When it comes to brewing exceptional coffee, grinding your own beans may seem intimidating, but it’s simpler than it appears—and the results are absolutely worth it. Choosing the correct grind size ensures you extract the full potential of your beans, depending on the brewing method. By tailoring the grind to your preferred technique, you can achieve a richer, more balanced cup every time.

Factors like water temperature, brewing time, and the quality of your beans also play  roles, but getting the grind size right is the foundation of a perfect brew. Let’s take a closer look at the ideal grind sizes for different brewing methods and how they affect your cup of coffee.

French Press

Recommended Grind: Coarse

The French Press method is all about extracting bold, full-bodied flavours over a longer steeping time. Coarse grinds are key here, as the larger particles allow for a slower extraction, preventing over-extraction and bitterness. This grind size ensures you get a rich, hearty cup with pronounced flavour and a smooth texture. The metal mesh filter in the French Press allows the natural oils of the coffee to pass through, resulting in a more robust cup.

Try it with  The Fierce Bull

Filter Coffee (Moccamaster)

Recommended Grind: Medium

A medium grind is essential to achieve an even extraction. The size of the grounds allows the water to flow through at the right pace, extracting all the flavour without overdoing it. Too fine, and you risk over-extraction and bitterness; too coarse, and you’ll get an under-extracted, weak brew. With a medium grind, you strike a balance that produces a clean, well-rounded cup, with the right amount of acidity and body.

Try it with  Single Origin Colombia

AeroPress

Recommended Grind: Fine

The AeroPress is known for its quick turnaround time and ability to produce a smoother, richer flavour without bitterness. The filter ensures there is no grit in your cup. The finer grind increases the surface area of the coffee, allowing for a faster extraction, while the shorter brew time keeps the coffee smooth and flavourful. It’s ideal for those who like a clean, concentrated cup without the intensity of espresso.

Try it with  Single Origin Brazil

Espresso

Recommended Grind: Fine

A fine grind is crucial for achieving that intense, concentrated espresso shot. The fine grind increases the surface area of the coffee, which is necessary for the short extraction time. When the hot water is forced through the grounds under pressure, the finer particles allow for maximum flavour extraction, creating the rich, full-bodied cup. A coarser grind would result in a weak, underwhelming shot, so consistency in grind size is key.

Try it with  The Queen’s Crown Blend

Cold Drip

Recommended Grind: Medium

Cold drip  coffee relies on time rather than heat to extract flavour. The extended steeping period—often 12 to 24 hours—requires larger grounds to ensure a smooth extraction. Using a finer grind can lead to over-extraction, resulting in a bitter, unpleasant brew. The perfect medium grind produces a coffee with a naturally sweet, mellow flavour and lower acidity, making it perfect for cold drip lovers.

Try it with  Single Origin Ethiopia

V60 Pour Over

Recommended Grind: Fine-medium

The V60 pour-over method is all about precision and control. For the best results, a fine-medium grind is ideal. Too coarse, and the water will pass through too quickly, resulting in a weak brew; too fine, and the extraction will slow down, leading to bitterness. The fine-medium grind provides an even extraction, giving you a clean, vibrant cup with distinct clarity and brightness. The V60 is especially suited for those who want to appreciate the delicate, nuanced flavours.

Try it with  Single Origin Kenya

The Moka Pot

Recommended Grind: Fine-medium

The Moka Pot, also known as a stovetop espresso maker, produces a rich, strong coffee similar to espresso, and achieving that requires a fine-medium grind. This grind allows for optimal extraction during the brewing process, where steam pressure forces water through the coffee grounds. If the grind is too coarse, the water will pass through too quickly, leading to weak, under-extracted coffee. On the other hand, a grind that’s too fine can clog the filter and create excessive pressure. With the right fine-medium grind, the Moka Pot delivers a bold, intense cup with a deep, robust flavour, making it a favourite for those who enjoy a strong brew without the complexity of an espresso machine.

Try it with  The Holiday Blend

If you’re looking to take your brewing to the next level, we offer a range of brewing equipment available online or at our Espresso Bar & Store in Bibra Lake.

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