly to your personal taste profile.

Also read: How to set up Sage Barista Express and Pro, step by step.

It may seem a bit pricey such a coffee grinder. But did you know that the coffee grinder is the most important thing for how your cup of coffee tastes. I never believed this either.

But you can buy a fancy espresso machine, but if your coffee grinder is not top notch you will never get a good espresso!

Common Grind Size Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Everyone makes mistakes, especially if you’re just starting out with grinding your own coffee. Here are some common mistakes and how to fix them:

Too fine a grind for slow brewing methods

If you find that your coffee tastes bitter or over-extracted, it may be that your grind is too fine for your brew method. Try a coarser grind and see if the flavor improves.

Too coarse a grind for quick brewing methods

On the other hand, if your coffee tastes sour or under-extracted, your grind may be too coarse. Try a finer grind to get more flavor out of your coffee.

Inconsistent grind

Inconsistent grinding can lead to uneven extraction, resulting in an uneven cup of coffee. Invest in a quality coffee grinder to ensure consistent grinding.

Conclusion

I hope I have made it clear to you how important the right grind size is for the perfect cup of coffee. You may not have thought about how bitter or sour your coffee tasted before, but hopefully you now see how big a role the grind and brewing method play in this.

Where an espresso requires a fine grind, a French Press requires a coarser grind. This all has to do with the extraction process: the time the coffee spends with the water greatly influences the taste.

So, the next time your coffee tastes too bitter or too sour, you know where to start looking. Grind size is key!

And don't forget: with the right brewing method and grind, you can enjoy a perfect cup of coffee every day. With this guide, you now have the knowledge to achieve this yourself. Good luck and enjoy your coffee!