Not all coffee is brewed equally. From a coarse, robust grind for cowboy coffee to the ultra-fine grind for silky smooth Turkish coffee, the ground coffee size you use has a huge effect on the results. Use a medium coarse coffee grind for espresso, and you'll just be left with water and a hint of coffee. Try and make pour-over coffee with a fine grind and you'll be in for a mouthful of coffee grinds.
What is coffee bean grinding, and why does it matter?
Coffee grinding isn't just about crushing a bean into tiny pieces; it plays a huge part in how we access the delicious flavors of coffee beans. Using the right coffee grind size can really affect how your coffee tastes, so it's important to choose the correct grind size for your brewing method.
Different coffee-making methods require their own grind size to bring out the best flavors from the coffee. Not only that, but using the wrong grind size will probably make a pretty mediocre cup of joe.
Understanding different coffee grind sizes
If you're not sure which grind size to use, check out our coffee grind types for specific brewing methods below.
Cold brew grind size: extra coarse coffee grounds
-
Coffee grind description: Extra course coffee grinds are quite similar to the size of peppercorns.
-
Brewing method: Ideal grind size for cold brew and cowboy coffee.
French press coffee grind size: coarse-ground coffee
-
Coffee grind description: Like sea salt.
-
Brewing method: Perfect for French press and percolators.
Coarse coffee grounds brew by sitting in the water for around 4-5 minutes to extract flavor slowly.
Chemex grind size: medium-coarse coffee grounds
-
Coffee grind description: Rough sand texture.
-
Brewing method: Suitable for Chemex and café solo.
Drip coffee grind size: medium grind
-
Coffee grind description: As fine as beach sand.
-
Brewing method: Ideal grind for drip coffee makers and pour-over brewers.
Drip cover and pour-overs don't require much pressure, so a medium grind size allows the water to flow through it and extract flavor.
Aeropress grind size: medium-fine grind
-
Coffee grind description: Slightly finer than sand.
-
Brewing method: Works well with AeroPress and some espresso machines.
Espresso grind size: fine coffee grounds
-
Coffee grind description: Consistency of table salt.
-
Brewing method: Best grind for espresso machines.
Espresso is made quickly, with high-pressure water, and needs a large surface area with a fine grind to make a decent brew.
Turkish coffee grind size: extra fine grind
-
Coffee grind description: Similar to powdered sugar.
-
Brewing method: Used primarily for Turkish coffee.
Choosing the right grinder for your coffee beans
Ultimately, getting the best grind for your brew all starts with using the correct grinder. While there isn't necessarily a grinder that ticks every box, there are those with more benefits than others. Compare the main types of grinders below to find the right one for you.
Manual vs. electric grinders
When it comes to the differences between manual and electric coffee grinders, the main advantage of electric grinders is that they take little time and effort to use. While a manual grinder puts the grind into coffee, an electric coffee grinder can be set and left until it's done. If you want the convenience of brewing coffee anywhere, then a portable coffee grinder is a good choice. Since grounds go stale quickly, you're better off packing your manual grinder and taking your beans with you to make that delicious cup of joe while you camp, at the office, or on the go.
Blade vs. burr grinders
To get the most diverse range of coffee grinds, a burr grinder is the way forward. Not only can you adjust the grind size from course to ultra-fine (in most cases), but the high consistency of the grind benefits the flavor, too. If you're looking for a basic grind that can work with a few brewing methods such as French Press and Cold Brew, then a blade grinder is a convenient option.
You can read more about the differences between blade and burr grinders here.
How to grind coffee beans correctly
Step 1 - add whole beans to your grinder
Step 2 - select your coffee grind size
