The Importance of Grind Size

The Importance of Grind Size

Grind size controls how fast water pulls flavor. If the cup is bitter, sour, or thin, fix grind before you blame the beans.

Why grind size matters

Finer grind: more surface, faster extraction. Coarser: slower. You want sweetness in the middle, not the early sour or the late bitter.

Grind size by brew method

Extra coarse: cold brew.

Coarse: French press.

Medium-coarse: Chemex.

Medium: drip.

Medium-fine: pour over and Aeropress.

Fine: moka.

Extra fine: espresso.

How to read the cup

Bitter and dry: grind coarser or brew shorter.

Sour and thin: grind finer or brew longer.

Change one variable at a time.

Burr vs blade

Blade grinders make dust and chunks. Burr grinders make even particles. A basic burr beats any blade.

Grind right before brew. Whole beans stay useful for weeks. Ground coffee fades in days.

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