Skip to main content

FAQ - Coffee Grinding Sizes

Coffee is one of the most beloved and consumed beverages worldwide, and a critical aspect of making a perfect cup of coffee is the grind size. The grind size of coffee determines how much surface area of the bean is exposed to the water, affecting the flavour, aroma, and texture of the coffee. In this article, we will explore the different coffee grinding sizes and the machines to use with each grinding size.

    1. Extra Fine Grind: The extra-fine grind size is the finest grind size possible, and it feels like powdered sugar to the touch. This grind size is commonly used in Turkish coffee, where coffee grounds need to be boiled in water. The extra-fine grind size is also used in some espresso machines that require a longer extraction time. 
    2. Fine Grind: A fine grind size feels powdery and smooth to the touch, similar to flour. When brewing for stovetop espresso, pressure builds up in the espresso maker which forces the water through the fine ground coffee.
    3. Medium (Fine) Grind: This grind size is commonly used in espresso machines as it allows for a quick extraction time, producing a rich, bold, and full-bodied espresso. A burr grinder is the best option for a fine grind size as it produces a consistent grind size necessary for espresso machines.
    4. Medium-Coarse Grind: The medium-fine grind size feels slightly finer than the sand, and it's commonly used in pour-over coffee makers such as the Hario V60, Chemex, and Kalita Wave. The medium-fine grind size allows water to pass through the coffee bed at an optimal rate, producing a bright, clean, and flavorful coffee. 
    5. Coarse Grind: A coarse grind is a larger grind size that feels rough and gritty, similar to the texture of sand. This grind size is ideal for French press and cold brew coffee, where the coffee grounds need to steep in water for an extended period. A French press machine is the best option for a coarse grind as it allows the water and coffee to steep for an extended period, producing a rich, bold, and flavorful coffee.

In conclusion, choosing the right grind size for your coffee is crucial in achieving the perfect cup. While there are different types of coffee grinders available, a burr grinder is the best option as it produces a consistent grind size necessary for producing a well-balanced, flavorful coffee. Understanding the different coffee grinding sizes and the machines to use with each grind size can help you achieve the perfect cup of coffee every time.

What impact does grind size have on the taste of coffee?

If the grind size isn't precise, it can result in a couple of problems. Firstly, over-extraction can occur when the grind is too fine, producing a coffee that is bitter, dark, and lacks any distinct flavour characteristics, with brighter notes being muted. On the other hand, if the grind is too coarse for the brewing method, it can lead to under-extraction, resulting in a coffee that is acidic, sour, and overly salty, with an overpowering flavour profile.