Coffee Basics
Coffee Grind Size Guide
From powder-fine to extra coarse, and what each one is for
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Grind size decides how much surface area the water meets. It is the fastest way to change how your coffee tastes.
Fine, medium, coarse — what changes
Smaller particles have more surface area, so water extracts from them faster. That is why espresso needs 30 seconds and cold brew needs 16 hours.
Matching grind to contact time is the whole game.
Why burr grinders matter
Blade grinders chop coffee into a mixture of dust and boulders. The dust over-extracts and tastes bitter while the boulders under-extract and taste sour — in the same cup.
Burr grinders produce an even particle size, which is why they improve every method.
Dialling in by taste
Bitter, drying, hollow finish: grind coarser.
Sour, sharp, thin: grind finer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same grind for everything?+
You can, but every method except one will taste worse. A medium grind is the best compromise if you must pick one.
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