Your grinder is arguably the most important piece of coffee equipment you own – yes, even more important than your brewing device. Here's everything you need to know about grinding coffee for optimal results.
Why Grind Size Matters
Grind size controls extraction by determining how much surface area is exposed to water and how quickly water flows through the coffee bed. Too fine and you risk over-extraction (bitter, harsh flavors). Too coarse and you get under-extraction (sour, weak coffee).
Grind Settings by Brew Method
- Espresso: Very fine (like table salt) – 25-30 seconds extraction
- AeroPress: Medium-fine (like sand) – 1-2 minutes
- Pour Over: Medium (like sea salt) – 2.5-4 minutes
- French Press: Coarse (like breadcrumbs) – 4 minutes
- Cold Brew: Very coarse (like coarse breadcrumbs) – 12-16 hours
Burr vs Blade Grinders
Burr grinders crush beans between two surfaces, producing uniform particle sizes. Blade grinders chop beans randomly, creating inconsistent particles that extract unevenly. If you're serious about coffee, invest in a burr grinder.
Conical vs Flat Burrs
Conical burrs are typically quieter and work well for all brew methods. Flat burrs often provide slightly more uniform particles, which some espresso enthusiasts prefer. Both can produce excellent results.
Dialing In Process
1. Start with the recommended grind size for your brew method
2. Brew and taste, noting if coffee is bitter (too fine) or sour (too coarse)
3. Adjust grind one step and brew again
4. Repeat until you achieve balanced, delicious coffee
5. Remember the setting for that coffee and brew method
Pro Tips
- Grind immediately before brewing for maximum freshness
- Clean your grinder regularly to prevent stale coffee oils from contaminating fresh grinds
- Different beans may require slight grind adjustments even using the same brew method
- Darker roasts often work better slightly coarser than lighter roasts
- Humidity affects grinding – you may need slight adjustments on humid days
Common Problems and Solutions
Weak, sour coffee? Grind finer or extend brew time.
Bitter, harsh coffee? Grind coarser or reduce brew time.
Inconsistent results? Your grinder may need cleaning or burr replacement.
Coffee tastes stale despite fresh beans? You might have stale coffee residue in the grinder.
Remember, dialing in your grinder is an iterative process. Don't be afraid to experiment, take notes, and adjust. Once you find that perfect grind size for your setup, you'll be rewarded with consistently excellent coffee.